The future of retrofit

James Parker speaks to Nick Whant, sustainability manager at the NSBRC, about the viability, performance and sustainability of retrofitting properties.  IS RETROFIT A VIABLE OPTION FOR ANY TYPE OF PROPERTY? In short, yes! Depending on your budget, you may be... View Article

Choosing a kitchen that lasts

Sebastian Aronowitz, founder of The London Kitchen Company explores why material choice is so important when designing a kitchen, deserving the same attention as the overall appearance. Kitchens are usually chosen for how they look. Layout, door style, colour and... View Article

Heat pump evolution

James Parker speaks to Rick Clarke, product manager at NIBE, about why air source heat pumps are not the only answer, and how self-builders can benefit from an array of user-friendly smart tech to fine tune their heating’s efficiency. WHAT... View Article

The art of window dressing

Debbie Leigh of ILIV shares expert insights into selecting the perfect curtains and blinds for every home, with the right window dressing able to transform a room. When it comes to interior design, window dressings are often an overlooked yet... View Article

Stylish, sustainable & functional

Charlton & Jenrick managing director Peter Mintoft speaks to The Selfbuilder’s James Parker about all things secondary heating including sustainability, trends, and what the future holds. What exactly is secondary heating? Secondary heating is very  complementary to primary heating systems.... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Home Office

Whether you’ll be working from home full time or only part, creating a cosy dedicated nook or designing a whole room, we’ve compiled products from desks and chairs to storage and lighting solutions to provide all the inspiration you need... View Article
tiles

On trend with tiles

Following a year of exciting innovations and technological advances, María D Arráez of Tile of Spain UK and Clara Vicedo of ASCER outline the key tile trends set to dominate homes this year. From sensory, calm textures to dynamic dimensions,... View Article
Selfbuilder Diaries

Selfbuilder Diaries

For selfbuilder Carys and her family, their project has been an ongoing journey from a bungalow fit for retirement to a complete demolition and rebuild, all the while knowing that the value is in the plot rather than the bricks…... View Article

Cooking up your dream kitchen

To support self-builders who are looking to create their dream kitchen, Debra Hutt of Wren Kitchens shares her insights into how to get the most out of the process. With homeowners generally upgrading or replacing their kitchen space every 15-20... View Article

Ask the Expert: The comfort factor from underfloor heating

Andrew Curry of Schlüter-Systems discusses the benefits and installation options for underfloor heating systems, and how to create a cosy and energy-efficient heating solution What are the key benefits of using underfloor heating systems compared to traditional heating methods? It... 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

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

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

The Window View: A look at safety issues

Victoria Brocklesby of Origin discusses what features to look for in your doors and windows in order to achieve the critical security you need for your home When undertaking a self-build project, it can be tempting to overlook home security... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

After overcoming a rocky start, Kerri and her family are now making headway with a self-build in the Suffolk village they’ve lived in for years. She says the excitement and enthusiasm is building as their new home starts to take... View Article

Home Styling: Bathing in texture

Jorge Hernandez of Bathroom Brands Group explores how applying texture can make it transformative in modern bathroom design. From fluted accents to intricate tiles, discover how tactile and visual approaches can elevate your space Whether you want your bathroom to... View Article

Ask the Expert: Floored by choice?

LISTEN HERE To assist self-builders exploring the myriad structural timber flooring options out there, Scott Wolters of EGGER UK provides a brief overview of the choices and solutions I’M LOOKING FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION, WHAT’S BEST? Given the ongoing climate... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Home Offices

LISTEN HERE Whether it’s a dedicated room or an office nook for occasional home working, striking your balance between comfort and professionalism in a home office can be challenging. Here, we’ve gathered an elegant selection of items to help you... View Article

Open to alternatives to open-plan living

Ben Brocklesby of Origin offers his advice to self-builders looking to create more functional floor plans, which move away from open-plan to ‘broken-plan’  The way we use our homes has changed significantly in the past three years. The pandemic made... View Article