Experts predicted what future homes may look like in 1995, now these science fiction fantasises are becoming a reality for swathes of Brits modernising their homes
Glowing wallpaper that replaces lights and kitchen appliances which disappear might sound far-fetched. But history shows how quickly bold predictions about the future become everyday reality.
In 1995, experts on BBC’s Tomorrow’s World imagined subdermal microchip-powered bank accounts, robot surgeons and floating holograms. Three decades on many of those ideas no longer feel like science fiction.
Now, a new report by eco-tech brand Hive, has revealed how today’s homes are transforming in equally radical ways. 28% of homes now use at least one eco-tech device, with solar power leading the charge as the UK’s favourite green home upgrade. More than 1.6 million households now generate their own energy with panels, with nearly seven in ten (69%) owners saying it quickly cut their bills.
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Maggie Philbin, former Tomorrow’s World presenter, said: “It’s fascinating to look back at the predictions we made on Tomorrow’s World and see just how many have come to life. We imagined homes of 2025 featuring voice-controlled devices, domestic robots, and walls that doubled as screens.
“But the most successful prediction has been the rise of energy-saving technology. Eco-tech in the home has always promised to make life easier, smarter and greener, and Hive’s research shows that people will embrace these innovations if they can see real, everyday cost benefits.”
The 2025 Hive Home report, based on insights from more than 4,000 UK households, shows that money is the main motivator for adopting eco-tech.
But while the “house of the future” is becoming a reality, progress isn’t universal. As smart thermostats, EV chargers and solar panels grow in popularity, three quarters of homes (72%) still haven’t adopted any eco-tech.
The reason, the research finds, comes down to cost perceptions. Four in ten people who don’t use eco-tech say it is too expensive, despite early adopters reporting the opposite.
Futurist Tom Cheesewright believes even more radical change is ahead. “Soon, your kitchen hob could be hidden in the worktop, your wallpaper could light up instead of bulbs, and your house could generate and store its own energy,” he said.
AI will run it all in the background, adjusting everything from heating to lighting so life just works around you. Homes are set to get even smarter and more sustainable.”
Tom has predicted a future where wireless charging for all gadgets makes the socket and three-pin plug system obsolete and personal power plants, where every home generates and stores its own energy.
Tom Pakenham, Director at Hive, said “The confidence to adopt energy-saving tech comes down to good, old fashioned financial common sense. Households will invest if it helps them save – and early adopters say it does.
Momentum is growing, but myths around cost and suitability still hold people back. That’s why the Hive Home Report is important. We need to identify and challenge those misconceptions by showing that saving energy can be both affordable and impactful.
From flexible finance and grants to solar subscriptions, there are more ways to get started, and more technologies available than many realise. People will be pleasantly surprised when they find out what will work for them. At Hive, we want everyone to know their power, to cut bills today and build the greener energy future we all need.”
Top five predictions for the homes of tomorrow
- Invisible kitchens: Hobs integrated into worktops for seamless design.
- Lighting wallpaper: Glowing walls and ceilings instead of bulbs.
- AI-powered living: Homes that adjust heating, lighting and doors automatically.
- The end of the plug: Fewer 3-pin sockets, with wireless charging instead.
- Personal power plants: Every home generating and storing its own energy.