Put this thread into the design dilemma not the using houzz section.

I have spent a fortune in Laura Ashley and I have found that the quality isn't in their items. An oak dining chair broke the first time it was used; knob to the tv cabinet within a year came off and now regularly needs to be fixed; a Langham knowle sofa looks exhausted although it has been sat on no more than a dozen times and wallpaper within 6 months was peeling off the walls - despite using LA wallpaper paste. I have now moved and have redecorated again and the decorator warned, WARNED me about using LA paint as it is impossible to paint with and get a good finish. Most of the items were bought for my mother with the exception of the sofa and she is in her late 70's and is bird like she is so thin. LA has great style - so do what we did when my mum down sized and needed to buy more appropriate furniture - we used the catalogues for design ideas and shopped elsewhere. If you don't believe me have a look on Ebay for LA sofas and chairs - some are being sold in pristine condition (LA does have spectacular discounts for shop floor furniture on sale) and the stuff that is used... I must also mention that this is going back 3 years - things may have changed but now that I know about this website I would only source from here - afterall, who wants a look that everyone has, on here and sites such as pinkapple, notonthehighstreet, Etsy etc one can find truly beautiful and unique pieces that are timeless/ on trend and original.

Figure out what you have to work with - furniture you already have, features you can't change etc. think about how you will use the rooms, and where you will keep things. Storage is king. Measure everything, floors, windows, etc and keep this information all together, and bring it with you every time you go to an interiors shop or wherever. You might set out to buy a sofa and spot a great table so you need all your measurements! Choose paint colours last. Paint comes in every colour and colour is the only variable, so it's an easy choice to make. Other items like curtains, furniture etc have more variables- size, shape, texture and colour - so you need to choose those first. Don't follow trends for the sake of it. Don't buy everything to match as the house will look like it came out a catalogue! Stamp your own personality on the house wherever you can. It's a long process. We are eight months into redecorating and still only about halfway there. I don't have one single room that I feel is finished. But I am loving the way the house is gradually morphing into what we dreamed it could be, and people's reactions when they see our latest change. Enjoy it!

Congratulations on your new home, it sounds like you have a healthy budget if spent wisely....! I would look at using a Howdens kitchen, very good prices, (need a builder/interior designer with a trade account to use them) they have great kitchen styles & colours, they now have a range of kitchen doors which are ready for you to paint in your own paint choice....Spend your money on good worktop surfaces & the appliances to make it look like a V expensive kitchen and longevity! When doing your shower room and bathroom spend money on the taps/shower & bath mixer valves and good toilet cisterns as this will see you through for the next 10 years versus using cheap no name brands..The rest of your listed renovation work can be done relatively cheaply with having a good eye for your finishes. A good decorator will always be the icing on the cake, its definitely worth spending your money on a good plasterer and decorator. Good luck with your project. If you would like any further assistance please get in touch as I offer consultations which provide lots of advice & tips.....