DesignMyDwell

Privacy Policy

1) Who we are
DesignMyDwell (“we,” “us,” “our”) is a home, garden, and DIY website available at https://designmydwell.com/ (the “Site”). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information.

If you have questions, contact:

2) What this policy covers
This policy explains what personal data we collect when you use the Site, how we use and share it, your rights and choices, and how to contact us. By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here.

3) Information we collect
We collect information in three ways:

A) Information you provide voluntarily

  • Contact details when you email us, submit a form, or leave a comment (e.g., name, email address, website, message content).
  • Newsletter subscriptions (name, email, preferences).
  • Contest/giveaway entries (name, email, mailing address if needed to deliver a prize).
  • Collaboration pitches or contributor submissions.

B) Information collected automatically

  • Usage data: IP address, device type, browser type/version, operating system, referring/exit pages, timestamps, pages viewed, time on page, and general location (city/country) derived from IP.
  • Cookies and similar technologies: small files stored on your device to remember preferences, analyze traffic, and personalize content/ads.

C) Information from third parties

  • Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics) for aggregated insights.
  • Advertising partners and affiliate networks that may report conversions or commissions.
  • Email service providers (e.g., MailerLite, Mailchimp, or similar) to manage newsletters.
  • Social platforms if you interact with our content using their plugins.

4) How we use your information
We use personal data to:

  • Operate and improve the Site, content, and user experience.
  • Respond to comments, questions, and support requests.
  • Send newsletters and updates you opt into (you can unsubscribe anytime).
  • Run surveys, contests, or promotions.
  • Analyze performance (traffic, engagement, errors) and prevent fraud/abuse.
  • Show and measure advertising and affiliate links.
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

5) Legal bases for processing (EEA/UK visitors)
If you are in the EEA or UK, we process your data under these legal bases:

  • Consent (e.g., for newsletters, cookies where required).
  • Legitimate interests (e.g., site security, analytics improvements).
  • Contract (e.g., when you request specific services or resources).
  • Legal obligation (e.g., record‑keeping, tax).

6) Cookies and similar technologies

  • What they do: Cookies remember your preferences, help us understand how the Site is used, and support features like comments, embedded media, analytics, and advertising.
  • Types we use: Strictly necessary, performance/analytics, functionality, and advertising cookies.
  • Your choices: You can manage cookie preferences via our cookie banner and/or your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may impact site functionality.
  • Do Not Track: Because industry standards are still evolving, we do not currently respond to DNT signals. You can use the choices listed in section 12 for ad preferences.

7) Analytics
We may use analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand aggregated usage patterns. These tools set cookies and collect usage data. Where required, we request your consent before activating analytics cookies. You can also install Google’s opt‑out browser add‑on or adjust your ad settings with Google.

8) Advertising and affiliate links

  • Display ads: We may show ads served by advertising partners that use cookies or similar tech to deliver personalized or contextual ads and measure performance.
  • Affiliate programs: Some links are affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate partners may use cookies to track referrals.
  • Your choices: See section 12 for opt‑out options related to interest‑based advertising.

9) Comments and user content
When you leave a comment, we collect the data shown in the comment form, your IP address, and browser user agent to help spam detection. Approved comments and your display name may be visible to the public on the Site.

10) Email communications
If you subscribe to our newsletter:

  • We’ll store your email (and name if provided) with our email service provider.
  • We monitor basic engagement (opens, clicks) to improve content.
  • You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us.

11) How we share information
We share data only as needed with:

  • Service providers/Processors: hosting, analytics, email delivery, advertising networks, content delivery networks, comment/spam filtering, security/backup tools.
  • Partners: affiliate networks and ad partners to track commissions and deliver ads.
  • Legal: to comply with law, enforce our terms, or protect our rights, users, or the public.
  • Business transfers: in connection with a merger, sale, or similar event, subject to confidentiality and continued protection of your data.

We do not sell personal information in the traditional sense. For certain US states’ laws, advertising/analytics cookies may be considered a “sale” or “sharing” for cross‑context behavioral advertising. See section 16 for state‑specific rights.

12) Your choices and controls

  • Cookies: Use our cookie banner/settings and your browser controls to manage or delete cookies.
  • Analytics and ads:
  • Google: adjust ad personalization in your Google account; use the Google Analytics opt‑out add‑on.
  • Interest‑based ads: you can opt out via industry pages such as the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA), Network Advertising Initiative (NAI), or the EDAA (EU).
  • Email: Unsubscribe via the link in any newsletter or email us.
  • Access/Deletion/Correction: See sections 13–16 for your regional rights. You can also contact us to request access, correction, deletion, or to exercise objection/restriction rights where applicable.

13) GDPR/UK GDPR rights (EEA/UK visitors)
Subject to exceptions, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data.
  • Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erase your data (“right to be forgotten”).
  • Restrict or object to processing, including direct marketing.
  • Data portability.
  • Withdraw consent at any time (does not affect prior processing).
    To exercise rights, contact [email protected]. We may need to verify your identity. You also have the right to complain to your local data protection authority.

14) International data transfers
Our Site may be hosted outside your country, and service providers may operate globally. When transferring personal data internationally, we use appropriate safeguards (e.g., standard contractual clauses) where required by law.

15) Children’s privacy
The Site is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal data, contact us and we will delete it. If local law sets a higher age, we comply with that threshold.

16) US state privacy disclosures (e.g., California/Colorado/Connecticut/Virginia)
Depending on your state, you may have rights to:

  • Know/access the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collected and the sources, purposes, and categories of third parties with whom we shared it.
  • Correct inaccuracies.
  • Delete personal information, subject to legal exceptions.
  • Opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information for targeted advertising.
  • Non‑discrimination for exercising your rights.
    How to exercise: Contact [email protected] with your request and state of residence. For opt‑out of “sale”/“sharing,” adjust cookie preferences via our banner or send us a request. We will verify your identity before fulfilling requests. You may designate an authorized agent.

Categories we collect (for state laws): identifiers (e.g., email/IP); internet activity (e.g., page views, device info); geolocation (approximate, from IP); inferences from analytics; commercial info (affiliate transactions in aggregate, not tied to your name unless you give it to us). Sources: you, your device, service providers, and partners. Business purposes: as described in sections 4, 7, 8, and 11.

17) Data retention
We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described, to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods vary by data type and context (e.g., newsletter data until you unsubscribe; server logs for a limited period; analytics data per provider policies).

18) Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal data (e.g., HTTPS, access controls). No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; use the Site at your own risk. Please notify us promptly if you suspect unauthorized access to your account or data.

19) Third‑party links and embedded content
Our Site may include links to external websites or embedded content (e.g., videos, social posts). These third parties may collect data about you according to their own policies. We are not responsible for their practices.

20) Social media
If you interact with us on social media, the platform may collect your data. Your interactions are subject to that platform’s privacy policy and settings.

21) Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date reflects the latest revision. Material changes will be highlighted on this page and, where required, we will seek consent or provide additional notice.

22) How to contact us
If you have questions, requests, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

Important note
This Privacy Policy is provided for general informational purposes and reflects our current practices. It is not legal advice. If you need guidance for your specific circumstances, consult a qualified attorney.