Homes & Gardens

Meet the UK’s noise complaint capitals

From late-night music to barking dogs and endless DIY, noisy neighbours can make life miserable – and a new study has revealed where people are most desperate for some peace and quiet

Worcester has been named the UK’s noise complaint capital after recording the highest rate of Google...

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Hosting Like the Pros: What a Private Chef or Butler Can Teach You About Entertaining at Home

There's a particular kind of panic that sets in about an hour before guests arrive: the table isn't set, something's overcooked, and you're still in your dressing gown wondering how anyone makes this look effortless. The truth is, the people who do make it look effortless usually have help. And no, we don't mean a caterer showing up with trays of vol-au-vents. We mean the quiet, highly...

How to Make City Flats Feel Fresher, Calmer and Easier to Live In

Estate listings sell city flats by pointing to what sits outside them, from the station and park to the high street. Once you’re living there, the daily test is more domestic. Can you cook without the whole flat holding the smell, dry laundry without damp corners, and switch off after work?

A compact home doesn’t need a full redesign to feel better. It usually needs sharper...

Why a hosepipe ban is the wrong time to mow your lawn

Five UK water companies have now introduced hosepipe bans as hot, dry weather continues to put pressure on water supplies, affecting millions of households across England.

With the UK experiencing another hot summer, several water companies, including Anglian Water, have introduced hosepipe bans and water restrictions. The measures present a challenge for gardeners across the country...

How to banish the three biggest summer bedding stains

Sweat, suncream and fake tan? Expert shares tips for removing stubborn summer stains from your bedding

With the heatwave persisting throughout the UK, many Brits will be spending time in the sun with their loved ones and taking part in summer activities.

However, there is a messy downside to summertime fun. Pesky stains caused by sweat, sun cream and fake tan are more likely...

How Small Environmental Improvements Can Have a Big Impact on Daily Living

The feel of a home is shaped by many details: temperature consistency, air movement, and lighting choices all contribute to how a space supports everyday life. While larger upgrades can improve comfort, smaller adjustments often bring noticeable changes without much disruption. These simple steps can make daily routines smoother and more enjoyable.

Adjusting temperature for steady...

The Bike Shed Built for the Angle Grinder Era

A cordless angle grinder costs around £40 and defeats most bike locks in under 30 seconds. That single fact has changed home bike storage more than any development in lock technology. The lock on your shed door is no longer the weakest point. The walls are.

How bike theft changed, and when

For most of the last decade, the advice was simple: buy a good lock. D-locks, heavy chains, and...

Why you should turn on your boiler this summer

Building experts are urging Brits to turn their boilers on this summer, in an effort to help them save thousands of pounds in the winter months.

While it may seem like an odd choice to switch the heating on during summer, Giles Fallan, CEO at Buildsafe says it’s the only way to know if there’s a problem that needs to be dealt with.

He said: “There's a misconception among...

7 Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Make Your Garden Look More Expensive After Dark

A garden does not need to be huge or professionally landscaped to feel special at night. Sometimes, the difference between an ordinary outdoor space and one that feels calm, stylish, and expensive comes down to lighting. The right lights can make a simple pathway feel welcoming, turn a patio into an evening retreat, and give your home better curb appeal after sunset.

The good news is...

How to Future-Proof Your Home Against Power Disruptions

When a sudden blackout strikes, the kettle stops boiling, the internet drops, and the heating cuts out. Even a brief 30-minute power outage can throw a modern household into chaos, highlighting just how deeply daily life relies on uninterrupted electricity.

UK homes have evolved far beyond basic living spaces; they now function as home offices, electric vehicle charging stations, and...

5 Machines You Should Consider For Your Home Gym

Creating a home gym is one of the most convenient ways to make fitness part of your everyday routine. Instead of travelling to a gym, waiting for equipment or trying to fit classes around your schedule, you can work out when it suits you. The key is choosing machines that offer variety, suit your goals and make the most of the space you have available.

Here are five machines worth...