Buying a 1950s bungalow with planning permission for replacement with a chalet-style bungalow was the staring point for a stylish new Art Deco inspired home on the Isle of Wight. First-floor living accommodation takes full advantage of the sea views in the reverse-level design that dictated the overall layout of the house, which has thermal blockwork walls finished in through-coloured render, a modern heat-efficient flat warm roof and Critall-style windows.

First-time selfbuilders Charles and Georgina Serafini first thought of self build 30 years ago. Now, they have built a timber-framed home for their retirement, working alongside their electrician, joiner and plumber to carry out much of the work themsleves. The traditional front of the house is clad in locally quarried sandstone while the rear elevation is defined by a modern, glazed gable end and through-coloured render.

Built on a former garden plot, Terry Green and Mickey Dell's dramatic timber eco-house in Greenwich has been built using materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Clad in predominantly black-stained timber, with aluminium windows and an EPDM rubber roof, the house inclues a large studio and sits beneath two lime trees. “It’s virtually invisible from the park, thanks to the cladding, shadows and trees, so that people don’t even know it’s here," says Terry.

A new eco home, partly built into a hill in Oxfordshire, has been designed to embrace the latest smart home technology. “We wanted to create a home that provided the perfect living experience for my family with a wow factor that really set it apart from conventional new builds.” says James Barratt. “Design was the primary focus but I also wanted to incorporate home automation throughout. Guests are surprised when lights, music, heating and, blinds work without us touching any controls or apps. It’s the ultimate in autopilot living.”

Jane and John De Bono have transformed a small, ageing house in a Derbyshire village to create a haven of peace and tranquility. Stripping the original house back to just three walls, there has been a dramatic transformation with a new, rendered front in crisp white, with charcoal grey windows and matching garage door and the slick grey and white palette continues inside.

Having chosen their large 90s house for its setting and potential, it took the Collins' 10 years to get round to having the interior redesigned into a modern, contemporary home that is workable and low maintenance. They chose to work with just one company that would be responsible for all aspects of the project from initial design through to completion in a design and build package.

Debbie Jeffrey talks to Russell Harris – adventurer, serial property developer, multi-award-winning architectural designer, radio and TV presenter, and award-winning producer. He talks about his passion for architecture and design, some of the properties he has developed and how he came to be a TV presenter and producer of programmes including Room For Improvement for BBC One, and I Own Britain’s Best Home for Channel Five. Russell is probably best known for The Diceman, his travelogue with followers worldwide.

We take a look at to how to buy and sell property at auction answering some frequent questions: What are the types of auction? How does online and telephone bidding work? How much will it cost to buy at auction?Paula Higgins of the HomeOwners Alliance also looks at when and how to sell your property at auction.

Our guide to lighting your home and our top lighting tips.

We look at the design ideas of entries for the Starter Home on a Shoestring award and the winner, which has a build cost of just £49,644.

Anouska Lancaster mixes vivid colours and quirky accessories to create an eccentric home to match her personality.

The humble kitchen tap has undergone a revolution in recent years, and with so many clever features now on offer, choosing one is not as simple as it once was. We look at some of the options to help you to make the right choice for your kitchen.