This week, a client messaged me in the middle of her bespoke kitchen design process. The message read: “What are the general rules about the size of an island? How much room do I leave to flow around it? What are the dimensions of a typical seating...

Ah, the kitchen work triangle. You’ve probably heard the phrase tossed around by architects, estate agents, and even your best friend’s cousin who once watched a whole season of Grand Designs. The theory goes like this: position your fridge, sink,...

When conversations break down during a renovation, it can feel like the whole project is unravelling. Emotions run high, misunderstandings escalate, and suddenly, the home you were creating becomes a source of daily stress. But there’s a better way...

When it comes to home renovations, lighting is often an afterthought—until it’s too late. Many homeowners default to a grid of ceiling downlights, only to realise later that their home looks more like an airport runway than a place of comfort....

Internal pocket doors are a brilliant space-saving solution, offering a sleek and functional alternative to traditional hinged doors. Whether you’re tackling a full-scale renovation or simply looking to make better use of a compact room, pocket...

Renovating your home can be one of the most exciting and rewarding projects you take on—but are you considering the essential? If your renovation doesn’t factor in energy efficiency and sustainability, you are: leaving money on the table;...

Unhelpful figures Recently, an interior designer reached out to me on behalf of her clients. The project stopped because they all tried to make sense of two dramatically different quotes from two building contractors. Without divulging too much...

Mocha Mousse: the colour of connection and home Since 1999, Pantone has announced a Colour of the Year that captures the global zeitgeist and influences trends across design, fashion, and interiors. From Cerulean Blue in 2000, symbolising serenity at...

Let’s face it—anyone who has ever managed a renovation project knows that sticking to the timeline is easier said than done. But here’s a thought: is being “on time” really the goal? Whose timings are we even talking about? The client’s? The...

Since 2021, several updates to UK building regulations and construction laws have directly impacted how people approach home renovations. Whether you’re planning a simple remodel or a significant transformation, it’s essential to understand these...

The Future Home Standard is a UK government initiative designed to ensure that new homes built from 2025 are energy-efficient and produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than current levels. By enforcing stricter building regulations for insulation,...

When embarking on a home renovation, many homeowners instinctively think the first step is to hire an architect. While architects bring valuable expertise and creativity to the table, jumping straight into hiring one can sometimes lead to unnecessary...

Home renovations can feel like a minefield, can’t they? One minute, you’re full of excitement about transforming your space, and the next, you’re buried in stress, worried about budgets, timelines, and whether the end result will actually look...

You know, at The Place Between, we totally get how tough it can be to keep an eye on costs when renovating. And that is a hard fact for contractors and for their clients. What is the solution? Whether you're a homeowner planning a makeover or a...

Deciding to live in your home while renovating it is a deeply personal decision that depends on your unique circumstances. Here are some considerations to help you determine your personal preference and what could tip the balance for you when...

So, what is the deal? Cash payments to building contractors are often resorted to, particularly for small-scale projects and sole traders. This method offers flexibility and convenience, fostering immediate trust and simplifying transactions without...

The decorators' Code: 5 Keys to Successful Collaboration When looking to hire a decorator, there are lots of simple things you can do to ensure a successful collaboration: 1. Clearly communicate: Express your vision, preferences, and any specific...

What is retrofitting? It a nutshell, it refers to the addition of new technology, components or features to older systems. Retrofitting period homes involves upgrading existing properties to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. It...

Are you looking to expand your living space and add value to your home? If so, then perhaps you are considering converting your basement into a habitable room. Transforming a basement can offer additional space for living, working, or entertaining....

As homeowners or renovators, receiving a quote from a sole trader is an important step in the renovation process. It's a moment that can set the tone for the entire project. A clear and considerate reply sets the scene for smooth communication and...

Many homeowners face the frustrating challenge of contractor no-shows or project delays. These issues can lead to significant inconvenience and financial strain. However, there are effective strategies to manage these situations and prevent them from...

Those in the know will tell you that home renovations frequently give rise to disputes and conflicts between homeowners and building professionals. The very personal, intricate and complex nature of renovation projects provides MANY opportunities for...

A home renovation contract is more than just a piece of paper; it is a mutual agreement that ensures accountability and protects the interests of both parties involved. It outlines expectations, defines roles, and establishes the terms and conditions...

When it comes to replacing your gas boiler, it's important to entrust the job to a professional heating engineer. Not only does this ensure safety and compliance with regulations, but it also guarantees quality workmanship.

It is not only about budget, it is also about mindset ... When the building contractor's quote for your home improvement project has come in higher than you expected, it may feel like a let down. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that...

If you're a homeowner starting a renovation project, there are a few things you should be prepared for. One of the most common challenges in renovating your home is managing changes that come up throughout the process. These changes can be triggered...

A simple solution for sprucing up your home : move furniture around You have grand design home renovations dreams but can't yet afford? Why not live in the here and now and start improving your home today. There is so much instant home enjoyment you...

We have all heard nightmare stories about home renovations. The main and most serious problems that occur relate to challenging life disruptions, hidden structural issues, and dispute with building contractors over scope, timings and budget. A...

Many of us dream of transforming our homes, but it's important to consider more than just the financial implications when embarking on a renovation. Before you start ripping up carpets or tearing apart walls, take a step back and think about how your...