What does ‘contemporary style’ mean in home design? Contemporary style in interior design refers to a modern, up-to-date aesthetic that reflects the current design trends and tastes. It typically features clean lines, neutral color palettes, and a focus on simplicity and functionality. Contemporary interiors may incorporate a range of materials, such as metal, glass, and… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Advice and tips
Finding architects near me – do I need someone local?
Self build design above by Caspar, architect from Southwark, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. Finding architects near me This week, we thought we’d share our answer to a frequently asked question here at Design for Me: ‘Should I only consider architects near me? Whether you are planning an extension, renovation… Read more »
Should we move or extend? (2023)
I’ve included the year in the title of this post for a reason. Overtime, the reasons to either move or extend will depend not only on your personal requirements and finances, but also a judgement in relation to the housing market and cost of construction. Let’s explore these factors in more detail. Extension above… Read more »
Exploring Bathroom Vanity Unit Finishes: Gloss, Satin, Matte, and More
When it comes to selecting the right bathroom vanity unit, you have a lot to consider. This includes choosing between wall-hung and freestanding vanity units, determining their size, style, colour, etc. One aspect that is often overlooked is the finish of the bathroom furniture. You may not even realise how significantly it can impact the… Read more »
The top mistakes homeowners make when hiring an architect and how to avoid them
Hiring an architect is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make during your project. A skilled architect can help you achieve the best design, manage your budget, navigate legal requirements, and help ensure a smooth construction process that’s completed on time and within budget. Design for Me is an excellent starting point for finding… Read more »
What are the new building regulations for homes?
In June 2022, new changes to the building regulations came into effect. For all new homes, the main changes involve finding more carbon-efficient ways to heat our homes, improving their thermal efficiency, reducing overheating, and preparing to accommodate electric vehicle charging. There also some changes that will affect extension and renovation projects too (see below)…. Read more »
How to prepare for your first meeting with an architect
Preparing for your first meeting with an architect can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially if you’ve never worked with one before. However, with some preparation, you can make the most out of the meeting and ensure that you get the best results possible. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how… Read more »
Help to Build Loan – A Simple Guide
What is the Help to Build loan? The Help to Build loan will help people with small deposits (from just 5%) access the finance they need to build their own home. This equity loan scheme is provided by the government to top up a standard self-build mortgage. Following MP Richard Bacon’s review of the sector,… Read more »
Alternatives to grass – what can I have instead of a lawn?
It’s a well known fact, although often overlooked, that lawns are hard work. If you want a low-maintenance garden that looks great all year round, a huge expanse of lawn is simply not the best option. Lots of people opt for lawn as the obvious choice – it’s relatively cheap to install and it’s soft enough… Read more »
How to find building plots in London
This week, Hugh, one of the architects on Design for Me, has offered up some top tips on finding building plots for a self-build house in London. However, much of the advice extends to other areas in the UK too. Hugh, London based architect on Design for Me Self-build plots are notoriously difficult to find in… Read more »
