This is a simple starter guide to garden design where space is limited. We asked some of the garden designers on Design for Me for their top tips on how to make a small garden look bigger. 1. Avoid large expanses of grass, paving or decking It may seem counter-intuitive but large lawns will… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Project Types
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion / extension?
You don’t need planning permission for a loft conversion or extension if the work falls within permitted development rules, and these rules apply to your property. Generally, the following types of loft conversion will not require planning permission: A basic conversion of your existing loft into a habitable room (e.g. bedroom), perhaps inserting skylights. Note… Read more »
Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?
If you are starting to plan your home extension or renovation project, you might be wondering if you should hire a structural engineer or an architect. For most home extensions or renovation projects, you will usually require both an architect and a structural engineer. Featured image from Will, architect in Brighton. See his full… Read more »
5 things to know about barn conversions
Beginner’s guide to barn conversions An old barn can provide the perfect shell to create your ideal home. These large and often very solid structures give the opportunity to create a house with huge expanses of space and high ceilings. Most importantly, by retaining the original form, materials or structure, it adds character, charm and history to your otherwise… Read more »
What is a feasibility study?
Do I need a feasibility study? All projects, big or small, will go through the feasibility phase; which is basically a research phase to help decide whether a project will proceed or not. A feasibility study will usually also inform the design and construction method. The decision to proceed lies with the client of course,… Read more »
What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know About Residential Mortgages
Buying a home is one of the most exciting steps you can take, but it can also feel a little intimidating. Among all the decisions you’ll make, understanding your mortgage is one of the most important. A mortgage is more than just a loan. It shapes your budget, your long-term financial plans, and even your… Read more »
Modern vs Traditional: Choosing the Right Exterior Window Shutters for Your Home
Exterior window shutters can significantly impact one’s home than most people expect. They enhance curb appeal, protect your windows, and help unify your home’s architectural style. Because shutters come in many designs and materials, choosing between modern and traditional options requires some consideration. Before making any decisions, it is helpful to understand what sets modern… Read more »
Commissioning an Architect: Unlocking Design Potential and Maximising Value
Commissioning an architect to lead your home transformation is an important step toward creating exceptional living spaces tailored to your needs and aesthetic preferences. The design process opens possibilities you might never have imagined, turning constraints into opportunities and transforming bland or dysfunctional spaces into inspiring, efficient environments. Alongside creativity, architects also bring structure: clear… Read more »
How Colour Psychology Shapes the Way We Experience a Home (And How to Test Your Palette Before You Commit)
Homeowners often ask a deceptively simple question: “Will this colour make my room feel bigger or smaller?” The answer is rarely just about aesthetics. Colour profoundly influences how we perceive space, temperature, brightness and—even more importantly—how we feel in our own homes. Designers have known this for centuries, but modern neuroscience now backs it up:… Read more »
A perfect match … for a low maintenance garden design
Cheryl from Milton Keynes posted her project to Design for Me looking for a garden designer to design a low maintenance garden. Situated in a new build development, this garden started out as a muddy yard following the construction of a new extension to the downstairs kitchen. After registering her project with just a few… Read more »
