Hi, If you use an iPad you could download the free Dulux Visualizer app to look at different colours - it's quick and easy (but lighting conditions have to be good) For a cost effective transformation I would have to agree with you and most of the comments by painting the Front door, garage doors and windows of the house. (Use a good primer/undercoat like Zinsser external - shellac or oil based) I would advise all matching colours for a uniform country home feel. The olive green or light green looks nice. For the driveway you could go resin bound which is available in a variety of colours now and lasts much longer than Tarmac with far greater osmosis. Again adding the private home country estate feel at a reasonable price. Rendering comes in various colours (although it is costly) if within your budget will totally transform the look and feel adding to the thermal insulation. And most definitely some easy care, low maintenance plants and planters... You don't have to spend mega bucks! Although probably a good time for discounted evergreens? Good luck Edward eDECO

Robin, I have been looking for ages as well with no luck. I the end I ended up with a wool runner in black and white and will end up cobbling a fitted look on the landing from larger rugs of the same design ( only finished the stairs at the minute) Tim Page has a fabulous range but everywhere I looked it says POA and that usually implies £££££. Saying that you could find an interior shop or designer who works with them and price it up, what's the worst that can happen right? Good luck and I will be watching with interest to see if anything else comes up.

I think we'd all love a gardener to do all the laborious jobs, lawn mowing, hedge trimming and so on:) in answer to the 'no dig' method, it does work but it still means you have to hand pick the weeds when they show up. Another method is to cover the planting area with plastic sheeting which does the same job as weed control fabric and bark chips but tbh is uglier. There are seeds that you can sow which will look nice, improve the soil and then can be dug down the following year providing essential nutrients. Here's a link which will explain: https://www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/cms/tips-and-advice/tips-for-success/soil-quality/ These seeds tend to be used more for agricultural purposes so not sure they work on a smaller scale.

Recommendation from friends and builder.