Kitchen trends 2024 – what’s hot?
Experts discuss the hottest (and coolest) features in kitchens for the year ahead
Experts discuss the hottest (and coolest) features in kitchens for the year ahead
To help you bring the outside in and refresh your home in 2024, we’ve chosen a few of our favourite botanicals and biophilia-inspired designs
Selecting the perfect brick for your project can seem a daunting task. Here are our top tips to get you started.
Outstanding design is essential to build a one-off house in the country where permission would normally be refused
Freestanding units and mix-and-match cupboards are making a comeback in the most fashionable of homes.
Stunning ideas to inspire your project
How can you extend a country cottage without losing the charm?
When it comes to improving your property, don’t neglect the garden
It’s the covetable space that make daily life easier
Clever ways to make your home feel at one with nature
From beautiful barn conversions to minimalist modern homes, stunning living spaces to set your imagination soaring
Modern heritage is a trend that works well for most styles of homes from Victorian villas t0 modern estate houses
Shining a light on bold designs
From terracotta pots to bright blue tiles, get that sunshine holiday look
The Scandi concept of cosy comfort and wellbeing
Whether you’re looking to refresh your bathroom or fit a new kitchen splashback, catch up on the latest trends.
Glazed extensions work well with modern and period buildings. Here’s what you need to know.
Want to add a contemporary extension to a traditional home? Check out this inspiring selection of projects
Biophilic design may be today’s buzzword but many of the concepts have been around for decades
Chartered architect Jan Maciag, RIBA, shares his top tips on designing an extension that works with your house
Building costs have soared since 2020 - so what can you build for your budget?
From spiral staircases to overhanging rooms – find out more about this gravity-defying detail.
Sustainable, strong and textural – striking homes featuring the world’s oldest building material
Adding a large walk-in pantry to your kitchen helps keep the space neat and tidy while adding value.
If you’re considering extending your home, you can pick a project that doesn’t require planning consent to save time and money
Want to make sure your home extension is built as quickly as possible? We look at some structural systems that offer super-speedy builds on site.
Building contractor Grant Harrison explains how to run a site as smoothly as possible
With its longevity and natural beauty, a solid wood floor will appeal to almost anyone
There is a growing market in eco-friendly flooring with more choice than even before - so you can go green without sacrificing on style
Find out how to choose the right building control inspector for your project
Stumped for ideas on how to add space and light to your home? Discover the appeal of oak frame construction.
From the best layout to colour schemes and lighting, here’s how to get the master bedroom right
SIPs can deliver ultra-fast build times and airtight, well-insulated homes but there are cons that need to be considered too.
Living within an area celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife comes at a price, including a tougher planning regime
Whether inside or out, for a new-build or period property, this minimalist design feature can add real wow factor
Solar panels won’t win any beauty contests, but integrated systems can complement your home’s architecture while generating energy.
Converting a barn can give you a spacious, highly individual home with real wow factor
Whether your family needs more space for work, play or simply somewhere to sit in summer, garden rooms have never been more popular.
It’s a nightmare scenario but its always best to be prepared for the worst
Find out more about the different types of insulation, their pros and cons
What constitutes a garden room, and will planning permission be required?
Want to draw more light into your home extension? Read this checklist before investing in roof glazing.
There are multiple ways to fill your home with natural light
Which type of roofing tile should you choose? We run through the options
Every home should have one – a cosy corner to curl up with a good book, watch a favourite film or just chill
How to create a home that will meet your needs now - and in the future
Space-saving and stylish – pocket doors can be a great option for small rooms and open-plan interiors alike, but choose your kit carefully.
Tips and ideas to create a truly breath-taking home
Design tips to help you create your dream kitchen
Be inspired to design the bathroom of your dreams.
Skirting boards are one of those decorative details we tend to take for granted, so what are they for – and do we even need them?
Updating a building for modern life while retaining its original character
From sculptural wrought iron to rustic timber designs, there’s a plethora of choice.
Eight reasons why you might want to hire an interior designer for projects big and small
The trend for open plan living has lasted for decades, but ‘broken plan’ is the new kid on the block
Design ideas to transform a Victorian property
Building with bricks – handmade or machine-made?
Carve out extra living space by digging deep into your basement
The staircase is the hardworking backbone of a home, linking floors. So, why not turn it into an eye-catching feature too?
Garages often turns into junk rooms – too full of clutter to park a car, so here’s advice for aspiring home improvers.
Are you struggling to select the best flooring for your home extension or garage conversion?
Bifold, sliding and steel-framed doors can boost the house-to-garden connection, but which style is best for your project?
An outdoor kitchen-dining area is a great way to upscale your garden. It offers an entirely new space to entertain as well as a different way to cook.
Carefully considered lighting can transform your home at the flick of a switch
If you are having to live alongside the disruption, what can you do before the work starts to make your house habitable?
Use our top tips to help your home extension or renovation go to plan
Lockdown has meant rethinking our rooms, but which trends could be here to stay?
Timber cladding is increasingly popular but choosing the right type of wood is often the hardest decision
Extending up into the attic is generally more cost-effective than building a new extension. This article explains one of the most common types: hip-to-gable loft conversion.
Planning to extend upwards? Here’s our guide to the Party Wall Act
Could your cobwebby loft be put to better use? Find out how much a loft conversion costs.
Everything you wanted to know about dormer loft conversions - but were afraid to ask!
When it comes to design are you traditional or modern? Do you want a home extension that blends with your existing property or a bold, contrasting design?
Create your dream space without breaking the bank. How to find savings.
Here’s our lowdown on the rules and regulations.
Converting your loft into a home office or extra bedroom not only puts this space to better use: it could increase the value of your home and save the expense and hassle of a move. But how long does a loft conversion take?
We are used to seeing polystyrene as packaging, but homes can be built out of it, too
Charles built a chemical-free swimming pond in his garden as a DIY project. Here’s what he learned about going au-naturel
Wraparound corner windows can give you a panoramic view while pulling in masses of natural light - and are a striking design feature, too
From build time and budget to design freedom – here’s what you need to know.
Ideas and inspiration for incorporating vintage and reclaimed materials into your kitchen design.
Here are some top tips to help you make the right roofing choices for your project.
What makes a successful barn conversion?
A side return extension is the infill of the narrow passageway alongside a property and a great use of what is often an underutilised area. Expanding into this vacant slice of land can create extra living space and update the layout of your home without eating into your garden.
If you don’t have a spare room to convert into a home office, then why not create one outside?
More and more people are taking the plunge and building a swimming pool. So, what are the important factors to consider if you are creating your dream pool?
Previously regarded as a bit of a luxury, a home office is the new must-have as millions of us work flexibly or exclusively from home
When it comes to your roof, slate looks great but it isn’t cheap. Unless you are on a tight budget, replacing like with like is usually the best option – and your local authority might make it a condition of signing off the work, too.
Extend, convert or combine? Clever design can make your home suitable for three generations to live under one roof?
If your outdoor space is looking a bit tired or you want to use it more as an outdoor room for extra space or refuge while the whole family is on lockdown, here are a few tips to help give it a fresh appearance without breaking the budget.
While more and more people like light-filled, sociable spaces - they also want privacy and cosy corners. The result is the evolution of broken-plan living
Planning a kitchen makeover? Before you start, follow this guide to help you decide if an island is right for you
What to consider when building a wraparound extension at the back and side of your home.
Super-stylish and practical, wet rooms are the ultimate in showering chic. Read on for tips and advice to achieve the perfect design.
A single-storey extension can add valuable living space and update your home in a way that makes the decision to improve rather than move the right one.
If you’re looking to improve your home, why not invest in window shutters? They create kerb appeal, keep out the cold and work well in any room whether it’s the living room, bedroom or bathroom.
From slim metal spindles to transparent glass panels, choose a balustrade to boost your staircase style.
When you’re looking for some extra storage space and have run out of room indoors, another great option is to get a garage or car port, which is a shelter for a car made up of a roof supported on posts built beside a house.
Whether extending or renovating, you will need to choose a roof tile that creates a long-lasting, weatherproof and attractive covering to your home. Here we look at the pros and cons of slate, clay and concrete products.
Running out of space? Kids getting bigger? No more room to extend up or out – what about extending underground?
Are you looking for more space? Building a two-storey extension can transform your home and be an opportunity to update the exterior.
If only there was a magic wand that could achieve marvels and with one wave could make your beautiful new extension miraculously appear. Unfortunately, planning and building a successful home extension requires a lot of preparation, leg work and time. And lots of it.
Can’t decide whether to extend your home or do a loft conversion? Stop going round in circles and read our three-point plan to help you decide if extending upwards or sideways is right for you.
Here are our top tips to help minimise the impact of building work on you and your family.
Bifold doors that ‘bring the outside in’ have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years but how do they differ from sliding doors? Which option is best for you?
A well-designed open plan layout can make for a light, spacious and sociable home – but planning is key
Whether you want to extend a Grade II listed barn or modernise a 17th century stone cottage, if the property is on the statutory National Heritage List for England, then you will be subject to additional planning controls.
The challenge of knowing how to revamp a room or rework your living space can often seem insurmountable. It’s like having a blank canvas – but with no idea of what to paint. So where do you start?
When deciding which builder to use, it is always good to talk about payment arrangements early on in the negotiations before you commit to a contract
It’s very easy to get carried away and go over budget with a build - but what should you do if this happens to you?
Everything you wanted to know about carrying out a loft conversion but were afraid to ask!
Sometimes, no matter how much you have vetted a contractor, things can still go wrong and before you know it, you’re left with half a build and no one to fix it.
No matter whether it’s a plumber, a carpenter, or a plasterer, a tradesperson’s tools are their lifeline. Built up over time, with specialist tools that can often cost thousands of pounds, makes anyone in the building trade very protective about where they leave their tools overnight.
Side return extensions are a hugely popular way of extending semi-detached and end of terraced homes. Here some practical tips and inspiration to help you make the most of this sliver of space.
From an open-plan kitchen diner to a new garden room, how much value can be added to a home by building projects?
With all house extension projects, nothing is ever set in stone. But if you amend the design, do you have to submit a new planning application?
Demolishing the wall between a kitchen and dining room is a popular home improvement, but before you start swinging a sledgehammer, there are some important things to consider
Your builders are ready to go. Materials have been ordered. But you’re still waiting for planning permission to come through. What do you do?
Extending a kitchen-diner or converting the loft is a great way to create more space and value without the hassle of moving. But before you jump in and start knocking down walls, there is some important and even boring stuff you need to consider.
A case study on how one home owner converted his loft - even though it was full of truss rafters
Case study describing how one couple extended their living space into their loft
It is easy to let the costs get out of control when having an extension or loft conversion. Find out how one home owner managed to keep his costs down when carrying out a large extension
A case study describing why a homeowner decided to add a window to a bathroom and how he did it
Having a good working relationship with builders during a building project is vitally important. Find out how one home owner found the best way to work with his builders
A case study on how one owner decided which builders to use for his extension
A case study showing how one homeowner decided between a wood burning stove or an open fireplace
A case study on how one home owner converted his garage and car port into an entertainment space
A case study on how graphic designer Louise and Martin, an accountant, turned their “florid Victoriana” bathroom into a stylish, calm retreat.
A case study detailing what was involved in extending a 1960's property and making it look like new!
A case study describing how one homeowner decided whether or not to use an Architect
A case study showing the decision making process one home owner followed when trying decide whether to move or improve
When graphic designer Ian extended his four-bedroom detached house in Hampshire he turned the “small, cramped and dated” kitchen into a spacious kitchen-diner.
A case study covering the approach one home owner took to ensuring he had suitable foundations for a large extension
A case study describing how one home owner decided whether or not he should remove the chimney when having an extension done
A case study showing how one hone owner managed to reuse the leftovers from his home extension to build a garden shed
Case study describing how one couple made the most of their outdoor space with a Summer House
When Antonia and her family moved into their Edwardian semi-detached home in Winchester the kitchen was dark and dated but they saw it had potential.