Congratulations, a really exciting time. At the moment your head will be racing and you will have so many ideas. I think you should make yourself a mood board of anything you see and like ( any scrap of paper from magazines to fabric or to photos you can snap on your phone). Sit down on a quiet night and close your eyes and feel the room and imagine what you can see open your eyes. have a drink of your choice and then start writing and looking at your board and this will help with what you would like to see in your room. This normally helps when you really are unsure. Enjoy.

Thank you that's an excellent guide. I have signed up for your newsletter. When you purchase power tools do you trust Amazons reviews or do you use a power tools review site like thespruce or toolinspector.com to decide?

Hi there! First, congratulations! It's exciting when you get a new home and there is so much potential, especially when it's a big dream one and I'm sure you've worked hard to get it. There is so much potential in this to be a beautiful home. It is similar to many of the houses I've worked on - large Victorian Villas in conservations area are exactly the kind of project I specialise in. There is a lot to unpick in this and you have lots of choices, which ones suit you best will depend on many factors including financial. For example - how much of a structural alteration to make, and which period features to protect. You've already started to make decisions around this, for example with the tiles in the hall, which is excellent. You could for example remove the chimney breast which splits the space in two between what would probably have been the original kitchen and morning room or laundry/scullery. This chimney continues up through the whole house and you could remove it entirely, freeing up space on each floor, or just to the ground floor. If you wanted to remove it externally this would require planning permission and may be tricky to get permission for depending how visible it is from the street and the particular protected characteristics of your conservation area. The idea of creating a courtyard could work nicely, but I wouldn't recommend building a standard conservatory - the amount of time you can use them comfortably is very limited. To build a high quality one that gives you comfortably useable space year round is costly - more so than a standard build that isn't a conservatory because glazing can be costly. Although it does depend what you want to use it for - as a mud room / utility it might work as you only tend to pass through rather than want to spend time in there enjoying the space. A thing to note about conservatories is that they can't be heated in the same way as a habitable space and comply with building regulations. The key to any redesign is getting a clear vision in place for how you will live there. If you want a home you can live in with ease and pleasure then it's essential to get that vision clear from the off. I have a free Design Your Home Vision Checklist that you can get here to start with: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/dyhvchecklist.html I'd love to help you with the redesign and the best way I can start to do that is with my Big Picture Plan - this is a sketch design package that includes helping you create a really in depth vision and then redesign to deliver your vision. It also includes support to help you double check that the design really is right for you. I'm happy to hop on a fitting call with you to talk this through and make sure its right for you if you prefer to have a chat before booking - if it's not right then I'll advise you what you could do instead. You can find out more and book the Big Picture Plan here: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/bpp.html Best wishes with your home redesign! Jane award winning chartered architect eco-home and conservation area specialist www.i-architect.co.uk

Congratulations on nearing completion of your first home! Here are some tips to help you get your new home in a livable condition and find inspiration: Prioritize Essentials: Start with the essentials like plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling systems. Ensure they are in good working order and safe. If any issues arise, it's crucial to address them early. Paint and Flooring: Consider painting the interior walls and ceilings with fresh, neutral colors. This can instantly brighten up the space. If the flooring needs work, you might want to refinish hardwood floors or install new flooring. Kitchen and Bathroom: These rooms are often priorities. Upgrade fixtures and appliances if needed. A fresh coat of paint or new tiles can make a significant difference. Safety First: Check for any safety hazards, such as loose handrails, faulty locks, or non-functioning smoke detectors. Ensure your home is secure. Basic Repairs: Attend to any minor repairs like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or loose cabinet handles. These small tasks can make a big difference in the day-to-day functionality of your home. Clean and Declutter: Give your new home a thorough cleaning. Removing clutter and dirt can make spaces feel more inviting. Personal Touches: To find inspiration, consider your personal style. Browse home décor magazines, websites, or visit local furniture stores for ideas. Incorporate your favorite colors and elements into your design. DIY Projects: Depending on your skills and time, you might want to tackle some DIY projects like painting, landscaping, or simple furniture assembly. It can save money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Get Professional Help: Don't hesitate to hire professionals for tasks that are beyond your expertise. It's better to ensure quality work, especially for structural or complex projects. Take Your Time: Don't rush the process. Moving into a new home is a big step, and it's essential to get things right. Make a plan and prioritize tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Remember, turning your new house into a home is a journey. Take your time to make it a space that reflects your personality and meets your needs. Good luck with your new home!