Home > February 2012

After years spent dreaming and planning, Simon and Karen Beaulah have finally built their own stunning oak-framed home. The couple bought a 1960s bungalow and built a new home inspired by Simon's business trips to Boston using a combination of oak framing, blockwork, and painted weatherboard cladding.

Sue and Mark Felstead’s 17th century Cornish water mill house has been sensitively restored to retain the historic charm while creating a cosy, comfortable home. The original waterwheel has been preserved and requires regular maintenance to prevent it from going rusty. it's now illuminated as part of the lighting design scheme.

Nottingham-based architect and designer Julian Marsh talks about his passion for sustainable design and offers some useful tips for aspiring selfbuilders. His passion is in bringing beauty into sustainable design. "Eco houses always seemed to be rather ugly and utilitarian, but I wanted to combine the two elements of form and function to make practical, beautiful homes," he says.

A poorly proportioned kitchen and dining room have been extended and remodelled by Hugh Jamieson to provide a well-connected space that allows the family and guests to socialise. The kitchen island and breakfast bar is the star of the show. "Friends always make a beeline for it," explains owner Susie Cannon.

A former vicarage and community centre on the banks of the River Thames has been converted into a stylish, modern family home. Carol and David Strickland bought the property, making few changes to the property's external appearance while completely overhauling the interior, choosing white finishes with accents of colour and classic wood tones.

A delightful traditional villa has been extended and completely remodelled, with a surprising, highly contemporary extension to the rear. Carolyn and Mark Ellis added side extensions to the Victorian property to tie in with the classic style at the front. At the rear though, the floor area of the ground-floor living areas are much increased with the Modernist angular extension.

We're no longer restricted to the pillar tap with capstan handle – designers and manufacturers become ever more experimental and push the boundaries of design. We explore the world of bathroom taps and discover a wide range of products that can transform your bathroom into a luxurious haven.

Bricks remain the most popular cladding choice for homes in the UK, and the type and colour of brickwork you choose for your new house will have a huge impact on its kerbside appeal.