Self-Build Inspiration Station

TV programs such as ‘Grand Designs’ encourage us to fantasise about our dream homes and all the special and personalised aspects which would make them stand out from the rest. These programs show you the most unconventional, unusual and different house designs and features, inside and out. They inspire us to inject some crazy into our homes. So, when designing your project (and watching Grand Designs) why not add a few personal and unique touches to really make your house a bespoke home?

We’ve collected a few ideas to give you the inspiration you need. 

Open plan living is always popular and always will be. It’s a modern and classic layout which allows you to have freedom whilst also bringing the whole family together. Knocking down the walls not only adds value to your home but it also creates a more socialise space. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to refresh the inside of your home and make it different from your friends and families. 

Research has discovered how the effect of natural light lifts and energises us, so letting in light is a great way to keep your house light, positive and happy. Velux windows create an airy and bright space and help to improve the quality of life in the room they are installed. They are a great choice if you’re looking to maximise the amount of natural light which enters the room and the size of the room. 

If you’re looking for eco-friendly inspiration then using green building materials is a great way to start. Using materials such as recycled newspaper, sheep’s wool and cellulose can really help to keep your home insulated and therefore reduce your carbon footprint. In addition to this, if you’re really committed to going green then a rainwater harvesting system incorporated into the design of your house could cut your water bills by up to 50%. The rainwater runs off the roof into the guttering system then filtered to remove any debris. The water is then stored in an underground tank and can be used for a variety of applications, for example toilet flushing to washing cars. 

If you’re looking for the more unusual addition to your self build and you’re a pizza and outdoor lover, then why not install an outdoor pizza oven? Installing the oven in the garden, with seating around it and a roof, creates the perfect excuse to get your loved ones round to enjoy the homemade food and the heat from the oven, whatever the weather! 

If you’ve got the budget an outside or indoor pool is never a bad idea. Cool off in the sweltering summer months or do a few lengths to warm up and escape the winter weather. Whatever size or type, you’ll definitely become the neighbourhood favourite! 

There are so many ways to make your home different and the above suggestions are just a start to help inspire what could be your dream home. After-all a self build begins with an idea and transforms into a bespoke creation. Inspiration can be found anywhere and in a variety of different ways, for example, TV programs, like ‘Grand Designs’ are a great way to discover what to do and what works well; they can also show you the most popular, efficient and contemporary features that you might not find anywhere else. Instagram is a visual and modern platform which showcases a huge variety of profiles, pages and posts, so it’s another great way to find bespoke and unique ideas. The most inspiring thing to remember when tackling a self-build is that as long as you keep going it will all be worth it in the end.