Selfbuilder Diaries

Jo and Andrew’s dream New England-style home on the Dorset coast is finally taking shape after years of planning woes, and their original builder dropping out a week before demolition began! Jo takes up the story… When we purchased our... View Article

Design your very own ‘Wonderwall’

Interior designer Judith Harrop describes how with careful design, you can make a media wall for all your home entertainment needs that’s an integral part of your interior design, and provides the right balance of aesthetics and function The term... View Article

Wetland wonder

Simon Roberts and Sarah Bruml managed to achieve their innovative, sustainable and flood-resilient cabin on a highly sensitive site next to a tidal creek and natural wetland in Southwold, thanks to a bedded-in design TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES DAVID VALINSKY Serendipity... View Article

The Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2024 open for entries

Entries are now invited for The Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2024, which, for the first time, is partnering with The Times and The Sunday Times, and includes TV personalities Laura Jane Clarke and Sian Astley among its line-up of expert judges. Exceptional... View Article

The Festival of Sustainable Homes

The ‘Festival of Sustainable Homes’ is a brand new event produced by the team at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. The two-day festival will avoid ‘greenwash’ and offer genuine inspiration for anyone interested in creating well-designed, healthy homes,... View Article

Home Styling: Feels like home

More homeowners are exploring the possibilities of texture in the kitchen, in search of a more inviting and cosy ambience for the ‘heart’ of your build. Molly Chandler from Willis & Stone offers guidance on how to achieve a homely... View Article

Take design up a level

Staircases are fundamental to the flow and functionality of a home. Richard Harding of British Spirals & Castings discusses what to consider when choosing a design for your property Staircases are situated at the heart of many homes, and are... View Article

Heidi’s Haven

Building a home tailored for a child with complex medical needs, required innovative design and careful planning by Sarah and Steve Land and their architect, resulting in a space both functional and inviting TEXT Jayne Dowle IMAGES Transform Architects When... View Article

Redefining eco-friendly living with smart home systems

Paul Foulkes of Theben explores the innovative functions of smart home systems that enable UK self-builders and renovators to create sustainable, resource-conscious homes without compromising modern lifestyles In a time marked by growing environmental awareness, self-builders and renovators in the... View Article

In the relaxation zone

Johanna Elvidge of Marshalls explains how a zoning approach can help organise your outdoor spaces for relaxed ‘quiet luxury,’ and how different landscaping materials can help achieve your vision Most often used as a term to describe the internal layout... View Article

Remote working, rural living

In a bid to escape city life post-pandemic, Una and Laura embarked on a journey to create their dream home as well as workspace in rural Ireland, filled with innovative features and design solutions TEXT Tom Boddy IMAGES Una &... View Article

How to add value to your home this spring

Wondering how to elevate your home this season? Here are some tips and tricks from simple refurbishments to adding key furniture pieces. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your living space, there are many ways to unlock the full... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Lighting

Going well beyond just getting the right practical illumination levels, lighting sets the mood, and impacts wellbeing. Explore our hand-picked collection of options and light up your life 1. Artisan crafted by skilled craftspeople, the Morocco Ceiling Light by Where Saints... View Article

Painting pointers

Paint is the finishing touch for a vital looking exterior for either new builds or refurbishments, but as Tony Pearson-Young from AkzoNobel says, there is some essential practical advice to bear in mind A fresh coat of paint can help rejuvenate... View Article

Four trends for ‘24

Bathrooms have evolved from practical spaces to stylish sanctuaries, merging function with design. Jasmine Rowe from HiB explains how self-builders can tap into this year’s key design trends to discover the mix they need For bathroom designers, there are the... View Article

Keeping your friends close

By letting their good friend, renowned architect Richard Murphy take the lead, a couple in the east coast of Scotland are now living in a bold and beautifully designed home that fully embraces modern architecture TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Crispin... View Article

Ask the Expert: Prefab-ulous

Discover how kit homes can offer a streamlined approach to your self-build project, while minimising risks along the way. Baufritz’s Oliver Rehm sheds light on some important FAQs What are kit homes & modular solutions? A kit home looks the... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

LISTEN HERE Navigating their way through planning hurdles and DIY adventures, Fiona & Jon’s eco self-build journey is a testament to their patience and bravery, including getting their hands dirty to stay within budget constraints ‘Never again!’ That was what... View Article