Behind the ordinary façade of Katie Glaister's 1930s house in south-west London lies an interior full of unexpected colour and personality, enriched by the work of talented artists and craftspeople

Decorative details have been cleverly combined with practical elements by interior designer Lucy Hammond Giles, of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, to transform a classic Victorian house in west London into a pleasingly distinctive but eminently comfortable family home

“I have really let my creativity flow here,” renter Tricia Collins writes.

I love the architecture in Britain; I think it's one of this country's best points. That said, most of the housing tends to be pretty boring. In a given area the houses all look pretty much the same, using similar building materials and a narrow range of designs. There are sound reasons for this and I can name some places in the US that really could have done with some planning control, but that is a rant for another day. Today I want to share some of the loveliness that is Claremont, CA. I appreciate that not all of these are terribly special houses. It's just that they look loved.  I'm not even sure what 'Harvard Steps' is about; is it a house? a business? a college building? It just struck me, that's all. There is a wide variety in the size and in the materials used, though almost all were frame houses rather than brick or stone. Perhaps it is this that allows such variable design to be possible. It's probably easier to change the outside appearance of a frame house to differentiate it from its neighbours. And of course the lush trees add a huge amount of character to the area. One could practically build a liveable house in some of those giant old trees! It wasn't just me that was struck by it all; Bill snapped a fair few photos himself: I'm not big on river rock as a building material as a rule, but it seemed to be a popular feature around here and I have to say it works in small doses. I wonder if it was part of the arts and crafts design? I love this 'suite' of porch furniture. All the shaded porches around here speak to the wonderful outdoor life that is possible in a pleasant climate. I think small windows in unexpected places give a bit of mystery to a place. They make me think there is an attic full of old chests to explore. Every area has its fixer-uppers; I've been told I fall in love with houses for their potential. Some folks have ended up with spectacular homes, finding and fixing the right house in the right location. My own experience is that these projects are better left to more industrious types, but I can still dream. Also, I can tell you, this philosophy applies far better to houses than to men. Never, ever, fall in love with potential, only what is already there. People just don't make good projects.

Interior designer Polly Ashman and her husband bought their house in West London knowing they were taking on a huge project - following a complete overhaul the house is now calm, comfortable and full of light.

Welcome to our weekly property digest, where we bring together the best homes for sale and rent worldwide. This week, […]

Luxury Active Adult Community - New ConstructionSQUARE FOOTAGE: 22,000COMPLETED MAY 2022COOPER CITY, FLORIDA Welcome to Monterra, a new residential concept by ... Read More

Moon wall art is not only breathtakingly beautiful but a symbol of enlightenment, eternity not to mention the dark side of nature. Moreover the moon

Cliveden House hotel was a last minute booking for our usual luxury stay between Christmas and New Year. Read one of Cliveden house reviews that will really help yoou decide if it's for you.

Take a look at the 'Don't Move, Improve!' shortlist, which features 24 amazing home designs from across London

Edward Halliday (1902-1984) Maundy Thursday, 1952 We were lucky enough to join a small tour of Clarence House, last week. The house is open to the public d...

Interior designer Neal Beckstedt brings a sense of laid-back luxury to this family retreat

A beautiful cabin style park model home with two bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace kitchen, bathroom, and a covered front porch.

The architects behind this Clinton Hill row house planned a careful reno that repurposed or replicated the house's considerable original detail.

We’ve shown you a few spaces original to the cottage in our Captain’s Suite and Wheelhouse Loft Reveal , but there’s more! Brimming with New England charm, these spaces feature 200-year-old horsehair and plaster walls, warm wood tones, and wide-planked floors — quite the setting for some of our fav