LVD Renovation Diaries: Progress & Planning

Hello again! It feels like it’s been a whirlwind few months since I last shared an update, but -  spoiler alert - things are finally starting to get exciting.

After what felt like a lifetime of paperwork, phone calls, plans (then multiple reworked plans), and chats with various trades, our bigger picture building plans have officially been approved by planning control. Not only that, but we’ve also locked in our builders (and the importance of taking your time with this aspect, should never be underestimated). If all goes according to plan - and I’m crossing my paint-covered fingers that it does - work will kick off at the end of November.

This phase is going to be the big one: a rear extension that will open up the existing kitchen into an open-plan kitchen/diner/snug. I am already living for the vision of those Sunday mornings with sunlight pouring in through our glorious sliding doors, coffee in hand, sprawled out on the comfiest sofa known to man, smug as heck (one can dream, right?) We’ll also be converting the garage into a boo-tility (boot/ utility room), which I’m convinced will become one of my new favourite spaces purely because of how tactically practical plans are for it, whilst of course keeping it beautiful on the surface too. There will be a set space for everything.

But while we wait for the heavy machinery to roll in, we haven’t exactly been sitting on our hands. We’ve kept ourselves busy (and dusty) by tackling a couple of ‘smaller’ projects inside.

The Office Glow-Up

An odd choice, perhaps, considering one of its walls is destined for demolition in phase two of the grand plan. But hear me out - this was a sanity project. As someone who spends the bulk of the day glued to a desk, I needed a space that felt inspiring rather than… well, not.

A lick of paint we brought across from our old house, some well-chosen decor, and a couple of shelves that cover both aesthetics and practicalities later, and it’s transformed. It’s amazing how much a refreshed space can re-energise you - even if you know deep down that one day, the metaphorical wrecking ball will be paying it a visit.

The Living Room Overhaul

Next up - the living room. This one’s a proper job. No shortcuts, no ‘that’ll do for now’ fixes. Since the extension won’t touch this room, it’s getting the full treatment: electrics, plastering, decorating — the works.

We’re knee-deep in the trenches right now, quite literally. The walls have been replastered, the fireplace is having an overhaul, and the air smells permanently of dust and delusional ambition. But there’s something exciting about seeing a space stripped back to its bones. I’ve got some really clear plans for this room, plans that once implemented should be both practical (you only ever need more storage) and beautiful in equal measure.

As we inch closer to the start of the big build, I’m equal parts excited and nervous. We’ve lived through renovations before, and although I can’t speak from direct experience, I imagine it’s a little like giving birth (stay with me) – you’re quick to forget the searing pain of going through it because you get something completely ‘you’ out of it. The next few months will be full of big changes (and probably, nay, definitely, a few unexpected curveballs), but for the first time since we picked up the keys, it feels like the vision we committed to all those months ago is coming to life.

Here’s to progress, patience, and plenty more coffee.