An unquestionable requirement in many rebuilding projects of period homes is the liberal open-plan kitchen a marvellous focal point for present-day living. There are a few different ways to increase space, from combining adjoining rooms, adding a conservatory as an extension to building a brand-new area.
All alternatives require time, money, and expertise advice, but in the end, it’s a decision many celebrate. If you’re looking to spruce up your outdated kitchen, or start from scratch with an extension or conversion, here are a few of the most important factors to consider.
Location, Location, Location
The key to designing and initiating a kitchen extension of any size is thorough planning. Take great initiative in planning where your extension will go. With a smaller space you would possibly have limited options, but don’t let that put you off.
You can always opt for something along the lines of a side return, which may be all the space you need for your kitchen extension. If you’ve got enough lee way within your garden space, you may consider extending towards the rear-end of your property. This will allow for more light exposure and can make a huge difference in how your kitchen works as an integral part of your home.
On the other hand, a small conservatory is an extension option that works well with kitchens that located at the rear-end of your home. However, the most practical extensions are usually block and brick-based, which can help open the space with fixed-glazed panelling, flooding the area with light.
Either way, the location where you place your kitchen extension starts with what your house can offer and what your designer, architect and builder may think will work best.
How do you utilise your kitchen?
This is the part where we think beyond location and basics. What are some of the dishes you like to prepare? And what are some of the most important elements that’ll make your kitchen work in your favour? If you love to bake, maximise surface area by putting your appliances overhead, and consider investing in a cool marble countertop for prepping the flakiest pastry.
Maybe you love cooking and entertaining at the same time. In this regard, consider moving your hob onto an island. Invite your friends over and cook for them while they sip on some wine around the island.
Then there is also the question of convenience. Do you need a larger space for a double-door fridge and a pantry? To maximise on space, you can even consider having an alcove built in. But before all of this, consider your current set up and what you may need.
Breaking down the walls
Make your kitchen extension hold more than just the cooking area by creating a large and modern open-plan living room for the whole family to enjoy. Use the new space with lots of natural light to place the units and dining space and keep the living area inviting and cosy with complementary yet inviting tones.
More Multifunctionality
No layout is the same but depending on the space you have there are a few basic rules for zoning the room. Decide where you want to have your meals and the view you wish to have while cooking and doing the dishes. If you want to add features to allow natural light in, track the passage of the sun overhead.
Think about the possibilities and the end results you want. Do you need to set aside space for a glazed roof for your dining space? Do you need a breakfast nook in a square bay? Its vital to keep as much of your original space for functional tasks such as cooking and food preparation.
Should you have more space to work with, incorporate clever design tricks to define the zones in your kitchen extension project. Think peninsulas, different floor types and free-standing open shelving for visual separation.
Let the light in
A kitchen extension is the perfect opportunity to open your living space beyond the perimeter of the same old four walls.
Décor choices such as light-toned flooring, pastel blue woodwork and crisp white counter tops complimented by gold hardware. Your décor and furniture ideas here can be replicated in kitchens big and small and makes a massive difference in how your new kitchen extension absorbs the light and reflects it.
Work that budget
In closing, total costs to expand your kitchen all depends on how much work you plan to do. As well as build costs and professional fees, there will likely be the cost of applying for planning permission and getting building regulations approval to include. Finally, you need to budget for your kitchen extension itself, inclusive of flooring and decoration.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The ShapeHouse Team