Don't Move, Improve!

@dont.move.improve

Encouraging great design in everyday life, celebrating the most innovative home improvement projects across London.
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Weeks posts
We’re thrilled to announce #ElementalHouse by @archmongers as our 2025 ‘Home of the Year’! 🏆 Described by the judges as a “gift that kept on giving”, Elemental House seamlessly integrates thoughtful structural changes with the home’s original character. Reimagining a split-level house in Hackney, the space is infused with a series of intentional, delightful surprises at every turn. The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient home that is both future-proof and deeply connected to its architectural heritage. As Federico Ortiz, Head of Programme at @nlalondon , noted: “It’s a profoundly intelligent approach that remains grounded, never showy—simply exemplary.” 👉 View winners using link in bio! @fosterstructures | @frenchandtye | @clickclickjim | @maxlightltd #DMI2025 #Winner | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
267 4
1 year ago
Goldfinch are a South London and Bristol based bespoke kitchen and furniture company who are also a charity that employ and mentor young people. They recently completed this standout Islington Kitchen where bold materials meet timeless design. With solid ‘Grown in Britain Certified’ Oak fronts, and a custom 5mm thick stainless steel worktop and sink, it’s all about clean lines and durability. The subtle nod to mid-century style adds understated elegance, while the continuous oak grain running the length of the kitchen brings everything together beautifully. Looking for beautiful bespoke furniture with social impact thrown in? Get in touch with @goldfinchfurniture today. #Goldfinch
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1 year ago
Join us for our one-to-one design consultations with architects from this year's competition at @vitralondon 's showroom. Aimed at anyone who is either just at the beginning of their home improvement journey or simply wanting to find out more about how to create more space within their home, these sessions provide an in-depth consultation with an architect who will be able to provide specific advice. You can book yourself a slot for just £5 with all proceeds going to our partner charity, Article 25. Reserve your slot now on our website. #DMI25 #Vitra
35 0
11 months ago
#SwissCottageHouse by @studiocarver is a major refurbishment and reconfiguration of a mid-century terraced property. This vibrant family home includes a full basement with sunken patio and a new second floor. Despite adding two levels, the home remains flooded with natural light, cascading through large openings and voids in the floorplate, down to the basement. A folded metal stair and playful climbing wall enhance these light-filled volumes, creating a bright, open and welcoming space. As featured in the #DMI2024 #Longlist, photography by @richchiversphoto . #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
234 1
1 year ago
#Walden by @polysmiths transformed a flood-damaged home into a serene, cabin-like retreat nestled within a lush garden. Balancing extension, insulation, flood-proofing, and natural light, the design cleverly reimagines a basement apartment using lightweight, natural materials while preserving precious outdoor space. As featured in the #DMI2024 #Longlist, photography by @frenchandtye . #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
548 4
1 year ago
#OldRotherhithe by @ashsakulaarchitects transformed a constrained London terrace house into a bright, sociable home. The project is centred around a lush rain- and light-well that brings nature, air, and light deep into the plan. A bold reworking of the layout unlocks space and comfort, offering a fresh model for sustainable, adaptable living in the city’s historic housing stock. @nickguttridge #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
705 2
1 year ago
Using timber and eliminating concrete, #BrickandOakHouse by @boitosarno reimagined this Victorian terrace house extension with a sustainable twist. Foundations are built with reusable screw piles, and a rainwater harvesting pond also serves as a retaining wall. The design showcases exposed timber and demountable connections, promoting flexibility and minimizing waste. Embodied carbon is slashed to just a quarter of standard extensions, and thanks to timber's carbon sequestration, emissions drop even further. @jamessebright | @mitzidemargaryphoto #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
314 0
1 year ago
#DurhamDeepRetrofit by @arboreal_architecture is a whole-house, deep retrofit and rear extension of an early twentieth century end-of-terrace house in South London. The design follows Passivhaus methods and energy modeling to deliver very low levels of heating demand using low-carbon wood and plant-based materials. @agnesesanvito #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
385 3
1 year ago
#DyvenorRoad by @platform5architects is a sensitively refurbished Victorian home that wraps around a courtyard garden in a horseshoe layout. The open-plan ground floor offers garden views throughout, featuring a double-height library and a kitchen-diner with a concrete window seat and pivot door. Sustainable elements include a green roof, lime and cork insulation, and double-glazed sash windows. The courtyard fosters a calm atmosphere, while planting subtly defines areas, promoting biodiversity and a strong connection to nature. #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
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1 year ago
#LowEnergyFamilyHouse by @o10_arch saw the complete refurbishment of a semi-detached house for a young family who wanted to transform their house into a low-energy home with a contemporary layout. A cork clad extension was added towards the garden, and a zinc dormer to the roof. The external fabric was upgraded considerably and a new air-source heat pump included. A new connection to the rear garden was created with two glazed pivot doors. sarah_rainer #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
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1 year ago
#CactiVistaHouse by @reesarchitects is a modern renovation and extension that enhances natural light and openness within a previously constrained space. The design features bespoke joinery, large glazing, and a contemporary kitchen that flows seamlessly into the garden. The minimalist interior showcases a careful balance between warm, natural materials and clean architectural lines. If you’re starting your own home renovation journey, then don’t forget to book a design consultation with one of this year’s architects using the link in bio! @piercescourf | @jk_construction_ltd #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
873 11
1 year ago
#BramstonRoad by @tparsonsdesign transformed a ground-floor flat in a terraced house. With a side and rear extension, the project harmoniously balanced aesthetics with functionality. If you’re starting your own home renovation journey, then don’t forget to book a design consultation with one of this year’s architects using the link in bio! #DMI2025 | @vitralondon @dezeen @wallpapermag @thelondonstandard @granddesignstv
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1 year ago