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Choosing between kitchen extension ideas<\/h3>\n
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\u2019t swallow up too much of your valuable garden space. This is something to watch if planning a rear kitchen extension.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0kitchen layouts<\/a>, open plan or semi-open plan are popular choices.<\/p>\n So, are you dreaming of a kitchen extension\u2014or 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\u2019s get into it!<\/p>\n Whether you decide to match the materials and finishes of your existing space to the new addition or go for a bold contrast, it\u2019s always good to establish a connection between old and new in some way, to ensure a pleasing transition. For example, contemporary \u2018glass box\u2019 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.<\/p>\n Side return extensions are fantastic for opening up small spaces. And they\u2019re 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\u00a0galley kitchen<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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 fa\u00e7ade 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\u00a0conservatory ideas<\/a>\u00a0that you can add to your home.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve 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\u00a0swinging door<\/a> enables full enjoyment of your garden for a tranquil indoor\/outdoor social space. For inspo, see\u00a0the 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).<\/p>\n When it comes to kitchen extension ideas, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0timber decking<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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 \u00a0from a series of narrow pitched\u00a0roof<\/a> 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 \u201cbeautiful internal ceiling-scape\u201d.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0lino flooring<\/a>. Polished concrete floors and limestone tile for your patio area look contemporary with stainless steel finishes in your kitchen. Some other ideas worth considering:<\/p>\n There seems to be an increase in recent times in\u00a0architects\u00a0experimenting more with materials, for instance, charred wood (Japanese\u00a0shou sugi ban<\/em>) cladding or eco-friendly timber larch, which develops a silvery, textured patina over time. If you\u2019re 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\u2019 use of blackened cedar for Kenworthy House, SAM Architects\u2019 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.<\/p>\n If you have a rear extension and would like to increase the privacy of your new living space, you might like to design a fa\u00e7ade that incorporates a series of deep, vertical \u2018fins\u2019 on the plinth, which afford side-on privacy.<\/p>\n 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\u00a04 S Architecture, as it complements the ‘dark blue iron spot’ that original London stock brick is known for.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0flooring<\/a>\u00a0extending 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).<\/p>\n 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 fa\u00e7ade 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.<\/p>\n Although black steel framing is really popular in contemporary homes, steel-framed windows and doors can be\u00a0painted<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n If you have a whitewashed interior, marrying it with black wooden\u00a0cladding<\/a> extending around the perimeter has the effect of creating a frame. It\u2019s a very high contrast look that is bold and striking.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Some of the most stylish kitchen extensions I\u2019ve seen have incorporated the use of oak, such as for lining the extension portals. There\u2019s something so lovely and soft-looking about oak, and it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u00a0interior lighting designers<\/a>\u00a0and then an\u00a0electrician<\/a>\u00a0is able to help with\u00a0downlight installation<\/a>.<\/p>\n Who else loves the emerging Belgian design style that\u2019s been dubbed \u201cthe new antique\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Want to stay true to the elegance of your period home? Add sophisticated classic d\u00e9cor elements, like brass accent lighting and ribbed glass panels. These will still meld with contemporary touches like tinted poured\u00a0concrete floors<\/a>\u00a0and counters and exposed steel beams.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0Modern Side Extension, for example.<\/p>\n 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 fa\u00e7ade in scalloped shingles as was done by Office S&M at Valetta House.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0shelving<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0concrete<\/a>). Now\u2019s your chance to improve on yesterday\u2019s materials and be future-forward!<\/p>\n When it comes to kitchen extension ideas, keeping it simple is inevitably a good idea, whether we\u2019re 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\u2014so a minimalist interior makes a great backdrop.<\/p>\n 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,\u00a0painted kitchen cabinets<\/a>\u00a0to add a visual pop?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, as with all British extensions, you’ll always want to put in\u00a0underfloor heating<\/a>, new\u00a0fire alarms<\/a>\u00a0fitted and\u00a0automated home lighting<\/a>\u00a0for that extra wow factor.<\/p>\n And there you have 31 kitchen extension ideas \u2013 which of these resonate most with you? Let me know in the comments below!<\/p>\n Want to fast track your kitchen extension? For the best kitchen extension ideas that truly maximise the potential of your space, search now for a highly-rated local\u00a0architect<\/a>,\u00a0builder<\/a>,\u00a0interior designer<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0an expert in kitchen design<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more inspo when it comes to kitchen design, you might also like to look at these\u00a0kitchen renovation ideas<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0kitchen lighting ideas<\/a>.<\/p>\n Looking for trades? Here\u2019s a handy list of links that you might need for your kitchen extension \u2013 bookmark this page!<\/p>\n Clever design means a kitchen extension doesn\u2019t 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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":32027,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"link","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2515,1506],"tags":[1004,2351,982,2404,2379,1051],"language":["en-GB"],"class_list":["post-28380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-link","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-inspiration","category-tips-gb","tag-building-gb","tag-extension","tag-home-improvement-gb","tag-kitchen","tag-kitchen-extension-ideas","tag-renovation-gb","post_format-post-format-link"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n1. Aim to connect old and new<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Convert your side return<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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3. Go for a glass box<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Add sliding, pivoting or swing doors<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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5. Choose simple materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6. Choose a simple colour scheme<\/strong><\/h3>\n
7. Aim for pattern and texture<\/strong><\/h3>\n
8. Embrace zig zag rooflines<\/strong><\/h3>\n
9. Mix gorgeous materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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10. Consider unusual materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n
11. Create privacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
12. Pick up brick tones<\/strong><\/h3>\n
13. Create zones<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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14. Have muted colours<\/strong><\/h3>\n
15. Opt for white steel<\/strong><\/h3>\n
16. Go monochrome<\/strong><\/h3>\n
17. Blend in with surrounds<\/strong><\/h3>\n
18. Go Scandi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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19. Enjoy a zig-zag roof interior<\/strong><\/h3>\n
20. Choose soft timbers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
21. Keep it light and bright<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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22. Try Belgian flavours<\/strong><\/h3>\n
23. Opt for elegant and timeless<\/strong><\/h3>\n
24. Expose a brick wall<\/strong><\/h3>\n
25. Go for curves and arches<\/strong><\/h3>\n
26. Bring the tropical vibes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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27. Make it timber-heavy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
28. Make it modern<\/strong><\/h3>\n
29. Keep it simple<\/strong><\/h3>\n
30. Play with colour and shapes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
31. Luxe it up<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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