New kitchen remodeling - architect or designer? SW11 London
Paula Souza
7 years ago
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7 years agoRelated Discussions
Interior design ideas required on old 1920s house in London
Comments (14)The fireplaces in the bedrooms are decorative. Living room is a real open fire and the study (with the wooden fireplace surround) has been converted to gas. We were lucky to acquire three of the fireplaces from the house directly across the road. They cost £500 which I thought was a bargain until I realised they would cost me £2,500 to restore them! The wooden surround was in the house when we bought it and we had to buy the cast iron insert. The surround is actually mahogany, I'm not actually that keen on it but couldn't bring myself to rip it out! I would get to know the neighbours and see what original features they have in their houses. Be careful with architectural salvage, for example salvaged doors if you need them have often been dipped in acid and the glue joints tend to fail after a while. We employed a conservation architect to restore the house and I felt his design was one which would stand the test of time. We had folding doors in our last house. These timber doors are bespoke made and look/feel quality. Just a bit more sophisticated....See MoreArchitect or Interior Designer (or both)?
Comments (6)Definitely hire an architect or architectural technologist. You will save you money and time if you employ a good one plus they will think of things you won't have done. Ask to see their portfolio and speak to past clients. A structural engineer may be required but let the architect / technologist coordinate as they should understand what works best and will also help you appoint an engineer who they've worked with who they know is good. The architect / technologist should be able to do the interior design aspect also but if the interior design is exceptionally important yes hire an interior designer. If you hire both it'll obviously cost more money. Ideally use a qualified professional, ARB, MCIAT, BIID, IStructE, etc. Not just planning and building regulations but other legislation to consider such as party wall act and shared drains. Whoever you hire should know what to do here and advise you accordingly.. Most of all hire someone who listens to you and delivers what you want. Hope it goes well....See MoreLooking for a London based architect for an extension with a BBQ
Comments (5)Hi AMPlanne, I wanted to respond to your request as a fellow South African, an architect and I love to have a good braai. I would not advise putting a braai in an enclosed extension space as you need better than good ventilation so your whole house will not constantly smell of braai & smoke. You may be ok with this but future buyers might be put off. The conservatory/orangery is traditionally an unheated space separated by doors from the main house so that could offer you a solution that allows you to put in an all weather bbq solution. However, you are still left with a uninsulated space that gets cold in winter and hot in summer. You would also need to check if there are any building control restrictions around this arrangement. In my experience an extension will add much better value to the house but you may need to find a compromise for the bbq solution. I did a quick google for smokeless indoor bbq's but suspect you might scoff at these devices to cook your boerie on :-) You may also want to look at what catering equipment offers a open fire cooking function rather. Despite the weather challenges I think a proper braai is best done outside. Some food for thought hopefully and good luck....See MoreCheck out how we increased natural daylight in this London property..
Comments (3)I definitely need more natural daylight in my home. Thanks for the tips!...See MoreEily Roe Interiors
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7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoPaula Souza thanked Kitchenpod - Temporary Kitchen Hire (Home use)- Paula Souza thanked Equilibrando... Space Planning with Feng Shui
Burchdaume
7 years ago
minnie101