IF YOU'VE got the home improvement itch, and who hasn't with the likes of Changing Rooms, Home Front and their ilk persistently beaming into our living rooms, then what has the web got to offer for relief?

If it's intriguing objets you're after how about www.salvo.co.uk.

Salvo is the site for architectural salvage.

Dealers from across the UK post descriptions and thumbnail pictures of their finds on the site.

They start with the small, such as a cast iron Victorian airbrick for £10, and end in the absolutely unpostable.

How about transforming your semi with an entire clocktower from an expired Mancunian hospital? Or maybe you'd like to tack on a full 19th century glass conservatory?

There is a Wanted section for users to post their item wish-list - very useful if you're restoring a period home - plus a rather morbid 'Demolition Alert' section to warn architectural vultures where their next bargains will be falling.

For more modern, postable accessories try www.handlesdirect.co.uk.

Pick up a bespoke Manital art deco brass handle for £41 or a very tactile 'Squiggle' chrome lever for £ 26.

HandlesDirect also runs a search service so if you still can't find the handle that haunts your dreams it promises to try and source it for you.

Expensive? Yes, for the designer and brass handles - but there are a few cheaper knobs from £2-£3.

The standard delivery charge is £5 plus VAT regardless of weight, they aim to deliver within three to seven days.

For other interior design goodies try surfing http://www.design-online.co.uk for a directory of suppliers across the UK.

Gems include a Birmingham firm selling old hospital furniture for the clinical minimalist home and a company advertising reclaimed floors from derelict monasteries and chateaux.

If you're interested in commissioning a special piece of design, look to www.madeincumbria.co.uk and download its company information list (click through from the homepage to 'Supporting Local Gifts & Crafts').

There are numerous talented local artisans to call on for bespoke furniture, ceramics, glassware, ironwork, textiles...

the works.

Once kitted out with your carved spiral staircase or reclaimed mosaic floor, you may need a bit of practical DIY help or equipment.

There are many sites to call on in an emergency - www.screwfix.com is one of the easiest to use.

Buy nuts, bolts, screws and nails or drool over its selection of seriously large power tools.

The site is simple and the prices are competitive.

The DIY giants also offer pretty good web services - www.diy.com is B&Q's offering.

You can browse its product information and build yourself a shopping list to take to a store - the goods are then brought to you.

A helpful service if you hate traipsing round DIY stores or waiting for net deliveries to arrive.

There's also plenty of advice to be found on DIY teasers like wallpapering and hanging doors.

www.homebase.co.uk offers a similar service with the added bonus of online shopping with plenty of special offers.

With all this help, you should have yourself a dream home in no time...

that is until some pesky makeover show inspires you to change it all again!

thisis site of the week:

A RECENT style survey by the new site www.wheredidyoubuythat.com shows that moe than 53 per cent of Brits copy the design or style renovation ideas from friends.

People confessed to nicking ideas on everything from paint colors to fireplace types.

Another trend emerging from the survey was that four out of five of us purchase good from the Swedish home and furniture store.

Bucking the trend, www.wheredidyoubuythat.com offers unusual home accessories and furniture for all tastes believing that, even though the copy-catting is alive and well, in British interior design tastes we truly want to be different.

The site is cleverly designed using a doll's house template - just click on the room you're redecorating and it links you to the items you might be interested in.