Advice

I'm considering installing air conditioning in my home so asked experts 'is it really worth it in the UK?' Find out why their answers surprised me

By Natasha Brinsmead published

We asked the experts whether air conditioning is a worthwhile investment for UK homeowners, and if so, what are the best choices you can make

Air Conditioning
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
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
Pigeons on roof with blue sky in the background

Could pigeon poo derail your renovation? Expert reveals the hidden risks to your home and health

By Megan Milstead published

Pigeon droppings may seem cosmetic, but experts warn they can cause issues with roofing and create serious hygiene risks. Learn the safest way to clean them up before renovation work begins

Renovation
caring for hydrangeas in pots

Growing hydrangeas in pots is easier than you think – here's how to keep them thriving

By Holly Crossley published

From watering to positioning, these easy container-growing tips will help you enjoy beautiful hydrangea blooms all season long

Garden
window condensation

Never let your home exceed this humidity level – or risk mould, damp and property damage

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Maintaining normal humidity levels is more important than you might think for your home and health. Here’s what to aim for, according to experts

Air Quality

Your Projects

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
Exterior of a green house with a lawn in front of it and part of a tree in the left hand corner

Step inside this unique copper-clad eco home that's 'shaped like origami'

By Seán O'Connell published

A commitment to the environment led an Oxfordshire couple to design and build an eco-friendly house that stands out for all the right reasons

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

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
House with a gravel driveway and lamp to the left

A beautiful entrance needn't cost a fortune – and these 10 gravel driveway ideas prove it

By Amy Reeves last updated

From accessible paths to clever lighting tricks, discover how to make your gravel driveway shine with expert tips and design inspiration

Driveways

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