Sort it: Follow these guidelines to ensure you maximise the space in your home

In advance of the work, agree the cost, make all your decisions and nail down the design

Think about the future when planning projects but don’t neglect the small stuff

Denise O'Connor learned so much from her own refurb that it changed the way she advises clients

Take out the risk of run-ins with your architect during your build or renovations

Sort It: Follow these steps to simplify a renovation project, so it doesn’t overwhelm you

Sort It: Off-the-shelf products and phased work can help keep budget in check

Sort It: Spring has sprung, it's time to transform that neglected outdoor space

Sort It: Including why you should tell a builder, architect or designer how much you have to spend

Last year’s blush pink and jewel tones make way for more muted shades

Sort it: Making the most of your space will help to create a home that feels more open

A UK firm built compact apartments for young Londoners. Could that work here?

Bland is banned – being bold with your choices can raise the value of your house

Major structural changes can be daunting, but removing a fireplace can be straightforward and yield great results

A good architect will save you money and guide you through the process

Visit the house you want with an impartial builder or architect for an objective opinion

Interiors ideas are everywhere online, from Houzz, to Pinterest to unique design websites. You just need to know where to go

The Paris design show was ablaze with bold colours including blush and green

Secure, high-speed broadband is critical to the performance of devices such as thermostats and security systems

In a busy year for home improvements kitchens and bathrooms ruled the roost

The Danish lifesyle concept ‘hygge’ is taking the world by storm for obvious reasons

Your kitchen lay-out will dictate whether a ducted or recirculation system is best for you

The alternatives to open fires are increasingly attractive as well as eco-efficient

Opinions vary on whether to go for closed or open shelving. A mix of the two is best

Phase your home extension or renovation only if your budget dictates such an approach

Live in your home for a while and make much better plans for modifications

Many of the best products are in the area of home security

Always seek recommendations of trusted sources

With some proper planning and investment, your outdoor space can be an extension of living area

Skirting boards, architraves, handles - these are the small things that really matter

It’s important to have a good rapport with the professional you choose to build your home

There are three main flat-roof systems: rubber, fibreglass and torch-on felt

When doing a renovation, remember to plan everything to suit your life

Organisation and decisiveness makes all the difference to a building project’s time scale

If your garden is small, adding a storey to your home is a way to gain space

There are styles to suit most tastes and budgets – so it’s easy to let the light shine in

Look at how the space in your house and garden is used before you begin

It can be tough decision to make, but many who have downsized can feel liberated from the tyranny of household chores, upkeep, big(...)

Replacing an open fire with a stove can reduce energy consumption by up to 10 per cent

Even the smallest home can feel bigger with a few simple changes

Create a space where the whole family can interact while going about everyday tasks

Natural fabrics such as wool, linen and cotton will be popular this year to make way for a more honest approach to design

But you’ll have to carefully plan how to get natural light into the new rooms

Tidying must begin with discarding

Most of us only use about 50 per cent of the available space in our wardrobes. Here’s a few ways to maximise storage

Clever design can make a home work for all ages and visitors

Use focal points to determine the focus of a particular area within a large space

Ambient, task, accent and decorative: there are four main ways to light your home

There is a misconception that telling an architect or builder how much you have to spend is a bad idea – it’s very important that (...)

A few tricks can help you to make your apartment feel more welcoming

Stone, marble, steel or laminate: they all shape the style and function of your kitchen

New windows will ultimately improve the energy efficiency of your home

New York has its High Line and Paris its Promenade Plantée, which have been planted to make use of old rail lines

It’s worth noting that different water filters will remove different types of contamination

Low maintenance, it stays green all year round and it could last up to 20 years

It’s a tempting solution but think carefully before you make a decision

There are ways to find additional room in your home without having to extend

If a new sale price outweighs the cost of renovating your current home, the decision will be easier to make - however don’t undere(...)

Headroom, light, access: plan your attic extension properly before you start

Opting for an external addition is cheaper and won’t affect your home’s layout

Years of neglect and dated décor can be a real obstacle to many people buying a house but don’t be seduced by an immaculate walk-i(...)

A little reconfiguration and reworking of space can work wonders

Get references and visit completed projects before committing to a builder

Get rid of unwanted, out of date items and create a clutter-free home

Why not take the Swedish approach to decorating and keep it simple and calm

Even though technology makes many of us want to hide away, it can enable us to create the perfect environment to relax

If you’re adding space or reconfiguring your home make sure it works for you

Make sure you have bought everything needed before the builder starts

With water charges a reality, the decision to harvest rain water might be more carefully assessed as the system should result in a(...)

Whether it’s loud neighbours, traffic from outside or washing machines and televisions, noise pollution is a problem we can all re(...)

We turned a spare bedroom into a relaxing study with a wood-burning stove

Micro apartments can work really well as living spaces – just make sure to choose the right kind of furniture and be smart with st(...)

If you’re nervous about using colour in your house try a few of these tips

Make it easy for children to organise their things and have at least one clutter-free zone

Try a few of these key elements to make your outdoors more colourful and comfortable

Designs for your home need to adapt to changing needs

The people who are most unhappy in their houses are often those who chose things not because they loved them but because they were(...)

Sort It: a calm room is a good way to get away from busy living and dining areas

Problematic rooms need a shift in thinking to open up new possibilites

Ask yourself what do you need in the room and what pieces do you really love

Scandinavian design is built on function that is rooted in craftsmanship and quality. It is something that is made to last

Sitting pretty: choosing the sofa that works best for you

Start the new year by detoxing your house

Painting solid timber goes a long way to brightening a dark space

Creating a place to dry laundry from unused areas

Give your home a new lease of life without spending a cent