Latest articles by Gabriella Dyson
Is your smart home watching you? In some ways yes, but here's how you can take back control
Smart doorbells, thermostats and energy monitors collect more data than most of us realise. Here's what it's used for and how to limit what gets shared
Can you really work from a garden shed? Here's the honest truth about converting one
Not every shed is worth saving. But the ones that are can be transformed into a workspace that beats any spare bedroom
13 outdoor shower ideas that will make you feel like you're on holiday in your own garden
From sculptural freestanding options to secluded tiled retreats, these inspiring outdoor shower designs bring boutique-hotel style to any outdoor space
10 budget-friendly porch storage ideas to help turn your dumping ground into a design feature
Getting your storage right can make a porch feel like the most considered room in the house – but it needn't be time consuming or wallet-draining
Is your home office making you ill? The warning signs experts say you shouldn't ignore
Tired, achy, and unfocused? Your home office setup could be more to blame than your workload
Installing an outdoor shower can elevate your garden design – but might involve more work than you first think
From materials to maintenance, experts explain how adding an outdoor shower requires a little more than just connecting it to a water supply
Considering an upstairs laundry room? Why it's not just a case of popping a washing machine in the corner of your bathroom
Having an upstairs laundry room makes sense on paper, but there's lots to consider before you start. From plumbing to noise control here's what experts advise
Should your kitchen and utility room match? Designers think you might be asking the wrong question
Is matching your utility room to your kitchen really the right call, or are the best schemes doing something altogether different?
Could a laundry maid be the solution to drying laundry indoors? We explain what it is, where it goes, and where it definitely doesn't work
Put a laundry maid in the wrong spot and it's more of a hindrance than a help. Here's where the experts say it should go for the best results
'It's one of the most effective tools in a small room' — the tile pattern tricks designers use to make any space look bigger
Which tile pattern you choose and how you lay it, can do more for a room's proportions than almost any other decision. Here's how to get it right
Hidden doors aren't just for the movies – 12 ideas to create a secret room or passageway in your home
From bookcase entrances to seamless panels, discover hidden door ideas that bring a sense of mystery and style to your home
Utility room in chaos? Follow these 8 genius tips for hiding and disguising overflowing laundry
Don't let piles of dirty laundry take over your utility room – these clever storage ideas will keep the clutter at bay
Outdoor tiles just became the most versatile garden design trend – and we're taking notes
Outdoor tiles are having a major moment right now, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the patio floor
12 small orangery extension ideas that prove brilliant design isn't always about square footage
Think your home is too small for an orangery extension? These creative ideas show just how much is possible, even in a limited footprint
The verdict is in — experts agree these are the worst flooring types for a kitchen and reveal what to choose instead
From solid wood that warps to high-gloss finishes that show every mark, here's what flooring experts say never truly stands the test of time in a kitchen
9 simple rules designers swear by for brightening a dark living room — that you can try in your home too
If your living room leans on the side of dark and gloomy there are ways of making it brighter. From windows to floors, here's how to make the light work harder
Experts reveal the truth about converting a church into a home – the 11 hurdles you'll need to consider
From stained glass to bat surveys, here's what the experts want you to know before you try to convert a chapel into a home
'These hidden costs pushed our renovation over budget' — 6 harsh reality checks from real-life renovators
From bat surveys to builder finishes, real-life renovators share the hidden renovation costs that no one warned them about until it was too late
Experts reveal the minimum house temperature to avoid damp, mould and condensation
Struggling with damp and mould? Your home's temperature could be the problem – here's how to fix it
These 3 survey findings should stop any property purchase in its tracks — no matter how much you love it
Fallen for a property? Before you sign anything, make sure your survey doesn't flag one of these three deal-breakers
We renovated our 1950s home room by room — here's what we got right and what we learned the hard way
When Katie and Ronan bought their 1956 fixer-upper at the top of their budget, they rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. Two years on, they're sharing what they'd do again and what jobs they'd leave well alone.
Estate agents reveal the listing photos that tell you everything the seller doesn't want you to know
A great set of listing photos can make almost any property look appealing. But estate agents know exactly where the cracks – sometimes literally – are hiding
7 areas of your home you should never insulate (and what could go wrong if you do)
Insulating your home? Experts say to avoid these seven key areas – here’s why
