Latest articles by Sarah Harley
I thought an L-shaped bath would be perfect for a family bathroom — but these 3 mistakes turned my wet zone into a stress zone
Popular for their roomy style, I thought an L-shaped bath would be a great way of combing an essential bath with a roomier shower. Here's how I got it wrong
Want to perfect your home lighting? Experts share a six-step guide
Everything you need to nail your home's lighting design – from colour temperature and switches to style and placement
I'm selling my flat and these are the 6 jobs I always do before an estate agent values my home
I believe waiting for viewings before you get your home ready to sell is too late. A valuation is your first viewing and should get the gold star treatment
Where to dispose of rubbish that is now banned from your recycling bin under new rules
Worried about where to get rid of your waste now recycling rules are changing? We explore some alternative methods for disposing of household rubbish
Is internal wall insulation right for your home? Expert explains the pros, cons and when it makes sense
We unpack everything you need to know about adding internal wall insulation – from what it is and where it works best to the pros and cons you should consider first
Oak frame extensions are a wonderful combination of quality, charm and style. But how do you ensure adding one goes to plan?
If you're considering an oak frame extension, here's what you need to know, from designing one through to the best ways of connecting one to your home
How I'm complying with the new recycling rules despite living in a flat with no outside space for four (or five) separate wheelie bins
Dealing with waste when you don't have a garden or outbuildings is no mean feat. Here's how I've managed it to date, but will I need to re-think it?
I thought choosing paint colours was simple – until I learned these 5 rules the hard way
Choosing a paint colour isn't just about picking blue or green. It's a more practical task that can go wrong – especially if you don't follow the rules
Concerned about your drinking water quality? I put these home testing kits to the test
If you want to make sure your drinking water is up to scratch, you can buy kits online to test your water at home. I tried them and here's what I discovered
Is a timber frame construction method right for you? Experts explain what's involved when creating your dream home from wood
Using a timber frame construction is a popular choice amongst homebuilders, but what's involved? Experts explore this method of creating a home
Turn your entrance into the talk of the town, with 12 front door ideas that deliver style and substance
Your front door ideas not only need to look good, but need to perform well too. Here's 12 that will create an outstanding entry and exit point to your home
RSJ costs should never be worked out online warn experts, and here's why
RSJ costs are about far more than the price of steel and how much it costs to manufacture a beam. You need professional advice and approval before you proceed
Run, don't walk. Lidl's middle aisle gardening event is live and we predict anyone with green fingers will be snapping up these deals
With the potential for outdoor living edging closer, stocking up on gardening tools is a must, so make sure you check out these latest supermarket offerings
Wondering how much a new kitchen costs? From budget to bespoke we outline your potential spend in 2026
Estimating how much a new kitchen costs isn't a simple equation, but understanding the ballpark figures can help. We explore the price ranges to work within
Blues, greens and unexpected pairings — we lift the lid on the 2026 paint trends and how to use them in your home
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
Basement ventilation — what's needed when converting the space below ground into a living or storage space?
Without appropriate ventilation, a basement is at risk of damp and mould. We explore your options for keeping it fresh, dry and habitable
Looking for ways to mount a TV? Here's our tried and tested favourites along with the practical advice you'll need to follow
If you don't want your TV taking up valuable floorspace, wall-mounting it is a popular choice. We explore the different options you can choose from
Looking for the best kitchen worktops? We explain how to select a suitable surface for your space
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
Keen to include ways to build an eco home in your project? Try these 9 expert-recommended methods
From insulation and structure through to energy and materials, we explore the best ways to build an eco home and how to decide which ones are right for you
I speak to kitchen experts all the time and these are the kitchen trends they say will bring the heat in 2026
Understanding the kitchen trends you have to choose from will help you find a design that works for you. Here's 12 that are are forward thinking, and functional
Blues and spa-like retreats: The bathroom trends in 2026 that everyone is talking about
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
Don't underestimate the importance of utility room heating say experts — and why being 'smart' about it could be the best approach
While it might seem a simple decision, choosing the right heating for your utility room is a little more complex than it first appears.
Don't choose your loft conversion cladding based purely on appearance, advise experts. Instead, take a bigger picture approach to ensure success
While aesthetics matter, with access, maintenance and structure all needing consideration, here's how you should be choosing your loft conversion cladding
