Rebecca Foster

Rebecca Foster

Rebecca began her journalism career writing for a luxury property magazine in Bangkok, before re-locating to London and becoming a features editor for a self build magazine. She is an experienced homes and interiors journalist and has written for many homes titles including Homebuilding & Renovating, Ideal Home and Period Living.

She has expertise on a wealth of topics — from oak frame homes to kitchen extensions. She has a passion for Victorian architecture; her dream is to extend an 1800s house.

Latest articles by

Netatmo Smart Alarm System

The 6 best home security systems of the year 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

evening shot of large oak frame house with render and oak exterior, tiled roof and separate double garage building to side with large gravel driveway in front of both buildings

How much does it cost to build an oak frame home? Here's how much to set aside and how to stay on budget

By Sarah Harley, Rebecca Foster last updated

We take a look at what is the cost of an oak frame home to help you set a realistic budget for this type of self build or custom build project

loft conversion bathroom with walk in shower, wall panels in pale english oak effect, window with shutters and cream floor tiles

18 loft conversion bathroom ideas to elevate your space

By Sarah Harley, Rebecca Foster last updated

Adding a loft conversion bathroom when extending upwards is a great addition to the space. We've rounded up 18 ideas and expert advice to help you get it right

brick kitchen extension with corner made up of bifold glass and grey framed doors

Kitchen extensions: Our expert guide to planning, building regs, design and more

By Michael Holmes, Michelle Guy, Rebecca Foster, Sarah Harley last updated

A kitchen extension can turn a pokey cooking space into a large, open plan space the whole family can enjoy. From budgeting, planning and building regs, here's what you need to know.

cream carpet in living room

Which types of carpet are best suited to your home?

By Rebecca Foster, Natasha Brinsmead last updated

With so many types of carpet available, knowing which will be best for the various areas of your home can be tricky. In this guide, we explain the different products available to help make your decision a little easier

oak frame self build with glazed gable

12 ways to keep your self build budget on track

By Rebecca Foster published

Keen to ensure your self build budget stays on target? Our top 12 tips are here to help you plan and organise your finances, as well as offering advice on how to save some pennies

long modern kitchen with open ceiling up to landing

A colourful concrete extension breathes new life into this London terrace

By Rebecca Foster published

A traditional Victorian property has been transformed via the addition of a striking rear extension, finished in pigmented patterned concrete

picture window seat with woodburning stove

The incredible before and after of a 1960s coastal renovation project

By Rebecca Foster published

Simon Francis has transformed a 1960s house on the Cornish coast, finally realising his long-held ambition to renovate a home by the sea

self build with timber cladding on hillside

6 Design Ideas to Steal From This Self Build in the Country

By Rebecca Foster, Amy Reeves published

Keen to up sticks and relocate to the countryside, Sarah Farrington traded her west London home for a striking rural self build

a large conservatory on a traditional home

Designing a Conservatory: All Your Questions Answered

By Rebecca Foster published

Designing a conservatory is a great way to create a valuable addition to a home — find out how with advice on cost, style, materials and build routes

a garden paving idea with a curved edge

Garden Paving Ideas: 14 Inspiring Patio Designs for Your Outdoor Space

By Hugh Metcalf, Rebecca Foster published

Try these garden paving ideas to get the most from your patio design and complement the rest of your outdoor space

large kitchen extension to brick period house

7 Design Ideas From a Modern Extension to an Old Vicarage

By Rebecca Foster published

James and Tessa Gatti have added a striking two-storey extension to their Victorian vicarage to create a bright and spacious family home

Loft Conversion Stairs - Simply Lofts

Loft Conversion Stairs: Design Advice, Building Regs and More

By Ian Rock, Rebecca Foster last updated

Getting loft conversion stairs right can make or break your project. From getting the design right to ensuring it complies with regulations, here's what you need to know

Victorian house from above showing mansard loft conversion

Mansard Loft Conversion: 17 Designs for Added Living Space

By Rebecca Foster published

Looking to build a mansard loft conversion? Check out our hand-picked selection of extensions to spark ideas for your next project

exterior of house extension

Take a Tour of This Extraordinary Green Extension and Makeover

By Rebecca Foster published

Henry and Jacqueline Gummer discovered that a spacious, sustainably built extension was the key to unlocking the potential of their rural period property

Replacing windows in a home can improve kerb appeal

Replacing Windows: Advice for Upgrading Your Home's Glazing

By Rebecca Foster published

Thinking of replacing windows in your home? From what Building Regs apply to styles, materials costs and more, this guide has everything you need to know

is an undermount design the best kitchen sink for your space?

Best Kitchen Sinks: Styles to Suit Every Kitchen

By Rebecca Foster published

What is the best kitchen sink? We weigh up the differences in materials and styles so you can make the right choice for your space

a stairlift with a curved design

Stairlifts: A Guide to Buying and Installing

By Rebecca Foster published

What type of stairlift is the best fit for your home? From design options to installation and maintenance, our handy guide will help you choose

Oak Frame Porches - Ideas and Designs

Oak Frame Porches: Your Complete Guide

By Rebecca Foster last updated

Oak frame porches add a wonderful finish to any entrance. Our guide covers everything from design tips to construction

oak frame garages with car port and lo store

Oak Frame Garages: How to Nail the Perfect Design

By Rebecca Foster last updated

Oak frame garages are the picture perfect way to create a parking spot for your home. In our ultimate guide, we look at everything from design and cost to building regulations

hardwood timber windows in a traditional bay window

Timber Windows: How to Choose the Right Style for Your Project

By Rebecca Foster published

Timber windows are a great choice for traditional and contemporary homes alike. Here, we sum up the essential considerations to help you choose the right units for your project

a roof with handmade clay roof tiles

Clay Roof Tiles: Are They Right for Your Project?

By Rebecca Foster published

Clay roof tiles are a favoured choice for many self builds, renovations and extensions. Here are the key factors to consider, from aesthetics to installation

reclaimed bricks used for the interior of a water tower build project

Reclaimed Bricks: How to Buy Them for Your Build

By Rebecca Foster last updated

Reclaimed bricks are a sustainable choice that adds character to your build. These are the key considerations when specifying salvaged bricks for your project

Side hinged garage door by Garador

Side Hinged Garage Doors: The Right Solution for Your Home?

By Rebecca Foster published

A side-hinged garage door setup offers a convenient solution for traditional and modern homes – but what should you know before purchasing?

Up and over garage doors

Up and Over Garage Doors: Everything You Need to Know

By Rebecca Foster published

Up and over garage doors are a classic solution: from materials to installation and maintenance, here's what you need to know

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