Advice

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
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
row of stone terraced town houses with for sale sign outside

Having the right documents to sell a house isn't just a necessity – it can also secure you a better deal. Experts explain the key pieces of paperwork you'll need

By Natasha Brinsmead published

If your house is up for sale or about to go on the market, make sure you follow our handy paperwork checklist to ensure you have everything you need to hand

Home Improvements
traditional oak frame house surrounded by a large patio and lawn area

Want better odds of planning approval? Don't forget these essential documents when submitting your application, says planning expert

By Simon Rix published

Our planning consultant expert explains why Planning and Supporting Statements are often the difference between rejection and approval for self-build, renovation and extension projects

Planning
large bedroom with black gloss floor, large upholstered bed, black window reveals, gold metallic furniture

'Think of black like a sophisticated eyeliner that defines the space' – tips on using this bold colour like an interior designer

By Sarah Harley published

If you're feeling bold enough to brave black in your interior design scheme, make sure you follow this expert advice before you begin

Rooms

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

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
Chrome Qettle single column tap in kitchen adding water to plastic jug

What is the minimum water pressure you should have in a house? Plus, how to increase it

By Steve Jenkins published

A lack of water pressure in the home is annoying and needs to be sorted out. Experts reveal how to test, resolve the issue and when its time to call in your water company

Utility
Person holding orange and black Black & Decker drill drilling into red brick wall

You need to get drilling into brick right. Follow this guide for all you need to know

By Luke Arthur Wells last updated

Drilling into brick is a key DIY skill, needed for all kinds of home improvement projects. Here’s everything you need to know but were too afraid to ask

DIY
Ants crawling by the bottom of a glass on a white surface

5 expert-approved ways to get rid of ants (and keep them out for good)

By Megan Milstead published

Sick of ants overrunning your kitchen? Here's how to banish them and stop them from coming back, according to three pest control experts

Kitchen

Ideas

cosy family living room with grey sofa and built-in shelving with ladder

‘Your family living room shouldn’t look like a playroom’ – interior designers share 15 chic ideas for a more elevated space

By Natasha Brinsmead published

From clever storage to durable yet elegant furniture, these expert-approved ideas prove family living rooms can still feel sophisticated

Living Room
Garden area with sofa, olive trees, rattan lights and wooden decking under a cover

12 budget small garden ideas that make spaces feel bigger and more stylish – without a hefty price tag

By Teresa Conway last updated

From upcycled furniture to clever space-enhancing tricks, there are plenty of ways to transform a small garden without spending a fortune

Garden
kitchen with one set of cupboards open housing glasses and bar items with large kitchen island with seats in centre of room

Move over kitchen pantry – a bantry is the new feature I want in my kitchen

By Sarah Harley published

From hidden cocktail stations to beautifully organised cabinetry, these bantry ideas show why this hybrid kitchen solution is taking off fast

Kitchen
herbs being planted in raised bed garden

17 herb garden ideas to add a charming culinary feature to your outdoor space

By Sarah Wilson published

Ideas Take your pick from these herb garden ideas and you'll always have a fragrant collection of cooking delights to choose from

Garden

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