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

A grand slam for eco-living

This year, Grand Designs Live promises an immersive experience with exhibitors across four key sectors: build, kitchens and bathrooms, gardens, and interiors.  The show will take place over nine days, including engaging talks led by renowned TV broadcaster and design... View Article

Directing a Cornish fairy tale

Anglophile and ex-Disney executive Kathleen Gearhart-Filmer moved to Cornwall to turn a concrete house into a magical coastal retreat TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Leighton James Several years ago, while on holiday with her baby daughter in Carbis Bay, west Cornwall, Kathleen... View Article

What is a Conservation Rooflight?

Paul Trace, director of Stella Rooflight discusses the unique properties of a genuine conservation rooflight What is a conservation rooflight? If you know that you need conservation rooflights for your project, the chances are that you have searched online and found... View Article

NaCSBA responds to the CMA House Building Market Study

The House Building Market Study – Final Report has been published by the Competition & Markets Authority. Once again, an independent investigation has highlighted the failure of the new homes market to deliver sufficient homes of the quality, quantity and value... View Article

Green light for couple’s self-build retirement home

A couple have been given the go-ahead to create their dream self-build retirement home after planning permission was granted following support from planning consultancy Marrons. Peter and Linda Greene – who have lived in Kibworth, Leicestershire, for more than 30... View Article

The art of lighting design

Lighting has the ability to make or break an interior scheme. From setting the mood and creating the desired ambience to fulfilling practical needs such as those of adequate illumination or defining boundaries in open plan spaces, lighting needs careful... View Article