70s-Inspired Interior Design: A Minimalist Revival for 2025

Posted by & filed under Interiors.

The 70s are making a comeback in the world of interior design—again! But this time, we’re leaving behind the dizzying swirls of orange and brown, oversized florals, and shag carpets that once defined the era. Instead, 2025’s take on 70s-inspired interiors is pared-back, sophisticated, and firmly rooted in minimalism. Think of it as a warm… Read more »

What is an interior architect? (And how to find one for your renovation project.)

Posted by & filed under Cost Planning, Designers, Interiors, Renovations.

The title ‘interior architect’ is used frequently in the architecture/design industry, even though it isn’t a title that is officially recognised or regulated. It’s usually adopted by either: a qualified architect who specialises or works only with the interior elements of construction, or an interior designer who is also a qualified architect. The title of… Read more »

How big can I build an extension without planning permission?

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Extensions, Legal Considerations.

  Above: Extensions by architects on Design for Me. Click on the image to see their full profile and shortlist them for your project.   How big can you build an extension without planning? The permitted development rules have recently been relaxed, allowing you to build an extension without planning permission of up to six metres (or… Read more »

Permitted development rights for a two-storey extension

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Extensions, Legal Considerations.

Two storey extension above by Martin, architect on Design for Me. View his full profile and shortlist him for your project here   Do I need planning permission for a two storey extension? Two storey extensions do not require planning permission, if they fall within permitted development guidelines described below.   How big can I build… Read more »

How much does a house renovation cost?

Posted by & filed under Cost Planning, Extensions.

Rising construction costs in the UK are now common knowledge. In the last two years, material shortages and supply chain issues due to the pandemic caused sharp rises in material costs. While this problem has subsided, other factors such as inflation, Brexit and the war in Ukraine have pushed prices up even further. Not only… Read more »

Permitted development for barn conversions (Class Q)

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Conversions, planning applications.

Since 2014 barn conversions have benefitted from permitted development rights, meaning a full planning application is not required. For many, this has made barn conversions an attractive alternative to a new build. The main advantage here is speed and simplicity of gaining permission. There are other reasons that you might decide to opt for barn… Read more »

10 of the best architects for listed buildings in the UK

Posted by & filed under Conversions, Designers, Inspiration, Using Design for Me, Your Designer.

We’ve rounded up some of the best architects to deal with homes that are listed buildings, across the UK.   David – Listed building architect in Bath (click on their name above to view their full profile and shortlist them for your project) I am passionate about creating homes that are beautiful, respond to their… Read more »

Small home projects that add value

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Cost Planning.

Enhancing your home’s value doesn’t need to mean major renovations or substantial investments. In fact, it can actually be easy to spend too much on a renovation project and never make that money back. However, often it’s the small, strategic improvements that can significantly elevate your property’s worth and represent the best investment over large… Read more »