Latest articles by Sarah Harley
10 successful home office lighting ideas that promote productivity without making your style redundant
If choosing your home office lighting ideas feels too much like hard work, we've rounded up the best styles, methods and products guaranteed to get the job done
Could sage green kitchen cabinets be the new neutral? Here's why it's the timeless shade that works in every home
Soft, warm and welcoming, the popularity of sage green kitchen cabinets is a timeless and adaptable shade, and here's why experts say it's here to stay
Seeking style, safety and security for your garden boundary? We line up the different fence types available and explore their pros and cons
If you're looking to enclose your garden or break it into different zones, choosing the right fence type is the key to success. We take a look at the most popular options
10 small bedroom lighting ideas that illuminate without overpowering
Small bedroom lighting ideas need to get the balance between too much light, and too little light, just right. Here's 10 ways to get it spot on
Falling foul of this tree law could cost you £5,000. Find out what it protects and how to avoid penalties
Your trees are subject to more than TPOs. We explore the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the creatures its designed to protect
Stud or solid? Why choosing the right internal wall structure is essential for a stable home
Internal walls are constructed using either a stud or solid construction method. Find out the difference and how to discover which one you need, or already have
I've renovated countless houses and although some experts say blue is tricky to use in interiors, here's how I'd use the Dulux Colours of the Year 2026
A trio of blue shades has been announced as the Dulux Colours of the Year 2026, but how can you make a colour that's often deemed cold work in your home decoration ideas?
Considering flat roof extensions? Here's how to ensure they are sound, stable and fit for purpose
If your extension calls for a flat roof, you will likely find its construction needs more attention than you first think. Chartered surveyor, Ian Rock explains how to get the best results
Forget the 'official' date for switching on your heating – this is when you actually need to turn it on
Wondering how much longer you can delay turning the heating on? We asked the experts when is it time for more than just an extra layer of clothing?
'Modern lighting ideas don't just mean minimalist or futuristic; it’s about striking a balance between form and function' – discover 13 ways to get it right
The best modern lighting ideas don't just rely on tech. They combine style and substance in equal measures to make your home shine throughout
18 hallway lighting ideas that will transform the most humble of hallways into an entrancing entrance
Great hallway lighting ideas are essential. As well as ensuring the space is practical, they also need to be warm, welcoming and occasionally make you go wow
If you don't have this product in your DIY kit you're missing out. We explain what sugar soap is and why it's a must-have
Keen to clean dirt and grime from your walls without too much elbow grease? Why understanding what is sugar soap will be the best thing you read today
Can my neighbour complain about me putting in a heat pump? Yes, but here's how to avoid it say the experts
Worried your neighbours might be able to put a stop to your heat pump plans? We explore why they can complain, and the measures you can take to prevent problems
Don't trip up by making these 12 common flooring mistakes in your home
Flooring mistakes can cause a variety of problems, and impact the aesthetic and monetary value of your home. We explore the 12 most common and how to avoid them
Is insulating a conservatory roof a good idea? We weigh up the pros and cons and warn when it's not always the right choice
Insulating a conservatory roof might seem like an energy-efficient choice, but is it always the best one? We explore the different methods and which is best
15 kitchen island lighting ideas that dish up the perfect combination of wow and workable
We've rounded up kitchen island lighting ideas that don't just make your workspace functional, but keep your eating or entertaining spot warm and welcoming
Worried about ground source heat pump problems? We list the most common ones and how to find out what's causing them
Getting to the bottom of any ground source heat problems isn't always as difficult as it appears. We explore the most common issues and the likely causes
What it's like to live with a biomass boiler — the regular tasks and reality of using biomass to heat your home
I installed and used a biomass boiler for around five years, and learning how to manage it was a fairly steep learning curve. Here's what I discovered about living with biomass
A Velux loft conversion is one of the easiest ways of extending upwards, but is it the right option for your home?
If you're looking of ways to add a bedroom or home office, a Velux loft conversion can be a great solution. But what's involved? We explain in our expert guide
Knocking down internal walls — how to safely demolish load-bearing and non-load bearing walls
Removing internal walls to create light-filled rooms is a popular trick amongst home renovators, but can be risky if you don't know how. Follow our expert guide to success
Do you know how to tell if a wall is load-bearing? Avoid demolition disasters by making sure you do
The most important thing you need to establish before removing a wall is if it's load-bearing. Make sure follow this expert advice before you start any work
17 small porch ideas that prove even small proportions can still pack a design punch
Small porch ideas can still provide protection from the weather and add a stylish punctuation to your entrance. We've rounded up 17 ideas to help you pick yours
Why understanding conservatory planning permission is essential to avoid falling foul of the rules
Expert planning consultant, Simon Rix explains when the need for conservatory planning permission kicks in, and how to make sure your new structure is legal and above board
