Advice

part finished basement conversion with internal door and laundry appliances

Basement ventilation — what's needed when converting the space below ground into a living or storage space?

By Oliver Bennett, Sarah Harley last updated

Without appropriate ventilation, a basement is at risk of damp and mould. We explore your options for keeping it fresh, dry and habitable

Conversion

7 ways to reduce toxins during a renovation — your no-nonsense checklist

By Gabriella Dyson published

A healthier home starts long before the air purifier is switched on – these smarter renovation decisions help your home breathe

Renovation
open plan basement conversion with kitchen and living room, rooflights, patio doors and large picture window

Don't make this mistake when adding light to a basement conversion and you'll end up with a much brighter space below ground

By Mark Stevenson published

Getting enough light below ground is one of the biggest challenges of basement conversions. Mark Stevenson explains how to add light to a basement conversion

Conversion
Mould on folded white fabric

Mould on fabric? Here's how to remove it in 5 simple steps

By Sam Webb last updated

We asked the experts for the best products and methods for removing mould stains from fabric. Here’s what they said in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide

Air Quality
Freestanding bath with a windowed door behind and a towel draped over the side

'Showers are simply more practical for everyday life' – why millions of Brits have ditched their bathtub (and whether you should too)

By Megan Milstead published

Studies show that one-third of Brits have turned their backs on the humble bathtub. Is it time to get rid of yours?

Bathroom
large kitchen with island, bar stools and waterfall worktop finish

Looking for the best kitchen worktops? We explain how to select a suitable surface for your space

By Sarah Harley last updated

While cabinets may form the bulk of your kitchen design, topping them with the best kitchen worktop is the finishing touch. Here's what to consider

Kitchen

Your Projects

Exterior of the house

From neglected outbuilding to rural masterpiece – take a tour of this barn-style self-build with panoramic countryside views

By Seán O'Connell published

Annicka Locket and James Terry reimagined a derelict building with an inventive upside-down layout, creating a modern barn-inspired home that frames rural views from its light-filled upper floor

House Tours
Exterior of the back of the house with green window trims and red pipe details

Step inside this colourful extended home that 'connects with its natural surroundings'

By Jennifer Grimble published

When writers Aurelie and Daniel Chambers decided to renovate their Victorian terrace house in London, they wanted every aspect to cater to both them and their two cats

House Tours
Rear of the property showing the kitchen extension from the garden patio

‘What this home lacks in width, it makes up for in height' – step inside this ultra-modern home measuring just 3m wide

By Jennifer Grimble published

At less than three metres wide, this former shipbuilder’s cottage has been reborn as a beautiful, efficient retreat brimming with character and clever design features

House Tours
Inside the kitchen of a barn conversion

'It's the perfect place for us to relax' – inside a charming Cotswolds barn conversion where original features still shine

By Debbie Jeffery published

A Grade II-listed farm building in the Cotswolds has been transformed into a compact, characterful home that blends history with contemporary craft

House Tours
Exterior of the house which backs onto a garden and patio with plant pots and veranda

'It's a privilege to live in this beautiful environment' – step inside this zero-carbon oak frame home on a Devon eco-farm

By Teresa Conway published

Susie and her husband Robert built a modestly sized sustainable home to support their work on an idyllically situated organic farm

House Tours
Exterior of the house which is set on grass and in front of trees

Step inside this homely oak frame self-build with spectacular views of the Monmouthshire countryside

By Seán O'Connell published

Chris and Ann Preston turned a potentially disastrous survey in their favour by building an oak frame self-build home with a difference

House Tours

How To

Contemporary light bathroom with tall thin tiles on wall and around window with bath and sink in foreground

If you’re thinking of tiling around a window, then this step-by-step guide will show you how to get it right

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Need the know-how for tiling around a window? Follow our step-by-step guide to discover the best techniques to get a pro looking finish

DIY
Dark hexagon tiles on wall and floor in shower room with bathroom furniture in the foreground

Before ripping out your old tiles, find out if you can tile over tiles to save you time and money

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Can you tile over tiles doesn't have straightforward answer. Here we take a look at when it's a good and bad idea backed up by some expert insight

Flooring
Person placing grey rectangular tile into shower floor

This tiling a shower guide tells you what you need to know to create a smart, long-lasting and watertight finish

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Tiling a shower brings with it some subtle differences to standard tiling. Here we reveal what prep you need to do and whether to start with the floor or walls

Bathroom
Air purifier on a wooden floor next to a plant

How poor is your indoor air quality? Experts reveal four ways to improve it – and the signs it could be harming your health

By Megan Milstead published

Discover the best ways to improve indoor air quality at home, according to experts

Air Quality
Victorian style fireplace with white surround and small blue tiles hearth and surround

Check out this easy-to-follow tiling a fireplace advice to create a stunning hearth

By Luke Arthur Wells last updated

Tiling a fireplace shouldn't be the biggest challenge for a competent DIYer. We look at the how it's done and the key things you need to know

DIY
Large empty room with green plasterboard on walls, covered with large format white tiles

What are the hidden challenges of tiling onto plasterboard? Pros reveal their techniques for perfect, durable finishes

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Tiling onto plasterboard is similar to tiling onto plaster or tile, but you need to get your prep and process right. A couple of pros reveal their tips

DIY

Ideas

dining room with pale blue panelling, blue window frames and off-white walls

Blues, greens and unexpected pairings — we lift the lid on the 2026 paint trends and how to use them in your home

By Sarah Harley last updated

From mossy green to bold burgundy, this year's paint trends and colour styles are generally soothing, with a splash of adventurous on the side

Paint

Not much space? No problem — these 14 small boot room ideas show what can be done with even the tiniest of areas

By Natasha Brinsmead published

Beautiful small boot room ideas that combine style with practicality

Utility
A softly lit loft dressing room with sloped ceilings and a large rectangular skylight bringing in natural light. The cabinetry, walls and built-in wardrobes are painted in a muted dusty pink tone, creating a cohesive, cocooning feel. Along one wall, low fitted cupboards run beneath the slanted ceiling, with subtle under-cabinet lighting casting a warm glow along the floor.

Loft conversion dressing room ideas that turn tricky angles into assets

By Gabriella Dyson published

Inspiration and advice for creating a dressing room that works with, not against, your roofline

Loft Conversion
large bathroom with light wood furniture, cream tiling, large french doors with curtains, green towels and green and cream wall art

Blues and spa-like retreats: The bathroom trends in 2026 that everyone is talking about

By Sarah Harley last updated

If a new bathroom is in your plans this year, from spa-like sanctuaries to walls that are worthy of attention, here's what trends you have to choose from

Bathroom

Buying Guides

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
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
Three of the best dehumidifiers in a living room

The 8 best dehumidifiers – combat condensation and mould, plus dry laundry quickly with our tried-and-tested favourites

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

We've tested the best dehumidifiers from Meaco, De'Longhi and more to help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills

Dehumidifier
Woman wearing orange headscarf holding faux wooden shelf and placing into plasterboard fixings on white wall

Ensure you choose the best plasterboard fixings to support shelves, big screen TV’s and radiators to avoid unwanted accidents

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Check out our pick of the best plasterboard fixings to help make sure that your favourite fittings don’t fail and fall

DIY
Gloved hand holding reciprocating saw cutting nails in a timber frame against a bright blue sky

The best reciprocating saws for effortless demolition, fast cuts, and impressive performance

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

The best reciprocating saws are handy tools to have for use around your next build or DIY project. Here are 5 of the best

Tools