How much does a planning application cost?

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Profile pics from Felix, Jamie, Richard and Mark, architects on DfM.

In England, the fee for a householder planning application for alterations/extensions to a single dwellinghouse from December 2023 is £258. This fee is payable to your local council for processing your planning application. Costs may vary slightly depending on the type of application and location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your… Read more »

6 ways to communicate your design dreams to your architect

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Communication is key to any successful design project, but if you’re embarking on a major renovation or refurbishment, it’s critical. Architectural projects can take months or even years in some cases, and they involve a lot of details, so it’s important to be crystal clear about your expectations. Clients, interior designers and architects all need… Read more »

Garden Design Ideas on a Budget

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Garden design ideas

Title image: See Sara Jane’s profile here   Have some garden design ideas? When undertaking a project such as designing a new garden, you’ll want to make sure you’re spending your money in the best possible way. The principles to achieving this remain the same no matter how big or small your project…   1. MAKE A PLAN… Read more »

5 Reasons to Use Limestone Blocks for Your Home or Garden

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Limestone blocks are a popular choice for both home and garden projects due to their natural beauty and practicality. Whether you’re building a retaining wall, a garden bed, or even a stylish outdoor feature, limestone offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution. Its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and low maintenance requirements make it an ideal material for… Read more »

Black steel framed doors and windows – ideas for your home extension

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Move over PVC bi-fold doors, it’s all about stylish, black steel doors and windows! The traditional variety are generally known to be thermally inefficient and expensive. However, there are many new companies on the market, whose products can be much more thermally efficient and cost effective, and we’ve listed some below to get you started. How much do steel doors and windows… Read more »

Modern kitchen designs – five of the most stylish kitchen companies (in pictures)

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Modern kitchen designs Many of our homeowners who use Design for Me are on the lookout for fabulous modern kitchen designs that are simple, stylish, good quality and reasonably priced. So, we have searched far and wide and whittled it down to our top five modern kitchen companies. You are welcome! Pluck https://www.pluck.kitchen/ (See main featured image above) Kitchens designed and… Read more »

Climate control for your home

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Controlling the climate in your home can benefit everyone, especially with the rising energy prices. Smart technology has made it easier to achieve comfort while saving money by providing various climate control options.   Benefits of Climate Control One of the main benefits of climate control systems is saving energy. Depending on the model, the… Read more »

5 bathroom design trends for the ’20s

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Bathroom design trends for the 2020s Goodbye metro tiles, grey grout and geometric patterns? See you later monochrome and slick surfaces? OK, we actually still love metro tiles and monochrome and there is still a place for them in the 2020s… but the touches below are guaranteed to move the modern industrial style into a new… Read more »

Design for Me Loves… Freestanding Baths

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Freestanding baths

I’m designing a bathroom at the moment. I want it to feel calm, and relaxing… but also clean and modern and it’s that balance that  is key. I’m not a fan of uber modernist bathrooms with wall to wall white tiles, white tiled floor, white polished everything. I think It’s important to have some texture and colour to… Read more »

Design for Me Loves… Distressed Rugs

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Letting colour in… Some people feel most comfortable surrounded by neutral colours such as calming white and soft shades of grey. Others feel uplifted and energised by lots of bright colours in their homes, making a bold personal statement. I have to admit bright block colours at home unnerve me a little, and I actually find lots… Read more »