Renovate Special Report

Experts stress that the more time invested in getting the design, layout, materials and budget right before work starts, the better the outcome

From modular furniture to bio-climatic pergolas and full kitchens, today’s gardens are being reimagined as beautiful, flexible spaces that blur the line between indoors and out

Windows and doors are one of the smartest investments in any renovation or retrofit project, so it pays to listen to the experts

This year home design is redefining luxury - warm yet functional and effortlessly expressive. With that in mind, we take a look at the top trends in 2026

Creating your dream home doesn’t always mean big extensions and dramatic renovations. Through clever design and careful planning, you can have a functional, stylish space that works for you

Irish homeowners are getting creative, turning their gardens into extra living space with modular solutions that offer flexibility, comfort and a fast solution to modern space pressures

A design-led look at how kitchens and bathrooms are being transformed from purely practical spaces into rooms with warmth, mood, and personality

While wooden floors are a perennial favourite, tiles and rugs are increasingly interesting, writes Erin McCafferty

Beige and bland are out, while pattern, texture and bold colour are back, writes Kirstie McDermott

From robot mops to clever cookers, Kirstie McDermott uncovers the best time-saving smart gadgets

For Wexford architect Colm Nolan, the client is at the heart of every project, and the aim is to make their dream home a reality, writes Brenda McCormick

One Stop Shops are effective because, when it comes to energy upgrades, one size doesn’t fit all, writes Sandra O’Connell

Over time, even small changes can add up, and big upfront investments do pay for themselves, writes Sandra O’Connell

Modular houses and cabins are growing in popularity as both housing and holiday solutions. Ruth O’Connor reports

Opt for clever design and lighting with character to create a unique look and feel in your home, writes Ruth O’Connor

From a mini refresh to a full remodel, Kirstie McDermott suggests ways to add style to the smallest room

Earthy, nature-inspired colours are trending globally, writes Kirstie McDermott

From an architect’s advice on small extensions and attic conversions to smarter ways to use the space you have

There are many factors to consider when choosing to renovate a property, including the financial viability of the project, but grants and incentives can make renovation and retrofit worthwhile for your forever home

From fundamental insulation to a full deep retrofit, you can start small or go all out to increase your home’s energy efficiency

In a world where trends come and go, embracing classic interior design offers a timeless look that transcends fleeting fads

The Government’s consideration of planning exemptions for modular homes in back gardens won’t solve the housing crisis—but it’s a start. These small-scale solutions could offer affordable housing for renters, provide income for retirees, and keep families closer together

If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing a vacant or derelict property back to life, the Government’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant could help make it a reality. With up to €70,000 available, renovating an old building into a liveable home is now more affordable

Inspiration can feel overwhelming, but finding your unique design style can be a lot of fun. Travel, art, and nature are all ways to cultivate a personal style that truly reflects you

Transform your urban oasis, from creating pollinator-friendly gardens to embracing imperfection, and discover how the smallest city space can offer a vibrant retreat

From appliance garages to ‘dirty kitchens’, Kirstie McDermott explains the latest must-haves for the heart of the home

Installing solar PV panels you could save up to 60 per cent on your home’s electricity and you can sell unused power back to the grid

From water-saving fixtures to smart mirrors, 21st-century bathrooms are here; tech, wellness and sustainability come together in cutting-edge bathroom design

If you’re thinking of selling your home, renovation is sometimes – but not always – the way to go

Even with generous SEAI grants, bringing a home’s energy rating up to standard is too expensive for many

Keep a classic base so you can add and remove furniture and accessories as trends change, writes Deanna O’Connor

If the ‘task lighting’ is spot on, the next key thing about lighting your home is creating perfect ambience

Grants available for solar PV systems mean outlay costs can be recovered surprisingly quickly

If you want to expand your home’s habitable space, the best and often cheapest way is to convert the attic

The answer is very smart indeed, though the trick is to create a smart home that works for you, not against you

Before you decide which to install in your garden, consider cost, sustainability and maintenance

Market forces mean people are choosing affordable improvements, with bathroom revamps ‘huge’

Does a hob go on an island or a peninsula? Is the kitchen even in the right place? Two experts offer direction

How do we go about making improvements to our home that have the least impact possible on the planet?

MELCloud integrates with smart homes to control Mitsubishi Electric Ireland’s Ecodan heating appliances via the internet