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Most of us cannot afford to install a wind turbine in the back garden or solar panel our roof to mirrorball effect.

There are many benefits to painting a room white: it’s a neutral colour, makes the room look brighter and gives the illusion of space. But slapping on some cloud coloured paint is never quite a satisfying as turning your room a fiery red or forest green. Interior designer and architect Annabel Kassar recommends using bright paints on walls to create a “statement piece”. The Guardian visited her rainbow hued Lebanon home and gave tips for getting the vibrant look.

According to a recent survey, DIY is no longer limited to burly men in plaid shirts – the ladies are getting into home improvement as well. The survey shows that 9 out of 10 women now own power tools and 67% are actively completing their own DIY tasks around the house. For women still getting to grips with the drill, here are a few tips on getting started.

Julie Kendall, presenter of BBC1's DIY SOS and interior designer says:

Usually bed rest and staying at home is the best way to alleviate the common cold. However, your house might be making watery eyes, itchy throats and throbbing headaches an often occurrence. Bedding, carpeting and cleaning supplies could be the culprit for such symptoms. A few quick fix ups could help you and your family breathe comfortably.

While considering prospective remodel layouts, white marble is the way to go. You don’t need to go overboard with white cabinets, white backsplashes, white countertops. However, incorporating a little into your décor might fit the bill for a fresh makeover.

If you love DIY and want to renovate, you can get started by removing a wall or two.

Removing a stud wall is relatively simple; however, if you're looking to remove a load bearing wall you need experience. If you feel at all uneasy about removing a wall get a professional or advice from a professional.

Removing a Stud Wall:

Do you have garden equipment stacked up in the yard? It can be a bit of an eyesore in an otherwise beautiful backyard, and the solution is easy: build a shed. With a shed you'll have that equipment out of the way and out of the weather so it will last longer.

Follow this link for directions, plans and materials.

First impressions are always important, and it's no different when guests visit your home. We found a few tips on how to maintain and update the front exterior of your home to make sure you have effective "curb appeal" and a welcoming entryway.

Worried about how the dry, hot summer will affect your garden?

Worry no more and plant a few of these plants that will thrive in the heat.

1) Lavandula x intermedia 'grosso'
 This lavender hybrid flowers in July and August; they grow to about 2-3 ft and the tall stems ar topped with slender tapering flowers a deep violet color and have a clean fragrance.

2) Lychnis 'Hill Grounds'
 This Lychnis outperforms any other; its hirsute, silver foliage brushes off heat and the pink flowers blossom from May until October.

If you're building or planning to build an airtight house you need to consider ventilation.

A mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system is a good option but there are two types available. The first extracts stale air from the bedrooms and inputs fresh air into all rooms; it has conventional extraction units to extract air from the kitchen and bathrooms. The second extracts air from the kitchens and bathrooms and inputs fresh air into the lounge, dining room and bedrooms.