Latest articles by Sarah Harley
13 eco-friendly and stylish ideas to help you find ways to re-use brick in a garden
Whether you're keen on sustainability or are looking for innovative and beautiful ways to recycle materials, we've rounded up 13 ways to re-use brick in a garden
Think the garden wall height regulations UK are the same for all walls? They're not, in fact there's double the difference
The garden wall height regulations UK are different depending on where the wall is located, so it's vital you know which height applies where. Planning expert Simon Rix helps unravel the rules
17 conservatory lighting ideas that perfectly balance light and shade
Conservatory lighting ideas are still important even when you have an abundance of natural light. Here's 17 ideas to help illuminate your glazed extension
Air source heat pump costs — how much should you budget for one?
If you're looking at air source heat pump costs for your self build or renovation, here's everything you need to know about calculating how much to set aside
Kitchen renovation — 11 steps to a successful transformation
A kitchen renovation is a bit like following a recipe. A successful result means combining the perfect mix of ingredients and methodology in order to produce the best result. Here's how to get it right
What is the legal height of a hedge between neighbours? Plus, how to avoid any potential disputes
While it can be easy to assume you have legal backing when hedges are too high, it's not a simple case of getting out the tape measure to prove your point. Instead there are guidelines and a strict process to follow
4 garage conversion mistakes that can easily be avoided if you plan ahead
Converting a garage may seem like an easy option compared to extending your house, but garage conversion mistakes are still easy to make when you don't know what's involved
What is a French drain, do you need one and where should you put one?
Wondering exactly what is a French drain? We explain how this drainage system works and where it's best placed to help remove water from the ground
Bathroom renovation costs — how much to budget for a makeover
As well as calculating the costs of new items such as sinks and showers, budgeting for bathroom renovation costs involves thinking of the bigger picture. Here's what you need to consider
10 wrap around extension ideas that expand your home in more than one direction
Wrap around extension ideas are perfect if you're looking to expand your home and make the most of your space. We've collected ten options to suit homes of all styles and sizes
Can garden rooms with bathrooms be stylish and practical? Yes say the experts, and here's how
Worried a garden room with bathroom will involve a chemical loo and be lacking on the style front? Don't be, say the experts. Garden rooms with bathrooms can still be stylish too
How to choose an architect for your self build, extension or renovation
Finding the right architect is essential when you're hoping to turn your dream home into a reality. Here's our advice on how to find, and choose, the best one
Can you use a garden room as a bedroom? Yes, but not without considering these factors first
Eyeing up your garden room as a potential sleeping spot? Here's everything you need to know before you use your garden room as a bedroom
The best living room extension ideas should expand your space and improve your outdoor connection. We explore five that perfectly meet the brief
Looking for living room extension ideas? We take a deep dive into five inspirational projects to help get you started on your plans
Green belt planning loopholes — fact or fiction?
While building on green belt may seem impossible, armed with the right knowledge and expertise there are ways to get permission say the experts, and here's how
Avoid these five living room design mistakes say the experts, or risk having a living room that's simply not liveable
Living room design mistakes can quickly turn cosy and welcoming into cramped and unworkable. We explore the five main mistakes and offer expert advice on how to avoid them
44 modern staircase ideas to elevate your interior
Modern staircase ideas can transform a simple set of steps into an integral part of your interior design. Here's how to take your home to the next level
Should you remove or cover over Artex ceilings and why can they be a cause for concern?
Not sure how to tackle your Artex ceilings? Find out the best way to deal with this dated design decor
Can you use wallpaper in a kitchen? Yes say the experts and it's pretty easy to get it right, when you know how
Using wallpaper in a kitchen is a great way to transform your walls. But what's the best type and how you can make sure it stands up to the wear and tear of a busy kitchen?
Installing cavity wall insulation — an expert guide
Installing cavity wall insulation correctly will help you keep your home warm and avoid the expense that can result from getting it wrong. Here's what's involved
Why your pergola height matters — experts explain how just a few centimetres could turn it into a structure that needs planning permission
Although a pergola may not feel like a building, once it exceeds a certain height it no longer falls under permitted development regulations. Here's how to get your pergola height just right
26 conservatory ideas to add space and improve your outdoor connection
Choose your conservatory ideas well and you can turn your spare outdoor space into a comfortable, stylish and practical room you can use all-year-round
Kitchen wallpaper ideas will change the way you view your walls. Here's 14 ideas to whet your appetite
Kitchen wallpaper ideas are fast becoming a popular trend. We've curated a selection of prints, patterns and finishes to bring your walls to life
