Advice

large bedroom with black gloss floor, large upholstered bed, black window reveals, gold metallic furniture

'Think of black like a sophisticated eyeliner that defines the space' – tips on using this bold colour like an interior designer

By Sarah Harley published

If you're feeling bold enough to brave black in your interior design scheme, make sure you follow this expert advice before you begin

Rooms
living room with fireplace, large bay window, sofas, coffee table and built in storage in alcove

The ‘high-low’ decorating mindset designers swear by – it could save your budget without sacrificing the finished look

By Sarah Harley published

Do interiors that look good always have to blow your budget? Experts reveal where to spend, where to save and how to make your home look more expensive than it is

Rooms
Plug-in solar panels on a balcony on a house

These are the smartest spots to install plug-in solar panels around your home, according to an expert

By Joseph Mullane published

A renewables electrical engineer shares the best places to position plug-in solar panels to maximise efficiency, including balconies, patios, garages and garden walls

Solar Panels
Contemporary kitchen diner with white walls, island and wooden dining table and chairs

Thinking of removing a chimney breast? Make sure you read this advice first before you take a hammer to your walls

By Michael Holmes last updated

Thinking of removing a chimney breast to free up more space? Make sure you read this advice first before you take a hammer to your walls

Renovation
horizontal ground source heat pump array being laid in large garden

Ground source heat pumps – what to know if you're considering this low-carbon heat source for your home

By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated

As a fossil fuel alternative, ground source heat pumps offer a long-term energy efficient option for heating your home. But, what does having one involve?

Heat Pump
best trees to grow in pots: Acer palmatum dissectum Garnet on a patio

10 beautiful trees that thrive in pots – these top choices will make a big impact in a small space

By Fiona Cumberpatch published

Plants Grow these trees in pots and you can easily add structure, height, colour and blossom to patios, decking and garden paths

Garden

Your Projects

Exterior of a chapel on a street

'I couldn’t have chosen anything more complicated' – step inside this converted Victorian chapel, now a contemporary home

By Alexandra Pratt published

Tim Brown rescued a decaying city centre chapel and transformed it into an exceptional modern home packed with unique features

House Tours
Exterior of a cream house with green window frames, with an extension on either side and a patio and lawn in front

This 'ugly duckling' home got a modern makeover with two timber-clad side extensions

By Cheryl Galsworthy published

Blending modern style with Arts and Crafts charm, this renovated period home proves what’s possible with the right vision

House Tours
Exterior view of a cladded house with a pergola on the patio in the garden and solar panels on the roof

'Our home generates more energy than it uses' – step inside this ultra-efficient self-build

By Seán O'Connell published

Explore a modern self-build where sustainability meets smart design, all while carefully integrating into its verdant setting

House Tours
Exterior of a house with wooden cladding and a patio in front with a table and chairs

'We wanted to reuse and recycle what we already had' – step inside this low-waste extension designed with the planet in mind

By Seán O'Connell published

The eco-conscious owners of a London terrace embarked on a zero-waste mission that exceeded all expectations

House Tours
Glass box extension in the back garden of a house

‘It feels connected to the outside’ – how a glass-box extension transformed this once 'claustrophobic' family home

By Seán O'Connell published

When David and Jenny Hewitt decided they wanted an extension with a difference, the choice was a clear one

House Tours
Exterior of a green house with a lawn in front of it and part of a tree in the left hand corner

Step inside this unique copper-clad eco home that's 'shaped like origami'

By Seán O'Connell published

A commitment to the environment led an Oxfordshire couple to design and build an eco-friendly house that stands out for all the right reasons

House Tours

How To

Japanese knotweed growing in a garden

Experts reveal the only way to go about Japanese knotweed removal if you find it in your garden

By Joseph Mullane, Nic Seal last updated

Japanese knotweed removal is essential as it can bring your build or renovation plans to a grinding halt. Here, we explain the damage this plant can do and how to get rid of it

Garden
Large wet room with marble wall tiles integrated bench and natural stone mosaic floor tiles with wooden stool in corner

Installing mosaic tiles can be easy — but you need the right tools to ensure great adhesion, perfect spacing and a professional finish

By Steve Jenkins published

Discover the essential tools and the subtle differences you need to know when laying mosaic tiles compared to standard tiles

Bathroom
Chrome Qettle single column tap in kitchen adding water to plastic jug

What is the minimum water pressure you should have in a house? Plus, how to increase it

By Steve Jenkins published

A lack of water pressure in the home is annoying and needs to be sorted out. Experts reveal how to test, resolve the issue and when its time to call in your water company

Utility
Person holding orange and black Black & Decker drill drilling into red brick wall

You need to get drilling into brick right. Follow this guide for all you need to know

By Luke Arthur Wells last updated

Drilling into brick is a key DIY skill, needed for all kinds of home improvement projects. Here’s everything you need to know but were too afraid to ask

DIY
Ants crawling by the bottom of a glass on a white surface

5 expert-approved ways to get rid of ants (and keep them out for good)

By Megan Milstead published

Sick of ants overrunning your kitchen? Here's how to banish them and stop them from coming back, according to three pest control experts

Kitchen
Close up of hand holding twist drill bit up to wheel on bench grinder

Using a blunt drill bit means more work and less control. Find out how to sharpen a drill bit for quick, clean drilling

By Steve Jenkins published

Learn how to keep your wood, metal and masonry drill bits sharp and ready for action

DIY

Ideas

cosy family living room with grey sofa and built-in shelving with ladder

‘Your family living room shouldn’t look like a playroom’ – interior designers share 15 chic ideas for a more elevated space

By Natasha Brinsmead published

From clever storage to durable yet elegant furniture, these expert-approved ideas prove family living rooms can still feel sophisticated

Living Room
kitchen with one set of cupboards open housing glasses and bar items with large kitchen island with seats in centre of room

Move over kitchen pantry – a bantry is the new feature I want in my kitchen

By Sarah Harley published

From hidden cocktail stations to beautifully organised cabinetry, these bantry ideas show why this hybrid kitchen solution is taking off fast

Kitchen
herbs being planted in raised bed garden

17 herb garden ideas to add a charming culinary feature to your outdoor space

By Sarah Wilson published

Ideas Take your pick from these herb garden ideas and you'll always have a fragrant collection of cooking delights to choose from

Garden
Bedroom with dark wooden panelling behind the bed, a green wall, a plant in the corner, and beige and green decorative elements

9 wall panelling styles explained – how to pick the perfect type for your home

By Megan Milstead published

From Shaker style to wainscotting, we break down each type of wall panelling to help you find the best fit for your interior

Walls & Ceilings

Buying Guides

Netatmo Smart Alarm System

The 6 best home security systems of 2026 that offer smart, simple and reliable protection

By Rebecca Foster, Joseph Mullane last updated

The best home security systems offer much more than a traditional burglar alarm and provide comprehensive monitoring

Home Improvements
Three of the best smart hubs on a wooden cabinet, with another on the wall, and a sofa and plants in the background

I've researched and tested the best smart hubs to simplify your home automation – these are my top 6 recommendations

By Megan Milstead published

Looking for the best smart home hub? Here are the top-rated buys we recommend you invest in after testing and comparing reviews

Home Improvements
Best smart thermostats lined up on a window sill above a radiator

The 6 best smart thermostats to cut energy bills and control heating remotely

By Megan Milstead published

We’ve found the best smart thermostats to help heat your home efficiently and lower your energy bills

Energy
Silver range cooker in modern kitchen with marble splashback and wooden cabinets

The 6 best range cookers — how to choose the right model for your kitchen

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Want the best range cooker for your new kitchen? Look no further as we round up the top models out there

Cooker
The best kitchen cabinet paints on a worktop with paint colour chart and roller brush

The 6 best kitchen cabinet paints to refresh tired cupboard doors

By Steve Jenkins last updated

The best kitchen cabinet paints can be an inexpensive and easy way to revitalise your cupboards – browse these editor-approved options

Paint
Grey gloved hand removing dried leaves from metal gutter

Try these 6 essential gutter cleaning products to help keep your guttering leaf and debris-free

By Michelle Guy last updated

Looking for the best gutter cleaning products to sort your gutters DIY-style? We’ve made it easier to choose with a selection of 5 top tools in our round-up

Home Improvements