A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind by Shoukei Matsumoto – digested read

John Crace simplifies Buddhist teaching on lightbulb cleaning, personal hygiene and other domestic essentials

A moment that changed me: living on my own, and taking control of my life

Moving into a flat alone in my 30s gave me a sense of freedom and a new emotional space in which my creative self could grow

Withings Body Cardio review: stylish scales for health obsessives

This easy-to-use device measures weight, fat, muscle, bone and water, as well as heart rate and artery health

Home, sweet home: how to combat the ‘indoor pollution’ of scented candles

Air fresheners and cleaning products release chemicals that are harmful in enclosed spaces. But houseplants could help cut the risks

Cabin porn: why hideaways are hot right now

Forget Gucci’s furry loafers or a Prada overcoat. What everyone in fashion wants in 2016 is a log cabin

Tech house of the future: take a look around

Smart ovens, living carpets, robot butlers and beds that remind you to have sex – then make themselves. Welcome to your home of tomorrow

Oliver Burkeman: do socks and forks have feelings?

Buying stuff, we’re told, will make us happy – but how happy is our stuff?

EU ban on powerful vacuum cleaners prompts anger and legal challenge

Which? tells consumers to buy now as Best Buy cleaners fall foul of EU energy label that prohibits motors above 1,600w

Apple unveils move towards health and home in new iPhone software

Software will gather and store health-related data and offer integrated control for 'smart home' devices like lighting

Why do some men react so strangely to having builders in the house?

Some men seem to find it difficult to cope with a gang of strapping young workmen coming into their home. Anxiety over what makes a 'real man' is surely at the heart of it