Everybody loves good neighbours

Whatever happened to the good old British chats over the garden fence? According to a new survey out today, more than six in ten (67%) of us believe that having nice neighbours is the key to a happy home.

Yet when it comes to making 'home improvements', one of the first things many of us would change is 'them next door' - with 18% of us wanting to make our neighbours friendlier.

But it's not just the people over the fence that we'd like to change about our homes. In the national poll commissioned by Dulux, after finding a perfect partner (75%), two thirds (63%) of home owners said that a good tidy up around the house would put them one step nearer to achieving domestic bliss.

However, nearly half (43%) believe that getting the interior decorating done the way they like it is the secret to a truly happy home. Over a third (35%) is planning on giving their place a lick of paint this year. One in ten (9%) is planning a new bathroom, and many others are aiming to spruce up their gardens and revamp their kitchens and lounges.

In fact, only 8% of Brits said a plasma TV was an important factor for a happier home, perhaps reflecting a shift in values in today's economic climate.

Brett Kahr, a consultant psychologist behind the BBC TV series Making Slough Happy has been working with Dulux and says: "Making a change can have a really positive impact on your general happiness. It's also very empowering, and even a small change can make a big difference to how you feel. If you are stuck in a rut or frustrated by all the tales of doom and gloom, try walking a different way to work, phoning a friend you haven't spoken to for a while or sorting out those jobs around the house you keep meaning to get around to."

Brett has teamed up with Dulux colour expert Louise Smith to give ten top tips on making a happier home:

1. Together time - spend a full hour each week talking to your partner
2. Neighbourhood love - next time you pass someone in your street, take time out to talk to them
3. Team time - dedicate half an hour for the family to do the chores together to take the weight off one person's shoulders
4. Hidden pleasures - homes are full of unread books, unwatched DVDs and unplayed games, start making the most of them (and save money too)
5. Clear the clutter - sell stuff you don't need, take it to the charity shop or freecycle it
6. Bitesized DIY - get rid of those little niggling jobs like fixing the loo seat, dripping tap or cupboard door. Give yourself deadlines e.g. one per week - and stick to it
7. Change something - even if you can't afford, for instance, a big kitchen makeover, a small change can make a big difference. Try painting over the cupboard doors or tiles and putting up a colourful blind for a completely different look.
8. Ditch the TV - watch less television, cut down on web surfing and get out from in front of those computer games
9. Get greenfingered - grow something indoors or outdoors, and get reconnected with nature
10. Smile to yourself - count your blessings and focus on the good stuff every day and smile!

For more ideas and inspiration on small changes to make your home happier, go to whatwouldyouchange.co.uk.