Advice

Person applying silicone with caulking gun to white bath and tiles

Learn how sealing a bath with silicone will give you a clean, leak-free finish

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Want to know the secret to sealing a bath? We guide through the process to make sure you get a good-looking, long-lasting seal that won’t leak

large modern house set in gardens with expanse of green lawn, 3 pitched roof gable ends along rear of property with grey frames

Architectural glazing — what is it and how can you use it to boost your home's aesthetics?

By Teresa Conway published

Architectural glazing can enhance your self-build or extension project with bespoke, statement glazing offering much more than natural light. We explore the options in our ultimate guide

Minimalist modern utility room with natural wood cabinetry, sleek black worktops, and large window bringing in natural light. Neutral stone floor and timber accents create a calm, contemporary atmosphere.

Why adding a toilet to your utility room makes sense — and how to get it right

By Gabriella Dyson published

A utility room with toilet is the ultimate two-in-one. Here’s how to design a stylish, practical space that works hard for modern family life

modern patio with outdoor dining set, plants and tree

The key to making a patio more private is clever screening – here's 8 of my favourite solutions to make your space feel secluded

By Sarah Wilson published

Make sure your patio is hidden from prying eyes with these effective ideas that will screen it from view

residential houses on street with solar panels on roof of one house

Are solar panels worth it? Yes says a renewables expert, but with some conditions

By David Hilton published

When looking at renewable energy it's not uncommon to ask 'are solar panels worth it?' Renewable energy expert, David Hilton explains what could turn a yes, into a maybe

The secrets to getting driveway drainage spot on, as revealed by experts

By Natasha Brinsmead published

Careful planning and thoughtful design is key to ensuring your driveway drainage can cope with everything the British weather throws at it

Your Projects

A wide angle shot of a downstairs kitchen extension with double-height ceilings and architectural glazing

'The look of disbelief on everyone’s face when they see the space we've created is priceless' – step inside this cleverly extended mid-terrace home

By Jo Messenger published

Award-winning interiors, double-height spaces and exceptional natural light make this London mid-terrace home a treasure trove of inspiration

This bespoke cottage took just over a year to build and cost only £350K — showing the huge benefits of a custom-build route

By Teresa Conway published

Read about how this couple created their 194m² dream home in a stunning rural setting

An unexpected presence on an ordinary street: See the North West home named Building of the Year 2025

By Joseph Mullane published

Strikingly contemporary, yet modest and respectful of its neighbours, this award-winning Cheshire home redefines what a suburban family house can be

This stunning city home cleverly gives the feeling of a rural retreat with 'bold ideas' and sustainable innovations

By Alexandra Pratt published

How this homeowner incorporated a suite of eco-technology and sustainable principles when designing and building his family home

The exterior of a large self-build home with a lawn

Unfortunate circumstances led this inspiring homeowner to create an oak frame future-proof home with space for all her family

By Teresa Conway published

A large-scale self-build is a brave project to undertake, but designing a home from scratch has ensured the space was perfectly tailored to meet her future needs

A newly built home with a contemporary feel

How a drab 1960s bungalow doubled in size to become a luxurious family home fit for future living

By Teresa Conway published

Doubling the footprint with multiple extensions and a loft conversion has created a fabulous open and airy family home offering views from every room

How to

Person applying silicone with caulking gun to white bath and tiles

Learn how sealing a bath with silicone will give you a clean, leak-free finish

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Want to know the secret to sealing a bath? We guide through the process to make sure you get a good-looking, long-lasting seal that won’t leak

Hand with pointing trowel smoothing out sandy mortar mix between grey patio slabs

Pointing patios is a quick and cost-effective way to get a great look. Here the pros tell you how

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Old or new, pointing patios makes them look smart and sophisticated and gives them a long life. Here we show you the contemporary and traditional choices

Roller with extension pole painting grey patio slabs green

Start painting patio slabs to give a fresh new look to your outdoor space

By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley last updated

Get expert advice to give your patio a bold new look with these simple, professional patio painting tips

stone cottage with modern extension leading out to a patio with outdoor seating

How to design a patio in 9 simple steps – create a space that's practical, easy to use and looks good year-round

By Sarah Wilson published

Whether you're designing a patio from scratch or upgrading an existing one with a new look, don't skip these key steps

patio design with garden furniture, potted plants and flowerbeds with fence in background

7 easy methods for removing weeds from a patio – plus two that are best avoided if you don't want to damage your paving or plants

By Sarah Wilson published

Keep your patio weed-free with these expert tips to get rid of anything that pops up where it shouldn't

Section of feather edge fencing with green bush growing above top of the fence

What is feather edge fencing? The pros reveal how it differs from other types of fencing and how to build your own

By Steve Jenkins published

Feather edge fencing offers stylish and secure garden boundaries. Find out more about this popular fence option

Ideas

boot room with fitted blue cabinets and storage shelves, boots, shoes and space for dog bed below countertop

20 boot room ideas perfect for both compact and larger luxurious spaces

By Sarah Harley last updated

Boot room ideas can be as big or small as your needs and home dictate. We've collected 20 options for your shoe, bag and general storage to help get you started

utility room with back wall featuring window, roman blind, butlers sink, green base units, green wall cabinets and laundry appliances

25 utility room ideas to bring joy to your daily chores

By Sarah Harley last updated

These utility room ideas prove it's a room that can still be stylish, even if the purpose of the space is more practical

A hidden utility room tucked behind tall, panelled cabinet doors. Inside is a neatly stacked washer and dryer, shelving with laundry supplies, and olive green cabinetry with a farmhouse sink.

Yes, you can hide a utility room — here’s how designers do it

By Gabriella Dyson published

Designers are masters at concealing utility rooms, here’s how to sneak one into your home without anyone ever knowing it’s there

modern bathroom with smooth stone walls and floor, walk in shower with glass screen, large countertop with sinks and picture window looking over forest

13 modern bathroom ideas that will flood your room with the 'wow factor'

By Sarah Harley last updated

Looking for modern bathroom ideas? We've rounded up a selection of the best around to help you transform your bathroom into a contemporary haven

Buying Guides

Period home doorway with wooden floor, burgundy walls and white decorative skirting boards

Not sure what type of skirting board you need? We’ll help you choose the right one

By Neil Turner last updated

Finding the right types of skirting board will put the finishing touch on any room — discover different styles and how to choose with our expert guide

Triton Showers AS2000SR Thermostatic Power Shower

How to choose a shower: What you need to know to get the best for your bathroom

By Claire Lloyd last updated

Plan well if you want your shower to be a luxury experience — there’s certainly a lot to think about, from the type of shower to the shower tray, shower head and type of enclosure

The best radiators for keeping your home warm and cosy this winter

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

The best radiators should not only heat your home efficiently, but they should look great and enhance your interior scheme. Our collection brings together the top designs, no matter what your needs

Person putting cutlery into integrated dishwasher with grey kitchen cabinet doors in background

6 best integrated dishwashers for high-quality cleaning

By Amy Reeves, Jack Woodfield, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated

Looking for one of the best integrated dishwashers to take over dishwashing duties? We’ve put together a list that covers all bases and will help you make the right decision for you and your kitchen

Close up of green cordless strimmer head cutting grass

6 best cordless strimmers to help your lawn look its best

By Jack Woodfield last updated

We've scoured the market for the best cordless strimmers to help you choose the perfect tool to keep your lawn and garden looking neat and tidy with minimal effort

dehumidifier in panelled hallway in between wooden console table and dark grey internal door

The best dehumidifiers for condensation, mould, bedrooms and drying laundry

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

The best dehumidifiers help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills. Here's our tried and tested favourites