The advancement of central heating ranks as the best household development over the last 50 years, according to a survey by Anglian Home Improvements.

7 out of 10 people surveyed said keeping warm in winter is the most important positive modernisation, followed by indoor toilets (51%), hot running water (43%) and better-insulated windows (41%).

Amongst the most loved home improvements were improved indoor/outdoor flow or ‘bringing the outside in’, a separate dining room, a state-of-the-art entertainment zone and a wet room.

Britons are, however, less impressed with crazy paving, pebble dashing and coloured bathroom suites.

Melanie McDonald, Head of Public Relations & Brand Marketing at Anglian Home Improvements, said: “It is interesting to observe just how much our tastes and preferences have changed in a relatively short amount of time.

“One thing is for sure – the desire to improve our homes has increased over the years as homeowners seek to make their homes warmer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.”

Looking to the future, most responsdents predict that their homes will become ‘smarter’ due to advances in technology.

Robot cleaners and fridges that automatically do the weekly food shop are among the innovations predicted for the future, along with self-cleaning glass and energy-saving walls.

The top 10 most loved and hated home improvements can be seen below.

Top 10 most loved improvements

1.    Indoor-outdoor flow (58%)
2.    Separate dining room (56%)
3.    TV/music/cinema room (44%)
4.    Wet room (43%)
5.    Decking (40%)
6.    Dressing room (39%) and open plan living (39%)
7.    Gym/exercise area (25%)
8.    Coloured bathroom suite (20%)
9.    Crazy paving (15%)

Top 10 most loathed home improvements

1.    Pebble dashing (52%)
2.    Crazy paving (43%)
3.    Coloured bathroom suites (42%)
4.    Gym/exercise area (26%)
5.    Decking (23%)
6.    Open plan living (22%)
7.    Wet room (16%)
8.    TV/music/cinema room (14%)
9.    Dressing room (11%)
10.    Indoor/outdoor flow (7%) and separate dining room (7%)