Advice

Gas and electricity paper bills with pen, bulb, and calculator

Energy bills set to rise as price cap increases by 13% from July

By Joseph Mullane last updated

The Energy Price Cap rises 13% from July 2026, with average households paying £55 more over three months

Energy
black shingle covered sauna set in garden with seats outside

Garden saunas are the outdoor upgrade everyone wants – and experts say they’re more achievable than you might think

By Sarah Harley published

With the wellness trend showing no signs of abating, we explore the option of adding a garden sauna to your outdoor space

Garden
window with wooden beamed ceiling, patio doors with curtains, blind at window and celestory window behind bed

Could this window dressing secret be the ultimate trick for keeping your home cool in a heatwave?

By Sarah Harley published

Is using several layers of window coverings the trick to preventing overheating in your home? We explore the concept of window stacking

Windows & Doors
luxury cream tiled bathroom with freestanding bath and bespoke built sauna in corner of room with glass walls and wooden interior

Home saunas are the Nordic wellness trend we can't get enough of – but there’s lots to consider before installing one

By Sarah Harley published

From finding the right location to understanding maintenance and ventilation, this is what’s really involved when adding an indoor sauna to your self build, renovation or extension

Home Improvements
Moth on the bottom of a window pane

3 reasons moths keep appearing in your home (and how to get rid of them fast)

By Megan Milstead published

Sick of moths in your home? Experts reveal the common mistakes that could be luring them in – and the best way to banish them

Home Improvements
best trees for small gardens – Japanese flowering ornamental cherry

These trees are perfect for small gardens – they'll add colour and structure but won’t take over your space

By Fiona Cumberpatch published

Plants Introduce height, colour and year-round interest to a compact plot with these beautiful trees chosen for smaller outdoor spaces

Garden

Your Projects

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
Exterior of a house with wooden cladding and a patio in front with a table and chairs

'We wanted to reuse and recycle what we already had' – step inside this low-waste extension designed with the planet in mind

By Seán O'Connell published

The eco-conscious owners of a London terrace embarked on a zero-waste mission that exceeded all expectations

House Tours
Glass box extension in the back garden of a house

‘It feels connected to the outside’ – how a glass-box extension transformed this once 'claustrophobic' family home

By Seán O'Connell published

When David and Jenny Hewitt decided they wanted an extension with a difference, the choice was a clear one

House Tours

How To

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
close up of hand painting white paint onto skirting board

Want to add a lustrous new sheen to your old woodwork? Discover the steps for refreshing your old gloss paint

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Painting over gloss isn’t difficult, but it’s essential you get your prep right. Here we tell you how to get the best results

Paint
Gold shower head running water with blue rectangle tiles behind

I was sick of limescale on my shower head, but this simple hack fixed it fast

By Megan Milstead published

Limescale can be tricky to remove, but I’ve just found the easiest way to get rid of it on a shower head – and you probably already have it in your kitchen cupboard

Bathroom
New grey mortar being fed into joints between red bricks with gun

Want to stop crumbling mortar ruining your home? Follow this expert step-by-step guide on repointing brickwork

By Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated

Repointing brickwork is an essential job if you want your home to weather the elements and still look good. Here’s how to do it properly

Structure
Redhead woman placing laundry from basket into dark washing machine in contemporary kitchen with wooden floor

Have you ever tried cleaning your washing machine filter? Water usually gets everywhere — but not with these cheap and simple tricks

By Steve Jenkins published

When your washing machine won't drain, it's time to clean its filter. We show how to, all while making as little mess as possible

Utility
Japanese knotweed growing in a garden

Experts reveal the only way to go about Japanese knotweed removal if you find it in your garden

By Joseph Mullane, Nic Seal last updated

Japanese knotweed removal is essential as it can bring your build or renovation plans to a grinding halt. Here, we explain the damage this plant can do and how to get rid of it

Garden

Ideas

Modern kitchens might look sleek, sophisticated and up-to-the-minute, but can they ever feel truly homely?

By Natasha Brinsmead published

Can contemporary kitchens still be cosy? Experts say yes and share 12 ways to inject a warmer feel into a more modern space

Kitchen

Stop playing it safe with colour in small bathrooms say design experts. Instead, add some 'visual oomph' for a better result

By Natasha Brinsmead published

Small bathrooms needn't shy away from bolder shades when choosing a colour palette, as these 15 bright and beautiful ideas prove

Bathroom

12 small orangery extension ideas that prove brilliant design isn't always about square footage

By Gabriella Dyson published

Think your home is too small for an orangery extension? These creative ideas show just how much is possible, even in a limited footprint

Conservatory
white kitchen with wooden detailing, kitchen island with bar stools, wine cabinet and herringbone wooden flooring

6 chef-approved kitchen design rules that will elevate a normal domestic kitchen into the professional realm

By Sarah Harley published

If you love to cook, introducing these key features into your kitchen design could give you a space that's functional, practical and still seriously stylish

Kitchen

Buying Guides

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
Three of the best smart hubs on a wooden cabinet, with another on the wall, and a sofa and plants in the background

I've researched and tested the best smart hubs to simplify your home automation – these are my top 6 recommendations

By Megan Milstead published

Looking for the best smart home hub? Here are the top-rated buys we recommend you invest in after testing and comparing reviews

Home Improvements
Best smart thermostats lined up on a window sill above a radiator

The 6 best smart thermostats to cut energy bills and control heating remotely

By Megan Milstead published

We’ve found the best smart thermostats to help heat your home efficiently and lower your energy bills

Energy
Silver range cooker in modern kitchen with marble splashback and wooden cabinets

The 6 best range cookers — how to choose the right model for your kitchen

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Want the best range cooker for your new kitchen? Look no further as we round up the top models out there

Cooker
The best kitchen cabinet paints on a worktop with paint colour chart and roller brush

The 6 best kitchen cabinet paints to refresh tired cupboard doors

By Steve Jenkins last updated

The best kitchen cabinet paints can be an inexpensive and easy way to revitalise your cupboards – browse these editor-approved options

Paint