@Laura took the words right from underneath my fingers. I was going to ask the depth and width of the area where the shelves currently are. I've just had a PAX installed and I LOVE IT. My configuration is Two sets of 2 x 100cm wide (236cm H) units with the Harvik doors. I had them shortened as my ceiling didn't allow for the full height hence why I picked the easily hackable Harvik. The easy option is 4 x 75cm units with sliding doors of course. In one of my units, the inside was wallpapered and has a standard shelf which my monitor rests on and a pull out shelf directly below it that I use as a desk. I even have power in there so the cables are neat. the Pax really are an outstanding solution. A word of advice though to avoid extra expense and wasted time, especially if you are having someone install them; check them as soon as they arrive as the units can be damaged Good luck and pictures please :)

So sorry Daisy English is not impressed with Howdens, I purchased my kitchen from them in Bolton and could not be more pleased. I downsized from a large house with solid oak kitchen units and marble worktops (which after time do stain, whatever anyone tells you) and moved into a much smaller property. With the help of the designer at Howdens she and I designed a kitchen more suitable for my needs, all the units are just to my taste and the appliances are excellent even the oven cleans itself, everything is in there, dishwasher, fridge freezer, washing machine, microwave, second oven, pan drawers, pull out pantry, hob, and extractor fan and sooooo important wine rack, streamlined and so easy to keep clean. Incidentally I have no connection with Howdens, just a satisfied customer!

Amazing suggestions so far, thank you so much! The house is three stories high at the back, so painting anything out of reach isn't manageable at the moment unfortunately. Also, we're in a deep valley, and the yard is west-facing. In mid-summer it's nice and sunny all day, but in the winter it gets far less sun but a lot of wind! This is partly why bamboo isn't really a long-term option as it won't withstand the great British weather (and why only one of the bamboo'ed gate has survived since last year!). The ivy was attached over the bamboo, because it only cost £10 and provided some 'greenery'. I cable-tied it onto the gate as a short-term measure after the bamboo fell off. As this is our only outdoor space, and there is no street parking at all (very busy main road at the front of the house), then we do need to keep parking available as we'll be looking to sell and move on in the next few years. I hadn't thought of outdoor rugs though - brilliant idea! Perhaps with a few planters on wheels and rugs, the patchy concrete will be adequately disguised. After measuring up outside and taking photos, I wondered if a small pergola attached to the house and the brick wall might be an idea? That would also give somewhere to attach a shade too, and a swing seat (thus solving the seating/shade option in one go). I painted the gates last summer, with hammerite, and it took forever! So, they'll be staying that colour for the foreseeable I think 😆. I'd like to attach something to the inside of the gate that's opaque. Maybe featherboard? What it looks like from the outside is of absolutely no concern to me, as that's not the bit we'll see (nor is it overlooked by any windows/other gardens, so it's only passing walkers who would see it). Here are a couple more photos - I've been exploring SketchUp, great fun!

Hi Mel, when we moved into our house it needed quite a lot of work but we had no money to do it, so we did it bit by bit as we could afford it. We decorated and carpeted the bedrooms first so there was a sanctuary away from the grim interior. As far as wardrobes go, you could get one of those hanging rails on wheels for your room until you were ready to get wardrobes? I would get the stair carpet last otherwise it could get mucky if there’s still work going on. The garden blocks look like they’ve had it. If it was me I’d remove them completely once the work indoors is completed. The insulation can be completed whenever it suits you. Is the vestibule really such an issue? It does look quite old and probably poorly insulated but no worse than many old windows. For me, I’d get it changed later if you wish. Just what I would do.