Architecture & design company CDMS Partners Ltd unveils 10 steps to a beautiful home

Perfect ten

There’s a well known Brighton architecture and design company with a reputation for designing beautiful houses, great extensions, refurbishment and remodelling and the finishing touches that really bring good value to a house project: CDMS Partners.

The company has an amazing array of completed projects from small kitchen extensions, to larger house remodelling, interiors and new build houses.

Chris Scarr and Corin Morton are two of the Directors of CDMS and are responsible for creating their distinct design approach. Latest Homes asked them about their house designs and how it works in 10 easy steps:

1 The Building
It always helps to start with a property that has something interesting about it, design potential to be discovered; it is the blank canvas that is exciting, imagining what can be improved. CDMS Partners has worked in most areas around the South East, London and further afield.

2 Design
Time spent on the design, planning, costings and design options is what will pay dividends when the project comes to fruition. Trying to rush a project could be very costly if you end up building something that when complete you feel dissatisfied with. CDMS normally provides clients with two or three design options.

Remodelling a house is one of the biggest expenditures you will make and yet many people worry that the cost of the architect is too high. It is important that you know what you are getting from your architect or designer – ask to see what sort of drawings and information they will provide, what qualifications they have and the professional bodies they belong to. CDMS Partners can provide you with simple advice and costs for any building project.

3 The big idea
Don’t be afraid to make some big changes, it will add to the costs for a project but if you are undertaking building works it is worth trying to achieve as much as possible for the budget including as many of the jobs that need to be undertaken at once to reduce disruption. You don’t want to end up with it all looking a bit the same as when you started – a big idea will transform your house.

4 Flow of space
It is worth considering that one day you might want to sell your house; most people looking to buy a house will prefer a kitchen open-plan to the dining area or family space; will nearly always be looking for an en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom, plus the ‘wow factor’ of the living space opening directly out to the garden.

5 Materials
Shop around for tiles, wooden floors, and fabrics, but be careful when trying to cut corners – you can see the difference between natural timber and laminate flooring. Find an economical base material, then spend a little more on a feature material, something that isn’t found on the high street. CDMS Partners has a library of materials and finishes for each part of the home.

6 Colour & light
Get rid of the big patterns, retro wall paper, chandeliers and red walls. Find a good neutral base colour to work with – grey or taupe but not beige. Highlight this with only one or two highlight colours, banish anything fussy or patterned to the bin. Simple lighting like a Bakelite fitting with squirrel cage bulb, or a floor standing angle poise lamp. CDMS can provide colour palettes to suit every room or the whole house.

7 Attention to Detail
It is the small details you will notice when the project is complete – door handles, light switches, skirting boards, architraves, hinges, and junctions between floor finishes. The worst thing is seeing pipes or cables exposed on ceilings and walls and badly placed smoke alarms. CDMS will take care of all of these items for you in the design drawings.

8 Comfort
It is easy to forget why you are doing the project – it is your house and it needs to feel like home – soft lighting, natural daylight, warm space, a fireplace, a kitchen that you and your friends can sit in and furniture that is comfortable, durable and child proof.

9 Furniture & Fittings
CDMS is experienced in interior finishes and furnishings. They can provide help as part of any building project in the selection of furniture but also bespoke joinery and fitted furniture.

10 Finishing
CDMS Partners is happy to help provide recommendations and options for local builders. They work closely with the builders to ensure each project is finished to an exceptional standard, with follow up visits after the project is completed to deal with any snags.
CDMS Partners offers all clients a free initial consultation at their property with advice on the cost of the building works and architects fees. You can use them for as much or as little of the service as you please. They are happy to provide a design for you to discuss with your builder, they can prepare and submit planning drawings for you, and provide building contracts and administer works on site as your project takes shape.