Home extensions are a fantastic way to enhance your living space, but without careful planning, they can quickly become a costly mistake. At Grace & Morris, a Harrogate-based residential architecture practice, we have worked on numerous extensions that maximise both form and function. From listed buildings to modern homes, we’ve seen first-hand how easy it is to fall into certain traps. Here are six common mistakes to avoid when extending your home.

Storage is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of residential design. While off-the-shelf solutions can serve many purposes, they rarely make full use of a home’s unique architectural features. Bespoke storage, on the other hand, offers a way to integrate function seamlessly into the fabric of a space. At Grace & Morris, a Harrogate-based residential architecture practice, we frequently incorporate custom storage into our designs, ensuring that every home works efficiently without compromising on aesthetics.

Situated in the Chapel Allerton Conservation Area, West Hill Avenue is home to properties rich in heritage and character. Our clients approached us after their initial planning application, submitted by a previous architect, had been refused.

At Grace & Morris Architects, we believe that a well-designed playroom can be a transformative space for children, offering a place for creativity, learning, and adventure. As Harrogate architects dedicated to innovative and functional design, we create environments that not only cater to a child's imagination but also integrate seamlessly into a family home.

Crittall windows, renowned for their slender steel frames and expansive glass panes, have become a hallmark in both contemporary and traditional architectural designs. Their ability to merge aesthetic appeal with functionality makes them a preferred choice for homeowners seeking to enhance natural light and create seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

When designing a house extension, particularly in a location as architecturally rich as Harrogate, maximising natural light and enhancing space efficiency are key considerations. At Grace & Morris Architects, we specialise in crafting elegant, contemporary extensions that not only complement the existing architecture but also enhance the way our clients live.

Designing a kitchen that seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics is a cornerstone of our work at Grace & Morris Architects. With over 50 years of combined experience in Harrogate and the wider North Yorkshire region, we understand that the kitchen is more than just a cooking space—it is the heart of the home. Below, we share key considerations and examples from our projects to guide you in planning your perfect kitchen layout.

As families grow and lifestyles evolve, homes must adapt to meet new demands. Grace & Morris Architects, a leading residential architecture practice in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, specialise in designing and transforming homes that are both functional and beautifully crafted. Their projects demonstrate how intelligent architecture can enhance everyday living while ensuring homes remain future-proof.

Lighting is a fundamental element of architectural design, shaping both the atmosphere and functionality of a space. A well-considered lighting scheme has the power to transform a home, enhancing its character while improving comfort and usability. At Grace & Morris Architects, we believe that lighting should be seamlessly integrated into a renovation from the outset, ensuring a cohesive and beautifully illuminated result.

At Grace and Morris, we know the importance of selecting the right flooring for your home. It’s often a foundation (literally!) for the design of a space, influencing its ambiance and functionality.

As winter begins to wane and the days gradually grow lighter, it’s the perfect time to embrace the tail end of the season while also preparing your home for the fresh renewal of spring. This transitional period allows you to enjoy the cosy comforts of winter while subtly introducing lighter, brighter touches that hint at the coming warmth.

Whether you’re spending these cooler evenings curled up indoors or looking ahead to spring cleaning and rejuvenation, here’s how to create a home that feels both snug and ready for the new season.

The Christmas season is a time for celebration, bringing together warmth, culture, and tradition across the globe. From cosy chalets in the snow-covered Swiss Alps to sunlit verandas in Australia, Christmas traditions are as varied as the architectural styles that house them. At Grace and Morris, we’re inspired by the beautiful ways that design and culture intersect to shape how people celebrate and enjoy their homes during this festive season.

As, many of our clients seek ways to add festive charm to their luxury homes without compromising their refined aesthetic. By focusing on tasteful, understated elegance, you can create a festive atmosphere that complements your home’s unique features and preserves its high-end appeal.

At Grace and Morris, we’re always inspired by the ways in which architecture can transform lives. The reason that most of us find ourselves pursuing a career in architecture is because we have been inspired by existing architects and their buildings - So it’s no surprise that even after we are fully qualified, we still look out for inspiration, and follow the work of our favourite architects.

At Grace and Morris, we believe that the living room is more than just a space for watching TV or unwinding at the end of a long day. It’s a space where style meets function and where family and friends come together.

As life gets busier and stress becomes more common, it’s essential to consider how our homes can support our mental and emotional health. Our living spaces should be sanctuaries that help us unwind and recharge.

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, where practicality meets design. Every design choice, from layout to technology, impacts daily life. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment kitchen or a sprawling family home, a thoughtful kitchen design can completely transform how you use and enjoy the space.

The entrance to a home is more than just a door - it’s a transition, and the first step into the personality of a space. Whether grand and opulent or minimalist and understated, the entrance sets the tone for the entire home.

In the picturesque town of Harrogate, where historic charm blends seamlessly with contemporary elegance, the quest for timeless beauty in residential architecture is a pursuit close to our hearts. Marrying classic elements of period properties with modern design convenience  is a focus for many of our clients.

Harrogate, renowned for its Victorian and Georgian architecture, spa heritage, and vibrant cultural scene, is home to many historic buildings that hold significant charm and character. Among these, the Old Courthouse stands as a testament to architectural grandeur and historical significance.