Houzz is fantastic for ideas. I must confess I also subscribe to 25 beautiful homes which is a great source of inspiration. Having bought all of the interior magazines for a few years I personally find this the best. More often than not, a design is inspired by one piece of furniture or art that you love. Most of my house was inspired by a single image long before we were even thinking about buying a new house .Scale tends to be my issue. I would therefore recommend looking at layouts of furniture to see what comfortably fits before buying anything (cuttings out templates helps). I like symmetry and my house is georgian so it's key but I got so excited about my new large lounge that I bought 2 different sized v large sofas (went in to buy 2 identical) and I am now stuck with the layout. Also, if you are on a strict budget or you are unlikely to redo within a few years, maybe go for a classic style that can be updated with a couple of cheap contemporary items. Paint is also cheap to update but wallpaper not, unless you can do it yourself. New cushions can also update a look cheaply. Don't forget lighting either, it can make a room. Layering different textures and mixing old and new makes a room look more expensive and more as if the room has evolved.

Ettel you wouldn't have to change the off white walls if you went for whitewashed/limed pale wood or used a white oil or wax on it Scandi style. I haven't seen it done but I was thinking of kitchens and floors in this kind of wood that I have noticed on Houzz. I also thought of the slightly rougher wood cladding used externally on buildings that you may be able to get from a wholesaler in a smaller quantity. This could give you a nice kind of rustic effect but then it would be up to you if you wanted to follow that into full country style or go with a more modern rustic aesthetic. I have seen nice things from habitat that would work with that. Just a more minimal look than country. Sorry, I've never attached a photo on houzz.

Hi Louise, this is a really interesting discussion, thank you for sharing and looks like it was a great feature! Me personally, I think the secret of my success is being passionate and loving what I do. Then everything else follows naturally! To achieve a work/life balance I have to be quite strict with myself, and recognise I need time to relax to be at my best. I am currently really inspired by the Scandinavian lifestyle - my boyfriend is Danish and I am trying to learn more about 'Hygge'. It's all about being comfortable, getting cosy and appreciating the little things such as a hot cup of coffee and lighting candles. That being said, with Summer approaching I'm excited to start spending more time outdoors - pretty sunsets always inspire me and make me feel good!

Try some shade and drought tolerant plants if you want to grow owt underneath it. The ring of bricks above give a fair idea of the look. irregular stone blocks might look more natural. A narrow level trench (footings) will indeed be best to do it properly. Then some aggregate, concrete, and blobs of mortar (concrete with more sand added) between each block as you build the levels up. There will be countless vids online showing 'how-to'.