BLOG

Your home is more than walls and windows—it’s a reflection of how you live and feel. In this blog, we explore the emotional architecture of home: how design choices affect comfort, mood and identity, and how spaces can truly feel like “you.”

Life changes, and so should your home. This blog explores how flexible layouts and multipurpose spaces can evolve with your lifestyle—supporting everything from remote work to aging in place. Discover how adaptable architecture empowers comfort and longevity without sacrificing design.

Karenna Wilford shares her experience as a female architect in the UK—from early inspiration to founding her Sussex practice. This blog highlights the challenges and achievements of women in architecture and Karenna’s vision for shaping homes and communities with care and creativity.

Sussex homeowners are embracing thoughtful, lifestyle-led design in 2025. From sustainability and smart tech to flexible layouts, we explore the modern home design trends shaping the region’s residential architecture—and how they’re redefining the way we live, build, and connect with our spaces.

As more families choose to live under one roof, multigenerational home design is growing in demand. This article explores how family-friendly architecture and adaptable living spaces can create harmony, independence and connection—perfect for modern lifestyles across Sussex and beyond.

Planning a renovation? Understanding your home renovation budget is key to avoiding surprises. From early planning to contingency allowances, this guide covers cost-effective design decisions and budgeting tips to help homeowners in Sussex take control of their project from the very start.

Whether you're planning a full renovation or a bespoke new build, understanding the architectural design process can reduce stress and improve results. Here, we walk you through each project stage—from initial ideas to construction—to help you feel confident and informed from day one.

Smart home technology is reshaping how we live. From lighting and heating to security and shading, explore how home automation design can be seamlessly integrated into modern architecture—enhancing everyday living in Sussex homes with elegance, efficiency, and ease.

Build better with eco-friendly materials that support both design and the environment. From reclaimed wood to breathable insulation, explore sustainable architecture practices that are shaping greener homes across Sussex, without compromising on comfort, character, or performance.

Looking to transform your home with more space and light? Explore five inspiring extension ideas—perfect for Sussex homes—that embrace open-plan living, maximise natural light design, and create seamless indoor–outdoor connections. See how real projects make dream homes a reality.

Thoughtful outdoor living design can dissolve the boundary between house and garden. From patio extensions in Sussex to bespoke pergolas and clever lighting, explore practical ideas that harmonise architecture, landscape and lifestyle so you can relax, dine and entertain in connected comfort all year round.

When dreaming of your perfect home in the beautiful Sussex countryside, it’s essential to understand the planning permissions that can impact your project—especially if your property sits within the South Downs National Park, a conservation area, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). At Karenna Wilford Architects, we guide homeowners through the complexities of local planning regulations to bring their visions to life.

As homeowners look for ways to cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and future-proof their properties, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are becoming a central feature in modern architectural design. At Karenna Wilford Architects, we’re committed to integrating forward-thinking, energy-efficient solutions into every renovation, extension, or new build — and ASHPs are one of the smartest investments you can make.

When it comes to transforming your living space, one of the most crucial steps is creating a realistic and well-thought-out home renovation budget. Whether you're dreaming of a kitchen upgrade, a loft conversion or budgeting for extensions, planning your finances early can help avoid costly surprises and ensure a smoother renovation journey.

Karenna Wilford Architect in East Sussex. In a field historically dominated by men, the rise of women in architecture is shaping not only...

When it comes to building or renovating your home, selecting the right materials is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make. Materials shape not just the aesthetic of your property, but its sustainability, energy efficiency, durability, and even its future running costs. At Karenna Wilford Architects, we know that navigating the wide world of material choices can be overwhelming. That’s why we've created this guide to help you make informed decisions that align with you

At Karenna Wilford Architects, we are passionate about creating spaces where timeless character and contemporary living exist in perfect harmony. As architects in the UK, we often walk the delicate line between preserving the heritage of historic buildings and embracing modern innovation. Britain's rich architectural tapestry — from Georgian townhouses to Victorian terraces and Grade II listed cottages — inspires us daily, but how do we seamlessly blend the old and the new?

Natural light has an extraordinary impact on a home. It enhances aesthetics, uplifts mood, improves energy efficiency, and creates a warm, welcoming environment for you and your family. Whether you're seeking simple, cost-effective updates or dreaming of transformative architectural changes, we’ve compiled our expert advice to help you brighten your living spaces with natural light.

Transform Your Home’s First Impression: Expert Tips to Boost Kerb Appeal First impressions matter — and when it comes to your home, kerb...

At Karenna Wilford Architects, we believe that architecture is not just about creating structures, it’s about crafting experiences. Every space we inhabit has a subtle yet powerful effect on how we feel, think, and behave. Understanding the psychology of space allows us to design homes and environments that truly support emotional well-being and elevate everyday life.