Credit Munch

Celebrating Christmas on the beach

Driftwood decorations, a beach barbecue, gifts delivered by boat: the Biggs family’s traditions are inspired by the coast

The best of House of Fraser

Reinventing the 1930s house

Two stunning conversions prove the much-derided 1930s semi-detached property can make a stylish family home

The best in dining tables

The dining room is taking centre stage once again. Make sure yours cuts the mustard

Made to measure

Ben de Lisi opened up the ground floor of his London terraced house and filled it with elegant pieces that reflect his instinct for modern design

Ask Aggie

Repelling woodlice; cleaning an ancient doormat

Electricity monitors

Help cut your electricity bills by fitting an easy fit wireless electric meter

The best of John Lewis

Tool test: the Bosch Uneo power drill

Not too keen on DIY, our man attempts to put up some sliding doors

Top tips on home insulation

We list the main problems with insulation and draughts in period properties

Modern review

Antiques are becoming the zeitgeist of our times

Q&A: Ilse Crawford

Working from home

Creating an office at home is more popular than ever. Just make sure you have a suitably stylish setup

Scenes from domestic life: traditional cabinet-making

Craft-based wooden furniture isn’t showy and its charms take a little time to understand

In full bloom

As her business grows, florist Nikki Tibbles’s ever-changing Notting Hill home displays some colourful flower-power frills of its own

Ask Aggie

How to deal with carpet beetles

The best of Marks & Sparks

Q&A: Jaime Hayon

At home with Cath Kidston

She’s the queen of nostalgic interior chic, but the designer’s home never strays into cutesy kitsch

Anyone seen a builder?

If the construction industry is crying out for work, why is it so difficult to find a workman when you need one?