Colour influences how we feel. It is a basic design element; our moods and feelings are deeply affected by the colours we see. Therefore, selecting the right colours for your living room is a project where you need to put in some effort. Vibrant hues like red and yellow can energize and uplift your spirits…. Read more »
Posts Categorized: Advice and tips
Building regulations for a house conversion
Where a house renovation results in a ‘material change of use’, there are requirements for upgrading certain building elements and meeting standards that go beyond what is required for a typical house renovation. Thanks to Nick Paley at Assure Building Control for their assistance with this article. Assure Building Control provide a fully licenced independent… Read more »
How to Build Your Own House
A Simple Guide to Getting Started Self-build projects have been known to be expensive and intimidating, although over the last few years, building your own home has gotten a lot easier. There are over 6 million people in the UK who want to build their own home and over 1 million in progress, according to This Is Money. Now… Read more »
Can I apply for planning permission before I buy a property?
Can I apply for planning permission before we purchase a house? In short, yes. You do not need to be the owner of a property to apply for planning permission. However, you will need to inform the owner of the property/land prior to submitting the application. Image above by Nick, architect from London. See… Read more »
Kitchen Renovation Ideas from DfM
Keeping it Simple on a Budget Did you know that only 9% of homeowners in a recent survey made it under their budget (according to Which)?! But don’t worry, the team at Design for Me has assembled some tips on renovating your kitchen on a budget, but keeping it super stylish at the same time!… Read more »
Six inspiring tips and ideas for a multifunctional garden room
Creating a multifunctional garden room is a fantastic way to expand your living space. With some innovative planning, an outdoor room can transform into whatever suits your needs: a mini gym, a flexible entertainment area for hosting guests, or a serene retreat for reading and relaxation. Whether you require an additional lounge or a dedicated… Read more »
Do you need permission for a basement conversion?
Is it a basement extension or a basement conversion? There are many reasons why basement conversions are so popular in London. But before we get into what permissions you might need for a basement conversion, we’ll explain how we differentiate between a basement conversion and a basement extension. If you are planning to extend or… Read more »
What are the best winter garden plants?
How to get the most out of your garden this winter Winter is the time your garden slumbers, riding out the worse that the British weather can throw at it, from heavy rain to sub-zero temperatures. It is the season in which we curl up in front of the fire, warm, cosy and protected against… Read more »
The importance of reviewing an architect’s portfolio before hiring them
Hiring an architect is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make during your project. The architect you choose will be responsible for designing and managing the construction of your building or space, ensuring that your vision becomes a reality. Design for Me is an excellent starting point for finding the right architect. One of… Read more »
What are the planning rules for basement extensions?
Planning rules for basement extensions Before we delve into the nitty gritty of planning rules for basement extensions, it’s worth checking whether your basement extension will require permission at all. If you’re unsure, you can see these articles: Do I need planning permission for a basement extension? Do you need planning permission for a basement… Read more »