Grand Designs returns to Graven Hill for second series

Graven Hill, the country’s largest self-build and custom-build site, returned to our screens across the UK last Wednesday (13 April) at 9.00pm. Appearing in the second series of Channel 4’s Grand Designs: The Streets, Graven Hill welcomed back presenter Kevin... View Article

Smart lighting choices to reduce energy bills

As a result of the lifting of the energy price cap on 1st April, energy prices have soared and with a further increase due in the Autumn, not to mention the impact of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, it... View Article

The right rainwater system

With a varied choice of rainwater systems on the market, there should be no problem in finding the perfect product for your self-build project, says Sally Moores from Yeoman Aesthetics, though important, should not be the only thing that is... View Article

A grand affair

Selfbuilder + Homemaker have teamed up with Grand Designs Live to offer our readers 2 for 1 tickets to this year’s event, which is taking place at ExCel in London from 30 April to 8 May This year’s Grand Designs... View Article

What makes a good paving surface?

If you’re thinking of upgrading an existing paving surface or simply designing a new hard landscape area, how do you know which is the right one? Alasdair McMillan from Sureset looks at the options available Before deciding on your paving... View Article

Insulating a better future

Quentin Bassieux of Huntsman Building Solutions explains why minimising air leakage must go hand in hand with better insulation Better insulation of domestic households is seen as one of the most important ways of reducing carbon emissions and slowing the... View Article

Brave new home

After an almost traumatic experience with her first self-build, Poppy Robinson bravely decided to take on another, conquering her fears to produce a bright and eco-friendly forever home TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES NICK AUSTWICK PHOTOGRAPHY & ORIGIN On the Lincolnshire... View Article

The art of restoration

A historic 100-year old house designed by a St Ives artist has become a decade-long labour of love for the owners to save it from demolition TEXT & IMAGES EWEN MACDONALD It is a sad truth that it is often... View Article

A meeting of minds

Bob and Carrie Forsyth had very different ideas about their ‘forever’ home until they set eyes on a dated 1950s ‘fixer-upper’ near Leeds, and decided to compromise, including with the planning department TEXT HEATHER DIXON IMAGES BEVAN COCKERILL Bob Forsyth... View Article

Jane of all trades

As an architect, Jane Burnside has created many stunning contemporary homes. However, also taking on the role of project manager and interior designer – and even cook – on her own self-build on the Isle of Mull required a whole... View Article

The next step in your project

Richard Harding from British Spirals and Castings discusses the different regulations you need to consider when choosing a staircase for your project Staircases can be a home’s key feature, helping to communicate the style and feel of your property. For... View Article

Bathrooms with longevity

Like most of the building industry, the bathroom sector has changed over the last two years. James Sketch from Keuco explains what people are now focussing on when it comes to planning and designing their bathroom The combination of Brexit... View Article

Exterior Inspiration: Gardens

The exterior of your home is arguably just as important as the interior; the design needs to relate to the building as well as the wider landscape. Here we round up some of the latest outdoor products to influence your... View Article

Saving for retirement

Outbuildings on the site of a historic farmhouse in rural Hampshire have been cleverly transformed into a ‘later living’ home, by an owner who was keen to downsize, in a project that triumphed over Covid TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES ALAN... View Article

Home Styling: Versatile underfoot

Choosing tiled flooring can have major design benefits, but there are decisions to get right. Here Jo Oliver of Stone & Ceramic Warehouse provides the robust case for porcelain Flooring serves as the foundation for your interior design and can... View Article

Ask the Expert: Growing green aspirations

For growing numbers of self-builders, green roofs are the right choice for topping off a home. But what are the key practicalies that you need to consider – and are they suitable for all projects? Julian Thurbin of Wallbarn has... View Article

Expert tips to get the industrial bedroom look for less

Industrial interior design comes from the city. Old factories, converted warehouse lofts – think rustic wood and iron in an exposed space with open brickwork, beams and piping. Common in kitchen and living room design for some time, it’s looking... View Article