To the Manar born

France’s loss was Scotland’s gain when a couple decided to abandon ideas to renovate a French chateau and took on Manar House in Inverurie instead TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Elliot Roberts Christina and Dean Horspool have always had big ideas,... View Article

Integrating aesthetics and sustainability

Dan Redfern of Marley predicts that integrating renewable technology on the roof will a key solution for self-builders seeking the balance between sustainable yet still aesthetically pleasing homes Of the 200,000 new homes being built in the UK, around 10%... View Article

A calculated risk

Despite the risks associated with buying a dated bungalow in the South Downs National Park over 200 miles away from his home, Philip Westcott was prepared to take the chance thanks to the advice of his building-savvy son TEXT Jayne... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Completing a full home renovation a few years ago gave Wayne and Kandi the urge to take on a bigger project, but spending three years and counting living in two caravans with their four children and dog hasn’t been plain... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Living Rooms

Being the space where most of us head to at the end of a busy day, the living room is one of the key spaces where you’re going to relax and enjoy the home you’ve created. Find inspiration for how... View Article

A fusion of function & art

Far more than a functional necessity, Best Heating’s John Lawless explores how ‘designer’ radiators can allow you to combine creativity with common-sense heating functionality Home is where the heart is, and every element within it should resonate with a homeowner’s... View Article

What is happening with the Future Homes Standard 2025?

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at aluminium windows and doors specialist, Origin, discusses how the Future Homes Standard legislation could impact housebuilding and offers her advice to self-builders and renovators The UK is placing more onus on ‘green building’ than ever before.... View Article

Limitless possibilities

Here, Paul Higgins of TuffX explores the key reasons for self-builders to specify bi-fold doors, from slimline sightlines to revolutionary heated solutions. Bi-fold external doors offer the ideal balance of practicality, aesthetics, and functionality, whether used to create unobstructed garden... View Article

Let’s go outside

Ronan O’Dowd from AG Outside Rooms shares his top tips for maximising your outside space and unlocking the potential of your garden, from tranquil sanctuaries to vibrant entertainment areas There was once a time when gardens across the nation sat... View Article

A dramatic rescue

A cottage in the Cornish village which hosted Poldark saw its own share of drama when it was rescued from the point of collapse by Mark Semmens TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES CORNISH GEMS In 2018, a tiny cottage in a... View Article

Beat the heat

Jason Bennett of Zehnder Group UK discusses ways to address the risk of overheating in homes, as summer temperatures begin to rise The way we build our homes has changed. Allowing more natural light to enter the home – along... View Article

Ascending to
greatness

Young couple Lianne and James took the design of their home into their own hands, despite a challenging steep plot in Neath, South Wales, and managed to take full advantage of their surroundings while offering a residence that worked well... View Article

Why door and window colour matters

Victoria Brocklesby of Origin discusses the impact of colour when choosing doors and windows, and its importance in design decisions For self-builders and renovators, the decisions are endless: layouts, materials, and of course, aesthetics. One element that can be overlooked,... View Article

Top 10 tips to reduce your self-build cost

Quantity Surveyor Tim Phillips of www.quantiv.uk and an expert at the Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show shares his tips for procuring materials cost-effectively and making strong savings to reduce your self-build costs. Research suppliers of all your materials thoroughly and obtain... View Article

How to create a light-filled home

Whether it is a renovation, an extension or a complete new-build, creating a finished home filled with natural light starts with the design. Edward Stobart of IDSystems explains more We know that bright, light-filled spaces within a home are appealing... View Article

A long time coming

For Paula and David Matthews, creating their dream home began back in the late 90s when they first bought their house, completing decades of good (and not-so-good) alterations before finally unlocking its full potential TEXT HEATHER DIXON IMAGES PAULA &... View Article

Ask the expert – The art of colour selection

Choosing the right paint colours for different rooms is more than just a matter of aesthetics – it’s about understanding how colours interact with light, influence mood, and create a sense of continuity. Dulux Heritage’s Dawn Scott paints in some... View Article

Safety first: glazing and framing options for rooflights

When choosing rooflights for your project, cost and aesthetics are likely the priority over glass or frame technology. However, the choice of glass type and frame design, can have significant safety implications. Here, Tony Isaac from Brett Martin sheds light... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens/dining rooms

Arguably one of the biggest purchases of your project, choosing the right kitchen/dining area is paramount. Explore our collection of dining tables, kitchens, and accessories and find inspiration for the heart of your home   1. The Dalani Dining Table... View Article