Homes & Gardens

What Separates a Decent Garden From One You Actually Use

Most gardens look fine. They have a lawn, some borders, maybe a patio. Nothing wrong with them.

The problem is how little time people spend on them.

If you walk past most back gardens on a Saturday afternoon in May, the furniture sits empty. The barbecue has not been lit since last August. The kids are inside. The lawn has been cut recently, which is about the only evidence anyone has been out there.

Then there are the gardens that get used constantly. From March to October, sometimes beyond. People eat out there, read out there, have friends round, and the...

The Growing Popularity of Composite Decking in the UK and Ireland

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Mon, 07/28/2025 - 6:49am

Outdoor living spaces have become an essential feature of modern homes across the UK and Ireland. Whether it’s a cosy patio in a suburban garden or a stylish rooftop terrace in the city, decking plays a vital role in extending usable living space outdoors. In recent years, composite decking has emerged as a leading choice among homeowners, landscapers, and builders alike. Offering a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal, durability, and eco-friendliness, composite decking is transforming gardens and outdoor areas across the British Isles.

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite...

Subtle Changes That Make Your Home Feel Brand New

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Thu, 07/24/2025 - 6:59am

You don’t need a major renovation to breathe new life into your home. Sometimes, the smallest and most subtle changes can have the biggest impact on the way a space feels. Whether you're preparing for guests, refreshing a tired interior, or simply wanting a change without the cost and disruption of a full makeover, these simple updates can help your home feel brand new.

Refresh Your Walls with Paint or Wallpaper

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective ways to update a room. Even if you stick to the same colour, a clean, even layer can make the space look...

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Installing A Heat Pump

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Wed, 07/23/2025 - 8:22am

Heat pumps are having their moment—and with good reason. As energy efficiency climbs the priority ladder for homeowners, the appeal of a system that provides both heating and cooling, while using far less energy than traditional methods, is undeniable. Whether it's in a new build or part of a retrofit, heat pumps offer a future-forward solution that aligns with stricter regulations and evolving environmental standards.

But here’s the thing: even the best heat pump can underperform if it’s not installed correctly. In fact, installation missteps are one of the fastest ways to drain...

Best Materials for Internal Wall Insulation

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Tue, 07/22/2025 - 9:44am

Picking wall insulation for interiors is pretty much like choosing the perfect blanket.. How cosy do you want the house to be? Will Material A keep it warmer than Material B? Some wall insulation materials are better at warming the house than others. Which materials are we talking about? Let’s look at the commonly used ones.

  1. Fibreglass

Given its popularity, you’ve probably come across fibreglass in one of its numerous forms.

Fibreglass works by slowing heat flow and trapping air molecules. It’s made of tiny glass fibres created from a combination of...

How the Debt-to-income Ratio for a Mortgage Works

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Thu, 07/17/2025 - 6:28am

You might be wondering, "Can you get a mortgage with debt?" Banks use something called the Debt-to-Income Ratio to decide if you can borrow for a house. This blog will show you how to calculate debt to income ratios and what numbers lenders want to see.

Stick around, because getting your dream home may depend on it!

Key Takeaways

  • Banks use the Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio to decide if you can get a mortgage. It compares your debts to your income.
  • There are two types of DTI: Front-End focuses on housing costs, Back-End includes all debts. Lenders
  • ...

Reasons to Choose a Mirror Cabinet with Lights Over DIY Lighting

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Tue, 07/15/2025 - 10:42pm

When it comes to upgrading your bathroom, lighting plays a crucial role—not just for functionality but also for style. You might be wondering whether to buy a mirror cabinet that already has built-in lights or to simply add your own lighting setup later. While DIY projects can be tempting, there are several solid reasons why opting for a mirror cabinet with integrated lights is a smarter choice. Let’s break down why this option often comes out on top.

1. Easy Installation — No Electrical Headaches

One of the biggest advantages of a mirror cabinet with built-in lighting...

New coffee lounge, restaurant and show apartment unveiled at luxury retirement community in Exeter

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 07/13/2025 - 5:49pm

Adlington Retirement Living has opened the doors to a welcoming coffee lounge, a stylish homeowners’ lounge, an on-site restaurant and a beautifully designed show apartment at Radford House, its new retirement community on Weirfield Road.

Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: “We create communities where our homeowners can enjoy life on their terms, combining independence with friendship, comfort and support in a safe and secure environment.

“While our beautiful apartments and shared spaces set the stage, it’s the sense of...

Home Inspiration all Under One Roof at ‘Build It Live’ South West

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 07/07/2025 - 7:01pm

The next ‘Build It Live’ show takes place at Westpoint in Exeter on the weekend of 13 and 14 September 2025. A visit to one of the Build It Live shows which take place around the UK are a great way to pick up someexpert top tips to guarantee a successful home renovation or extension.

As well as free one to one advice and free clinics and seminars, you can also meet hundreds of local and national suppliers including architects and companies offering kitchens, oak framed homes, heating solutions, glazing options and so much more…

Home improvements in 2025 are all about...

How Lekto Hardwood Heat Logs Provide Eco-Friendly Heat Without Compromising Performance

Authored by Simon Wells
Posted: Mon, 07/07/2025 - 7:13am

Heating your home efficiently and protecting the environment is now easier. Lekto hardwood heat logs offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels. They provide warmth without sacrificing performance.

Hardwood heat logs are a game-changer for home heating. Made from premium compressed wood, they burn consistently and cleanly. This meets the highest eco-friendly energy standards.

Lekto's heat logs are perfect for modern homes that care about the environment and warmth. They offer a smart solution for sustainable heating. This reduces carbon footprint while keeping...

Off plan launch of highly anticipated new homes in Exeter

A much-anticipated collection of new homes is being released to buy off-plan in Exeter, amid strong demand from prospective buyers.

Willow Grange on Spruce Close in Beacon Heath is ideally situated to offer the best of city and country living. With the potential for stunning views and a thoughtfully planned layout, this new development by Edenstone Homes is already generating significant local interest.

Due to the volume of enquiries, the homebuilder has brought the sales launch forward. The sales centre will open from July 12, giving buyers the opportunity to reserve...

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