The cost of living may be going up, but you can keep your energy bills down with these practical tips.
With life slowly and safely going back to normal, 2022 started to look like a good year for everyone. But with the rising inflation rate and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, more and more people are getting hit by its repercussions. One of them is energy bills going through the roof.
If you’re looking for ways to minimise your energy bills, you can always start by making small changes to your home. Here are a few tips:
Tip 1: Draught-proof your home.
If your home is fairly old, chances are that heat is lost through draughts in your house. These are gaps in windows, doors, and chimneys. Getting these sealed up will save you a good amount of money in the long run. With less heat escaping your home, there’s no need to turn the heater to the max!
It’s time to get rid of those old and horror movie-esque light bulbs! Older types of bulbs, like incandescent ones, generally lead to more power usage. So it would make sense to swap to a power-efficient setup like LEDs.
Newer light bulbs typically use 30-80% less power than traditional ones. Not only that, but it’s also durable, which means lesser turnaround and more money saved.
Maybe you have a vintage light fixture or a delicate chandelier. Whatever the case, a professional can help you switch to energy-efficient lighting.
Energy bills usually go up during the cold season, as homes crank up the heat to keep everyone snug and cosy throughout the day. But did you know you can still lose a lot of heat, especially if you have inadequate insulation?
Upgrading your insulation can save you a decent amount if done right. It helps lessen the energy used up by your heater in exchange for good heat retention.
Extra tip:Have your pipes checked by a professional to ensure that no heat is seeping through them.
Nothing’s worse than waiting twice as long to heat your food, all because of a faulty microwave! Your microwave isn’t just eating up your time; it may be sucking in more power than it needs. Settling for faulty appliances can lead to more power used or even injury.
Whether it’s your fridge or faulty microwave, repairing them can save you a lot in the long run. If you’re wary of repairing your appliances yourself, it’s best to call in a professional.
When we say upgrading your ‘windows,’ we don’t mean your desktop computer! Kidding aside, windows contribute to keeping your home warm or cool when needed. But did you know energy-saving windows can drastically help you save on your bills?
Switching from a single-pane to a double-pane window can improve your house’s heat retention. Windows can also provide lots of natural light in the morning and late afternoon.
That said, there are countless types of windows to fit; it all depends on your location and seasons. There are ones meant for colder places and the same for warmer areas. So it makes sense to have a professional help you choose and fit your windows.
Smart devices can help you save on your power bill by automating your lights and appliances. This way, you’ll avoid the risk of leaving any lights or electronics on without you knowing.
The best part? Smart lights and appliances are now accessible to everyone! So, even if your appliances aren’t smart-compatible, there are power strips that can get the same results done.
So, go on and automate your home because an optimal house is a house that saves.
Tip 7: Get your heating and cooling systems checked.
We often assume our heating and cooling will just always work fantastic, until it doesn’t. Before you find yourself shivering in bed, have a professional check your heating and cooling systems. Your specialist can uncover any hidden costs that may be hurting your wallet.
Here are more tips for maintaining or upgrading your heating:
1. Get a smart thermostat.
If you’re still using analogue thermostats, it might be time for an upgrade. A smart thermostat can help you dial in the exact amount of heat and power your space needs. Don’t skip out on getting good heat control for your home.
2. Get your boiler inspected, repaired, or replaced.
Faulty central heating can be a headache. If you have a boiler for your heating system, whether gas or electric, make sure it’s functioning at its best capacity. A faulty boiler can lead to more expenses down the road and drain your wallet.
Hire an expert to inspect your boiler and identify any necessary repairs. Or, switch to an energy-efficient boiler if you have the extra budget.
Tip 8: Practice energy-saving habits.
Small energy-saving habits can drastically help lower unwanted costs. For example, make sure your appliances are unplugged and the lights are switched off before you leave the house or go to bed.
Take a look at your daily habits at home, and adjust your energy usage from there. A more energy-conscious life not only saves you money on your energy bills but also minimises your carbon footprint.
Give your home and wallet some love.
When your home is treated right, it’ll treat you back with love – you might as well get repairs and upgrades done to keep your energy costs down.
If you’re determined to save more money on energy bills, hire professionals for any upgrade, repair, and installation you need. Hop on to Airtasker and post a task now!
Gain living space without losing your garden with a side extension. Scroll through our stunning side extension ideas to see how!
Side extension ideas: So, what are your push factors? You know, those reasons why you absolutely must have an extension. It may be that you have a growing family and there’s just no longer enough space. It may be that your typical Victorian terraced house has a tiny, poky kitchen downstairs whereas you’d really love an open plan, spacious kitchen/dining space.
You may be motivated to increase the amount of light into your home, or to better connect it to the garden. It may be that you simply want to develop your asset and add value. Or it may be a combination of some or all these factors.
Whatever the reason why you need an extension, one of the most viable and economical options is the side return extension. A feature of many terraced, semi-detached and bungalow style homes, that small alleyway to the side of your home is just ripe for claiming new living space. Many homeowners are choosing to add a side extension in order to reconfigure the ground floor plan. It’s the ideal way to create spacious open-plan kitchen and living areas downstairs. Side extensions are also great for gaining volume while improving your indoor-outdoor connection. But unlike a rear extension, a side extension doesn’t eat into your garden space.
Blend old and new
When it comes to side extension design, the goal is usually to update a home for modern living with a new structure, while being sympathetic to the original, historic building. In some cases, architects like to combine existing structures with a strongly contrasting new addition. This is both for visual interest and to make clear that there’s no desire to simply mimic the old home. Others prefer to update an older home with a new building that is distinctively modern but blends into the existing aesthetic more. Either way, the old and new are typically connected through common colours, materials or forms.
Are there any disadvantages to a side extension?
Disadvantages–or rather design challenges!–can occur when a side extension means you lose a side window. When you increase the depth of your ground floor space, the middle of the house can become darkened, too. But there are many solutions, from rooflights to a fully glazed roof and walls, to large sliding doors to the garden. Glazing is such a critical part of the equation when it comes to side extension ideas, to let in light and maximise views. You can also play with colour schemes to increase interior light, such as using pale, reflective paint or materials.
Another challenge to consider is that you don’t want a side extension to turn a busy kitchen area into a thoroughfare. Choosing the right layout for a kitchen renovation will make all the difference—for example, a peninsular kitchen layout, or having a kitchen island that blocks foot traffic.
You probably won’t need planning permission for a side return extension, under the permitted development rules. But this of course also depends on things like whether you live in a conservation area. Your local council, or your builder or architect, will help you assess the regulations around your side extension ideas.
Now, let’s take a look at 25 side extension ideas, from small interventions to major transformations. What they tend to have in common is a respect for the heritage of the original homes, whilst taking advantage of contemporary architectural techniques to bring in light and create more space.
A streamlined, simple aesthetic appears to be solidifying as a popular contemporary design for side return extensions to period homes. Simply filling in the side return with glass, including glazed roofing, is the ideal way to renovate your small Victorian kitchen and enjoy a revamped, roomy and bright kitchen/dining space. Other popular modern elements of a side extension include a boldly framed glazed back door and window framing, and exposed metal beams on the interior.
2. Roof silhouettes
With a side extension, the aim is to infuse the home with more daylight and bring it up to contemporary living standards while staying sympathetic to its original features. This often means that while modern materials might bring the extension into the present day, the shape and angle of its roof might be pitched to match the historic roof silhouette. As an example, check out the extension to a large Victorian home known as Chetwynd Road, by Cousins & Cousins Architects. Its roof angle mimics the traditional shape but contemporary Blue Staffordshire brick ensures the new volume speaks of modernity.
3. Light-filled dining spaces
One of the major benefits of a side extension to a Victorian terrace is that it can convert a gloomy downstairs kitchen area into a bright and spacious open-plan layout. And yet it can be a very minimal intervention. I love the way Neil Dusheiko Architects have designed the extension to Gallery House in Stoke Newington. The slim new extension volume is connected to the existing building through the use of common materials, like reclaimed brick pavers indoors and out. They provide such lovely texture and warmth.
4. Warm timber frames
The doors to your side extension are a chance to make a major design statement. Whether you go for sliding or bi-folds, take the opportunity to highlight your new huge windows or door by installing gorgeous frames. Minimal, unfussy framing is the ideal and least distracting way to open the house to the garden. Clever extension design often also enables views to the garden all the way through a ground floor plan. Those views can be ‘framed’ with timber frames at the thresholds or portals.
5. Tiled side extension
It’s a little uncommon to see ceramic glazed tiles used as cladding for a side extension. But it can look truly amazing. In fact, tiles are a brilliant choice of exterior finish. Aesthetically, they add texture, warmth and interest to a façade. But the shiny tiles also cleverly help direct sunlight into the home. Check out who GKMP Architects finished the extension to a semi-detached home in Greenlea Road, Dublin. White and grey tiles look chic, especially against gorgeous iroko wood doors and frames. (If you need a tiler, you can find one here.).
6. Eco-friendly timbers
Larch is a highly contemporary choice of cladding material that has become quite popular. It’s a great cladding material, not only sustainable but aesthetically pleasing due to its texture and warmth. It will also patina over time, and the colour can look different depending on the weather or the time of year (for instance, appearing more silvery in winter and warmer toned in summer). Opting for blackened larch, which is often hand-charred on site, is another possibility for a clean, modern aesthetic. Have a look at how it’s done at ER Residence by Studio Hallett Ike, a side extension to a Victorian terraced flat in north London.
7. Gradient tile
Another option if going with tile is to create a beautiful gradient of colour, for a distinctive and unique façade. A lovely example is the tiled façade to a side extension of a home in Germany, known as Single Family House by Brandt Simon Architekten. A range of green-toned circular tiles is laid out in a repeating pattern with a gradient, with an organic-looking appearance designed to blend harmoniously into the surrounding nature. An eco-friendly home, this renovation also makes use of cellulose (recycled paper) for thermal insulation and solar energy for heating.
8. Black brick side extension
For a side extension that is intentionally different to its parent home, some homeowners are opting for a strongly contrasting new volume. It may be that the pitched roof still matches the surrounding architecture and that both volumes are clad in brick. However, the colour of the brick might be strikingly different. For example, the London Rowhouse extended by Archer + Braun utilises a sooty black brick for the new volume which contrasts boldly with the marled heritage brick.
9. Simple timber side extension
A very simple intervention can be undertaken to simply convert a side return into a covered passageway which can be used as an almost-alfresco dining area. The resulting enclosed corridor ideally has a glazed roof to maximise light in the new space. Converting your side return can be a cost-effective and easy way to create a new living space.
A side extension can be a chance to have a little fun, such as by decorating the façade in bold patterns or colours. For example, architects CAN designed a side and rear extension to a Victorian terraced home in Brockley, where the extension is partly clad in Douglas Fir battens painted in blue and grey stripes. The playful colours and shapes evoke little British beach huts, and the grey battens match the ribbed render used inside the extension volume. (Love this idea? Find a painter to bring something like this to life.)
11. Disappearing walls
It’s a common element of many extension briefs: open the house out to the garden. And there are various ways to go about it. But for something unique, consider the side extension at Frog Castle, by Scott Donald Architecture. This glass box extension to a period home makes the new building seem to simply merge with the garden, thanks to the creation of an apparently ‘structureless’ glazed corner.
12. Going green
If you want to enjoy your lush gardens to the utmost, a simple glazed side extension is key to opening the home out to nature. I like the design of Banana Tree House by Yard Architects. A touch of the tropics was brought to Southeast London when this three storey terrace home was remodelled with a simple glazed side extension that opened the home to the ‘jungle garden’ backyard. The side wall of the home was removed and infilled with a glass box extension that created a large kitchen/dining space and new patio with plentiful views of the luscious greenery.
13. Side return link
When a side extension is intended to complement rather than compete with the original structure, it may copy the silhouette of the heritage building while showing off modern design and materials. For instance the extension to the Grade II listed, 1867-built Providence Chapel in Wiltshire (Jonathan Tuckey Design) references the shape of the original home. But it also uses sustainable, stained larch cladding and contemporary, massive windows and doors. The new extension is also connected to the old one with a glass tunnel link in between which bridges the old and new buildings.
14. Glass insert side extension ideas
Side returns to Victorian terraced houses are typically quite narrow, so opting for a double storey extension really makes the most of the available square footage. To avoid having the new volume create too much darkness, glazing is a vital part of any side extension ideas. For a gorgeous example, see the side extension at Ruvigny Gardens by Syte Architects. Plenty of light comes in through a narrow band of glass that bisects the old and new elements.
15. Harmonious side extension ideas
Sometimes people prefer to clad their side extension in a brick that closely resembles the original building’s brick. This means the design of the new volume can be very modern while still staying in context with, and celebrating, the heritage home. Original windows can be made to feel at one with new ones through the use of colour or material too.
16. Brick patterns
Bricks can also be laid in a variety of patterns, so that even if they are intended to resemble the original brick, the extension can still stand out as being a distinctly modern addition. The patterns created by the bricks also add lots of texture and interest to a side extension exterior. Have a look at the work of architects Bradley Van Der Straeten on Leytonstone House for inspo.
17. Blend finishes
One way to ensure cohesion between your old building and a new extension is to blend the exterior finishes. For example, the side extension might be finished with a particular timber which then also continues out to the garden via decking. This will create a harmonious feel, even if the rest of the materials used for the new addition are in contrast to the original home.
18. Double up
How high can you go? Planning rules mean that how high your can build your extension sometimes depends on your neighbour’s “right to light”. This easement in the law gives a long-standing (20 years plus) owner of a building with windows the right to maintain their level of illumination. In fact, though, multi-storey extensions with a lot of glazing will often be permitted as light can still travel and the neighbour’s light may not fall below unacceptable levels. For instance, check out the double-height side extension at Sash House, by Tigg + Coll Architects.
19. Black steel
Industrial, black steel framing is popular for contemporary side extensions. It can create highly defined, framed ‘snapshot’ views of the garden. And somehow, black steel just suits original brick so well. You don’t have to stick with black steel errything. See for example Beechdale House by Paul Archer Design, where the black framing on the side and rear extension is in contrast to the white framing of the upper windows.
Side extension ideas have changed quite a bit in recent years. Previously, there was more of a tendency to want to completely absorb an extension into an existing aesthetic. Whereas now, people are increasingly interested in combining the best of both worlds: their characterful historic home, plus an open-plan, contemporary extension. For an example of this blend of old and new, have a look at the extension at Shawbury Road by Plusrooms.
21. The lightness of glazing
A glazed side extension can look beautifully light and delicate. I’m loving the extension at Burrows Road House by Rise Design Studio. A new, sunny kitchen/dining space opens out to the garden of this north London terraced home, after the architects took down the side wall and inserted glazing instead. A slanted glass roof is supported by the boundary wall, which had its height increased using reclaimed bricks from the demolition.
22. Light-filled studio
As most Victorian homes are quite dark, many people are motivated to renovate their dwelling in order to bring in more light. That was the case with a Victorian home in Wales, The Glasshouse (Glen Thomas Architecture), which has had a “radically contemporary” update thanks to a new side and rear extension. A nine metre glass roof along the side allows for beautiful views of surrounding nature and of the sky, while Eucalyptus flooring adds texture and warmth to the extension interior.
23. Minimal interiors
A minimalist aesthetic really suits a side extension in order to maximise the sense of spaciousness inside. It might be frameless glazing for roofs and windows, which help create a streamlined, airy feel. Or it might be the use of pale timbers like oak, or polished concrete floors that gently contrast with original heritage materials. For inspo, see the spacious, light-filled entertaining space created at the Peckham Extension by architects Al-Jawad Pike. You might also like the beautiful white oiled oak-lined portals at The Lined Extension by Yard Architects or their side extension at Timber Frame Two, which features soft, unclad timber.
24. Strongly contrasting side extension
Some people prefer a side extension that makes no attempt to blend in at all. Instead, it might proudly announce its contemporary nature with a bulky steel frame and dramatically contrasting monochromatic colour palette. Strong contrast works, provided there are elements that tie the original building to the new. This might be through colours, shapes, patterns or materials.
25. Creating unusual spaces
Two storey glazed side extensions can be a way to create novel, loft-like interior spaces. The transparency can help generate a sense of cohesion and connection between the new spaces. And internal glass floors are a playful touch with plenty of visual intrigue. A great example is the much admired Brackenbury House by Neil Dusheiko Architects. Similarly, the House of Trace by Tsuruta Architects is celebrated for how the double-height ‘glazed slice’ on the exterior creates an internal two-storey lightwell.
And that’s a wrap on my selection of side extension ideas. I love the look of the ‘glazed slice’ side extensions, and also those with more unusual cladding materials. Which is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!
Design a rear extension that integrates existing and new elements perfectly—here are our favourite rear extension ideas for inspo
Looking for rear extension ideas? Well, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve gathered 22 contemporary rear extension ideas, all of which look gorgeous from the outside and create beautifully spacious new interiors.
If you’ve decided on a rear extension, there’ll be a lot to consider, not least things like regulations and planning permissions. Once you’ve decided on an aesthetic and rear extension ideas that appeal, you’ll want to check out the portfolios of well-rated builders, drafters and architects to see which professionals align most with your vision and find out what they can do for you.
Adding rear extensions to period homes means being sensitive to the original home and integrate the addition well. Whether you want it to stand out or blend in, it’s all about balance with the existing structure. A strong contrast for the extension can highlight original features well, on the other hand you could have your extension play a quieter visual role and clad it in materials that blends into your existing home’s colour palette. In either case, things like continuing the same flooring in the new living space and out into the garden, or having window frames that match the original home, can help ensure the new volume fits seamlessly.
No matter which rear extension ideas are most attractive to you, invariably they will be all about adding floorspace, daylight and air flow to your home, without having such a large footprint that the garden is encroached upon.
Now, here are some examples of rear extension ideas that might inspire you too.
1. Old and new
It’s sometimes hard to believe that a super high contrast, contemporary rear extension can genuinely work with a beautiful old heritage building. But the proof is in the pudding, there are so many wonderful examples across London. Although not everyone likes a lean-to type of glass box, it can act as a brilliant light source for new ground floor living and expanded kitchen areas.
2. Lovely materials
There’s nothing like a gorgeous mix of materials for your rear extension. One respected extension is Gellatly Road, Lewisham by Delve. It features dark stained thin larch cladding, reclaimed heritage brick, concrete blocks, and Corten steel planters, bench and fence. I also like the use of birch plywood in the kitchen interior as it always looks so lovely against dark timbers.
3. New materials, old forms
A simple method of combining old and new is to design an exterior in contemporary materials like zinc cladding or Shou Sugi Ban charred wood cladding and industrial steel Crittall doors, which contrast with classic Victorian brick. And then to have a pitched roof, which references the local historical context. A good example is Brockley House by SAM Architects. The large rear and side infill extensions to this semi-detached Victorian home in Lewisham, London were designed to create a series of open plan, interconnected living spaces. The appearance is highly modern with its mix of larch, black steel and herringbone paved patio.
4. Beachy vibes
A much admired two storey extension to the rear of a Victorian home is Hampstead Beach House by Hayhurst & Co. Clad in white-stained larch for a bright and beachy feel, even the window shutters are clad in the material, to camouflage them into the wall. Light, natural extension finishes like this look crisp and clean, and contrast beautifully with period brick exteriors.
5. Massive back doors
A popular part of any rear extension is a massive glazed back door, to connecting new living spaces to the garden as well as allow in as much light as possible. There’s plenty of options when it comes to glazed doors, whether they pivot, stack or slide. But generally speaking, the larger the better! Check out the so-called world’s largest pivoting door (at 3m x 6m tall) at Antwerp House in Belgium by Sculpt(it). This modernised townhouse contrasts its historical façade with a strongly contemporary glass box extension to the rear. Lots of glass, metal and concrete as well as boasting those rear doors, which essentially open the entire wall to the garden.
6. Butterfly roof
The inverted pitch roofs, aka “butterfly roofs”, of historic Georgian and Victorian terraced houses appeals to many homeowners, and it can be very pleasing to add the distinctive roof silhouette to a rear extension as a nod to the past. Take a look at how it’s done at Harcombe Road by Forrester Architects. As a bonus, on the inside the zig-zag roof shape creates exposed beams and adds plenty of volume and dynamism. Pitched roofs look lovely whether regular, inverted ‘butterfly’, or irregularly angled.
7. The glass box
Love them or hate them, the contemporary ‘glass box’ rear extension is here to stay, as it’s a great way to add more season-proof ‘outdoor’ living space. And architects have found ways to marry the modern elements with the historical ones so that despite being dramatically different, the addition ‘fits’ the visual landscape. For example, to connect a black framed or black clad rear extension volume with its original building, it might be something as simple as painting the downpipes all black as well to create cohesion.
8. Partially glazed roof
Different leaves of a pitched roof can have different materials – like the butterfly roof extension of Forrester Architects’ Harcombe Road extension. Apart from its distinctively shaped roof, which mimics angles and lines of the original building behind it, the leaves are each different. One side is roofing and the other has more glazing, all designed to work with the way the light plays across this space.
9. White and light extension interior
Another example of an interior of a contemporary rear extension that completely modernises a home is Max House in Islington (Paul Archer Design). It incorporates lots of glass and marble into a minimal, mostly white aesthetic interior for an airy, light-filled new living space that beautifully extends out into the garden.
10. Extension with sliding door
Another gorgeous rear extension that’s received many accolades is Extension One, Islington by Denizen Works. This small terraced house in a conservation area of Islington, London, was given a major overhaul with a rebuilt rear extension, new side extension and kitchen rooflights. The extension is clad in soft black, bitumen-stained larch, an eco-friendly choice that makes a striking contrast to the rest of the home. There’s grey limestone flooring through to the garden area for continuity, and a beautiful, oversized picture-frame style sliding oak door.
11. Beautiful contrasts
A white-painted brick exterior looks stunning when contrasted with a black steel framed, glazed rear extension. A lovely example is Maison de Maitre by Hans Verstuyft Architecten. This home in Ghent, Belgium has a starkly black and white exterior colour scheme. Somehow, though, despite the strong differences in materials and colours, the two building elements don’t compete. Instead, it’s a lovely mix of old and new, and light and dark.
12. Wraparound windows
For something quite unusual, it’s worth checking out the extension to Vegetarian Cottage by Cousins & Cousins Architects. The rear extension to the Victorian townhouse contains a dining room on the first floor and a bedroom on the second, creating a new building that both continues and disrupts the period aesthetic. In the unique hybrid, traditional bricks and windows were repurposed from a prior demolition, and then carved into the side are two floor-to-ceiling glazed walls. Eye-catching, but somehow also subtle.
13. Unusual glazing effects
Another interesting use of glazing is at Fulham House (a DIY design by owner Daniel Lee). This flat roof rear extension to a London home again blends heritage brickwork with black steel frame doors that fully open the new living space to the garden. A basement office was constructed and its large skylight acts as a stage-like glazed floor out the back.
14. Complementary timber
Integrating new elements with the original architecture is what it’s all about when it comes to extensions. And this can be done seamlessly through the clever use of complementary colours and materials. For example, another gorgeous modern extension to a Victorian home is Highlever House (Haptic Architects). Larch again has been used for the vertical cladding, this time untreated so it will weather to a textured grey over time. The variegated tones of the timber meld perfectly with the similarly marled colours of the bricks.
15. Exterior staircase
If your rear extension creates a new second storey, you may have room for a cantilevered balcony to extend out and make the most of the new living space. This was done beautifully by Tsuruta Architects at a home called Marie’s Wardrobe. The addition of a black steel staircase to the exterior of the rear extension to this early 20thcentury home also adds interest and functionality. Black steel framing of the structure, windows and doors ties it all together well and adds a contemporary flavour.
16. Angled rear extension
Rear extensions tend to have nice clean lines and bold rectilinear frames. But take a look at what was done to an old rowhouse in Sint Niklaas, Belgium, known as Heritage House. This unique rear extension changed the direction of the building and cleverly created an angle that delivered more living space. The use of three dramatic pivoting doors creates the angled back façade. A patio and skylight connect the old and new buildings, while polished concrete floors inside and out ensure continuity.
17. Double-height glass box
For the most dramatic ‘glass box’ extensions, those that are double-height can create amazing, dramatic new living spaces. The cantilevered two-storey glass box at Primrose Hill (Archplan Architects) takes advantage of the soaring height of the glazed addition to install a lavish, interior green wall to enjoy from other internal rooms as well.
18. Patterns
The exterior of your rear extension is a chance to play with pattern, colour and texture. Good examples of how this is being done include Vestry Road by Oliver Leech Architects, where there’s a stunning interplay of brick, timber and pavers. Or elsewhere, I spied an extension clad in sage-green stained herringbone timber slats, with the green blending into the garden as well.
19. Interlocking black steel frame
In some cases, the extension frame steelwork is intentionally salient. Normally, supporting steelwork is hidden but with extensions, its often celebrated in its rawness. The steel can act as a unifying element across the interior and exterior too. Take a look at the bold forms of Repoussoir by Con Form Architects. A striking feature of the rear extension to this Victorian family home in London is the exposed, interlocking charcoal grey steelwork. Other materials are kept consistent on both sides of the building as well, like a wall of London stock brick in the garden, and the fir flooring in a soft colour to match the patio paving tile.
20. White aesthetic
Love a bright exterior? A white exterior façade keeps things looking clean and cheerful, and also helps to visually enlarge the look of a narrow home. I like the improvements to a small-terraced home in Antwerp, Belgium, undertaken by Poot Architectuur. The small home’s rear and side extensions were renovated with new exterior joinery and a new roof with glazed portions to envelop the interior with light. And all is connected through the use of white.
21. Unusual finishes
When it comes to choosing a material to clad your rear extension exterior, there’s a wide range of possible materials—even spray-on industrial black rubber! Yes, that’s the material used to coat the rear extension to an 1800s terraced house known as Janus House, by Office S&M. Normally used for oil rigs, the rubber provides a low cost, water and weatherproof, seamless finish, and a makes for a high contrast to original period brickwork.
22. Tiled extension façade
Apart from all the materials mentioned that are being used to clad rear extensions, tile is another option. I’ve seen some truly stunning work, such as the 3D tile used at Tile House by Proctor & Shaw, or the peacock blue glazed square subway tile at a London artists’ home by Beasley Dickson. Here, the owners were pushing the boundaries of contemporary extension design, by revamping an Edwardian to have a ‘carnival of colour’ on the interiors as well as the exterior. The latter achieved by the attention-seeking glossy blue tiles. That all-important connection of contemporary and heritage is satisfied through the repetition of pattern across the two volumes.
And that’s a wrap on my curation of rear extension ideas that you might consider if you are planning a rear extension. Personally I love the simple, timber clad ones. Especially the natural ones left to weather to a lovely patina, because I think it’s really interesting for a building to change its appearance over time. Which of these ideas appeals to you the most? Drop me a comment below!
Create more space, flood your home with natural light, and open it up to the garden—check out our collection of house extension ideas for ways to transform your home with a house extension
Are you searching for extension ideas? Maybe you need space to create more room for a growing family. Or you might wish to reconfigure your home’s layout to create new social spaces–for instance, an open-plan living area or kitchen/dining space. You might be looking for extension ideas to improve views and access to your garden. Or you might simply wish to modernise and brighten up a dark Victorian.
There are many different reasons for desiring a house extension. And there are just as many different options to choose from. Much will depend on the style of home you have, your budget and the local planning constraints. But you could extend to the rear, to the top, to the side and sometimes even to the front of your existing home. Or you could combine extensions, such as by having a ‘wraparound’ rear and side extension. You might like to extend only on the ground floor. Or double your extra space by opting for a multi-storey extension. Perhaps you only want to add a small, cost-effective glazed infill to your side return. Or you might decide to go for a full-width extension to vastly increase your floorspace. So many options!
When adding a new element to an existing structure, it’s necessary to find a balance between the old and the new. This is especially the case if you’re expanding a period home. There are two distinct paths to take. You can either design your extension to replicate your original structure. Or you can design it to have a bold, strongly contrasting contemporary style.
Either way, it’s important to blend the new addition with the original building. This means incorporating elements (shapes, colours, materials) that visually connect the two structures. Sometimes, a traditional pitched roof is added to a contemporary addition. Or, it may be case of staying true to the proportions or materials of the original home.
Here, I’ve gathered a range of house extension ideas which hopefully will inspire you—let’s take a look!
1. Heart of glass
Contemporary glazing represents “the architecture of our time”, say architects Paul Archer Design. It works wonders to transform a dwelling, bringing in loads of light to previously dim, Victorian spaces. Glaze an entire side extension roof, add a rooflight over the kitchen, add in still more light with large, frameless glazed doors and picture windows. Or add a double-story glass box extension with a glass floor in between, which also lends itself to new ways of experiencing a home.
2. Colourful and daring
For a striking contrast between old and new and a high contrast contemporary extension that’s deliberately different, opt for bold and unexpected accent colours, such as with the framing. For instance, check out Yellow House by Nimtim Architects. Its new structure’s façade is made of split cinder blocks painted in a white marble texture, and these are set into canary yellow frames. Definitely a way to stand out from your neighbours!
3. Mix materials
A contrasting mix of authentic materials like timber, glass and brick is visually pleasing. For instance, Hurdle House by Adam Knibb Architects features a modern extension to a Grade II listed Hampshire barn dating back to 1792. The existing building is brick, and the new volume is clad in cross-laminated timber, designed to blend in with the surrounding woodlands. And connecting the two structures is a contemporary frameless glass link, which beautifully marries the two buildings’ materials.
4. Colour connection
When adding an extension, the clever use of colour can ensure that all elements tie in well together. It may be as simple as using black steel framing for your extension to complement a black roof or neighbouring architecture, as has been done by Drew Mandel Architects in Canada with A House In the Beach. A rear extension, new entry and new front façade, while stylistically very different, all belong together simply through the use of colour.
5. Enhance and improve
What’s great about extending is that it gives you the opportunity to add modern functionality to the new volumes. During construction of a side extension, for example, a new poured concrete floor can provide the chance to add underfloor heating (eg. Chatsworth Road by Rees Architects). And the metal cladding of an extension can be painted with intumescent paint, which improves the structure’s fire safety.
Increasingly popular for contemporary side return extensions are glass infills. These allow so much light in, and can be designed to beautifully frame the garden view. Sometimes, the line of sight to the garden can even extend through the entire house. For lovers of minimalism, check out the lovely clean lines of the oak-lined extension by Yard Architects known as The Lined Extension.
7. Internal views
As I mentioned, side return extensions can create wonderful sight lines through a home. It may offer views all the way from bedrooms to the garden. And it will all be drenched in natural light thanks to a glazed roof and sliding doors to the back garden. A lovely example is Allerton Road by Douglas Architects, where an extension created a spacious open plan living and dining area with views through the whole home.
8. Japanese influence
If you love a boldly contrasting contemporary extension, consider cladding your extension in blackened wood, juxtaposed with your original brick façade. For inspo take a look at Burnt House by Will Gamble Architects, where the cladding has been hand-charred using the traditional Japanese technique Shou Sugi Ban. To heighten the nod to Japanese teahouses, the architects added black steel gridded glazing. But the new volume blends with the old thanks to similar proportions and a pitched roof.
9. Contemporary materials
If you love the look of Shou Sugi Ban blackened wood, you could achieve a similar result by simply staining your timber black with a hardwearing matte finish, such as was done by Rees Architects at Walthamstow. Cedar is another popular material, as it is stable, durable and doesn’t require treating. It will also weather beautifully to a silver finish.
When deciding between a flat roof or a pitched roof extension, it’s not only about the exterior aesthetic. Sure, it may be that you opt for a pitched roof to be sympathetic to the surrounding architecture. But maybe you simply love the way a gabled, pitched roof can add such dramatic volume to the interior, with soaring ceilings.
11. Circular window
Windows in your extension and/or newly remodelled existing floor don’t have to be square or rectangular—some home owners prefer to go for a round, porthole style of window to enable views to the garden (see for example, Jimi House by Paul Archer Design).
12. Unusual materials
Another much admired contemporary extension is A House and a Garden in Lambeth, again by Nimtim Architects. It’s an example of how to work an earthy material and colour palette, and features gorgeous materials like white-coated Finnish plywood and rust-toned Italian marble. Inside and out for continuity, there is warm terracotta tile flooring.
13. Fresh white interiors
Side return extensions are wonderful for increasing the footprint of your home. They’re one of the more cost-effective types of home extension. And they can completely transform your ground floor living area, creating an open plan living or kitchen/dining space. As it’s a relatively small new volume, it’s a good idea to go for a whitewashed interior to keep things feeling as spacious as possible. Have a Google and check out the swoonworthy interior of Chatsworth Road by Rees Architects.
Many homeowners are opting for a fresh, sophisticated mix of materials for their extension. For instance, the architects Gundry & Ducker decked out Slate House with a hexagonal slate façade to the rear extension of the 1930s home. The architects were inspired by traditional hex slate facades on Georgian and Victorian homes in West Dorset. They also added black and white steel-framed windows and doors, a contrasting white brick exterior wall and bluestone patio for a unique look. (If you love slate, you can find someone who specialises in working with this material here.)
15. Matching rooflines
In order to fit an extension sympathetically into its local context, it may be necessary to follow the same rooflines as neighbouring original homes. For example, Reigate Road by Oliver Leech Architects is a two-storey extension of a semi-detached home in Surrey. Neighbouring homes have dual pitched roof slopes, so the extension was designed to appear similar. The extension itself is modern, with pale grey render for the sleek exterior. However a band of red bricks was added as a way of connecting to the original building. I love the extension roof clad in vertically-hung slates in a fish scale pattern.
16. Stunning and simple
I just love a simple, minimal extension interior where the emphasis is on clean lines and beautiful materials, such as oak frames and polished concrete flooring. Structural elements can be hidden to create a streamlined, minimal effect. And of course the introduction of natural light into previously dim, dark spaces. Check out the lovely work of Al-Jawad Pike Architects, such as King’s Grove House, a two storey extension to a Victorian terrace in Peckham.
17. Terrace side extension ideas
It’s amazing just how well a highly contemporary extension works with a period home. Take a look at how architects A2 designed the extension to Alex and Mark’s House, a five-storey Victorian terrace home. A tiny side return extension here is clad in zinc to deliberately contrast with the original brickwork. And a large, contemporary pivot door also boldly announces its modernity. The home gained a spacious new open plan kitchen with this small intervention.
18. Tiled façade
When it comes to cladding an extension, why not consider tile? It’s much more unusual than timber or metal, but can be so striking. See, for example, the exterior of the Leytstone House extension by Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects. It’s clad in marled stone tiles which give so much lovely texture, colour and overall visual interest to the façade.
19. Stark and graphic
Even if you go for a traditional, classic shape for your extension, one that mimics the original building, you can make it very contemporary by adding in lots of contrast. For example, the new volume might be framed in a highly stylised thick black outline. It may be aluminium, coated in zinc cladding or thin timber matchboard. Whatever you choose, try to go for a simple material palette to avoid making things look fussy.
20. Small intervention
You might simply wish to add an openable, glazed bay window to your home. A tiny new side extension that’s designed to catch the sun and allow direct access to the garden. If you are thinking of a low-cost, minimal intervention, then extending only slightly out into your side return might be something to consider.
21. Have fins or deep mullions
Mullions (those vertical bars between window panes) can be designed to protrude in order to ensure privacy of your rear extension. Similarly, deep fins can extend out from either side of your extension which add privacy to your space.
22. Matching brick
Contemporary extensions don’t always have to be in high contrast to their parent building. Some people prefer to clad their side extension to a Victorian home in reclaimed brick to neatly match the original building. (See, for example, Almington Street House by Amos Goldreich.)
23. Aim for pattern play
Extensions that use materials to create beautiful texture and pattern can look really stunning. It may be the original brick plus a tiled façade and below, herringbone pavers. Even the lines of a timber fence can contribute to a pleasing interplay of patterns. Take a look at Brass House by Simon Astridge Architects for inspo!
24. Full of light
To prevent the centre of your new space from being too dark, plentiful glazing is key. Infuse the space with light with skylights, generous windows and oversized doors that open out to the garden. Crittall style framing gives a clean, modern look.
On the outside your home might resemble your typical listed English cottage. But on the inside, it can be a gorgeous modern home full of beautiful timber and glass. Frameless glazing, plenty of warm timber such as English oak and a neutral colour palette result in a simple, beautiful aesthetic (see for example Well Street by IF-DO Architects. I like that the architects deliberately chose budget-friendly materials, but you could never tell!).
I absolutely love the simplicity of the double height extension to a 110-year-old row house in New York, known as Brooklyn Row House 2 (by Office of Architecture). Its timber façade, fencing, stepped back garden and thick black framed glazed doors all have such elegant, clean lines. And the repetition of the shapes of the windows is so pleasing too. You really can’t go wrong with timber cladding, can you? It just brings so much warmth to a home.
27. Protruding box
A cantilevered frameless glass box extension that projects out into the garden is a strongly contemporary option. For a good example of how it’s done, check out Gladstone Road by Studio 1 Architects, where a brick clad rear extension also features a protruding glass box. On the inside, the architects continued with contemporary materials, including concrete floors, whitewashed ash slats and seasoned oak ribs which create a gorgeous slatted light effect over the dining space.
28. Connecting to the garden
When you have beautiful trees in your back garden, it makes sense to design an extension that takes advantage of the views. If your trees are picturesque then design your extension with the intention of showing off a gorgeous tree canopy out back (have a look at how it’s done at Ferndale by Conibere Phillips). Add a window seat to fully appreciate the framed the view to the garden. When it comes to cladding, opt for something like larch to visually connect to the outdoors, too.
And that’s a wrap on my selection of extension ideas, exploring a range of different options, from side to rear to front extensions. I love the simple designs with beautiful textured materials, like the ones with blackened wood cladding. Have these extension ideas given you any inspo for your own extension plans? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Keen to find a local professional to bring your extension ideas to life? You can check out the portfolios and reviews of architects, builders, drafters, interior designers and more, right here on Airtasker.
Upgrade your plain chimney breast and maximize your alcove spaces! Check out our top chimney breast ideas for inspiration!
Looking for chimney breast ideas? Your chimney breast – that part of an interior wall that projects out to surround a chimney – is an opportunity to get creative and make your fireplace really stand out.
Whether or not your fireplace is working, you can turn its chimney breast into a fantastic focal point for your room. And those spaces either side of the chimney breast, the alcoves, also offer endless styling opportunities.
Refresh your chimney breast with paint or wallpaper, or clad it in beautiful organic materials or stunning tile—here are 22 chimney breast ideas that will inspire. Let’s dive in!
1. Oversized and exaggerated
There’s an increasing love of exaggerated, oversized, extra-wide chimney breasts and fireplace surrounds, where the chimney often appears to soar dramatically like a tower inside your home. Elongated plinths are popular, enabling cosy social zones as well.
This is a popular look in contemporary homes. Rendering a chimney breast with cloudy grey concrete gives it more texture and interest than leaving it plain. A perfectly flat finish can look boring, whereas rendering gives a slightly tonally varied appearance that plays with the light.
3. Tiled
You can really spice up your chimney breast by tiling your fireplace surround with your favourite stunning tiles. Because it’s a small area, it can be quite affordable to choose really special tiles to personalise and beautify your room. Some ideas for making tile the star of your chimney breast:
Encaustic cement tiles in an Aztec pattern
Glazed terracotta tiles–amazing in a monochrome setting
Soft grey tiles–these blend very well with adjacent concrete and metal materials
White stacked tile or natural stone
Variegated or Zellige tiles in ocean blues
Tile an extra-wide chimney breast with a soft organic colour palette of greys, browns and blacks
Tile the inside of the fireplace to add an accent colour (or simply a shinier, graphic black).
Tiles are such a lovely material to use for cladding a chimney breast, particularly if they have mesmerising tonal variation.
4. Timber and marble
Marble will never go out of style and always looks fab as a fireplace surround or a chimney breast panel. It might just be a slab for the mantelpiece, in the centre of a timber-panelled or brick fireplace. Greyscale marbles really complement a monochrome décor and a black firebox, for a clean and sleek look. And when the fire is burning, marble looks even more beautiful in the flickering light.
5. Strong and modern
Love a bold contemporary look? Show off an oversized chimney breast made of black steel, with a cast concrete plinth (the bit the firebox is sitting on). If you extend the plinth all the way out to the sides you can create cosy sitting areas alongside the fire, or simply useful surface area. With a bold look such as this, go for neutral tones elsewhere in the room, and lots of natural materials.
6. White breast surrounded by bookshelves
If you plan on using your alcoves for display shelving, it’s a good idea to keep the chimney breast itself quite plain as a contrast. If you are going for a rainbow of books either side of your fireplace, opt for a mostly white aesthetic for the chimney breast and the overall space.
You might also frame your fireplace with bookshelves painted black. Add in a mirror to reflect more light in the space, and a designer armchair.
(Need someone to customise shelving to fit your alcove spaces? Find an expert here.)
8. Floating chimney islands
Your chimney breast may not necessarily be flush to an interior wall. Sometimes, homeowners prefer to have a central fireplace which connects a number of separate spaces. Having a fireplace located in the middle of the room creates a double-sided fireplace ‘floating island’. A linear design with pseudo alcoves is perfect for displaying books, curios or a woodstack.
Make the most of a beautiful traditional fireplace by giving it a fresh coat of paint to highlight its intricate engraving and detailing. Love a bold aesthetic? How about a cotton candy pink-painted fireplace surround, standing out against a dark grey chimney breast and alcoves? Expert tip: when painting a fireplace surround, make sure to use high heat enamel paint.
10. Chimney breast feature wall
If you love colour and pattern, your chimney breast is the ideal place to experiment with a gorgeous strip of wallpaper. As you’ll only need a fairly small amount of paper, you can often afford to splash out on something really cool, even a designer print. And if you go with wallpaper, a good trick is to pick out a wall paint colour from the wallpaper design.
11. Faux chimney breast
Tiles are another easy way to completely transform the look of your fireplace. If your modern fireplace is flush-mounted and doesn’t exactly have chimney breast, you can simply create a faux chimney breast out of tile, to set the fireplace area apart from its surroundings.
For a characterful, moody living room with a modern Gothic aesthetic, paint your chimney breast, fireplace surround and alcoves all the same dark colour. This gives the illusion of a much larger space. Expert tip: when you’re using a very dark paint colour, it’s a good idea to keep the ceiling and mouldings white to prevent it feeling gloomy and cave-like.
If you are planning to put in a new chimney breast, you might consider salvaged bricks which typically have a lot of tonal variation and add lovely texture to a room. A brick chimney breast also functions as a heat shield. A statement cast iron firebox looks amazing against a brick chimney breast.
14. Brick facings
Another option is to tile your chimney breast and surround with brick facings. These are simply thinly cut bricks and are sometimes also called brick slips, brick cladding or (most descriptively I think) brick tiles. It’s a way to get a brick look in the same way that you would apply ceramic tiles. If you love warm and earthy tones like this, make sure to also check out our blog on brown living rooms.
For something a little different, paint your chimney breast a lighter tone than the alcoves, which makes the alcoves recede and the fireplace stand out. Gold metallic paint for the mantle trim could match an antique gilded mirror and lend a little glam to the space.
16. Faux fireplace for kids
If your child’s bedroom has a non-working fireplace, you can take the opportunity to create an enchanting vignette to stimulate a child’s imagination. Go with a fairytale, woodland creatures type wallpaper on the chimney breast, and and you can stuff the fireplace with soft toys. The mantle is also a chance to further add a cute display of your child’s favourite characters, books or artworks.
17. Blend the chimney breast in
If you love pattern mixing, why not try a combination of vibrant wallpaper for the chimney breast and alcoves, plus colourful tiles inside the fireplace? Extend the tile out in front of the hearth, too. Although these days, wallpapers are so much easier to DIY, if you aren’t confident with achieving a neat result yourself, you can always enlist a local expert to help.
18. Artistic chimney breast
If you love a colourful maximalist look, you can take advantage of your fireplace and chimney breast to deliver wild colours and patterns. Paint the alcoves a gorgeous complementary colour, and add a lavish chandelier to be even more extra.
Or if you prefer minimalism, a look with clean lines and a monochrome colour palette will appeal. Create a beautifully light and airy living room with an all-white chimney breast that won’t detract from views through alcove windows.
Style up a mantelpiece with candlesticks, a vase and an oversized, vintage, patinaed mirror. If you paint the chimney breast the same colour as your walls, the focus will fall on the mirror and curated mantelpiece.
21. Build in a wood stack
A woodstack beside your chimney breast adds so much texture and interest to the space. And having a woodstack is always lovely to add warmth to the room even when the fireplace is not in use.
Even if you have a non-functioning fireplace, that doesn’t stop it being able to make a strong statement. You can always achieve a chimney breast without a fireplace. Just insert a little stove and have a vibrantly painted chimney breast. Or, will it with wood, just for ambience.
Which chimney breast ideas speak to you?
So there you have my favourite contemporary chimney breast ideas. I love heritage fireplaces with quirkily painted chimney breasts, but I also love the modern, oversized statement chimney breasts featuring beautiful, textured materials. Do any of these chimney breast ideas appeal to you? Let me know in the comments!
And if you need help with fireplace installation, you can find a local expert here.
Whether you call it a cloakroom, powder room, half bath or WC, your small toilet room can be big on style. Our cloakroom ideas show you how!
Are you hunting for chic cloakroom ideas? Then you’ve come to the right place because I’ve gathered a bunch of cloakroom ideas that span a range of different decorating styles. There’s sure to be something here that strikes a chord with you.
A cloakroom is a small toilet room, usually containing only a sink and a toilet. It’s traditionally located downstairs, often contained in the understairs area of a home. These days though, a cloakroom can really be located anywhere in the house. But if you’re going with a downstairs toilet, you’ll need to bear in mind that there’s specific building regulations for downstairs cloakroom. (For example, the rules are that a downstairs cloakroom must have an extractor fan.)
Cloakrooms are such a fun room to decorate. Because they’re small, you can often afford to splurge on more expensive materials and finishes. And because they’re often the only bathroom your guests will use, you can design them to be really impactful. So go ahead and dress your cloakroom to impress! Whether you choose gorgeous tile, fun wallpaper or a statement-making vanity or sink, there’s so many ways to make this room dramatic and visually stimulating. On the other hand, you might prefer to go with a minimal, simple and calm aesthetic, with limited elements and an overall serene feel.
Now, here are 36 cloakroom ideas I love, from the light and minimal to the dramatic, bold and luxe. Let’s get started!
1. Make it fresh and clean
Since your cloakroom is typically the only toilet that your guests will use, it’s important that it’s a pleasant experience to use it. The last thing you want anyone to feel is as if they’re in an ugly, unsanitary, public toilet cubicle somewhere! So the best cloakroom ideas will be welcoming and full of “sparkling clean” vibes. Light colours go a long way to keeping it from looking dingy, but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Why not try the neverfail combo of an all-white aesthetic, plus black accents, with a feature wall tile to lift it out of the ordinary.
By nature your cloakroom is going to be small. But despite the lack of square footage, you can still make it an amazing space. One way to give your cloakroom “wow factor” is to use luxe, high-end materials. Though costly, these are often far more accessible with a room as tiny as a cloakroom.
Your cloakroom is a great space to experiment with wallpaper. Not only is it a small space, so there’s less wall to cover. But it’s also an opportunity to take bold décor risks and have some fun. After all, the idea of redecorating this small space if you tire of the look is not too daunting. These days, wallpaper featuring large scale flora and fauna is extremely popular, as people are keen to connect their homes more to nature. A botanical aesthetic ensures the space feels calm and restful, perfect for ‘when nature calls’!
4. Go for warmth
An all-white cloakroom can look a bit clinical. Infusing your space with a warm colour palette can create a much more cosy and welcoming atmosphere. For a space rich in visual interest, try burnt umber tones and vertically laid subway wall tile.
5. Layer in texture
When it comes to cloakroom ideas, lots of interior designers talk about the cloakroom as being a “jewel box” space in your home. That is, it’s a petite room that can be dramatically layered with luxurious materials or glamorous elements. And because it’s such a small canvas, it doesn’t have to break the bank. So you may be able to splurge on that gorgeous designer wallpaper and a custom Carrara marble basin!
6. Use bold materials
If you love contemporary design you’ll know that there’s a big focus on materiality at the moment (a good definition of materiality that I’ve seen is ‘designing for more senses’). As such it involves the use of complex mixes of visually gorgeous, tactile materials. Therefore for modern cloakroom ideas, think generous expanses of stone, timber and concrete. So it might be a mix of European oak, sintered stone (an eco-friendly, engineered alternative to quartzite) and black steel. The result is anything but plain, despite a limited colour palette.
7. Make a statement
With a cloakroom often containing only enough space for a toilet and sink, it makes sense to focus on making a feature out of the sink space (I mean, you won’t want to make the toilet a feature, right?). It may be through choosing a beautiful vanity and basin, or putting up a dramatic wall treatment with tile or wallpaper. Adding in a feature pendant light is another way to make a statement. But then keep all other elements minimal, because you don’t want too many statement pieces in such a small space.
Did you know subway tiles became so popular in the 1900s because Victorians were completely hygiene-obsessed, and subway tiles are very resistant to staining? I didn’t either! But their visual appeal means they continue to be a go-to for bathrooms today. You can find them in so many colours now. And there are lots of ways to lay them, so explore your layout options.
One thing I love about cloakroom wallpaper is it ensures the room is as far removed from “random toilet cubicle” as it possibly can be. And adding whimsical prints of flora and fauna brings a sense of escapism to the space.
If you are going with the wallpaper option, it’s a good idea to tile up a little splashback above your narrow cloakroom sink. Pick out a colour from the paper to ensure things are harmonious.
11. Choose slimline elements
For the compact space of a cloakroom, having a narrow sink is a classic option. I love the tinted concrete ones on the market nowadays. But another idea is to have a corner basin, which will also take up less space. Not only do you want your sink to be streamlined and save space, but other elements should do the same. For example, wall-hung toilets with concealed cisterns. Or slim vanities/storage cabinets if you need somewhere to hide clutter.
12. Bring in colour and pattern
Even if you love an all-white or mostly white bathroom look, you can add a lot of interest with pops of colour and pattern. For instance a mostly monochrome cloakroom might be injected with a burst of orange, or some terrazzo, for personality and liveliness.
13. Take a risk
Cloakrooms are ideal for trying out exuberant design ideas, because they’re tucked away and less visible than other rooms in your home. And since they’re typically very small spaces, if you don’t like your bold choices you can more easily renovate and try something else. Creating a showstopper moment is guaranteed to impress guests. It might be the ooh! factor of a wild colour clash, such as pink and orange. Or it might be pretty hex mosaic tile, a marble-topped vanity or gorgeous tapware all adding up to a sense of contemporary luxury.
14. Go for serene coastal vibes
For a relaxing, refreshing space, choose a colour palette of white and pale greys and feature wall-to-floor tile, then add a contemporary freestanding sink with a rustic timber base. You’ll have lots of lovely texture thanks to the tile and you can add more with organic materials like woven baskets.
If you’re into maximalism then a busy, vibrant cloakroom may be your cup of tea. A cloakroom boasting feature wallpaper and a unique colour scheme is deliberately attention-seeking and sure to be a talking point with your guests.
16. Glam it up
If you want your cloakroom to look deluxe, you really can’t go wrong with a marble vanity. Add navy blue herringbone tile and neutralise the cold tones by pairing with gold-toned tapware, mirror frame and lighting. Choosing extravagant, unusual light fittings is also a great way to imbue your room with personality.
17. Give Victorian a try
What do you think of the Modern Victorian trend? If you love the bold colours, visual intricacy and glam fittings of this style, why not decorate your cloakroom in this way. Pair a traditional style corner basin with double taps, an ornate gold-framed mirror, and large scale floral wallpaper in moody tones. Chequerboard floor tile will complete the look.
Or perhaps you prefer the Modern Farmhouse look, which is much less fancy but full of character and charm. In that case, your cloakroom will still feature a vintage style of sink (wall-mounted with double crosshead taps). But you might modernise a chunky farmhouse basin by opting for a tinted one.
19. Add a bookshelf
This one’s more for your family cloakroom users, because you don’t expect guests to settle in with a good book on a toilet break during a dinner party! But for a frequently used small toilet, I think a book ledge or shelf is so functional. It’s also a chance to display decorative items to give a plain space more character.
20. Try something different
Sure, it’s a tiny space with a banal function. But it can also be a visually stimulating space that makes a style statement. When it comes to cloakroom ideas, go for drama with moody, darker colours, beautiful materials and large scale patterns. You could also choose an oversized mirror in an unusual shape, or a classic-shaped sink in an unexpected colour.
21. Tile with sparkling zellige
Make your cloakroom absolutely shimmer with zellige tile. Zellige is possibly my favourite style of tile. I just love the tonal variations, irregular edges and the glistening way they reflect light.
22. Be inspired by Art Deco
Want your guests to feel like film stars when they use your cloakroom? Then a glamorous, deluxe Art Deco-inspired cloakroom might be the way to go. Classic Art Deco styling is easy to achieve these days, with so many replica items on the market. Your vanity can be quite understated so that the attention falls on dramatic (such as teal mermaid ones..heavenly!) and ornate brushed-gold finishes. Look for shell style sconces (lights with triple bulbs provide the perfect movie-star dressing room illumination).
23. Add a bespoke feature
Your cloakroom really doesn’t need to be minimalist and designers often suggest that instead, you “create an experience” for the user. It might be stunning handmade bathroom tiles, for example. Or, quite a few contemporary cloakrooms feature a piece of art. Whether it’s a single, large scale artwork or a gallery of smaller images, adding some art is a surefire way to give your cloakroom extra personality. The small size of a cloakroom means there’s more focus on the art, too.
24. Pretty it up
For soft, feminine cloakroom ideas, there’s nothing like gorgeous floral wallpaper. For example, try pairing a blue and white botanical print with simple, white fixtures for an overall fresh and clean feeling. A complementary hand towel in darker blue floral print works well here. Speaking of towels, consider an integrated towel rail below the sink as these are a great spacesaving cloakroom idea.
25. Brave a black and white scheme
A highly stylised cloakroom look might feature a more unusual black toilet, matched to a black vanity and other black décor, set against a white or light neutral wall. This may be a good compromise if you like decorating with dark colours, but prefer a light-coloured background for a cloakroom.
26. Mix modern and retro
Love retro vibes? Fit out your cloakroom with fluted glass sconces, graphic floor tile and subtly-varying tones of the wall tile. Then bring it into the contemporary era with a statement sink. Set the basin in a floating vanity or one with narrow legs, as these take up little of the precious room.
27. Go for ultramodern design
Tall, circular, floor-standing basins are a pretty recent innovation. I’ve seen them made of all kinds of materials, but honed marble makes for a very classic aesthetic. Pair it with hexagonal feature marble tile on the walls, contemporary lighting and black tapware. You don’t need much else for the space to feel luxurious and spacious.
If you love a simple, clean, modern look then a classic contemporary cloakroom will probably tick all your boxes. Think bright white subway tile, black accents and streamlined elements (like a concealed cistern and wall-mounted freestanding sink). With limited, pared-back elements, you will have a comfortable and calm space.
Your cloakroom isn’t a room you spend a huge amount of time in (eg. no long baths) so you’re less likely to tire of décor. This gives a certain amount of design freedom. Take full advantage of that freedom by creating an extravaganza of colour, pattern and quirkiness with wow factor galore. Go for geo floor tile and an ornate mirror, and paint the mouldings a vivid colour, like raspberry. Add bespoke, witty wallpaper and you’ll have a cloakroom that is fun to use each time.
30. Layer your lighting
Changing up your cloakroom lighting is a relatively low-cost way to update your cloakroom. And while you’re at it, add more lights! Rather than just have a single fitting, layering a mix of task and ambient lighting will improve both functionality and aesthetics. And there are so many amazing styles of lighting to choose from—the hardest part is picking your favourites! It’s relatively uncommon for a cloakroom to have windows, but if yours does, consider silk Roman blinds which take up less space than curtains.
31. Reflect the light
When it comes to cloakroom ideas, mirrors are brilliant for creating the illusion of space by reflecting more light. If you have wallpaper, it will also beautifully reflect the pattern.
32. Go for classic white plus gold
A classic look for a cloakroom is to have a bright all-white aesthetic and give it a touch of traditional sophistication with gold-toned fixtures. You might also add a pane of ribbed glass to separate the vanity and the toilet, which will amplify the sense of sophistication.
33. Embrace darker tones
Don’t be shy about using darker colours in your cloakroom. Fresh and white is lovely, but darker colour schemes have that innate mystery, elegance and sexiness about them. They often also suit a more masculine aesthetic. Consider matte black with a few white accents, combined with chrome metallics.
Many people like the idea of having fun with their cloakroom. It’s the perfect chance to be creative and explore something new. You might like to adorn your cloakroom walls with a colourful, whimsical jungle scene. Why not find a local muralist with a style that you love to create something unique in your cloakroom?
35. Invest in a statement sink
I love to steal from hospitality so the cloakrooms in French fine dining restaurant, “Bibo” in Hong Kong, definitely caught my eye. An idiosyncratic mix of Boho, Art Deco and five star luxury, the small toilet rooms here feature exposed brass pipes, parquetry floors and opulent painted ceramic sinks. Oh, and for that extra touch of class—both heated floors and toilet seats. Adding underfloor heating to your cloakroom is a generous and luxe touch that your cloakroom users will really appreciate!
36. Keep it simple
Decking out a cloakroom is a fairly simple affair, really. In considering the necessary elements, all you really need are a toilet and a sink. When it comes to cloakroom ideas, it’s the choice of materials and finishes that creates the eye candy. A neat, clean and functional cloakroom can still be sophisticated; it’s all in the details. Whether it’s a unique colour scheme, such as a complex greyscale, or gorgeous tapware, a sculptural light fitting, or a dramatic mirror, you can infuse your cloakroom with personality and style while still keeping it lovely and streamlined.
I hope you’ve been inspired by this collection of cloakroom ideas. Will you be using any of these ideas if you are renovating? Or do you already have a cloakroom you love? Let me know how you’ve decorated it in the comments!
Clever design means a kitchen extension doesn’t need a huge footprint to completely transform the interior with generous light and space. For inspo, just take a look at these gorgeous kitchen extension ideas
More homeowners around the UK are transforming their homes with a variety of home extensions. And top of the list for many homeowners is a kitchen extension renovation, which is why we’ve put together these kitchen extension ideas for you!
If you’ve been struggling for kitchen space at home, an extension is a perfect solution to add volume and floor space. Gaining more space here is not only important for functional and aesthetic reasons, but it will also improve the sociability of your home.
A kitchen extension can create a wonderfully light-filled, spacious kitchen/diner, with more storage space, functionality and a better flow into the garden. And the beauty is that an extension is a surefire way to increase your home’s resale value, making it a wise investment as well as a way to improve your current living arrangements.
What about planning permission? Surprisingly, lots of kitchen extension ideas are actually achievable under permitted development rights. However, formal consent from authorities will be necessary in other cases. Your architect or builder is best placed to assist you with their expert knowledge of local policy.
There are plenty of options to consider when it comes to kitchen extension ideas: extend at the rear or side, or perhaps both? If in a terraced house, convert with a side return extension? These are often permission-friendly and won’t swallow up too much of your valuable garden space. This is something to watch if planning a rear kitchen extension.
Sometimes, a loft conversion or extension is built to create a new kitchen space, but these are less common than rear or side kitchen extensions. Clever planning of the interior layout is vital too to make the most of your kitchen extension. In terms of kitchen layouts, open plan or semi-open plan are popular choices.
So, are you dreaming of a kitchen extension—or maybe even already in the exciting process of initial planning? Our collection of kitchen extension ideas should inspire you on ways to transform your cramped kitchen into a welcoming open plan modern space for cooking, dining and entertaining. Let’s get into it!
1. Aim to connect old and new
Whether you decide to match the materials and finishes of your existing space to the new addition or go for a bold contrast, it’s always good to establish a connection between old and new in some way, to ensure a pleasing transition. For example, contemporary ‘glass box’ extensions to period homes often feature pitched roofs to mimic the traditional home silhouette. Or modern extensions utilising reclaimed heritage brick, such as Coffey Architects’ Modern Side Extension.
2. Convert your side return
Side return extensions are fantastic for opening up small spaces. And they’re a great way to access open-plan living on a limited budget. When it comes to kitchen renovations, a side return extension often creates a space that fits both a dining area and a galley kitchen.
The award-winning Hoxton House extension (Mikhail Riches Architects) in London packs a lot into just a one-metre addition of horizontal space. The home features a two-storey double-glazed façade that utilises that extra metre to visually extend the lower-level dining space. The double-height space feels extravagant and has also created a tiny mezzanine level that functions as an extra living area. Another double-story glazed extension to admire is Slot House by Studio Octopi. And if you like the heavily glazed look, why not also look at these conservatory ideas that you can add to your home.
4. Add sliding, pivoting or swing doors
If you’ve created a new dining space on your ground floor with a rear extension, you might like to add glass sliding doors or a large, glazed pivoting or swing door to allow maximum light capacity as well as open up the space to the garden. The frame can match kitchen window frames as well. A massive swinging door enables full enjoyment of your garden for a tranquil indoor/outdoor social space. For inspo, see the lovely oak-framed glass sliding door of Extension One (Denizon Works), the fully-openable sliding doors of Brackenbury House (Neil Dusheiko Architects) and the massive pivot doors of House of Agnes (Tigg Coll Architects).
When it comes to kitchen extension ideas, it’s very popular to stick to a simple material palette to keep things feeling as streamlined, uncluttered and spacious as possible. And to ensure the new area is seamlessly integrated with the old, it pays to have a continuity of materials. For instance, the garden might become more connected to the kitchen through the use of timber cladding indoor and out.
6. Choose a simple colour scheme
No matter what kind of extension you go with, sticking to a simple colour palette is a good idea to enhance a sense of spaciousness. Ideally, go for a soft, light, nature-toned, muted colour scheme (such as has been done at Lambeth Marsh House by Fraher Architects). Or perhaps a dramatic but soft matte black in a greyscale context.
7. Aim for pattern and texture
A kitchen extension presents the perfect opportunity to showcase gorgeously textured and coloured materials, whether timbers or natural stone or reclaimed brick. If your existing home is heritage brick, consider an extension clad in warm, paler brick and add raw timber decking.
8. Embrace zig zag rooflines
When adding to a period home, it can be harmonious to add a pitched roof to your extension. You may even go as far as creating an exaggerated, striking zig zag roof from a series of narrow pitched roof sections), as the architects Outpost achieved with Albion Terrace. Zinc is one option for cladding your new volume, if you are keen on strong contrast as it is intensely different from original brick. Not only does this provide a unique exterior appearance and reference the original building, but it also creates what the architects call a “beautiful internal ceiling-scape”.
9. Mix gorgeous materials
There are so many gorgeous materials to choose from when it comes to cladding your extension and fitting ou the interior. Outside, a mix of salvaged, marled bricks looks amazing paired with monochrome, strongly contemporary materials like steel. Or you might like a material palette of birch-faced plywood, stainless steel and lino flooring. Polished concrete floors and limestone tile for your patio area look contemporary with stainless steel finishes in your kitchen. Some other ideas worth considering:
Douglas Fir window and door frames, for adding warmth and connecting indoors to outdoors;
Zinc cladding for a strong contemporary look;
Oak and ash timbers for softness and an organic flavour;
Cedar with glass panels for Mid-Centurny Modern vibes;
Budget friendly fibre-cement panels (eg. Landells Road by Alma-nac).
Also cheap, black engineering brick (eg. Archer + Braun’s Picture Frame House)
There seems to be an increase in recent times in architects experimenting more with materials, for instance, charred wood (Japanese shou sugi ban) cladding or eco-friendly timber larch, which develops a silvery, textured patina over time. If you’re going to go for something intentionally different, then keep all elements simple and let the unusual material speak for itself. For inspo, see Chris Dyson Architects’ use of blackened cedar for Kenworthy House, SAM Architects’ use of black charred larch cladding at Brockley House, or the mix of reclaimed London brick and Welsh slate at Oliphant House by Paper House Project.
11. Create privacy
If you have a rear extension and would like to increase the privacy of your new living space, you might like to design a façade that incorporates a series of deep, vertical ‘fins’ on the plinth, which afford side-on privacy.
12. Pick up brick tones
Conscious to create a rear kitchen extension that feels contemporary but melds authentically with the rest of your period home? Consider cladding your extension in a complementary brick. For instance, Brunel smooth blue brick was chosen to clad Zigzag Roof House by 4 S Architecture, as it complements the ‘dark blue iron spot’ that original London stock brick is known for.
13. Create zones
Plan your kitchen extension to have distinct functional zones for cooking, dining, casual eating. You can ensure it all ties together by the continuity of the colour palette or materials. For example, the use of continuous grey limestone flooring extending into the garden connects the spaces and is also a clever way to blur those indoor/outdoor boundaries. Also, aim for an efficient and safety-conscious layout (where traffic is routed away from the stove/hob).
If you are updating a Victorian with typical faded brick, adopting a muted colour palette of soft browns and greys will ensure your new volume blends in well. For example, an extension façade consisting of panels of glazing set into batons of untreated larch. Larch will charmingly weather over time and is becoming a popular choice for cladding extensions.
15. Opt for white steel
Although black steel framing is really popular in contemporary homes, steel-framed windows and doors can be painted any colour. A structural glass roof supported by steel sections finished in white blends well with light interior finishes and helps maintain the overall lightness of a space. For example, see House of Trace, Lewisham by Tsuruta Architects and Victoria Park House by Brian O’Tuama Architects.
16. Go monochrome
If you have a whitewashed interior, marrying it with black wooden cladding extending around the perimeter has the effect of creating a frame. It’s a very high contrast look that is bold and striking.
17. Blend in with surrounds
Even if your kitchen extension looks seriously modern on the inside, you might like to blend the exterior harmoniously with neighbhouring architecture. This might mean choosing a similar brick to its surrounding homes, or a pitched roof design to conform to the skyline silhouette.
18. Go Scandi
Clean, minimalist Nordic style is a mainstay of contemporary interiors and the organic, streamlined and light-filled aesthetic is just perfect for kitchen extensions. Go for bright and airy with a simple Scandi monochrome colour palette. Then add warmth with natural materials and contemporary industrial touches in the lighting and use of black steel.
Love those dramatic zig-zag or multi-gabled roofs? From the inside, a zig-zag roof structure soars above your new space, adding drama and lofty volume. The roof becomes the focal element so you can keep the rest of your interior spare and minimal with lots of natural materials. For inspo, I love the beautiful light interiors that feature in the work of Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects.
20. Choose soft timbers
Some of the most stylish kitchen extensions I’ve seen have incorporated the use of oak, such as for lining the extension portals. There’s something so lovely and soft-looking about oak, and it’s also such a durable, versatile timber. Lining your side return with white-oiled oak at the thresholds (as was beautifully done with The Lined Extension by Yard Architects) will create gorgeous passageways and beautifully frame a garden view. Contrast this pale timber with black accents and a stunning contemporary light fitting.
21. Keep it light and bright
A renovation and extension can create a wonderful light-filled space perfect for multifunction living and strongly connected to the outdoors. Plentiful glazing allows so much light in, whether it’s skylights or full-length roof lights, picture windows or massive glazed doors leading to the garden. Rooflights ensure the airiest and sunniest space possible and work especially well above a dining table in a kitchen diner extension. Incorporating a number of different types of lights is a good idea as well. So it’s worth looking into interior lighting designers and then an electrician is able to help with downlight installation.
Who else loves the emerging Belgian design style that’s been dubbed “the new antique” thanks to its artful balance of the old world and new? Almost like a kind of understated but luxe modern farmhouse style, this distinctive aesthetic favours simplicity, beautiful organic materials like raw wood and linen, and strong inspiration from nature, such as the use of forest colours and greyscales.
23. Opt for elegant and timeless
Want to stay true to the elegance of your period home? Add sophisticated classic décor elements, like brass accent lighting and ribbed glass panels. These will still meld with contemporary touches like tinted poured concrete floors and counters and exposed steel beams.
24. Expose a brick wall
A contemporary extension can retain the character of its original period home through the use of reclaimed bricks in an exposed brick feature wall. This was done beautifully by Coffey Architects’ at their Modern Side Extension, for example.
25. Go for curves and arches
Add visual interest to your space by incorporating an array of arched windows or doors. You might also like to add curves with decor, with banquette seating, round bar stools, spherical statement lights or oversized gooseneck faucets. These will all harmoniously echo the rounded forms of your arches as well. You might also consider cladding your extension façade in scalloped shingles as was done by Office S&M at Valetta House.
26. Bring the tropical vibes
For a tranquil and serene kitchen/dining, design your kitchen extension interior to evoke tropical climates and an outdoor, al fresco lifestyle. Aim to create an urban oasis, with copious natural timber and organic materials and plenty of glazing to let the sun in.
A strongly organic material palette with lots of wood ensures your kitchen extension feels warm and relaxing and engages with the landscaped wilderness of your garden. Many kitchen extensions are incorporating gorgeous bespoke timber craftsmanship, from wall to wall French doors to tilt-up windows to custom joinery and shelving. Blonde woods always work well with vintage brick and have a pleasing homespun, rustic look. You can then add steel framed sliding doors to bring a contemporary touch to your vignette.
28. Make it modern
When you update your home, you have the chance to take advantage of contemporary materials such as micro-cement for your floors (these being more eco-friendly than concrete). Now’s your chance to improve on yesterday’s materials and be future-forward!
29. Keep it simple
When it comes to kitchen extension ideas, keeping it simple is inevitably a good idea, whether we’re talking design, materials or finishes. After all, a dwelling in use is subject to a constant interplay of colour, pattern and movement thanks to the everchanging appearance of family members–and the meals they create. In reality, life adds plenty of ornamentation—so a minimalist interior makes a great backdrop.
30. Play with colour and shapes
Some people prefer to create a more fun, colourful space. Perhaps with unusual colours like eggplant or soft orange, or even vibrant yellow in a greyscale context. Or how about a bank of coloured, painted kitchen cabinets to add a visual pop?
Raise the bar for your very own happy hour with our high-class home bar ideas
Considered installing a home bar during lockdowns? You’re not alone. After all, staying home is the new going out as we go through this pandemic. Home bars have certainly had their moment in the sun in recent times. But their convenience and vibe means that there’s lots to love about making your home bar permanent. Let’s take a look at the latest in home bar ideas.
It might be an entire in-house home bar that emulates the real thing. Or perhaps you’ve decided to convert a butler’s pantry to a convenient drinks mixing station. There are plenty of home bar ideas for setting up a bar at home. Even if you don’t have a lot of space to spare, styling up a simple bar cabinet or bar cart will add some hedonistic flair to your home.
Make your home feel post-pandemic party ready. All you need is cabinets or shelving dedicated to holding spirits and liqueurs and showing off sparkling glassware and bar tools. Go for a complete wet bar with a sink or have a simple dry bar. When it comes to home bar ideas, you can go as fancy or as casual as you like–just make sure your bar is well stocked!
1. Colour in cognac tones
If you just want to set up a little dry bar in your living room, you can really do a lot to spruce up a plain set of shelves. The trick is to use a colour palette that references the translucent warm tones of spirits. Then add subtle back lighting and metallic pops to give it a fancier vibe. Don’t want to tile in this area? Try a strip of faux tile hanging wallpaper instead.
2. Make it feel zesty
You can build a whole wet bar, with its sink and prep area for mixing drinks, and hide it all behind bi-folds in your kitchen. If you stick to white, you always play with the colour scheme with your glassware–citrus hues feel summery and inviting.
Your home bar can be as large or small as you like, even if it’s just a display of bottles housed in wall-mounted shelving. Going vertical is a great way to use all your wall space—a very contemporary look is glass, pipe and birch plywood floating shelving.
4. Mount it on the wall
If you lack floorspace, another wall-mounted option is a drinks cabinet with glass doors. These will help prevent dust gathering on your glassware. Choose something with gorgeous craftsmanship and functionality. And look for adjustable shelves for a custom fit for your bottles. Here’s a gorgeous home bar built right into the wall.
Lots of people love dark, moody colours for a home bar, but you can also choose to go for coastal brights to evoke a resort bar. I love the design of the bar at Australian restaurant Sisterhood in Hobart, which is inspired by the décor of Tulum, Mexico.
Light, fresh and summery, the bar has a gorgeous layering of natural fibres and soft pastel green. There’s pale teal handmade tiles, rattan and bentwood furniture, tropical print wallpaper and hanging plants. If you love overhead storage, you could get someone to assemble a similar shelf.
6. Use your vertical space
Overhead shelving in a kitchen means your bar can serve double duty as a breakfast bar. And keeping all the goods up above is a nice way to separate the functions.
7. Make it cool
Love the look of a moody, eclectic little speakeasy? You might go for something like leopard wallpaper, a statement lamp and upholstered leather armchairs. It all comes together to create an intimate, cosy effect.
Lots of bar equipment is shiny metal—your shakers, jiggers, muddlers, spoons and strainers. And of course glassware is naturally reflective too. Amplify the glitz and glamour of all the metal and glass by adding mirror to the mix. This will visually double everything and make your bar look even more well-stocked than it is.
9. Set up a full bar
Have enough space for a full bar? You can set your home bar up to also house a coffee bar. A multipurpose home bar is always a great idea. Keeping the décor light and cheerful will help prevent it looking like it’s exclusively for night-time entertaining.
10. Have magic lighting
With a home bar, you want to keep it somewhat aligned to your home’s decorating style. However, paradoxically you also want to make it feel like you’re not at home. The trick is to give it slightly over the top, higher end finishes that bring a sense of luxury, for example with your lighting. Installing a series of pendants gives a space that authentic bar flavour.
11. Turn your sunroom into a bar
Why not turn your sunroom or conservatory space into a home bar? It’s actually the perfect place for a home bar, enabling you or your guests to relax and enjoy al fresco style drinks with a garden view. Since it’s a separate space, you can be bold with your décor and styling—it’s ideal for experimenting with tiles or wallpaper.
12. Have a wet bar
Committing a wall to a home bar? Spend the time figuring out what you need and where you want to put it, so that function is built into your design as much a style is. It might be you need a mix of display shelving for glassware, drawers and cabinets and floating shelves for barware. You might want to add wine storage and a mini fridge. An expansive counter is always ideal, and who doesn’t want a sink with cool faucet? But you don’t need a huge amount of room, you can set up a wet bar in a fairly limited wall space.
13. Steal from hospitality
To get an authentic flavour, I’m a big fan of borrowing from commercial bar design and seeing what you can incorporate on a smaller scale at home. For instance, there’s a few things to steal from the Parisian La Riviera restaurant’s bar. I love the streamlined, tiered overhead shelving holding potplants and barware. It also features a curved rattan bar counter and lots of relaxing, muted earthy tones.
14. Install a wine fridge
If you can’t plumb your designated home bar space to add a sink and make a wet bar, you can still add luxe elements to your dry bar. A beer or wine fridge is de rigeur, whether it’s built-in or as a standalone mini-fridge. Get a hand putting together your cabinet.
15. Fill a niche
The location of your home bar, if not in a dedicated room, should be in an easy to access, central and sociable spot, such as in a recessed niche in your living room. It won’t take up any floor space and you can design it so it has a door to tuck everything neatly away when not in use.
It doesn’t take much to recreate a tropical bar at home. Take cues from Cara and Poppy Delevingne’s Los Angeles home. It’s fitted out with all kinds of décor that suggests cooling down in a heatwave. Their custom bar features dramatic inlaid shelving, vintage rattan barstools, palm frond and banana leaf wallpaper. Then it’s luxed up with smatterings of green velvet, gold finishes and emerald lacquer.
17. Go for high end finishes
If plumbing is possible in your chosen space, a wet bar can fit into the tiniest wall niche. The beauty of having a home bar in a small space means you can afford to splurge with glam finishes, like a section of marble or a beautiful faucet. Take style inspo from luxury hotel mini bars!
18. Go the mile with tile
Tile is perfect for home bars, as it’s so easy to clean. And mosaic tile has such a hypnotic effect. If you have a busy tile pattern, have delicate, ephemeral bar stools to allow the tile design to dominate.
19. Home bar ideas – have a surprise bar
On the outside it’s just a simple cupboard. But a hideaway drinks cabinet can have a dramatic reveal on the inside. Like a powder room, a home bar is a small enough space to turn into a ‘jewel box’ that’s more intense and dramatic than the rest of your home. Whether it’s with neon paint or gold leaf wallpaper, or interesting lighting, your home bar space should have personality. But—that personality can be tucked away with a hideaway home bar.
20. Make it tiny but stylish
A small home bar can still be a place to show off, not only your bottles and glassware but luxe finishes, like an interesting bit of tile work. Little details can really glam up your bar too, such as a statement copper cocktail mixer or champagne bucket.
21. Give an industrial feel
For a home bar with plenty of genuine bar vibes, install a bar island with under-counter lighting, industrial style lighting and whitewashed brick wall. Then add backlit open shelving to display the good stuff. Cool touch: a light-up sign personalising your bar with its own name.
22. Have fun with colour
The materials in your home bar should be highly durable, as they’ll need to handle use. Bar countertops have to deal with things like lime juice or red wine spills. So your best bet is a hard stone surface (something like quartzite rather than marble or limestone).
When it comes to other surfaces, such as your under-counter area or walls, tiles are a way to introduce bold colour, whether you love a matte or gloss look.
23. Add velvet
Give your home bar the appropriate amount of glitz and glamour. Think opulent wallpaper, a gold trim counter or exaggerated lighting. Velvet bar stools or upholstered bench seating add to the sense of luxury and make it all the more alluring for your home-barflies.
Adding lighting to your shelving will give your home bar a commercial feel as well as making the space seem larger. And it works especially well with mirrored or tiled splashbacks. Even when you only have a dry bar, a splashback is practical for a space devoted to mixing up drinks, because things inevitably get messy.
25. Add edgy angles
A modern home can have a uniquely designed home bar with plenty of wine storage in a zigzag pattern for extra visual interest. Whether it’s a wine vault or rack, adding wine storage is essential for the wine connoisseurs!
26. Use luxe finishes
An accent material can help you create a real drama moment in your cocktail bar. It may be tile, fabric, mirror, marble or something else that’s textured. Covering your inset recessed panel in your shelving can make your home bar look ultra-glam.
27. Style it with plants
Love the casual coastal, Boho charm of a beachside bar? Emulate it in your own home bar using lots of timber, natural fibres and a palette of lush greens and sand tones. Add some gorgeous houseplants—and a bit of neon never goes astray in a home bar!
Fit-out a home bar with just a tiny slice of your wall space, such as with a marble countertop on a simple timber sideboard and a basic black floating shelf. Just add statement downlights.
29. Go for an organic look
If you love the modern organic interior style, fill your home bar with natural elements as well as sophisticated and upmarket ones. Having plenty of organic curves and colours gives that sense of connection to nature. But contrast it with refined elegance in your furniture design. And whatever size of your home bar, adding dramatic lighting like a series of pendants can really lift it into something special.
30. Accent it with a mirror
If you prefer just a scaled-down version of a full home bar, a moveable bar cart is the way to go. Not only is it a cinch to style up because it’s so small, a rolling cart can be a display for other décor or trinkets as well as your bottles and glassware. A nice living room spot for your bar cart is below an accent mirror to draw attention to it.
31. Dress it with flowers
Have fun styling up your bar cart to reflect your personality and home décor style. Adding fresh flowers to your bar cart always looks gorgeous too.
It will always be relaxing to look at happy, verdant plants at home. So if you want a tranquil aesthetic for your drinks zone then go for a proliferation of plants. Pop them in terracotta and surround them withwith classic spirits and liqueurs, like Cointreau and vodka. Et voila! Rustic French and instaworthy.
33. Paint it pastel
Pastels are guaranteed to make you feel happy, and that’s the whole vibe you want for happy hour, am I right? How about a mint bar cabinet bursting at the seams with bottles and topped with a vase and some artwork. The result is casually coastal Boho.
If you like a beachy luxe look, invest in a gorgeous bar cart in organic fibres rather than metals. It could simply be an inexpensive department store bar cart or you could scour the flea markets to find a lovely vintage cane or rattan one. Then just add a couple of small sculptural plants and make it modern with a neon sign.
35. Give it mid-century elegance
Another option for home bar ideas is to have a dedicated drinks cabinet. Preferably, go for something a little dramatic or retro to give it those Mad Men vibes. How about a statement mid-century Italian piece with walnut veneer and brass legs? Tip: pick cabinets that have handy adjustable glass shelving on the inside.
36. Go for a conversation piece
Make your bar cart a showstopper and talking point with a unique design. You can hire a carpenter to bring something bespoke to life.
When there’s a bar, there can be a lot of little bits and pieces to do, so some help with general labour wouldn’t go astray as well.
37. Make it temporary
Don’t have much space? Go for a fold-up tray or perch your bottles on a side table when entertaining. The best side tables to transform into a serving station are those that have a touch of vintage class to them. But then again, if you prefer something organic and coastal, you might just load up a beautiful tree stump. When it comes to home bar ideas, the only real rule is to please yourself.
So that’s a wrap on my cut of the best home bar ideas out there right now. Which is your favourite style of home bar? Drop a comment below!
Planning a loft conversion? Then you'll know it's ALL about the storage. Find your perfect solution with our loft storage ideas!
Loft spaces can be difficult to decorate since they’re “atypical volumes”. This means they’re usually oddly shaped, with slanted ceilings, sloped walls, awkward layouts, obstructions like beams, and hampered by a lack of light. As such, they’re definitely challenging spaces to decorate. But that’s where our loft storage ideas come in!
No matter what the purpose of your loft conversion will be—maybe it’s going to be a new bedroom, spa bathroom or home office?–it’s a given that you’ll need to figure out storage solutions. Even if you prefer a really uncluttered, minimalist aesthetic, you still won’t want to be traipsing upstairs with your necessary belongings all the time. Instead, it’s smarter to work in clever concealed storage solutions.
The inherent design challenges of working with a loft conversion space can be overcome with clever design and planning to allow your new living space to be packed with practical storage. Start with a complete loft clearout to create a blank slate, so you can best assess what storage you will need for your newly repurposed loft space.
From easy DIY jobs to bespoke, made-to-measure custom cabinetry, our loft storage ideas span a range of budgets, and there’s sure to be a dream loft storage solution in here for you… Let’s get started.
1. Between Velux window storage
Many loft conversions feature large windows (often just generally referred to by the proprietary name Velux, a very popular window-producing company). These flood the space with light, and the eave spaces between the windows are ideal for fitting out with shelving.
2. Rows of drawers
Another popular choice for a loft conversion is to create a walk-in dressing room. Although, at first, it might seem tricky to figure out how to hang and store clothes in the angular, awkward spaces of a loft, you’d be surprised by how much people can actually fit into their loft dressing rooms. The key is to install a range of storage solutions of varying heights—often, rows of drawers are a neat addition to an under eave space.
Closed storage will give a streamlined look. For closed loft storage ideas, as well as a variety of sizes of drawers, you might consider hinged, drop-down cabinet doors that can function as another practical surface space.
4. Loft dressing room storage
Another option for a loft dressing room is to go with more conventional storage elements but put an emphasis on beautiful, luxe, high quality materials. For example, gorgeous timbers and marble flooring. That’s the great thing about fitting out a small loft. You can afford to splurge a little on the materials since you won’t be using huge amounts of them.
5. Dormer built-in storage
Building storage into a loft space can often mean simply lining a wall with cube shelving or similar. This often works well with a dormer loft living space, with its box-like shape that affords more linear arrangements. You might set up a bookshelf around the window. If you’re handy you could come up with something yourself. But it’s also easy to find someone to design and put together some custom shelving for you.
At the other end of the scale from DIY are the artisans and experts who create custom loft storage ideas for loft spaces. The beauty of bespoke, of course, is that you can have your storage loft space fitted out exactly how you want. You might like a mix of storage options, including shelves, drawers, and hanging space, as well as mirror doors and display shelving for your precious accessories.
If your loft has a landing, lining the landing with low shelving is a practical way to make full use of every inch of space. To reduce visual clutter go for simple timbers and a peaceful neutral palette.
8. Tiny loft wardrobe space
If your loft space contains any ugly, imposing wardrobes or other shelving, you probably want to pull them out and start fresh. Choosing simple, streamlined storage options.
Room dividers of all kinds can be used on a loft landing and used to store books or display collectables. Rather than something solid, choosing an open divider will keep the light and air flowing through space. And, possibly stating the obvious here, but if it is adjacent to a staircase, make sure it’s strongly affixed rather than something less permanent that could tip.
10. Eaves shoe storage idea
A smaller loft space is perfect for converting into more wardrobe space, even if it’s only a gap big enough to house shoes. But if you have a substantial shoe collection, the narrow sloped gaps in the eaves can be maximised with custom shelving to store it all. Even a basic row of cube storage would probably suffice, too—it just wouldn’t give you that seamless edge. But hey, that’s more wardrobe storage potential in itself, perhaps for belts?
11. Loft kids playroom storage
The littlies can often take advantage of a low-ceiling loft to use as a playroom. Adding shelving to a straight loft wall is a great idea for housing a book collection or toys, but it has to be securely attached to the wall for obvious safety reasons. Baskets are a neat way of storing toys, and a rug will make it extra cosy.
For a master dressing room with more than enough wardrobe space for a couple, install a series of shallow drawers to provide ample storage and create useful counter space. With loft conversions, it’s all about the drawers as well as the shelving. Shallow, deep, low–all kinds of drawers find their ultimate function in a loft space. Make them in gorgeous timber and have them visibly stand out. Or blend them in harmoniously, for example, with sliding doors painted to match your loft wall colour.
13. Under Velux storage
It can be a challenge to work out the best layout and configuration with a small loft, but fitting your storage under the eaves is often a very functional design choice. For example, install a bank of cabinets under Velux windows. Again, keeping everything white ensures the small space feels larger.
14. Book nook shelving
Awkward spaces have always lent themselves perfectly to book nooks, and a section of your loft space may be ideal for this purpose too. Fitting in some custom bookcase shelving, a daybed, and a selection of novels, and adding great downlights, will turn the space into your favourite nesting spot.
15. Vintage furniture
If you love the modern farmhouse look, you can kit out your loft conversion in upcycled, reclaimed, heritage pieces for storage purposes, too, rather than having more modern shelving and cabinets. Add in some industrial lighting and make a feature of any exposed beams to complete the look!
16. Angled shelving
The slopes of loft walls themselves can hold specifically designed stepped shelves. These are simply attached to the wall with brackets. You can find them at IKEA and you can get someone who specialises in IKEA assembly to put it together for you.
17. Loads of storage
Having furniture custom-made is the ideal solution for a loft conversion to ensure every last inch of spare space has been utilised and to work with the unique requirements of a loft. For example, when it comes to cabinets in lofts, it’s often a good idea to opt for sliding doors instead of ones that swing outwards.
When you fit out a kids’ loft space, whether a bedroom or a dedicated playroom, there’ll be a major need for storage. Purpose-built children’s storage systems are popular choices, being adjustable to children’s heights and enabling plenty of design freedom. If your loft also has Velux windows, you’ll need to consider all the safety challenges and precautions (you don’t want the kids dangling out!).
19. Pull out wardrobes
A loft space intended to be used as a dressing room needs loads of natural light through loft windows or skylights. Make your loft dressing room functional with a series of windows and a row of pull-out wardrobes on wheels tucked into the slope. An all-white or pale neutral aesthetic ensures it looks super clean.
If you don’t want the expense or permanency of a built-in wardrobe or custom shelving, consider installing racks. You can suspend a rack in any corner or wasted space under your slopes, and some varieties also have a base where you can store shoes and accessories.
Want to depart from the usual whites and neutrals? Consider unusual muted tones, like a matte seafoam or latte. Or, opt for a darker décor scheme. Lofts are often preferred in light, bright colour palettes to maximise illumination, but if you have a darker palette, Velux windows will still ensure there’s plenty of light. And you can always install downlights. Another trick is to marry darker walls with lighter coloured timbers and metallic accents to bounce the light around.
Because of their size, loft spaces can often take advantage of their ‘jewel box’ nature—in design, jewel boxes are those spaces that are small but richly layered with visual interest. If you have an open closet in your tiny loft, go ahead and make it a burst of dynamism and drama. Consider lining your closet with gorgeous wallpaper and use brightly-hued hangers.
23. Track shelving
Simple floating shelving on a metal track system will give your loft space a touch of industrial chic as well as being very practical.
So that’s a wrap on my selection of loft storage ideas. With a loft conversion, it’s all about thinking laterally, and using up floor-to-ceiling space as fully as you can. Then, as long as you choose simple, pleasing materials and colours, your loft can be a blissfully uncluttered and serene space, whatever you are going to use it for.
Let me know in the comments if any of my loft storage ideas were useful to you! I’ve got a few new loft ideas myself—now I just need a loft!
From vibrant neon lights to clean and minimalist designs, these awesome gaming room ideas will help you create a gaming setup that's both stylish and inviting.
Do you have a gamer in your home? Perhaps that gamer is you? And perhaps you’ve been looking for some ideas on how to put together the dream gaming setup. Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve scoured the net for you and have found 25 modern gaming room ideas that achieve a pleasing fusion of technology and style.
25 gaming room ideas to level up your gaming set up
Many gaming rooms appear to be a sea of neon, which my teenager tells me is actually just what gamers like. But the gaming set up therefore may not ‘fit’ with your home’s overall decorating style.
However, it is possible to set up a gaming space that isn’t a complete eyesore. Whether you’re looking for dedicated gaming bedroom ideas or need to incorporate your gaming setup into a shared living space, we’ll provide you with ideas that are inviting and attractive for all users, not just the resident gamers.
1. Show the neon love
For many gamers it’s all about the RGB (we’re talking all those hyper-coloured, flashing neon gaming elements). Gamers love a room full of neon light as it makes their gaming experience that much more immersive.
Immersion is the psychological phenomenon that occurs when a gamer’s consciousness temporarily expands into a different state. It’s similar to hypnosis or lucid dreaming (now you know why your child finds it so hard to register you screaming ‘DINNER!”).
From LED light strips to Nanoleaf lighting panels, having lots of light sources may make your energy bill rise. But it’s guaranteed to amplify that immersive experience that gamers crave.
And for a truly immersive gaming room, multiple monitors can’t be beat. In addition to lighting and monitors, don’t forget to consider other gaming room accessories like gaming chairs, cable management solutions, gaming headsets, LED gaming mouse pads, and gaming-themed wall art to complete your setup.
2. Give it a white backdrop
The majority of gaming tech is still black these days, though gaming PCs do often come with glass walls that let you watch it all fire up in RGB when in use. A mix of black and neon that’s so prevalent in gaming setups. So whitewashing the rest of your gaming room or bedroom is a good way to make everything pop while also keeping things feeling spacious and clean.
3. Light up the shelving
Light features are common to many gaming rooms, and to truly show off the lighting, keeping the rest of the room fairly neutral works well. Sleek lighting effects are great for giving a futuristic vibe.
4. Make it monochrome
For a more mature gamer, a simple monochrome setup with a beanchair and ottoman looks nice and chill. A simple entertainment unit can suffice to hold the tech. Then just add an array of interior plants to refresh the space and stops things feeling too clinical.
Many gaming rooms double as a place to display collectibles so having plenty of storage built into the space is important. There’s also lots of room for all the physical paraphernalia of gaming—games, extra controllers and consoles, and so on. Adding downlights in custom shelving is both useful and helps highlight favourite collectibles.
6. Go for grey tones
For a cool gaming space opt for furniture in grey tones and calming warm grey wall colour. Greyscale gaming rooms can have a cool industrial vibe. Add silver storage baskets under your table for added reflectivity.
7. Have loads of storage
Storage is important for gaming rooms because they can so easily fill up with tech clutter. Use a combination of types of cabinets and shelves so there’s plenty of room for display and storage. Keeping cords neatly hidden is another must for a well-designed gaming room.
8. Go for warm nature tones
Browns and beiges can be very calming as a base for a gaming room. Adding timber and woven baskets is a nice contrast to the hard metals and plastics that are an inevitable part of gaming.
As mentioned, decorating the walls of your gaming room is one way to add instant personality to what can sometimes look like a generic school computer room. Don’t want to tie yourself to particular gaming characters? Another option is to introduce a graphic pattern with some wallpaper, like a 3D effect.
Source: ELLA DON via Unsplash
10. Go wireless
Who wants a crazy mess of cables in their gaming room? Far better to conceal the wires behind cabinets, and choose wireless controllers and devices where you can. Need help setting up your gaming PCs in the most aesthetically pleasing and practical way including taking care of cabling? Find an expert in PC assembly.
11. Matte black
When it comes to small gaming room ideas, if you are working with a limited space a trick is to go for a monochrome colour palette. This will have the effect of streamlining everything and making it appear less cluttered.
12. Pick the perfect chair
Just like an office chair, a gaming chair needs to be ergonomically designed for long periods of sitting. Some of the adult gaming chairs on the market look more like they belong in a spaceship. But even IKEA make gaming chairs so you can indulge a Scandi aesthetic in your gaming room too.
13. Add non-gaming related wall art
Even though your space is designed to be used for gaming, perhaps you prefer a more subtle gaming room setup. In that case, you might like to leave gaming references off the walls and replace them with soothing, completely unrelated wall art. Artwork and plants in macrame hangers can help create a peaceful ambience for your gaming room too.
Small gaming room ideas typically involve clever space optimisation as the technology usually takes up a fair bit of space on its own. For example, you can easily save space by having a narrow desk, as a large expanse is not really needed when playing computer games.
15. Add plants and lights
If you would like to take some of the focus away from your electronics, adding cascading plants to an overhead shelf will create a tranquil aesthetic. And lighting doesn’t have to be all about the LED strips. Some kind of atmospheric lighting will also help with the ambience, even if it’s just a sprinkling of fairy lights.
Again, for your more anti-tech gaming station, style it with lush plants and add in rustic timber. Even a mid-century style office chair, to give a sense of maturity and elegance. This is a great idea if your gaming space doubles as a home office, too.
17. Keep it natural
Have younger gamers, who are still happy playing educational games on a laptop? Or perhaps you just don’t love a lot of flickering neon all around you. A timber desk and stool keep the gamer more grounded and connected to nature. And the aesthetic works well if the laptop station is intended to blend into a more organic décor style.
A contemporary living room with lots of modern technology can perform well as a gaming room too. Much of the equipment can be shared between traditional media use and gaming. Big screens can double as gaming monitors and surround sound speaker systems can pump out audio for whatever device or console you wish to use. A comfy modular sofa is perfect for social gaming sessions.
19. Add some alternative play options
Give players a chance to get up and stretch their legs with a game of pool or table tennis. Combining your computer or video gaming room with traditional family games means the whole family can get together to play. This may be preferable rather than have your X-Box players off playing solo in their rooms. A mix of L-shaped floor chairs and bean bags (don’t forget one for Fido) ensures the space is super comfy.
20. Confine it to one wall
Gaming rooms need storage space, that’s a given. But rather than clutter up all the walls, why not store everything in one floor-to-ceiling cabinet or set of bookshelves? Games, consoles, controllers and other gaming essentials can all be easily retrieved from open shelving, and easily returned. Consider custom shelving to ensure you have the exact configuration for your needs.
Hide all your gaming consoles and equipment in an entertainment unit. You could even conceal your screen in a cabinet for a truly minimal living room gaming setup. At the very least, having it wall-mounted means it will be less obtrusive and take up no floor or furniture space.
And choosing a gaming chair that complements your existing living room furniture will help it blend in. Especially if you pick one that could pass for an ordinary armchair when not being used for game playing.
A gaming room doesn’t have to look like a “gaming room”. It could also simply be styled in your favourite decorating style.
For example, if you love a rustic industrial look, then decorate with plenty of timber and metal. Add some industrial-style light fittings, expose timber beams or brickwork, or render a concrete wall.
As long as you have the tech you need, and somewhere comfy to sit, it doesn’t have to conform to anyone else’s idea of a gamer setup.
23. Make it a media room
When your living room will also serve as a combined media and gaming room, apart from a large screen you’ll also need to find permanent spots for the gaming consoles and all their peripherals.
You can build a surround sound system into the wall, while cables and devices can be concealed within custom cabinetry. Find an expert to help configure the best arrangement for your home theatre or media room.
24. Set up multiple stations
If you have gamers of different ages, they probably all want to play different games. And if you prefer they don’t play games in their bedrooms, setting up a dedicated gaming zone is the way to go. The solution is to house them all in the same space but with their own, individual gaming stations. These could have their own consoles, screens, headphones, and individual sofa chairs.
25. Keep it casual
For a more relaxed living room gaming setup, a pale neutral colour scheme gives everything a fresh, clean backdrop. A backlit screen adds drama to the gaming experience and when there’s no screens on, the room can revert back to being a general, cosy living space. An oversized, super comfy sofa is a must!
That’s a wrap!
So there you have 25 gaming room ideas that span a range of aesthetic styles, from the flashy, high tech gaming suites to the simpler, almost anti-tech tech spaces.
Don’t forget, once you’ve got your gaming room setup figured out, you can always find someone to help you with the assembly. Whether that’s your desk, chair, or perhaps some reimagined office furniture.
So which of these gaming room ideas appeal to you the most? Drop me a comment below!
When old meets new – style up a beautiful Modern Victorian bathroom with our curation of Victorian bathroom ideas
Victorian bathroom ideas: Whether or not you live in a period home, you may be drawn to the classic, romantic aesthetic of the Victorian era (that is, the 1860s to 1900s). There’s something so appealing about the sophisticated, dramatic and opulent Victorian décor style. And more people are opting to enhance even their contemporary bathroom space with elements of the historical style. The end result? A softly glam, gently elegant space that is layered with intricate detailing. Below, I’ve gathered 25 Victorian bathroom ideas, from the more traditional to “Modern Victorian” ideas, for your inspo.
Victorian bathroom ideas: How to get the look
Take advantage of any period features in the space, whether it’s ceiling friezes, dado rails or deep skirtings. Decorative trims were very Victorian.
Opt for wallpaper, wall panelling or wall tiles.
Simple subway or plain square wall tiles are the most complementary to highly decorative floor tiles.
Floral and botanical wallpaper is an authentic choice, the larger the print the better. Don’t be afraid of choosing something whimsical and witty.
Tiles, tiles, tiles. Have a statement tiled floor in traditional Victorian tile. Checkerboard, daisy, star, hexagon, an intricate geometric design. Everything goes these days, so go for your personal favourite! You could also go for a dazzling, multi-coloured feature floor with continuous encaustics.
Bring in a few pieces of vintage or antique furniture/décor.
A traditional radiator will also add authentic Victorian flavours to a bathroom.
Choose luxurious textiles with some kind of detailing, like fringing or scallop edges.
Finally, add in some kind of artwork or bust silhouette, whether thrifted or uplifted from vintage botanical books and framed. You could also go for something like pressed leaves, to fit the nature theme. Or just add a vase of fresh flowers!
So what’s this “Modern Victorian” trend?
I think it was American stylist Emily Henderson who called the trend in 2018, before we started hearing about “Grandmillennials”. But there’s a fair bit of overlap in the two terms. Both styles are about mixing old with new, updating a classic look with modern styling. They’re all about embracing the charm of a bygone era but keeping the comfort of modernity.
The original Victorian aesthetic was quite over the top in its opulence. By contrast, the modern spin has us blending elements of the style into a more contemporary setting. It’s about enhancing your bathroom with traditional accents that bring in a sense of classic history. Then refreshing the look with modern décor and black accents.
You can scroll to the end for a quick rundown on the most authentic bathroom fixtures for this style. But first, let’s jump into 25 examples of Victorian bathroom ideas.
1. Modern Victorian
As noted, the term ‘Modern Victorian’ refers to how people are blending period features (like patterned Victorian tile) with modern styling to create a distinctively elegant aesthetic. For example, floor tile brings the vintage while a modern freestanding bath and black accenting adds the modern.
Tile is a big deal for any Victorian styled bathroom. All kinds of geometric patterns will infuse your bathroom with Victorian charm. So make tile the absolute hero of your Victorian bathroom with a mesmerising pattern, like metropolis star tile. The good thing is, there are no hard and fast rules for a Modern Victorian bathroom. Just choose the pattern that appeals to you the most! If you’re going for coloured tiles, it’s a good idea to connect the floor tile visually to some other element in the room. For example, select a wall paint that matches a colour in the tile.
One of the simplest ways to add Victorian flavours to your bathroom is to paint the walls in soft, “heritage” colours. These are often released as a specific product line by paint companies, making it easy to select a hue that’s true to the Victorian era. There are literally hundreds of heritage colours, usually pale tones from a muted palette, like a mix of dove grey and white. So you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
When it comes to Victorian bathroom ideas, your choice of basin will go a long way towards recreating a traditional vintage look. A classic style is the wall-hung vintage basin + washstand combo. It’s best to opt for traditional taps, preferably a pair. But if you prefer a modern mixer tap, you should still be able to find one that has a similar look to Victorian taps.
5. Half panelling
Panelling is a great way to infuse a space with vintage charm. For instance, paint a half-wall in a soft denim blue to complement a painted slipper bath. The same blue can be picked up in patterned floor tile, tying everything together beautifully.
Another way to introduce Victorian style is to go with a pedestal sink. These have a classic, traditional look that blends perfectly with a vintage aesthetic. They can even be bought in toilet and basin sets, to make a new installation easy. Pedestal sinks can be quite small so they really suit a powder room. For a Victorian powder room, start with a clean white base, fancy it up with pretty floral wallpaper and gold elements and you’ll have an overall luxe Victorian vibe.
It may surprise you to know at in the early Victorian period, wooden bathroom floors were standard. Later, the much more functional floor tiles came into fashion. If you like the look of wooden floors, but don’t like the idea of timber flooring in a bathroom, then you could use wood effect tiles instead. Then simply add a clawfoot tub as well as some antique furniture pieces, to convey the desired vintage feels.
For a traditional Victorian bathroom, aim to go lavish. Think deep colours, floral wallpaper, gilt-edge mirror, a crystal chandelier, or a fireplace holding a curated collection of curiosities. And of course a clawfoot tub with dramatic feet and exposed fixtures. It all feels opulent and very Victorian.
9. Minimalist Victorian
Can a modern Victorian bathroom look minimalist? It may seem impossible because maximalism is such a large part of Victorian style. But provided you are judicious with your use of elements, you can indulge a love for pattern and colour and still have a streamlined, simple setting. So a modern, minimalist Victorian bathroom might feature stunning floor tile against an expanse of white subway tiled walls. Then it might simply incorporate a slim profile washstand and make the focal point a classic clawfoot tub, but refurbished and painted a modern colour like teal.
10. Bold wallpaper
Victorians were quite obsessed with wallpaper! Especially floral and botanical styles. So adding wallpaper to your bathroom is a quick route to achieving a heritage look. With Modern Victorian bathrooms, designers are opting for larger scale, more abstract patterns. Or, look for quirky wallpaper with character. This will give a bit of playfulness to a classic Victorian bathroom. You could also go for a dark, moody coloured paper for drama. And wallpaper is perfect for adding pattern to the space, alongside tile. (Want a bit less competitive pattern? Grout your subway tile with white grout. That way the wall tile adds more texture rather than more pattern. Either way, make sure your grout is clean to make the most of your tile.)
11. Mix styles
Brass shower fixtures and tapware look the goods over a classic rolltop tub. But the rest of your Modern Victorian bathroom can feel quite contemporary. Such as with a graphic artwork, a ledge for your toiletries, stone flooring, and general minimalism.
Classic Victorian veers more towards the popular farmhouse look. There’s quite a bit of overlap in the styles. Both celebrate olde worlde charm, but Victorian style is more grand, sophisticated and ornate. So a Victorian bathroom with farmhouse flavours has rustic, cottagey flavours. You might have a vintage shower/bath with gold-toned fittings, a lacy, scallop-edged shower curtain, and of course intricate, monochrome patterned tile.
13. Gorgeous original window
Obviously, if your home boasts architectural features like a bathroom porthole window made of intricate stained glass, then you’re already streets ahead when it comes to styling up a Victorian bathroom. With an oversized focal point like this, other elements can be quite delicate, so opt for smallish pieces of antique furniture.
Boldly geometric patterned floor tiles were very common in the early Victorian period, and distinctive tiling continues to be popular in contemporary bathrooms. Even if you aren’t going for a strong Victorian aesthetic, vintage patterned tiles always create a lot of charm and character. Simply pair with half-wall panelling in a heritage paint colour and a rolltop bathtub with classic tapware for instant Downton Abbey feels.
Modern fixtures like a streamlined freestanding tub and a floating vanity with freestanding basin fit perfectly into a contemporary Victorian bathroom. Half-wall panelling and an extravagantly patterned floor tile bring the heritage flavours. When you have a lot of pattern going on on the floor, it’s a good idea to keep the walls white and let the tile provide all the visual drama. Or, go for simple subway tile on the walls–a popular way to generate authentic Victorian feels.
16. Vintage elements
It’s so easy to infuse a bathroom with a Victorian aesthetic. Starting with a white base, add a simple monochromatic tile pattern, a large freestanding tub, a dramatic arched mirror and sophisticated light fittings. Then introduce some antique elements in the furniture, like a narrow console table and or a vintage timber milking stool.
17. Victorian wet room or shower
Although shower stalls weren’t common for Victorians, we can’t really do without, can we? Choosing a frameless screen will help this contemporary element recede somewhat. And if you love the idea of a wet room bathroom, there’s no reason why you can’t incorporate this feature into a modern Victorian bathroom. It’s still a good idea to go with the option of a pane of glass enclosing the shower/bath area, to limit the spread of water, especially if you have antique furniture in the space. (You may also like to read our blog on shower rooms.)
For a Modern Victorian bathroom, marry heritage tapware with a contemporary, Crittall-style shower screen. The screen also adds to the layered patterns created by subway wall tile and the patterned floor tile. When it comes to tile patterns, lots of people love tiny hexagons in daisy patterns. Hexagon tiles are less traditionally Victorian and slightly more Art Deco, but they work just fine in a Victorian bathroom.
19. Grand style
Modern Victorian is all about blurring the boundaries between traditional and contemporary style. So a blend might include a freestanding rolltop bath (Victorian) in a wet zone (modern). Tile, a framed portrait and brassware can also reinforce the heritage flavours for an overall opulent aesthetic.
20. Reclaimed Victorian
Making use of reclaimed original Victorian bathroom materials is a surefire way to authentically fit out your Modern Victorian bathroom. Renovate using salvaged materials such as an enamel bucket sink, a deck-mounted brass faucet, oversized tub, vintage curtain rod and original, reconditioned Victorian taps. Some interior designers love to go the whole hog for authenticity, for example sealing walls with beeswax to protect against moisture. Very vintage!
21. Enamel bucket sink
For a bathroom that’s unequivocally in the Victorian category, choose an enamel bucket sink and brass fittings. Add floor tile, wall panelling and a rolltop tub to the mix, and your bathroom will feel very Victorian farmhouse.
22. Scallop edge textiles
One of the features of Victorian styling is that textiles are often embellished. For example, with fringing or other theatrical detailing. Another way of adding interest is to give fabric elements a scalloped edge. Even if it’s just a scalloped-edge bathmat!
23. Fancy up a plain modern bathtub
It’s possible to channel this style without having a freestanding vintage style clawfoot or slipper tub. You can change the appearance of a straight bathtub with bath panels, finding a style that gives you the desired vintage aesthetic. Or, continue with the floor tile up the side of the bath. And then make sure to pair it with a traditional pedestal sink for a more authentic look.
Get those vintage vibes with a shower bath over a classic Victorian style tub, with a curtain on a rail. You shower fitting will also look more authentic if it’s an exposed thermostatic rigid riser, which suits the style well. A contemporary touch is to add hanging plants to your bathroom too.
Choose elegant, traditional light fittings—wall sconces are ideal. Brushed brass always looks the goods, as does fluted glass. Or, amp up the drama with an elaborate chandelier.
If you are interested in this style, I hope you found these Victorian bathroom ideas helpful. Would you consider incorporating selected Victorian elements into your contemporary bathroom, to create a Modern Victorian look? Let me know in the comments! Also, if you’d like to know how much does bathroom tile flooring cost, visit our updated tile flooring cost.
Victorian bathroom ideas: Sanitaryware
Certain types of bathroom fixtures instantly convey authentic Victorian vibes. The style of bathtub you choose will be a big factor. Freestanding baths were typically the hero element of Victorian bathrooms. Slipper, rolltop and clawfoot styles are perfect. Similarly, choosing period style taps and faucets will go a long way to establishing a signature Victorian look. Two tap systems are the most authentic, but you can also find mixer taps in vintage styles.
Also opt for traditional-looking, two tap systems for your vintage-styled basin. If possible, have a wall hung basin set in a washstand frame. Alternatively, look for a pedestal basin that has the traditional silhouette.
The style of toilet you choose will also help nail the Victorian aesthetic. High level toilets will give you the most traditional look—as will a traditional lever flush over a button.
For all you city dwellers confused about what to do with your tiny flat balcony, consider building a balcony bar. Whether you have great views or not, it can help you make the most of your (no matter how minimal) outdoor space.
Why? Well it’s somewhere to sit on a balmy summer’s eve and enjoy a drink, or even dinner. And how great would it be to brunch al fresco on a lazy Sunday morning, in your pyjamas?
(No, building a balcony bar is not as complicated as it sounds. And hey, if you need an extra hand, there are plenty of handyman services in Brighton.)
How to make a balcony bar
Source: Pinterest – balkon.bar
Begin by creating your counter top with slabs of wood
Start with gathering some slabs of wood and screw together to form a counter top.
Make sure you add a little lip at the top to protect anything you place on it.
Next, sand down the wood
So far, so good?
Stain or paint with your colour of preference
A light colour gives a more natural look, and a bright colour can add a touch of summer vibrancy (that you might just need as we approach the winter months!).
Keep it simple though, as anything too bold may clash with any styling you choose for the rest of your balcony space.
Add a top coat to weatherproof
Since your balcony bar is going to be exposed to the elements, add a clear top coat designed for the outdoors to keep it protected.
Construct brackets to hook onto balcony railing
Finally, construct the brackets which you’ll need to hook your bar onto your balcony railing. Remember, your counter top can easily be removed as and when you need more space.
All done! Finish off with some bar stools and you’re set to dine al fresco whenever you fancy it.
It’s time to cosy up the joint. To make your balcony space a little homelier, don’t hold back on piling on the textiles. By layering elements such as rugs and plush cushions, you’ll be more inclined to spend your time there.
Fairy lights
To add some ambience in the evening, fairy lights always work well at emitting a warm glow. Sure, you can light up some candles when you’re dining but a little breeze could blow them out with ease.
They’re much loved for a reason! Go for solar string lights for an eco-friendly option.
Add some green
Source: Pinterest – homefulies.com
Add a little plant action into the mix. Hanging plants are a great choice for balconies.
Not only does the green look great, but you can also plant a mini herb garden to get some fresh ingredients without leaving your abode.
Better lighting = a more stylish and cosier abode.
The importance of good lighting in a home is hugely underestimated.
Lighting should never be an afterthought when you’re decorating your home. In fact, poor lighting (or even mediocre lighting) can affect our emotions.
Let’s face it, good lighting = good vibes. And you can enhance carefully decorated features of your home with some select ambient lighting.
So, how can you improve your home lighting game and transform your living space with a few small changes (and the help of electricians in London)?
If you want house to be lit (in every sense of the word), here are 5 lighting ideas to get you started:
1. Good old dimmer switches
Once you have your lighting plan in order, it’s time to think about how to control it. Dimmer switches allow you to make the light softer or brighter, based on the occasion or your mood.
A little dimmer action can transform any room’s ambience completely. And it can help you save energy as your lights don’t need to be blazing on full capacity at all time.
Find electricians in London to help install your dimmer switches. This isn’t something we’d recommend attempting as a DIY project.
Source: Pinterest – etsy.com
2. Light up your staircase
When done well, this one can really bring the wow factor.
Not only is lighting your stairway practical (I mean come on, it never hurts to have a little extra guidance on the stairs), it can also look pretty impactful.
The easiest way to illuminate your staircase is by having lighting installed on the wall next to the steps. Another option is having it integrated into the steps themselves.
It definitely creates a cool (and somewhat mysterious) glow.
Source: Pinterest – johncullenlighting.co.uk
3. Fairy lights
Yep, the old classic fairy lights. They aren’t just for teenage bedrooms or garden lighting.
With some clever usage, you can create beautiful little spaces with fairy lights. Some ideas below:
Drape around fairy lights around your mirror to create a cool vanity area.
Put strings inside mason jars to create DIY lamps.
Intersperse fairy lights with floaty fabrics for an ethereal effect.
Source: Pinterest – calsnic.com
4. Create DIY fixtures
If you want your lighting game to be truly unique, upcycle to transform regular household objects and appliances into quirky lighting fixtures.
Try some of the ideas below:
Recycle any cool empty glass bottles you have and turn them into fixtures, lamps, or even chandeliers.
Use household items such as buckets, baskets, and teacups upside down and turn them into hanging lights.
Think outside the box for a truly quirky lighting fixture that can also double as a great conversation piece. For instance, cheese graters (yes, cheese graters) can be turned into lamps in as little as 10 minutes.
Source: Pinterest – idlights.com
5. ‘Layer’ your lighting
Source: Pinterest – rockmystyle.co.uk
What exactly is layered lighting, you ask?
Well, there’s three layers you need to focus on:
Ambient lighting. This is the primary layer, which helps us see! It usually comes in the form of ceiling fixtures.
Task lighting. The clue is in the name. Task lighting includes all the highly useful lights that help you get specific stuff done, such as a desk lamp for working or under kitchen cabinet lighting for prepping your food.
Accent lighting. The final layer. Accent lighting is used to focus on any area or object that you want to highlight or enhance. For instance, recessed lights or wall sconces.
To decide what task lighting a room needs, make a list of all the different tasks you do in any given room and use it to plan your lighting.
You’ve found the perfect lighting – and now you need someone to fit them? Find local and trusted electricians on Airtasker.
There are loads of fridges out there for different buyers and different kitchens.
Whether you only have half a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and some cheese slices, or you regularly stock up with a rainbow of fresh meat and veg, here are 10 of 2018’s best fridges.
1. Miele K 28202 D ws
Miele is often considered to be the most reliable fridge brand. This freestanding model has dynamic cooling, which keeps every shelf at the same temperature, a sturdy handle, and an A++ energy efficiency rating.
RRP: £949
Where to buy it:John Lewis, Miele, Appliance City.
Best feature: The Dynamic Cooling is really helpful in a fridge this size, but a close second is the fact it holds 13 bottles.
2. Beko BL77
An integrated tall fridge with Quick Cool functionality for meat and fish, as well as 5 spacious shelves and door compartments. This is a fairly basic model but it still has a few fancy features, including a very essential wine rack and a salad crisper.
RRP: £429
Where to buy it: AO.com, Currys, Very.
Best feature: The door’s reversible, so you can put it pretty much anywhere in your kitchen.
3. KitchenAid Iconic KCFME60150L
Designed to coordinate with the classic KitchenAid mixer, this fridge has a luxurious chrome finish. The Iconic holds 11 bags of shopping, comes equipped with Auto Defrost, and monitors temperature and humidity at all times.
RRP: £1,299
Where to buy it: AO.com, Very.
Best feature: If you fill it with brand new food, it’ll automatically drop the temperature.
4. Indesit TLAA10S
This is an undercounter fridge ideal for smaller kitchens. There are 2 adjustable shelves, a reversible door, and it scores an energy efficiency rating of A+. For some, this would be too tiny, but it’s ideal for small families and compact kitchens.
RRP: £160
Where to buy it: Indesit, Appliances Direct, Currys.
Best feature: If you have to call fridge repair in London out, the parts have a 10 year warranty.
Another cosy undercounter fridge – this Beko model is a similar price to the Indesit and has clever storage for its size. Reviewers are happy with what they get for the price, including adjustable shelves, a reversible door, and auto defrost.
RRP: £160
Where to buy it: Currys.
Best feature: The anti-bacterial door seal keeps your fresh food safe from any passing germs.
Want to keep your current fridge running smoothly for as long as possible? Find an appliance technician on Airtasker.
6. AEG RKE64021DX
This AEG larder fringe is winner of the Which? Best Buy. AEG’s Dynamic Air technology keeps every shelf the same temperature, which can be adjusted with its LCD display. There are 7 adjustable shelves, 2 drawers, a wine rack, and a special dairy compartment for all those wine and cheese nights you’ll be having.
RRP: £699
Where to buy it: John Lewis, Appliances Direct, Appliance City.
Best feature: If you’ll be away for a week or two, Holiday Mode minimises energy consumption.
7. Samsung RR39M73407F/EU
This Samsung is a very quiet, spacious model. It’s more expensive than some, but comes with a long list of clever features – frost-free technology, 7 door pockets, a cold water dispenser, and a premium stainless steel finish.
RRP: £789
Where to buy it: Currys, Appliances Direct, John Lewis.
Best feature: The frost-free setting does everything, from thawing out frost to evaporating the melted water.
If a standard white or stainless steel appliance just isn’t your style, this Gorenje is a retro alternative, which comes in a dizzying range of colours. It’s not without substance though, it scores an A+++ for efficiency, has adjustable shelves, and a fast cooling drawer designed to keep meat and fish separate.
RRP: £799
Where to buy it: John Lewis, AO.com.
Best feature: The CrispZone drawer, for keeping fruit and veg fresh, is apparently one of the biggest available.
9. John Lewis JLLFW1818 Tall
Reasonably priced and almost unanimously loved by reviewers, one of John Lewis’ own brand appliances is one of the best freestanding fridges available. Its annual running costs are only £11.50, and the shelves and compartments are super spacious.
RRP: £549 Where to buy it: John Lewis.
Best feature: The cooling fan keeps everything the same temperature, which is impressive, considering it’s nearly 2 metres tall.
10. Siemens IQ500 KS36VBW30G
This Siemens model can hold 19 bags of shopping – essential for big families or anyone who likes to shop like it’s Christmas. The safety glass shelves are shatterproof and completely adjustable, there’s precision temperature control, and retractable drawers too.
RRP: £909 Where to buy it: AO.com.
Best feature: The door alarm will remind any forgetful members of your house to keep it shut.
Instagram is hardly short of simple-yet-chic interior design inspiration.
And it’s easy to get obsessed. Minimalist design accounts are somehow soothing to scroll through, and they offer a bit of escapism from your own clutter (we’re looking at you, heap-of-clothes-sitting-unsorted-on-chair-for-months).
There are now scores of accounts with sumptuous feeds featuring clean lines and monochromatic palettes.
To save you endlessly scrolling through a plethora of white brick feeds, we’ve scoured through and rounded up 10 of the best minimalist design accounts below:
Scandinavians are pros at the minimalist style of decor, as evidenced by Copenhagen-based Hannah Trickett in this account and her beautiful interior blog Hannah in the House.
Enjoy a stream of striking Nordic-style design posts with neutral colours and artistic furniture pieces. This account is low-key yet still clearly displays Hannay’s eye for chic minimalism.
With a blend of muted tones and luxurious touches, this account by Oslo-based interior stylist Elisabeth Heier is a pretty serene place for pure escapism on Instagram.
And if you’re looking for minimalist home decor tips, Elisabeth also has an inspiring blog that’s worth checking out.
Expect close ups of cute and sparsely decorated spaces with a splash of green from Liz Bachman, who also has a lifestyle brand that you can shop from at Grey and Scout.
And the frequent baby and puppy appearances don’t hurt either.
Follow if you want a stream of pics capturing a variety of light, bright, and airy spaces. This account definitely has summery vibes and the feel-good factor.
Want a helping hand (or eye) to turn your own space into a minimalist haven? Find home decor help on Airtasker.
Okay, so this one’s not as sparse as most of the others on this list. But it’s a good one to follow if you like a slightly minimalist look with an added touch of warmth and homeliness.
The Instagram channel for London travel mag CEREAL offers a feed of artsy photos of some of the most uber minimalist interiors from around the world. Expect a daily dose of edgy and artistic style inspiration.
Perfect to inspire those on a quest for a more minimal lifestyle.
A great follow if you’re into a style of home decor that’s sparse but still modern and perhaps not as white. This account is a great curation of stylish hotel-esque minimalist spaces.
Screenshot your favourite snaps to show any home decor help you hire.
This account will seriously tempt you to renovate every single room of your own home. Expect a delicious concoction of simple and rustic minimalism with a splash of botanical vibes.
*Us to literally any appliance in the kitchen*: ‘you is kind, you is smart, you is important’
Because they are.
Picking the right oven early doors can save a whole load of time (and expense) later down the line, so it’s important to get it right. With that in mind, it doesn’t matter if you’re prepping for Bake Off 2019, or more of a ‘pierce film lid’ kind of person – these 10 ovens are the best in the business worth forking out for.
Problem with your current oven, or need help installing a new purchase? Find trusted and local appliance help on Airtasker.
1. AEG BPE842720M SenseCook Electric Oven
A self-cleaning electric oven with super precise temperatures? Oh you bet. It’s designed to fit underneath your worktops or at eye level, and features both dial and touch controls too.
RRP: £889
Where to buy it: AO.com, John Lewis, Currys.
Standout feature: The thermometer sensor will beep when your meat is rare, medium, or well done.
2. Smeg Portofino Aesthetic CPF9IPYW
Just as stylish as their famous fridges, this is a luxury range cooker with an induction hob. Its glass doors are quadruple-glazed for maximum heat retention, it cleans itself, and has 5 cooking levels. This is for serious cooks, and people who just like showing off a bit.
RRP: £2899
Where to buy it: RangeCookers.co.uk, Appliance City.
Standout feature: The soft close doors are super resilient and prevent damage. You’ll be far less likely to need oven repair in London for this one.
3. Miele H2265B Active Oven
This Miele model is a big hit for parents because it has a cool touch door, loads of room, and 8 different cooking modes. Temperature is apparently accurate to 1 degree, so you always have the option of attempting a soufflé.
RRP: £749
Where to buy it: John Lewis
Standout feature: The extra large oven compartment – there are 5 shelf heights.
Available in 6 stylish colours, this Rangemaster is a big purchase that makes big promises. Heat up time is reduced by 30%, there’s a multi ring hob, a hot plate, and double oven space. Definitely worth it for passionate cooks who want all the options.
RRP: £2,050
Where to buy it: Currys, John Lewis.
Standout feature: It’s ability to multitask – cook three things at three different temperatures.
5. New World NW601DFDOL Dual Fuel Cooker
A grill, electric oven, and 4-ring gas hob for a really competitive price. The fan oven is supposed to cook your food evenly on every shelf. If you’re still keen for a glossy red oven – but don’t have a Smeg budget – this is a good option.
This is the ultimate digital oven. It has WiFi, bluetooth, a built-in camera you can check on your phone, and an interactive touch screen door. The price tag is obviously pretty big, but it’s a level of customisation and interactivity you won’t find anywhere else.
RRP: £1,499
Where to buy it: Currys, John Lewis, AO.com.
Standout feature: The door turns into a video screen on demand, so you can follow recipes while pre-heating. #2018.
This electric double oven is super energy efficient, and has an extra large 71 litre capacity. 3D hot air cooking technology cooks meat and dishes from all sides, and the heat-reflective glass retains as much heat as possible. Plus, the EcoClean enamel coating virtually cleans itself.
RRP: £1,059
Where to buy it: Not available online, find a stockist on the Bosch website.
Standout feature: The top cavity can function as both a grill and an oven – handy for roasts and entertaining.
Find appliance experts with specialist experience, and lots of solid general knowledge, on Airtasker.
8. Beko BVM34400 multifunction Split & Cook oven
You can cook 2 dishes at the same time without spending a fortune on a double oven. This budget Beko is a ‘Split & Cook’ oven with a separate function for pizza, a soft close door, and easy to move telescopic shelf runners.
RRP: £370
Where to buy it: AO.com.
Standout feature: When you’re baking muffins and roasting a leg of lamb at the same time, the flavours and smells stay separate.
9. Hotpoint Class 2 SA2844HIX
Despite its lower price, all temperature settings on this Hotpoint are accurate to 2 degrees. You can time it to automatically shut off, steam melts away burnt-on food, and keen bakers will love the dough proving function.
RRP: £259.99
Where to buy it: Currys, AO.com.
Standout feature: The catalytic liners will turn to ash, so you just need to wipe the dust away when you’re cleaning.
10. AGA Masterchef XL 90 Dual Fuel Range Cooker
For some, the AGA is the ultimate oven and range cooker. If you have a country kitchen and a large budget, the Masterchef XL 90 includes 5 premium quality burners, a multifunction cooker, and catalytic cleaning. All that’s left is a family Labrador and a title in front of your name.
RRP: £3,075
Where to buy it: RangeCookers.co.uk, John Lewis.
Standout feature: If you think AGAs must equal high energy costs, you’ll be surprised. Both compartments score an A/A for efficiency.
Want to make some quick and affordable home improvements? Read on.
Want to improve your home without spending too much? It’s very possible. Here are some home improvement tips that you can do yourself, or with a little help, on a budget.
A fresh lick of paint
Source: Pinterest – Farrow & Ball
Sometimes, a fresh paint job makes a huge difference. And it doesn’t necessarily even need to be a new colour. If your walls or cabinets are peeling or fading, a fresh lick of paint could be just the refresh they need. If you really want to switch up the decor of a room while you’re at it, why not paint one wall a bold colour to make a statement?
Source: Pinterest – Elle Decoration UK
For a quick update, painting your kitchen cabinets can help liven up your kitchen without needing to invest in a whole new set.
Can’t paint your walls cause you’re renting? You could apply some temporary wallpaper.
Spruce up your stairs with a runner
Source: Pinterest – House & Garden Magazine UK
A really simple and easy way to liven up your stairs is by getting a runner. They’re affordable, easy to install, and easily replaceable. Opt for a bold colour if you’re ready to make a statement in your hallway.
Open up rooms with mirrors
It’s a well-known fact that mirrors can make a room feel bigger as they reflect light. If you want to make your home feel more spacious but can’t afford an extension, adding more mirrors could be the most affordable way to do so.
Source: Pinterest – One Crazy House
There’s no need to stick to just walls, you can also install mirrors on to closet doors to make your bedroom feel more spacious. And let’s face it, a full length mirror right outside your closet door is pretty useful.
Create a DIY headboard
Source: Pinterest – Homedecorbedrooms.club
Okay, this one is a lot less intimidating than it looks. If you have a flat bed, a DIY headboard can really bring it to life and make some good use of the drab blank wall space right behind your bed. Seek out inspiration on Pinterest and then prepare to get crafty. You could try some of the ideas below:
Hang a textile. You could nail a rug or a wall hanging for an easy DIY headboard
Paint one on the wall. Admittedly, this one requires more creativity and some serious precision. But it can be done on a budget and looks great.
Paint the lower half of the wall just above your bed. Make sure the line is super straight and presto – you have a makeshift headboard.
Get creative with some wood. If your DIY skills are up to scratch, build yourself a headboard with shelving in it for function + design.
Get some quirky door handles/knobs
Source: Pinterest – Etsy
Door knobs are super affordable and extremely easy to install. For added quirk factor, use different door knobs for all your kitchen cabinets. You can find great ceramic ones on Etsy.
Build a stylish shelving solution
Source: Pinterest – Garden Trading
If you’re not yet confident with your DIY skills, hire a handyman to help out with this one. A DIY storage solution serves two purposes: it’s functional, and you can use it to display items. Not only are you building (or assembling) something that can store your things, you can also use it as a design element by showcasing your favourite photos and plants.
If you’re after budget renting home improvements, you can add a shelving unit that doesn’t attach to the wall.
Looking for a handyman in London for your home improvement aspirations? Find trusted and reviewed professionals on Airtasker.
No green thumb? Here are five houseplants that can survive with just a little bit of love.
Sure, we all want a little bit of indoor green in our lives. Plants purify the air, look pretty, and make our home feel that much homelier. They’re also said to be mood boosting. But let’s face it, the upkeep requires a little more time and effort than many of us have to offer.
Luckily, you don’t have to give up on your indoor plant dreams just yet. There are house plants out there that don’t require a whole lot of loving. No, they’re not completely impossible to kill, but they’re generally a low maintenance bunch – and importantly, they look just as impressive too.
To save you the trauma of the sight of more wilted leaves, try out one (or all?) of our five favourite low maintenance houseplants.
Aloe
This little beauty of a plant isn’t just low maintenance and good looking – it has a number of other uses and benefits too. The leaves contain a cooling aloe gel which is packed full of vitamins and minerals, and can help with minor burns and dry skin. You can store this nifty healing gel for later use – just pop the rest of the leaf into a plastic bag in your fridge and it’ll be good for use for up to 5 days.
Caring for aloe plants couldn’t be simpler (which is why they’re top of this list). Just don’t place them in direct sunlight, and soak them with water once every two weeks. Simple.
Jade plants
Said to bring good luck, jade plants are also sometimes called ‘money plants’. And if that’s not enough to convince you, they’re beautifully succulent, long-lasting, and super easy to take care of.
Jade plants just love a bit of sun (don’t we all?), so place them in a sunny corner of your home. You can set your watering schedule by checking the top of the soil, and simply rinsing with water if it feels dry. This should only be necessary once a week, as jade plants retain water in their plump leaves. Be careful not to over-water though.
Want a hand with your gardening? Find London gardening services to help you spruce up your outdoor spaces.
Air plants
Now these plants are so low maintenance they don’t even need soil to grow. Air plants (also known as Tillandsia) are ideal if you don’t have a lot of space. You can place them anywhere or hang them up and they’ll continue to thrive. What they do need (as the name suggests) is lots of air. They also shouldn’t be placed in direct sunlight. Water-wise, just give them a spray once a week and they’re good to go.
Philodendron
With tropical prints being one of the hottest home decor trends of the year, a philodendron plant can help inject instant tropical vibes into your home. You can pick your favourite type from the many different varieties, and these highly durable plants don’t need much help to thrive. All you need to do is water them a maximum of once a week, and place away from direct sunlight.
No time for frequent watering? Looking for a plant you can pretty much ignore? Say hello to the practically indestructible snake plant.
Snake plants only need watering once a month in the winter, and once every 2 weeks the rest of the year. These popular indoor plants have long thick leaves that store water, and can even thrive in dark corners. Ideally, you’d keep them away from intense sunlight, but on the whole, it would be fairly difficult to kill a snake plant.
Owning a home is a huge achievement. But after the excitement wears off, you'll realise that the upkeep is constant with cleaning, gardening, and home repairs.
Some home repairs are simple and fairly easy to resolve while others are a little (or a lot) more complicated – it all depends on the building quality.
Here are some of the more annoying home repairs and how to deal with them:
Leaking roof
Check the condition of your roof at least a few times a year, even if there are no obvious signs of leakage. Hail storms, shoddy construction and UV damage can weaken the structure of your roof and allow water to seep in.
Water leads to water damage, and water damage leads to electrical damage. If you find a leak, fix it ASAP or you may need to call in an electrical handyman.
It’s best to leave this one to the professionals. Hire a roof specialist or qualified handyman to check and repair your roof.
Floorboards are easy to maintain, but hearing them constantly creek and squeak as you walk around can get a bit annoying.
For a quick fix, use some talcum powder in between floorboards to stop the rubbing. If that doesn’t do it, you’ll need to secure them properly.
Door damage from pets
Whether your pets are well trained or not, it’s almost guaranteed that they can cause damage to your doors. It could be by scratching up the wood or slashing through the door flap.
If it’s a small rip, some clear nail polish will do the trick to keep it closed until it needs to be completely replaced.
For shallow door scratches, you should be able to sand them back and paint over or stain again. However, if the door is really damaged over time, you may need to consider a replacement.
Remove wall paper
Removing worn wallpaper is something that you can easily do yourself with a steamer, removing agent, knife and perforator.
Dripping taps
Nothing is worse than trying to sleep to the sound of a dripping tap. First thing to try is to replace the washer if it’s worn out. If that doesn’t do the job, check the manufacturer’s website for any specific instructions on how to repair it.
Clogged drain pipes
After a big storm, it’s important to make sure your gutters are clear of debris and rubbish so water can drain easily. You’ll also need to check that it’s not pooling, which you can easily do with a garden hose. If it is, you might need to adjust your gutters or even replace them.
Unfinished home repairs
A pet peeve for new homeowners is having to repair unfinished work. Nothing is worse than having unfinished DIY and home repair projects staring you in the face every day.
If you don’t have experience doing this before, we’d recommend you hire an expert and don’t attempt it yourself. You’ll save yourself a tin of goop and a lot of frustration.
If you’d like some help with annoying home repairs, why not try out the services of an Airtasker handyman? They’re readily available and will get the job done in no time.
A tape measure is one of the most practical inventions ever. Read on to find out more on how to make the most of this highly useful tool.
How skilled are you with a tape measure? A tape measure is one of the most useful items when it comes to DIY home improvements. But are you really making use of all it has to offer?
To tap into all the features of this essential tool, here’s a list of all the things (other than the obvious!) that your tape measure can do:
The ‘screw grab’
You may already be aware that you can hook (or clip) the end of a tape measure over the edge of a surface and walk backwards to extend the tape out. But have you ever wondered what that little slot in the metal hook is for?
That little slot is a ‘nail and screw grab’, which neatly slips over the flat head of a nail or screw. It’s hugely helpful as it holds the tape in place when you’re working alone.
Another handy feature that makes home repair and DIY projects easier is the serrated edge of the metal hook on a tape measure. By dragging it back and forth on a surface, you can mark a measurement down to the millimetre.
Not all tape measures have this, but it’s worth investing in one that does if you do a lot of DIY work.
Clearly, the hook of the tape measure is highly valuable and here’s one more use for it. You’ll notice the hook on the end of the tape has some ‘play’ or wiggle room on it, and the end centimetre of the tape may be slightly smaller than a true centimetre.
Depending on whether you’re measuring on the outside or inside of something, you’ll want the hook thickness to either be counted as part of the measurement or not. There is movement each way of about a millimetre or so. A professional handyman would refer to this movement as ‘play’.
Most tape measures are already calibrated for accurate measurements. For a critical measurement, you may want to check how much ‘free play’ is allowed and get the measure tape calibrated. Get a few quotes for this and other handyman help on Airtasker.
The housing (i.e. the hand held container that ‘houses’ the tape) can actually be a very handy sidekick for home repair jobs. If you’ve ever tried to measure the inside length of something, you’ll know it can be quite difficult.
Luckily the housing of the tape measure is often marked with a measurement of length (e.g. 10cm) that you can use to make life a bit easier. Instead of trying to measure the inside of something corner to corner by bending the tape, position the tape measure inside and draw the length of the tape out from surface to surface.
Next, take note of the measurement on the tape (e.g. 65cm) and add it on to the length of the tape measure housing (65cm + 10cm = 75cm)… and voila, accurate measurements!
There are different lengths of tape measures available that are more suitable for some jobs than others. For example, an 8m tape is great for small home improvement jobs such as cabinetry. For bigger jobs such as outdoor or construction, you may need something longer and possibly stronger.
You can get tape measures with magnetic hooks, blade locking mechanisms, and ones that can do a ‘stand out measure’ for hooking objects far away (i.e. you stand in one spot, and use your hand to extend the tape; it holds its weight and extends horizontally).
Renovating your home? Read on for our list of the top renovation mistakes to steer clear of before starting.
Whether you’re going down the DIY route or getting the help of a professional handyman, home renovation mistakes can be easy to make. No amount of experience can guarantee a completely seamless renovation experience.
However, there are certain things you can do to reduce the renovation stress. Here’s a list of some of the common renovation mistakes to avoid:
Ready to go with your renovation? Find expert handyman help on Airtasker to help you construct and install your dream shelving unit.
Renovating on impulse
An impulse renovation is never a good idea. A quick decision could lead to a hefty investment later down the line. For instance, do you really need to completely remove and replace that bathroom sink, or can it be repaired by a professional handyman? It’s best to investigate an issue before you start making any changes.
When you’re about to start renovating, consider whether you have the expertise to complete the work yourself or if you should get some handyman help. Don’t start an ambitious renovation project if you don’t currently have the budget or skills to get it done.
Design without intent
It’s important to design with a clear intent. Do you want to renovate to increase your property value, or do you intend on renovating the place for your own use?
Try to set a clear objective for your renovation project before you start. It can be easy to get swept away with inspirational Pinterest boards and Instagram pages, but you need to be realistic about the purpose of the renovation, what you can afford, and whether you need it.
Not enough planning
As with most building work or services, the quickest way to a renovation nightmare is a lack of planning. You can avoid this by putting a bit of time and effort into setting a clear goal and working out a plan. Think about sequencing, your timeline, and your budget.
It’s also wise to have an in-depth renovation checklist to help you focus on what exactly you need to get done.
Rules and regulations
Check out any building and renovation regulations with your local council before you get started. You need to find out which tasks require a license, and if there are any specific times you need to schedule work in for. Local council planning approvals and application fees may be required for certain renovations.
You may also need to enlist the services of a council building inspector or independent building inspector.
Temporary living arrangements
If you’re living in a place you want to renovate, you may want to consider temporary accommodation while the work is going on. Renovating can be a stressful experience, and living in that environment may just add to that stress. If you have a friend or family member you can crash with during this period, we’d highly recommend it!
No wiggle room in the budget
One of the most common renovation mistakes that many people make is going over their budget. To avoid this, speak to a professional handyman or friends who have had similar renovations. They’ll be able to help you get a better idea of costs.
Research the work that you’re going to be doing and try to think of any unexpected expenses you might encounter. Put contingency funds aside so if you run across any issues, you’ve got spare funds to resolve the situation and move on.
Handyman arrangements
If you’re going to hire a handyman or hire a builder to do the work for you, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Get a few quotes before you decide on the handyman for your task.
Review the quality of their previous work.
Know who is doing the job – them, or do they contract it out?
Know who their suppliers are – some handymen only use specific brands.
Make sure they’re officially licensed for any renovations if required.
Ask for a breakdown of their quote.
Be clear on any deadlines and specific requirements.
For expert assistance with your renovations, get instant Airtasker offers from people offering handyman services in London.
Take inspiration from stunning large scale florist installations with these DIY floral ideas that will actually fit in your home.
Floral installations are a popular way to make a statement at events and parties, with good reason. Who doesn’t love the visual impact of thousands of beautiful flowers? We don’t all have royal budgets or teams of set builders and assistants to make our botanical dreams come true, but it’s surprisingly easy to DIY stylish floral arrangements on a smaller scale.
From Harry and Meghan’s wedding to the London Chelsea Flower Show, we’ve taken inspiration from stunning large-scale floral installations and scaled them down versions you can actually try at home.
The inspiration: Royal Wedding Floral Archway by Philippa Craddock
Floral arbours have been on trend for weddings for a few years, with good reason. Who doesn’t want to be surrounded by luscious blooms and fresh foliage on their wedding day? An arbour or archway of flowers and greenery will frame the focal point of the occasion (hello, happy couple!) and provide a perfect photo opportunity for those memorable wedding photos. Renowned florist Philippa Craddock created an epic floral archway from white roses, peonies, foxgloves and three types of green foliage for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in Windsor, but not every event needs that scale of installation.
The DIY version? Scatter greenery on your dining table, weaving in candles and flowers to draw focus to the main dish, creating a chic centrepiece fit for a princess.
The inspiration: Multi coloured floral archway at Rag&Bone in Chelsea by Harper&Toms
Receiving a bunch of flowers is always appreciated, and while some occasions call for subtle bouquets others are all about going bold. When sending flowers for a special occasion, be it a birthday present or a thank you, don’t be afraid to break the old rules and create a thoughtful bouquet with character.
Take inspiration from the bright and joyful archway created by Harper & Tom during the Chelsea Flower Show 2018, and mix different textures and colours. Using different sizes and types of leaves and flowers will form a dynamic, unexpected display that will bring a bolt of personality to any home or office.
The inspiration: Windows framed with flowers at Annabel’s, Mayfair
Annabel’s, one of the hottest members clubs in London, got in to the spirit of the Chelsea Flower Show by covering the whole of their venue with pink and red flowers, making the classic, clean windows a focal point. This stunning installation turned in to an Instagram dream, with dashing doormen in floral suits posing for photos in front of the colourful display that brightened up the historical facade in Mayfair.
While framing your windows with fresh flowers is dramatic, it isn’t entirely practical for home. Flip the idea and display a striking bunch of flowers on an empty windowsill, cleanly framing the bouquet instead. And bonus – you’ll have beautiful natural light for those Instagram-worthy snaps!
If you want to try out something more dramatic you can find a garden designer or florist to help you out on Airtasker!
