Getting the most out of Design for Me

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Profile pics from Mark, Rebecca, Rachel and Lucy architects on DfM.

Design For Me is here to help you find a great designer who is the right fit for your residential project. To give you the best chance of finding them, simply ask yourself these 5 questions:   1. Have you given all the details you can? You don’t need to know exactly what you want to… Read more »

How Much Does an Architect Cost in the UK? [2025 Guide]

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New for 2025: Based on survey data from over 100 practising residential architects across the UK, this guide provides clear, current cost benchmarks for hiring an architect and budgeting for home extension.   What You’ll Learn Typical construction cost benchmarks for home extensions How much architects charge Typical consultant and engineer fees to factor in… Read more »

High maintenance home appliances – what should you be doing?

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Keeping up with the maintenance of appliances in your home is crucial to make sure they work well and have a long life. Certain devices may need only little care, but there are others known for being high in maintenance – these require regular attention. Here we present the most maintenance-intensive home appliances that every… Read more »

Skylights – ideas and inspiration

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Skylights – inspiration from Design for Me’s architects and designers Skylights are often a key ingredient to a well designed, light and stylish extension. Not only can they bring in swathes of natural light, they can provide an opportunity for an interesting architectural gesture. Click on the images below to see their full profiles and… Read more »

Exterior sliding / folding doors – design inspiration

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Folding doors, bifold doors, sliding doors, concertina doors… what’s the difference? Folding doors, bifold doors, concertina doors, patio doors… there seem to be so many names for these glazed doors that open out to your garden but essentially they mean the same thing! Fully glazed doors have become incredibly popular and are a bit of… Read more »

Top 5 tips for a small garden

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Ask any garden designer, and they will tell you that the key to a beautiful garden is not about how much space you have, but how you use it! In central London it is not uncommon for designers to be asked to design a 4×4 m space! Here are a few key tips from the on… Read more »

Composite Door Hinge Adjustment – In-Depth Guide

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Adjusting Composite Doors Composite doors are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. However, over time, even the best doors may require some adjustments to ensure they continue to function correctly. You can learn more about composite door hinge adjustment at Value Doors, with full step-by-step guides on all things door-related. One common… Read more »

How to Design a Home Office That Inspires Creativity

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Image Source: DALL-E Creating an environment that sparks creativity doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right combination of design elements and thoughtful planning, we can transform any space into a creative haven. Let’s explore how to set up a home office that not only meets your professional needs but also fuels your imagination. Choosing… Read more »

how much should I budget for interior design?

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When it comes to budgeting for interior design, the approach can vary depending on the value of your home. As a guideline, we suggest 7-12% of the property’s value for a complete redecoration and refurbishment. The final decision should be based on your unique preferences and priorities. Let’s explore how you can adapt your budget… Read more »

Cheapest Way to Build a House UK

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Open plan kitchen

What’s the cheapest way to build a house in the UK? More and more people in the UK are considering building their own home, particularly as getting onto the housing ladder is becoming increasingly less affordable. There are new government initiatives to encourage self-building in an effort to help solve the nation’s housing crisis with… Read more »