Naughty or Nice? Architectural wish lists (that might lead to regret)

Oh, the weather outside if frightful, but the fire is so delightful… and as it’s December, we’re all busy writing our wish lists to Santa!

For some of us, those lists many include some dream design changes to our homes, and we may well be asking for some fabulous new features.

What's on your wish list?

From new conservatories to bifold doors, ideas sound magical on paper, and clever

architectural elves have no problem delivering them from our workshop… BUT, without sounding like the Grinch, once the Christmas glitter fades, many of these must-haves end up on the naughty list, leaving homeowners with regrets.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way! Here’s how, with some clever planning, you can tweak the most common culprits and keep your dreams firmly on the nice list.

Conservatories

The dream: A glass extension from which to admire the garden, whilst relaxing in the sunshine.

The reality: Boiling in summer, freezing in winter, and often look dated very quickly.

Avoid the regret: Opt for a well-insulated garden room or orangery that works year round instead.

Loft conversions

The dream: Transforming dusty lofts into glamorous master suites (or somewhere for the teenagers to hide)!

The reality: Awkward head heights, poor storage, cramped staircases and overheated rooms. Bah humbug.

Avoid the regret: If you invest in proper insulation, good ventilation (windows are often an

expensive but vital part of the process) and a thoughtful layout, loft conversions can be an

absolutely fantastic way to improve, rather than move. Consult a professional before getting started though.

Underfloor heating

The dream: Toasty toes all winter long. Who needs slippers!?

The reality: Expensive installation, slow to heat and potentially tricky repairs.

Avoid the regret: Use as a supplementary system alongside very efficient insulation. Whatever

happens, you will forever be tripping over the cat though, nothing you can do about that!

Bifold doors

The dream: A wall of folding glass opening onto the garden. Grand Designs gold dust.

The reality: Potentially heavy operation, higher costs compared to sliding alternatives and we do live in the UK after all...

Avoid the regret: Choose doors that suit your space and lifestyle, bifolds aren’t the best option for every setting.

Minimalist bathrooms

The dream: Ahhh, spa-like serenity with no clutter. Absolute five-star luxury.

The reality: Nowhere to store towels, toiletries or your toothbrush. One-star storage.

Avoid the regret: Build in hidden storage to keep the sleek look practical. There are some great

options, but retrospective solutions are never as slick.

Openplan everythings

The dream: Hosting like Nigella, in a vast, wall-free space. Fabulous!

The reality: Noise, smells and heating bills that take the shine off pretty quickly.

Avoid the regret: Clever ventilation and zones defined by sliding partitions can give the illusion of an open space, with the option to close up shop when you’re cooking a roast…

Trend-led finishes

The dream: The most Instagrammable home on the street. A worksurface made of reclaimed roof tiles? So stylish, sweetie.

The reality: Ultra-trendy materials date really fast (and they may not be that great to live with,

either).

Avoid the regret: Stick to timeless design for the ‘bones’ of your home, and add personality through (easily) changeable details.

Santa might deliver your dream features, but only you can decide if they’re a seasonal success, or will be out with the bins by New Year. The trick is to balance sparkle with substance: timeless design, practical layouts and features that truly fit your lifestyle. It can be tricky to see the wood for the (Christmas!) trees sometimes, so engaging with an expert like Nick can certainly help see things a little clearer.

He can help brush the glitter from your eyes and ask the right questions early – ‘will you still love this in 10 years?’, ‘does this fit with the rest of the house’ and ‘will this drive you bananas every day?’ - helping you avoid costly mistakes and create a home that feels like a gift that keeps on giving, long after the decorations come down.