For a quick, easy and cheap facelift you'll be amazed how far a clean-up alone will go. Jet wash the wall and the driveway setts. Put a lick of paint on the ironwork, black would definitely be good. Brush in fresh kiln-dried sand between the setts. Prune back those sad looking shrubs before they get back into growth, which will be any time now. Don't cut back those firs, they will not grow back and are likely to just die. If you do anything at all with them, get rid and plant something which grows more happily in this country. It's a low definition photo so I can't see the state of the lawn or whether the wall needs re-pointing. Look yourself and treat accordingly. That alone will lift the place sufficiently to give you breathing space. Then you can think through what budget you have left and which of the many ideas available you prefer and can prioritise accordingly. On the other hand, whatever you do will not look good while all that looks scruffy and unloved.

A feature wall behind the bed would look great. Wallpaper, wall mural, paint, paneling, loads of options with choices of colour pattern and texture. I’d go for a subtle wallpaper with a metallic hint to reflect the light, perhaps a faux Venetian plaster finish with peeps of metallic silver or gold or maybe a marble effect. Nice big light fitting whichever suits your taste and a simple roman blind at the window. Sit the Roman blind higher above the window so when pulled up the folds don’t interfere with the daylight. @Pam Dee . Hi, if you’re using the app go to article or photo and click on square box with arrow (top right), should be an option to copy link. Here’s the bedroom you mentioned. https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/room-tour-a-dull-beige-bedroom-is-totally-transformed-stsetivw-vs~94279699

Hello Kelly, I hear the same thing all the time. It's so hard to see how a space would look when you are looking at a plan view line drawing. I would definitely recommend looking into a free software that will bring it to 3D format - when it comes to visualising the layout and the items sizes within a space they can really help. It is great starting point. For getting the feel for the textures and colours that work in your space I create 3D images for my clients (and I offer a stand alone 3D packages). I have attached a few example images below. In my 3D package we can create your space in 3D - with your items. We then offer three variations so you can see different colours, different layouts or kitchens etc. What ever helps you to see your space and help you make those difficult decisions that are often taking large chunks of your budget :) ...so the bits that are important to get right. I really hope it helps and that you find a way that helps you to visualise your new space. All the best, Gina

Hi Sharon, I think you've got plenty of space for you wishlist. Budget balancing is important and so I think it would be perfectly possible to work without a side extension, it could be used as a lovely sheltered patio area. I think the most cost effective design would be to use the current kitchen as the utility room and then putting the new kitchen under the stairs and open into the dining room to make the most of the fireplace and windows outside. This could have a lovely dresser for extra storage and the two areas linked with a large island running alongside the garden. The toilet door would be moved to access from the hallway. If you do go ahead with this property and want some help rearranging the space, feel free to get in touch good luck Emily x