Beyond the walls: Kitchen extensions and the rise of open plan living

The way we live in our homes has undergone a significant shift in recent years. Gone are the days of designated spaces; a new era of open plan living has emerged, pushing the boundaries between rooms and blending a sense of connection. At the heart of this trend lies the kitchen extension, a transformative addition that unlocks a world of possibilities for homeowners in the South East.

The appeal of open plan living is undeniable. It fosters a sense of lightness and spaciousness, particularly beneficial in often-compact properties but also to embracing the potential of larger properties.

Open plan living is perfect for modern day living and seamlessly connecting between the different areas of a home – and no space in the home lends itself more to being opened-up than the kitchen.

By removing physical barriers, kitchens naturally integrate with dining and living areas, creating a more communal and inviting atmosphere. This is perfect for modern families who crave a space to cook, dine, socialise, and relax.

Extension reinvention

Whether you want an open-plan wonder, or a completely repurposed space, kitchen extensions can vary in size and can be designed as small structures or larger ones to flawlessly blend with your existing structure to complement your home.

Extend the rear of your home and create a space that connects your kitchen with a dining area or living space with a single-storey extension or remove walls and incorporate bi-fold doors or large windows to merge your kitchen with the outdoors to create the perfect transition between inside and out with an open plan kitchen extension.

Maybe you have a corner plot and require an L-shaped extension to maximise floor space and natural light while creating a multifunctional kitchen area and potentially incorporating a small dining area.

Benefits beyond aesthetics

The advantages of kitchen extensions extend far beyond aesthetics, too. Increased natural light, achieved through strategically placed windows or bi-fold doors, brightens the space and plays a vital role in helping with ventilation.

Open plan living also promotes better family interaction, fostering a sense of closeness and togetherness. Most importantly, it creates a space that reflects the way you live.

And don’t forget, a kitchen extension is also an investment that adds significant value to your property.

Considerations before you extend

Before embarking on a kitchen extension project there are some key things to keep in mind. Depending on the size and nature of the extension, you might require planning permission from your local council.

Optimising the layout is essential when planning space and creating the areas you want, so make sure you create a design that maximises space, functionality, and flow.

Choosing the right roof for your kitchen extension, such as glass, tiled or solid, is also important and will help with letting in natural light and the illusion of even more space.

Redefine the way you use your home and turn your vision of open plan living into a reality with a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.

As featured in Suffolk Norfolk Life Magazine: