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

London Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Cost-consciousness, climate anxiety, and a desire for emotional sanctuary are pushing a movement toward high-performance, emotionally satisfying homes that support resilience — economic, environmental, and personal, according to experts at the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show. The event, sponsored by Gartec, is taking place... 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
An inspired choice

An inspired choice

Gwen Williams’ and Patricia Lynch’s Victorian terrace fuses the latest sustainable techniques and materials with inspiration from some iconic 20th century artists. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES FRENCH & TYE To a passer-by, this three bedroom, terraced Victorian home appears no... 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

The gamble pays off

Buying a new home which was too small was a risk that the Leggett family were willing to take. TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ROBERT PERRY Robert and Isla Leggett had been living in Edinburgh’s Leith for 15 years but after... 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

TrustMark reaches milestone of 40 Scheme Providers

TrustMark, the only UK Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home, has achieved a significant milestone of 40 Scheme Providers to help drive-up standards and consumer protection across the home repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector.... 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

Planning applications made easy with new guidance service

To help people achieve their ambitions for their homes and businesses, Planning Portal has launched its new Planning Guidance Service, enabling the public to obtain expert advice from planning professionals with a simple phone call. Before making certain home improvements,... 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