Beyond the looking glass

Al and Lily Chen’s renovated and extended Edwardian home is a masterclass in space and light. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES WILLIAM TOZER ASSOCIATES “We were looking for a family home with potential for expansion,” explains Lily Chen, who has two... View Article

Smarter by design

Theben Automation’s Paul Foulkes explores how smart homes are moving beyond timers and schedules, embracing real-time, sensor-based automation for greater comfort, efficiency and intuitive living. For decades, home automation has promised ease and efficiency. But early systems, reliant on fixed... View Article

The best laid plans

Lettie and Tom Fardon fell in love with a timber-framed 1950s bungalow ripe for renovation and bought it at auction, but didn’t realise just how much work would be involved in bringing it up to modern standards. TEXT JAYNE DOWLE... View Article

Building your dream outdoors

To help self-builders transform muddy plots into luscious garden havens, Anita Magee of Tobermore looks at the top trends inspiring garden design. Current garden trends are seeing a strong focus on blending luxury with sustainability, creating outdoor areas that are... View Article

Designing with doors in mind

Deuren’s Ian Chubb shares how specifying doors early unlocks better design choices, avoids compromise and keeps your self-build ambitions on track. From structural planning and detailed budgeting to sourcing materials and managing timelines, building or renovating your dream home is... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Living Rooms

Whether you need to find the perfect sofa for relaxing in the evenings or some handy storage to keep things tidy, we’ve curated a selection of products from the comfortable to the practical to help you create your ideal living... View Article

Flexible elegance

Adam Brown of The Painted Furniture Company discusses how customisable freestanding furniture offers flexible, high-quality pieces that adapt over time and combine personal style, durability and design continuity. For anyone embarking on the rewarding journey of building their own home,... View Article

Let there be light

Tracey Jackson of Howells Patent Glazing explains why daylighting is a vital consideration for self-builders and renovators and how to achieve the best results. Natural light is a powerful resource and one of the most important elements in architectural design,... View Article
Breathe easy

Breathe easy

Ashley Cooper of WMS explores how underfloor heating provides the ideal balance between indoor air quality, comfort and efficiency. When planning a self-build, comfort and efficiency are often top priorities, but one crucial factor is sometimes overlooked – indoor air... View Article

Framing your self-build

ecoHaus Windows & Doors’ Craig Luff offers a comprehensive guide for self-builders and renovators on selecting the ideal windows and doors for your home. When starting your self-build project, the decisions made during the planning stages set the tone for... View Article

A stone’s throw

Glen Bacon and Jane Healy have built an annexe suitable for elderly parents in the garden of their listed house, choosing a varied palette of cladding materials which includes limestone and flint. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES SOPHIE BATES ARCHITECTS /... View Article

A splash of colour

Duravit UK’s Martin Carroll explains how bathroom design has evolved from functional to artistic, with homeowners embracing bold colours, luxurious furnishings, and unique wallpapers. When planning a bathroom scheme, colour is a key consideration. No longer limited to classic white,... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens & Dining

Few rooms in the house will cost more than the kitchen, making it one of the biggest interior elements of your project. Take inspiration from our selection of kitchen and dining products, from high end units, sinks and taps to... View Article
Grand Designs Live

A grand day out

Uncertain about the next steps in your project or don’t know where to begin? You can find more expert advice than ever before, discover exciting products, and spark inspiration at this year’s show. Why should you visit Grand Designs Live?... View Article

Paving perfection

Trevor Knight, head of group technical operations at Marshalls, shares expert tips to help you make the right choice for your self-build project. Creating an inviting outdoor space enhances your home, and the right paving slabs used for patios, paths... View Article

Converts to the Passivhaus way

The completion of one couple’s project has brought joy and a sense of achievement, delivering more living space, greater energy efficiency and a comfortable environment to suit their needs. TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES JANE SIMPSON Where once stood a tired... View Article
Take the first step

Take the first step

A staircase can be far more than a way of connecting storeys. Tom Blakeman of Winthill Engineering explains what makes a successful staircase and considers practical and aesthetic factors. Investing in a custom-designed staircase which suits your needs and your... View Article

A highland hideaway

For many self-builders, the prospect of a steep sloping site surrounded by the inaccessible Scottish Highlands might feel overwhelming, but for Suzanne and Mark McPhillips, it was a chance to put their experience as architectural designers to good use. TEXT... View Article

The rise of seamless wall panels

Offering ease of installation and aesthetic flexibility Amanda Mills of SFA Saniflo UK (Kinedo) explains why seamless wall panels are emerging as an alternative to traditional tiling, painting or wallpaper. Today’s self-builders and renovators demand high-quality, efficient project solutions. This... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Lighting

Lighting is arguably one of the most important considerations for your home, given its ability to impact wellbeing and alter the mood of the room. Find inspiration with our selection of products, from table lamps and outdoor lighting to statement... View Article