Where do you get your ideas for renovation materials?

[fastliving]

I'm starting the process of an extension, interviewing architects now.
Problem is, although I can see they design the space properly and help it get through planning....I guess I choose thing like windows/doors/flooring/cladding/patio paving/tiles/bathroom etc?
Where do you get all your ideas?
I am on a budget, and so many aspirational images online and print are so out of my budget and not appropriate for a bog-standard small house in the suburbs.
I've subscribed to Elle decoration as a first step (5 copies for £5 offer) and other magazine you can recommend, or people on insta/pin interest?
Thanks!

Elle ideas will probably be out of your price range! The designs are also quite niche I'd say. House Beautiful might be good.

I look on Pinterest, Ebay for bargains. Go to tile shops, find something you like then try to find similar cheaper.

An architect definitely designs properly and specifies finishes etc. However, you do pay more for more interesting, fancier stuff. If working to a budget, I’d focus on a good layout, ceiling height and light.

Houzz is a website with tons of ideas.

So will an architect choose tiles and flooring for me?
I didn't realise that?

Rightmove is useful as you can look at houses like yours (if you know what areas and roads have the same style of house) and with a more normal budget!

Instagram could be good as there are quite a few budget home decor focused ones there. Lots of DIYers too.

Architects do not choose the finishes (tiles paint colours lights etc) that’s an interior designer job, though many architects have in house interior designers so can do it but you’ll pay extra for the extra service.

Right I've is a great idea mini thanks, (although I don't think have normal tastes)
But then having seen some of the right over properties that get linked in mumsnets....maybe my tastes are incredibly tame!