9 milestones that have changed the way we live in our homes

From the arrival of the microwave to the rise in exposed brick, our homes have evolved and changed over the past century. Here at Housetohome we've selected the biggest milestones that have influenced the way we live now....

1. The washing machine
In the old days (pre-1950) we had to wash everything by hand. And we had to dry using a drying rack - just imagine how long that all took! However, in 1908 Alva J. Fisher invented the first washing machine and it literally changed everything. It took a while for us to get these cool appliances in our homes, but we've not looked back since.

2. Internet in our homes
The arrival of the internet marked a huge changed in our lives. In the mi-1990s we used dial up and would have to get the Internet through a phone line. Thank god these days we have super fast broadband.

3. Paste-the-wall wallpaper
It may seem like an obvious solution, but in the last 5 years 'paste-the-wall' wallpaper has become commonplace. Paste-the-wall uses a special backing paper that doesn't expand when it gets wet which means we save a huge amount of time. Genius!

4. Solar power
Ok, so the huge reflective panels haven't become any prettier, but they've certainly become smarter. Solar power can heat your water, provide all your electricity and completely cut out your energy costs. It's also become quite commonplace. In 1974 it was estimated that only six private homes in all of North America using solar power systems. Now there are millions.

5. Microwaves
The microwave oven, heats and cooks food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave spectrum. This small little appliance was first introduced in 1967 and now is commonplace in pretty much all homes across the world.

6. Exposed brick
Who knew that leaving a wall unplastered would become so hip? Exposed brick has been a huge trend for the last 5 years and it shows no signs of abating. We love it!

7. Ikea
Founded in 1943 in Sweden the Ikea brand is a global phenomenon. It 1987 it landed on British soil and we fell in love with the affordable flat pack furniture. An interiors institution, here at Housetohome, we love Ikea.

8. Dishwashers
Dishwashers didn't arrive in most homes until the 1970s but they
totally transformed our way of life. Imagine having to wash up every
single dish after a meal. Oh the horror!