The Natural Philosopher wrote:
I am just about to start a big rework of the old homestead,
and having just about zero feel for colour schemes, furniture
selection, and so on, I should probably use an interior
designer.

Yellow Pages is one answer, but otherwise how can I find
a reliable designer?

I know someone in the cambridge/suffolk area who isn't too bad, if
thats of use.

Thanks. Sounds like a good start. I am near Ipswich, in Suffolk