Advice

drip irrigation system watering white flowers with yellow centres in a garden bed

From heatwaves to holiday getaways – how drip irrigation can make light work of watering your plants

By Camilla Phelps published

Take the guesswork out of watering with a drip irrigation system that will protect flowerbeds, vegetable patches and containers from the heat during the summer months

Garden
Two pillows with white zip-up pillow protectors on a bed

I never knew dust mites could be lurking in my pillows – I tested these £10 protectors to help

By Megan Milstead published

Worried about dust mites? These budget-friendly Amazon pillow protectors are an easy bedroom fix

Bedroom
lavender hedge growing either side of a rustic garden path in a cottage-style garden

A lavender hedge is the easy way to add colour, scent and structure to your garden in one go – here's how to plant one

By Fiona Cumberpatch published

Colourful and easy to care for, a lavender hedge can transform boundaries, soften hard landscaping and fill your garden with stunning scent all summer long

Garden

Is your home office making you ill? The warning signs experts say you shouldn't ignore

By Gabriella Dyson published

Tired, achy, and unfocused? Your home office setup could be more to blame than your workload

Rooms

French doors have had a glow-up — 6 reasons why they should be back on your home reno radar

By Natasha Brinsmead published

Move over sliding and bifold patio doors, French doors which seemed to take a back seat for a while, are well and truly back in vogue

Windows & Doors

Installing an outdoor shower can elevate your garden design – but might involve more work than you first think

By Gabriella Dyson published

From materials to maintenance, experts explain how adding an outdoor shower requires a little more than just connecting it to a water supply

Outdoors

Your Projects

Exterior of the house with a poll in the left bottom corner of the photo

Step inside this Arts and Crafts-style self-build that 'looks like it’s been here since 1902'

By Rebecca Foster published

For Anna and David Cross, one of the biggest decisions of their homebuilding project was deciding on a style – but help was at hand

House Tours
Exterior of house with lawn in front of it

‘We love the light and views we get to enjoy through all the glazing’ – explore this barn-style self-build in the heart of Kent's countryside

By Alexandra Pratt published

Adrian and Amy Mole employed architectural innovation, sustainable construction and a personal touch to create a home with the triple effect

House Tours
Inside the kitchen with windows overlooking the garden

Boasting immersive garden views and ‘flexible, connected’ living, this extended home is ideal for family life

By Seán O'Connell published

When a London couple took on a house of multiple occupancy, their priority was turning it back into a stylish home fit for a family of five

House Tours
Exterior of a chapel on a street

'I couldn’t have chosen anything more complicated' – step inside this converted Victorian chapel, now a contemporary home

By Alexandra Pratt published

Tim Brown rescued a decaying city centre chapel and transformed it into an exceptional modern home packed with unique features

House Tours
Exterior of a cream house with green window frames, with an extension on either side and a patio and lawn in front

This 'ugly duckling' home got a modern makeover with two timber-clad side extensions

By Cheryl Galsworthy published

Blending modern style with Arts and Crafts charm, this renovated period home proves what’s possible with the right vision

House Tours
Exterior view of a cladded house with a pergola on the patio in the garden and solar panels on the roof

'Our home generates more energy than it uses' – step inside this ultra-efficient self-build

By Seán O'Connell published

Explore a modern self-build where sustainability meets smart design, all while carefully integrating into its verdant setting

House Tours

How To

Brass plug socket set against light textured wallpaper with brass candles on book on shelf with red trim

Avoid mistakes and having to start again with our expert guide to wallpapering around sockets

By Steve Jenkins published

Getting neat edges when cutting wallpaper around sockets requires the right tools and tricks. We explain how to get a professional-looking result

Walls & Ceilings
Light wood effect vinyl planks in a white kitchen with contemporary tall stools and a rug in shot

How I pulled up my old vinyl kitchen floor planks and replaced them, plus the secret weapons I use to ensure a professional result

By Steve Jenkins published

Replacing your old flooring with new self-adhesive vinyl planks is a quick, cost-effective and DIY-friendly update. Find out how to do it and the tools you'll need

Flooring

Want to know the best way to paint over textured wallpaper? Experts reveal simple tricks for a flawless finish every time

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Follow our quick and easy, step-by-step guide for painting over all types of textured wallpaper

Paint

Don't miss this fundamental step if you want to avoid a DIY disaster when wallpapering over new plaster

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Not prepping new plaster before wallpapering will almost always lead to problems. Find out what you need to do for a smart, smooth finish

DIY

I colour drenched my spare room and love it. Follow my step-by-step guide to achieve a similar look

By Pete Wise published

Make your room a monochrome marvel by using this simple DIY guide, boosted by advice from paint and paintbrush experts

Paint
Mini foam roller and tray with white paint resting on cardboard with a half-painted plywood shelf next to it

What's the best technique for painting plywood? Experts reveal the tricks of the trade for getting the perfect result

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Painting plywood needs to be done in the right way. Experts reveal the correct prep and paint techniques for a top-class finish

Paint

Ideas

green media wall with panelling behind it

Stylish and practical, we've found the best media wall ideas for a modern entertainment space

By Amy Reeves last updated

The days of messy wires and bulky cabinets are behind you – these media wall ideas provide a sleek storage setup for your TV and other devices

Living Room
large open plan kitchen with green kitchen island and seating area

Looking for a kitchen that can handle family life? These designer-approved spaces show exactly how it's done

By Natasha Brinsmead published

Discover the smart design choices that help hardworking family kitchens stay organised, welcoming and chic

Kitchen

Garden screening doesn't have to mean a tall fence – these 17 ideas offer a more stylish way to create privacy

By Rob Keal last updated

Our garden screening ideas are perfect for concealing parts of your plot, providing shelter and keeping out prying eyes

Garden
Timber fence surrounding a modern decked area with a hot tub, outdoor sofa and two garden loungers

10 privacy upgrades to make an ordinary hot tub feel like a boutique spa

By Holly Crossley published

From contemporary screening to lush planting schemes, these designer-approved solutions bring privacy and style to any hot tub area

Hot Tub & Pool

Buying Guides

Hand spraying a fence in white

We've found the 6 best paint sprayers that will give you a smooth, even finish every time

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Want a professional-quality finish at a fraction of the cost? You'll want to get your hands on one of the best paint sprayers

Paint
Five of the best window vacs lined up on a wooden window sill with a window behind facing a garden

Goodbye condensation and grimy glass! We've tested the 5 best window vacs for banishing moisture and keeping windows crystal clear

By Megan Milstead last updated

Whether you're battling condensation, cleaning shower screens or freshening up windows, these are the five window vacs that impressed us most in our hands-on tests

Windows & Doors
Three of the best vacuum cleaners for builders dust on a dust sheet with a half painted wall in the background

The 6 best vacuum cleaners to get rid of builder's dust – say goodbye to dirt and debris with our trusted favourites

By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated

Our pick of the best vacuum cleaners for builder's dust will keep your space free of debris during a house renovation or DIY project

Tools
Bathroom with white freestanding bathtub with beige and white tiles behind it on the lower half of wall and white panels above it

Looking for the best bathroom extractor fan? We've found 6 top options to keep damp, condensation and steam at bay

By Jack Woodfield last updated

These top-rated extractor fans will keep your bathroom fresh, dry and free from unwanted odours

Ventilation
Three of the best pressure washers on a patio in a garden

6 tried-and-tested pressure washers that make outdoor cleaning a breeze

By Jack Woodfield, Megan Milstead last updated

Say goodbye to grime with the best pressure washers and easily blast away dirt from your patio or driveway

Windows & Doors
Netatmo Smart Alarm System

The 6 best home security systems of 2026 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

Home Improvements