Advice

hand placing empty plastic water bottles into tub

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

By Sarah Harley published

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?

Kitchen

Orangery vs extension — 'both can add appeal if they are well designed and properly integrated,' say the experts, but which to choose?

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Finding it hard to decide between these two types of glazed addition? We set out their pros and cons to help

Conservatory
plumber removing front cover of boiler

The 7 signs your boiler is about to break down — experts reveal how to stop issues before they ever happen

By Natasha Brinsmead published

The most common signs that point to an imminent boiler breakdown

Heating

When was my house built? Accurately dating your house could be more important than you think

By Natasha Brinsmead published

We reveal the six best ways to find out when your house was built once and for all

Renovation
tins of paint open on surface covered with paint splashes and a piece of paper with sketch of painted side table

I thought choosing paint colours was simple – until I learned these 5 rules the hard way

By Sarah Harley published

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

Home Improvements
extended and renovated house with a large garden with lawned area and a patio with outdoor sofas

6 reasons your lawn looks patchy – plus the easy fixes that actually work

By Sarah Wilson published

Yellow spots, bare patches or thinning grass? Lawn experts reveal the most common causes of patchy lawns and the simple fixes that can bring your grass back to life

Garden

Your Projects

Loft conversion with views over London skyline

'We turned the top of our Victorian terrace into a Manhattan-inspired loft – the views across London are amazing'

By Jennifer Grimble published

Perched above a locally listed Victorian terrace, this ambitious loft conversion was inspired by classic New York architecture and overlooks central London

House Tours
kitchen pod space with ply walls and burgundy painted walls

'A LEGO model inspired my home's new layout' – inside an extended London terrace transformed with playful design features

By Jennifer Grimble published

A kitchen pod and clever sliding screens were just some of the ingenious techniques used by Graeme Bulcraig to turn his tired 1960s end-of-terrace into a flexible family home

House Tours
Exterior of the house

From neglected outbuilding to rural masterpiece – take a tour of this barn-style self-build with panoramic countryside views

By Seán O'Connell published

Annicka Locket and James Terry reimagined a derelict building with an inventive upside-down layout, creating a modern barn-inspired home that frames rural views from its light-filled upper floor

House Tours
Exterior of the back of the house with green window trims and red pipe details

Step inside this colourful extended home that 'connects with its natural surroundings'

By Jennifer Grimble published

When writers Aurelie and Daniel Chambers decided to renovate their Victorian terrace house in London, they wanted every aspect to cater to both them and their two cats

House Tours
Rear of the property showing the kitchen extension from the garden patio

‘What this home lacks in width, it makes up for in height' – step inside this ultra-modern home measuring just 3m wide

By Jennifer Grimble published

At less than three metres wide, this former shipbuilder’s cottage has been reborn as a beautiful, efficient retreat brimming with character and clever design features

House Tours
Inside the kitchen of a barn conversion

'It's the perfect place for us to relax' – inside a charming Cotswolds barn conversion where original features still shine

By Debbie Jeffery published

A Grade II-listed farm building in the Cotswolds has been transformed into a compact, characterful home that blends history with contemporary craft

House Tours

How To

Person painting a white mist coat with a 9 inch roller onto bare plaster

If you don't add a mist coat before painting new plaster, you’ll regret it. Here’s what you need to know

By Steve Jenkins last updated

When painting new plaster you need to seal it before you can add a top coat. Here we reveal the ideal mist coat ratio and how to apply for the perfect finish

Paint
Brown MDF furniture against a brown wall with lime green painted top and tools in the foreground

Want to know how to paint MDF properly? This expert guide has the answers you need

By Steve Jenkins last updated

If you need to know how to paint MDF, we've got you covered. Follow this step-by-step guide for a perfect finish

Paint
Two rats

5 ways to keep pests out of your insulation (and what causes them in the first place)

By Megan Milstead published

Pests are bad news for your home's insulation. Here's how to keep them out, according to pest control experts

Insulation
Wall of glossy blue tiles in standard brick bond pattern with door, plant and white column radiator in front

Do you know how many tiles you'll need for your next project? Follow these pro tips to make sure you don't buy too little or too many

By Steve Jenkins last updated

How many tiles do I need is the first question asked when taking on a new tiling project. Here we reveal some simple tips to make sure you buy what you need

DIY
Man spreading tile adhesive with a bucket trowel onto the back of a tile trowel with a bucket of adhesive and bucket of water in foreground

Knowing how long tile adhesive takes to dry is crucial to project success. Here you'll find out what affects drying times and how to speed them up

By Steve Jenkins last updated

How long does tile adhesive take to dry is a straightforward question with a less simple answer. Here we look at the factors that determine drying times

DIY
Moss on driveway with a brush on top of it

Prevent summer moss by treating it now. Experts share their top tips for a fuzz-free driveway and patio

By Megan Milstead published

Discover the easiest way to kill and remove moss from your driveway and patio – and ensure it doesn't return

Driveways

Ideas

large yellow modern door with aluminum long handle viewed from inside hallway with white walls and tiled floor

Turn your entrance into the talk of the town, with 12 front door ideas that deliver style and substance

By Sarah Harley last updated

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

Windows & Doors
Coastal living room idea with sandy coloured items

I thought coastal living rooms were cliché – until I saw these 12 fresh takes

By Megan Milstead published

From subtle seaside colours to modern textures, interior designers share the easiest ways to bring a relaxed coastal feel into your living room

Living Room
Living room with tiled alcove and pink and mint green colour

These 12 genius alcove ideas made me realise my living room's hidden potential

By Megan Milstead published

From a cosy reading nook to a multifunctional workspace, here are my favourite living room alcove ideas to enhance this often-neglected space

Living Room
A stylish open-plan bedroom divided by a black metal-framed glass partition. On one side sits a cosy living area with dark armchairs and soft cushions. On the other, a bed with mustard and striped pillows rests against a rustic wood-panelled wall, beneath woven pendant lights.

These bedroom divider ideas are perfect for 'zoning' your sleep space — and there isn't a solid wall in sight

By Gabriella Dyson published

Discover how to turn one bedroom into beautifully defined zones, no construction necessary

Bedroom

Buying Guides

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
Grey gloved hand removing dried leaves from metal gutter

Try these 6 essential gutter cleaning products to help keep your guttering leaf and debris-free

By Michelle Guy last updated

Looking for the best gutter cleaning products to sort your gutters DIY-style? We’ve made it easier to choose with a selection of 5 top tools in our round-up

Home Improvements
Three of the best dehumidifiers in a living room

The 8 best dehumidifiers – combat condensation and mould, plus dry laundry quickly with our tried-and-tested favourites

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

We've tested the best dehumidifiers from Meaco, De'Longhi and more to help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills

Dehumidifier