Thefrenchhouse.co.uk Not cheap. But quite lovely antique French/French-inspired furniture and salvaged gems. They re-upholster and offer other sprucing services depending on what you're after. If you can't afford them, the shop is still great for inspiration. Check out their 1920s-1950s bevelled mirrors. I found one just like it in my local Cancer Research shop for £15.
Sourceantiques.co.uk An eclectic selection of reclaimed furniture and architectural salvage, featuring everything from entire kitchens to vases. Perfect if you want a one-off but don’t have time to trawl flea markets or the patience for ebay bidding.
Lighting-direct.co.uk While feature lamps are more of a design choice, plain wall or kitchen lighting that isn’t vile is hard to find. This place has some tat – but browse well and its vast selection will provide those essentials.
Funkylittledarlings.co.uk Not clever enough to paint your own children’s walls with something fun and fabulous? This wallpaper place – which also offers a bespoke design service – is the answer.
Retrotogo.com 50s and 60s design is having quite a moment right now. This site collects the best bits and provides links to relevant retailers.
Screwfix.com Boring but essential if you’re DIY-ing. This trade-price site sells (obviously) screws, but also Leyland paint, tools, radiators and halogen spots.
Doorchimesuk.co.uk Why are doorbells frequently so naff? Where on earth could you replace that tacky plastic thing with, say, a state of the art Jacob Jensen digital dream of a doorbell? Here.
Artscouncil.org.uk/ownart A house-full of new contemporary artwork to match your home’s new look isn’t something you might have budgeted for. This service provides interest-free loans so you can afford to do it.
Dandys.org The best selection of reasonably priced garden or driveway gravel on the internet, selling and delivering nationwide everything from plum slate to recycled rubber chippings.
Architect-yourhome.com The place to go if you can’t afford an architect to run a whole project, but could do with some affordable expert advice, inspiration and to-scale sketches.
Bathstore.com Stylish bathrooms on a budget – and spectacular customer service.
Greenhomesconcierge.co.uk For £200 they’ll give you a HIPs-ready report, rate your home’s energy efficiency and be on call for a year to organize and source relevant workmen and products. Worth it if you’re ripping out and starting from scratch.
More to come...
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