Where can I find someone with an eye for design to re-think my house?

[ArgyMargy]

I live in an old cottage that has been extended a couple of times. I don't want to move but I need to update it and refresh pretty much everything apart from the kitchen. I have no eye for design and I want someone to come in with a fresh perspective and give me ideas and some possible solutions. I'm happy to pay but I don't want to fork out a fortune and end up with unrealistic concepts involving knocking down walls etc. Any advice on what I should look for/look out for would be very gratefully received!

You could post photos or a floor plan on here for thoughts/opinions

Houzz and Pinterest are also addictive helpful for ideas and inspiration

judging by what you see on the TV, the last thing you want is a designer.

what don't you like at the moment? What annoys you about layout, heating, ventilation, practicality, ease of cleaning and so on? These are the first things to look at.

It's a bit difficult to say too much without outing myself, which is why I was asking about how to get some professional advice. I suppose the main things are that it feels outdated and I'm sure I could make better use of the space. There are lots of rooms but they are all quite small with low ceilings, too many doors etc.

Laura Ashley and Farrow and Ball do relatively cheap design services- but will try and sell you their products! I would definitely start by going on Houzz and pinterest for inspiration. But if you still don't feel confident try and get a recommendation for a designer. Either from local friends or look on Houzz again. Also if you give them a budget they should be able to work within it like architects do plus get trade discounts.

But mainly I'd say post pics/floorplan on here and you'll get loads of advice

A tip from kirstie and Phil is to decide what room you use the most, then decide how to best utilise the space.

Post it as a dilemma on Houzz, or, if you don't want your home plans splashed over the Internet, email them directly to a concept planner (like OnePlan). They do the sort of thing, like you want, with planning spaces and kitchens etc

Brilliant - thanks Tabitha! And thanks all; once I've got the space plan I will def ask the MN gurus for further guidance

Another vote for posting on Houzz!
Or contacting a pro... Thanks for the mention tabithasgran