Homes & Gardens

8 simple and speedy home-improvement projects for time-poor homeowners

These quick fixes will take you a tenner and an afternoon, says Luke Rix-Standing.

Home improvements always look so simple on TV.

A few shots of an open toolbox, a montage of loud banging, and in just under 60 minutes (or 47 without ads), a perfectly fashioned walk-in closet has materialised where there used to be a wall.

Unfortunately in real life, for those of us...

Southside Cabin Bed - Oak

New trend: Cosy cabins for children - Aspace Children's Furniture

Nothing says 'cosy' like snuggling-up in bed under the duvet for a bedtime story.

The Southside Cabin Bed provides a sound spot for sleeping and offers ample of space for storage with a drawer, two roomy cupboards and a shelf for keeping bedtime essentials.

Available in natural oak, for embracing that wood cabin feel, white for Scandinavian style, and a variety of bright...

Almost a quarter of Brits need help from family to fund the deposit on their first home

Almost a quarter of Brits need help to buy first home

A recent report by KIS Finance has revealed that as more people struggle to get on the property ladder, 23.5% of Brits are reliant on help from their parents, or other family members, to fund the deposit to buy their first home. The survey has also revealed how much longer individuals are having to wait before they are in the financial position to buy a house, often well above and beyond the...

A high quality power drill is a real DIY essential,

A high quality power drill is a real DIY essential

A high quality power drill is a real DIY essential, capable of taking the time, effort and hassle out of countless home and garden jobs. When it comes to picking a drill, there's more choice than ever. With loads of different features to choose from, including hammer action, variable speed control and gears, it can be difficult to know where to start. At Homebase, you'll find a wide variety...

Plan and design a family garden with hints and tip from our friends at Homebase

Plan and design a family garden with hints and tip from our friends at Homebase

A family garden is a space that needs to work hard to meet the wishes of every member of the family – a fine balance between the seemingly conflicting needs of imagination and play for children, privacy for teenagers and relaxation, entertainment and aesthetics for adults. Here are some ideas from our friends at Homebase ...

Often the garden is given over entirely to just one generation of...

The stress of moving and most common moving fails

The stress of moving and most common fails

Damaged furniture, scratched walls and late removal vans are some of the most common 'fails' that sleep-deprived Brits face on moving day. A poll of 2,000 people who have moved home has revealed the most common disasters likely to cause them stress and sleepless nights before and after their big move. Half of homeowners have experienced a 'fail' on moving day, according to the study. Thirty-...

10 property pitfalls which could scupper a house sale

Tackling potential problems before they become a stumbling block is always a good idea.

Buying and selling a home can be a stressful process at the best of times. But some drawbacks with a property could make potential buyers completely lose interest and sabotage a sale altogether .

Being as prepared as possible always helps, so it’s important to be aware of the aspects of...

Small but mighty: How to grow your own if all you have is a windowsill and a front step

With a little bit of thought and some clever ideas, everyone can grow their own, says Ella Walker.

You might be renting a garden-free house or live in a tiny 15th floor flat with plenty of views but no actual earth to plant stuff in – however, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow your own.

Sure, rhubarb is probably not an option (the leaves are elephant-ear huge), asparagus...

Domestic bliss: The often underestimated link between home and happiness

A new study examines the relationship between our homes and our wellbeing – and busts a few myths along the way. By Luke Rix-Standing.

Ask any student, young professional or member of ‘generation rent’ what matters most in their day-to-day lives, and odds are they won’t mention the decor of their sitting room.

If anything, being houseproud is a little out of fashion. The...

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