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

If you’re in the process of planning and budgeting for significant home improvements, it’s worth considering the projects that will also add the most value to your property

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

This loft conversion added two extra bedrooms and en suite bathroom – and its use has grown with the family

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?

This 1950s terraced home was extended and updated with a modern kitchen

What you need to know about installing a lift into your home.

Bored with white tiles? Give your splashback some wow with different materials and finishes.

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.

The front door is the first thing that anyone sees when they come to your home. It creates a lasting impression and gives a hint of what’s inside. The perfect front door is stylish, secure and energy efficient, but how do you find the right one for your home?

Three generations live under the same roof in two separate but connected dwellings in the Hampshire countryside.

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.

There are times when you have to get on with a job. But what if you have yet to receive sign-off from the council?

When it comes to your biggest asset, should you extend or remodel?

It can be challenging creating your dream extension while sticking to a tight budget. But there is no need for spending to spiral out of control or nasty surprises.

From a series of small rooms to a light-filled, open-plan layout, this home has had a major makeover

When it comes to creating an eco-friendly bathroom, give thought to using reclaimed sanitary ware instead of purchasing brand-new.

From a man with a van to skip hire and diverting waste from landfill – here are some top tips

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.

Building an extension? Brick is a brilliant building material but it’s just one way to dress an extension. Check out these other options

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.

Clever storage is key to creating a clutter-free kitchen, perfect for cooking or socialising. Here we run through some stylish solutions to common kitchen dilemmas

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.

From the smoothest, white limestone and marble to textured, dark granite and slate, the design possibilities of stone flooring are endless.

There are a number of things you need to consider when choosing your brickwork, such as colour, texture, laying patterns, mortar choices, building regs and cost.

When it comes to planning building work, how long should you allow for an architect?

New windows can give your home a facelift, make it a more comfortable place to live and boost kerb appeal. Here’s what you should know when choosing new windows.

Ideas to transform old and tired looking driveways – and bring the kerb appeal back to your property.

It’s a big decision choosing the best worktop for your kitchen. The options may seem endless, but it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

Running out of space? Kids getting bigger? No more room to extend up or out – what about extending underground?

Summer is here, and with the arrival of brighter days and warmer nights comes an abundance of reasons to spend more time in your garden. Here, Nicky Roeber, Online Horticultural Expert at Wyevale Garden Centres, shares his tips for lighting up your outdoor space so you can spend more time outside in the evening this summer

Are you looking for more space? Building a two-storey extension can transform your home and be an opportunity to update the exterior.

A lawful development certificate (LDC) is proof that your project is legal under planning rules

Wood flooring has a timeless beauty that will never be out of fashion and can improve your home. But how do you choose between solid wood, engineered or laminate?

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.

If you are staying put during a home extension, there are lots of things you can do to minimise the disruption and dust from building work

Ceiling height can make all the difference between a cramped room where you are feel boxed-in and a lofty, airy space

Building a mezzanine can be a surprisingly cheap way to maximise space and add value to your home

Garage conversions are one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to add living space to your home

Passivhaus promises maximum year-round comfort with minimum bills for heating. So how does it work and are there any disadvantages?

Drinking wine is one of life’s great pleasures. So, it’s not surprising there’s a growing trend to incorporate a sizeable space for a wine collection into the design of homes.

Getting planning consent isn’t always speedy and simple but it’s worth the hassle to build your dream home extension. Here are some top tips to help you get the green light

Demolishing internal walls to go open plan can be a great way to update and improve your home

From cabinet colours to countertops, what’s sizzling hot? Whether you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or simply refresh, here are some of the top trends

The staircase gives a first and lasting impression of your home. Here are some design ideas to give it more ‘wow’ factor

If you want to renovate a new home, there is a good chance you will need some form of permission before starting any building work

We take a look at the design dos and don’t to create a bathroom that looks stylish and functions brilliantly for years to come.

For the last two decades, a cosy snug room has become the must-have feature of modern family living - but is it a good use of space?

Often the ideal solution to survive major renovation works is to move off site completely, but that is not always possible

If things aren’t going to plan and your builder has gone AWOL without finishing the job, don’t panic. Before you start shouting breach of contract, or calling in a solicitor, always assess the situation to see if your builder has actually walked off site

When you are thinking of doing some building work, who should you hire? Do you use a large, established building firm or opt for the conscientious, more personal sole-trader to build your home extension?

Building an eco-friendly home extension in today’s climate can be a tricky balance of trying to do the right thing while also keeping tabs on your budget

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.

Underfloor heating can be completely hidden unlike bulky radiators, is efficient and toe-warming but which, if any, system is right for your home extension or room renovation?

Here are our top tips to help minimise the impact of building work on you and your family.

A case study detailing a couple's approach to adding an Orangery on to the back of their bungalow

Does it seems like only 30 minutes since your builders had their last tea break? Are you constantly peeking through the curtains to check they are not back in their van with a flask, or sitting on your driveway having another sup and a chin wag?

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?

Parking is a huge problem in many areas and it’s likely to get worse before it gets better. There are more cars on the road and councils are clamping down on on-street parking even in residential areas. Building a parking space in your front garden makes life easier if your street is overcrowded but how should you go about it?

RSJs are the reason your home extension will stay up! If you are considering any major structural changes or removing a load-bearing wall, you will need a Rolled Steel Joist (RSJ) installed.

Every industry has its own niche phrases or specialist terminology and the building is industry is no different. Herringbone or basket weave? A chippie or a sparky? Your chimney rendered or point work?

A well-designed open plan layout can make for a light, spacious and sociable home – but planning is key

From front door panels to glass ceilings and from bathroom windows to kitchen cabinets, there are numerous ways to add stained glass to your home

If you need more living space, what’s cheaper? Moving house or extending into the attic?

Loft conversions can be so much more than just an extra bedroom. If you are struggling for extra family space to accommodate teenagers or elderly parents, converting your loft is one of the most affordable ways to create a multi-generational living space.

It’s incredibly easy to blow your budget out of the water when extending your home. Here are a few tips to keep costs under control.

Whether you want to add a large two-storey extension to your home or simply convert the garage, an architect can turn your ideas into reality.

Preparing for any build will involve an initial design meeting with an architect to discuss your requirements. But what will they want to know? Read our guide of what you can expect to be asked the first time you meet your architect

From loft conversions to rear extensions, growing numbers of homeowners are extending their homes to create extra space rather than moving to a bigger property. But what are your options for financing the building work?

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?

How a couple transformed their dated rural Victorian semi with a two-storey rear extension

Buying building materials to save money on a home extension build can be a tempting proposition - but is it a good idea?

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?

For some home-owners, installing solar panels on the roof of their home cuts electricity bills and earns them thousands of pounds.

A case study detailing how one home owner redesigned his garden on a very small budget

A case study detailing how one home owner built a brand new garden shed using mainly materials left over from his extension

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.

Whether you’re adding a utility room to move laundry and appliances out of the kitchen or as a boot room/dog washing station, here are some pearls of wisdom.

Need to renovate your kitchen on a tight budget? It’s possible to get a fresh new look without spending a fortune. From picking up a paintbrush for a few hours to investing in a new worktop, here are our ideas for a kitchen makeover.

Whichever cladding material you choose, the biggest factor in deciding to clad your home is cost

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.

Case study describing how one couple made the most of their outdoor space with a Summer House.

A case study describing how one home owner worked out the best way to save money when working on a large extension project

A case study describing how one home owner worked out the best way to work with his builders

A case study describing how one home owner decided whether or not he should remove the chimney when having an extension done

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.

Often the start time for an extension build is dictated by your builder’s availability. If they come highly recommended, chances are they’ll be fully booked well in advance and the best advice is to get them booked in as soon as you can. But if you are able to specify a date, is it better to wait until the summer to begin a home extension?

From an open-plan kitchen diner to a new garden room, how much value can be added to a home by building projects?

A case study showing the need to be aware of all the problems that can occur - even a nail through a pipe can cause unforeseen problems!

A case study on how one home owner complied with Building Regulations when building a large extension

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?

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.

A case study describing how one homeowner decided whether or not to hire an Architect to help with his building project

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

A case study describing how one homeowner decided whether to install a wood burning stove or have an open fireplace

A case study describing why a homeowner decided to add a window to a bathroom and how he did it

A case study looking at an extension of a 1960's property

A case study on how one owner approached the need for good foundations when building a large extension

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?

How much does a home extension cost? It’s a common enough question but the answer can vary enormously. The solution for any home extension budget is to plan ahead and get 3-5 quotes before a single brick is laid.

If you are planning a home extension it can be tricky to know where to start. Do you call an architect first or a builder?

A case study on how one home owner converted his loft - even though it was full of truss rafters

A case study on how one home owner converted his garage and car port into an entertainment space

A case study on how one owner decided which builders to use for his extension

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 looking at what was involved in gaining planning permission for an extension

A case study showing the decision making process one home owner followed when trying decide whether to move or improve

Case study of an extension to improve a small, cramped and dated kitchen into a spacious kitchen diner

Insurance may not be top of your to-do list, especially when other costs are starting to mount up. But you need to be aware of the different types of insurance, when you might need it and what it covers.

Building Regulations set national minimum standards for construction from structural stability of walls and roofs to fire safety and ventilation. The rules are enforced by local authority building control departments to ensure the safety of people in and around your property as well as energy conservation

Building a home extension can be stressful at the best of times (and we don’t want to put you off) but even more so if things go wrong. What should you do?

We’ve all heard scare stories of ‘cowboy builders’ who win work and leave the job unfinished. But the vast majority of builders are honest and hard-working. Here are our ten top tips to help prevent your dream home extension turning into a nightmare

In the exciting journey of building a home extension getting planning permission is usually up there with hiring skips and coping with builders. Usually boring and sometimes frustrating but 100 per cent necessary

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.

From architects to structural engineers and quantity surveyors – successful home extensions often rely on trusted building professionals who can help the beginner avoid costly mistakes. We take a look at the key experts and who you might want to involve

Why move when you can improve? With rising property prices, savvy homeowners are increasingly opting to stay put and extend the home they are living in to get extra space and value. But where do you begin?

What do you need to do to get Planning Permission?

Congratulations! You’ve done all the hard work and submitted your planning application to your local council. But how long does it take to get a decision?