Me again! Can we also have a reader's how to section. Such as a designer showing in pictures how to stage a sideboard with bijouterie depending on style, or how to style a bedroom with accents, or even articles on how to achieve X,Y,Z on a budget (I'm sure Houzzer's will have an idea - maybe this could be a section in itself?) Articles on colour or pattern matching etc would appeal vastly methinks. Even simple things that can easily be found on an internet search such as how to prep bannisters for painting would give a more magazine feel. Also a regional links page for cateogries. These could accompany articles. For eg. an article on prepping with images and step by step along with a list of Houzz recommended companies regionally who could undertake the work or fix a botched job! Topics I would be interested in include: How to add value to your home, how to maximise light, how to achieve a professional finish decorating; interior design ideas; how to change the facade of a property; flowers for the garen, door way, flowers for shaded areas, climbers for shaded areas, scented plants, how to ensure colour in the garden all year round etc. Decorating/furnishing ideas to create optical illusions to create size/light etc. Thanks for asking. I love this site and literlly spend hours getting lost on it with a cup of coffee :-)

Hi Minnie I'm good thanks. Sounds like we need to form a George Clarke fan club! I've stalked him on Twitter for years :) Minnie was in John Lewis earlier and had a gander at the Little Greene colour chip board and have to say Silt looked fabulous with the Purple Brown you like, it's looks fairly dark compared to other colours you've mentioned (and maybe a wildcard offering) but might work for exterior. Also had a little play with the Johnstones visualiser thingy on their website and very straightforward, I've never had any joy with the Dulux one.

I agree with Hugh re supervision plus by the time the extension is built your son will be nearing an age where he understands a little more. You may also want him in there to cook with you soon. I'm sure the kitchen can be designed from a safety aspect too if that's the only thing holding you back. I think the advantage of using OnePlan is that Karen can look at the whole house spatially etc and you're not tied to a particular kitchen company (I'm not on commission!). Click on her profile for reviews etc. I second Hugh's comments re karndean too! I like the heringbone parquet! If you did want to hire an interior designer (designers tend to be qualified in planning too I think as opposed to an interior decorator although many of those could be qualified by experience) then you could find you save as much as you spend. Some of them will offer you their trade discount which if doing the whole house could add up to an awful lot. They may also make you save from any mistakes and I've made a few of those! I'd go on houzz and search for pros and look at their reviews and previous work. I think you need to meet people yourself though as it's important to have a good working relationship and make sure they understand you

So many lost opportunities: Click on the image to expand 1) the long extension is blocked by the office. Far more dramatic if the full length and outlook and light at both ends can be used. 2) The kitchen is contrived but doesn't work, as you say. 3) A powerful symmetry can be gained in all aspects of the kitchen/dining/slobbing seating area. 4) space for a big bookshelf/tv wall in the casual seating area 5) space for coat hanging in the hall and utility (none in the original) 6) Kitchen and dining are interchangeable depending on preference. 7) a less space wasting office with direct access to the garden. Could alternatively be a kids room for the avalanche of plastic. 8) Significantly less expensive because the wall is kept, but the chimney is removed in this floor. 9) I would use sliding doors at the ends. Minimal frame type with just 2 panels. Bi folds are really ugly when closed (most of the time). 10) you could extend the kitchen worktop outside as an outdoor kitchen. I did this out of personal interest because I could see lost opportunities and it bugged me so I had to solve it. But if you want help or just to discuss, please get in touch. Leesmunday.com