For TV Presenter and Radio Broadcaster Nicki Chapman, upgrading roof windows wasn’t about replacing something broken. It was about designing a well-used space to work better for modern life, bring in more natural light, reduce glare and overheating, improve privacy, and always have a view of the big blue sky above.

"This is the second time we’ve done this part of the house, because the first time it was brand new and the second time was more about improving how the space works. What we’ve appreciated most is being able to use the space in a way that supports how we want to live our lives.

For anyone taking on a renovation, think about what’s important to you - how important the layout is, where you sit, where the light hits the room, where you socialise. Do you want a little area where you can sit down and read? It really is about being very honest, rather than just thinking this will look great.

For me, there has to be a balance. It’s about how I live my life and making the kitchen work for my lifestyle, not just for the aesthetics."

"As part of the process, we were introduced to the design advisory service. We wanted to find out whether what we had would work again, because often when you’ve got something, it’s easy just to replace it. But could we improve on it?

The daylight advisor was amazing. The first thing she did was ask for photographs of what we currently had, then studied a map and satellite imagery, so she could understand exactly where the sun hit our house, at what time of year, and how it tracked around. I found this level of detail impressive, especially how she considered neighbouring properties and surroundings. She carefully analysed where the light would come in, where the kitchen was and how that would change with the replacement of the roof windows.

That was genius to me, and so logical, but not something I would ever have thought of. We originally had quite a few small roof windows, and what we decided to do was have fewer roof windows but larger ones. We now have two large and three smaller roof windows, instead of lots of little roof windows. We’ve also got quite a deep ceiling, and our advisor suggested tapering the opening, so instead of the light coming through a hard-edged box, it spreads out into the kitchen.

It looks beautiful and there’s a real reason behind it too, it’s made such a difference! She also saw straight away where the neighbours could overlook us, so we put privacy blinds only where we really needed them. Every detail is tailored to how we live."

Tips

• Don’t assume like-for-like replacement is best
• Expert research and advice can reveal better options
• Fewer, larger roof windows can transform the feel of a space
• Tapered reveals help spread light deeper into the room
• Good design balances privacy with daylight 

"First there was the initial contact and sending through photographs. These were reviewed alongside thorough map and satellite research before we had the consultation face-to-face over Teams.

After that, they put their recommendations in writing, and we said yes straight away.

I honestly cannot tell you how helpful she was. You think, how can anybody do that over a Zoom meeting? But I was so impressed by the technology and by how tailored it all was.

We already had roof windows, so she could really look at what was there and come up with better solutions to make the room work harder for us.

She was extremely helpful, very patient, never pushed us into anything, and really listened to what we needed. We benefited hugely from the service."

Tips

• Remote design advice can still be highly detailed
• Photos, map, satellite and sun-path analysis guide smarter decisions
• Tailored advice can avoid unnecessary work and costs
• The best consultations explore improvements, not just replacements 

"Yes, definitely. At the back, near the sliding doors, we’ve got the two larger roof windows, and I can sit on the sofa there while the light streams through and look out at the garden.

I have a very small London garden, and like a lot of people, we’ve got big houses next to us. That’s why getting the light in and opening the space up is so good for you. Seeing blue sky - especially during the winter months - is important.

We’ve all had difficult winters, and to be able to sit on my sofa and look up and actually see blue sky and white fluffy clouds, as well as my garden, I think is hugely important.

A lot of people might not have an amazing outside space but with roof windows you can still look up and feel connected to the outdoors from inside your home."

"It’s the heart of the whole house. We don’t flip houses - we buy houses to live in.

I use this downstairs space in so many ways. A lot of us work from home for part of the week, so I do that here. We have a big central island and everybody comes and congregates around it.

It’s for relaxing, working, watching television, being together. That’s why getting this room working properly for how we live mattered so much."

Tips

• Open-plan kitchens often serve multiple roles
• The busiest room deserves careful design 

"Years ago we had a pole and had to physically pull the roof windows open and closed. Now everything is controlled at the touch of a button, and it can all be operated from one central device, which is incredibly easy.

One of the biggest differences is the rain sensors. I once left our old roof windows open overnight and woke up at two in the morning realising rain had come in. Now they close automatically, which gives real peace of mind.

Each window does several jobs. They provide light, have anti-glare so we can watch television comfortably, privacy blinds where we need them, and they respond to the weather. It makes the whole space feel far more comfortable and secure to live in every day."

Tips

• Smart controls simplify everyday use
• Automated sensors protect the home
• Multi-functional features improve comfort
• Technology can enhance security as well as convenience
• Modern systems reduce the need for manual adjustment 

"Something I hadn’t fully appreciated before is how much the finishing details matter. We used to have chunky pine surrounds, and now we have slim white frames that are much more discreet. They look elegant and let in more light.

The splayed openings make a huge difference too. Instead of the roof windows feeling like little portholes, the light spreads beautifully into the room, so the whole space feels softer and more usable.

Because of what I do, I see a lot of homes, and you really develop an eye for these details. You can tell immediately when something has been done superbly well, and ours look beautiful."

Tips

• Slim frames maximise glass area and daylight
• Lighter finishes can modernise older installations
• Splayed reveals improve brightness and appearance
• Subtle design choices can have a big visual impact