The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s where meals are cooked, families gather, parties congregate and memories are made. Yet very often we wish that our kitchen had that extra bit of floorspace for all the roles it must fulfil. The answer lies in a kitchen extension that will transform your cooking area from a closed-in box to a light, airy, and functional hub. In this Advice blog we will talk all things kitchen extension as a home renovation project, guiding you through kitchen extension ideas and the whys and wherefores of a project that will transform your kitchen into a completely new room and new space.
Why should I extend my kitchen?
Good question, and before you start on such a major project you really do need to think this through carefully. There are many reasons for considering a new kitchen extension. Perhaps your family is growing, and you need the extra space to cook and eat together. Maybe you’re keen on cuisine, and you dream of a spacious kitchen with an array of brand-new appliances. Or perhaps you simply want to create a more open-plan living area that connects seamlessly with your garden space, bringing the outside inside and giving plenty space for parties and gatherings.
What benefits will a kitchen extension bring?
A kitchen extension opens up a world of possibilities. You can:
- Increase storage and workspace: No more jam-packed cupboards or squeezing past each other while trying to cook. An extension provides ample floor space for kitchen units for additional storage, appliances, and food prep areas.
- Create a dining area: Ditch the cramped and cluttered breakfast table and create a dedicated dining space for relaxed meals with family and friends.
- Embrace open-plan living: Remove walls to connect your kitchen to a dining area, living room, or even a garden room, fostering a more social and spacious feel.
- Flood the space with natural light: Large windows and doors will bring the outdoors in, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
- Integrate your garden: Bifold doors, french doors or sliding patio doors can open your kitchen directly onto the patio and rear garden, perfect for summer barbecues and indoor-outdoor living.
- Boost your property value: A well-designed kitchen extension is a significant investment that will increase the value of your property.
Which is the right kitchen extension for me?
The type of kitchen extension matters, and there are several types of kitchen extensions to choose from, from small kitchen extension ideas to extensions that have a bigger square metre, and each has its own advantages:
- Rear Kitchen Extension: The classic choice, this extends your kitchen directly out into your garden or outside space at the rear of the property, offering maximum space and flexibility.
- Side Return Extension: This is a good option for narrower properties or a small kitchen extension, extending along the side of your house. It can be ideal for creating a galley kitchen or a pantry.
- Wrap-around Extension: This combines a rear and side return extension, perfect for creating a large, L-shaped kitchen-dining area for different zones, so you can have a kitchen island taking centre stage in one and a dining room in the other.
- Open Plan Kitchen Extension: By removing walls and incorporating bi-fold doors or large windows, you can merge your kitchen with the outdoors, creating a harmonious transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Does an orangery make a good kitchen extension?
If you’re looking for a kitchen extension with a wow factor, an orangery is perfect. Orangeries are essentially extensions featuring a brick base, large windows, and a solid roof, often incorporating a lantern roof for additional light. They create a beautiful, light-filled space that can be used for dining, relaxing, or as an extension of your kitchen.
Do conservatories make good kitchen extensions?
Conservatories hold a lot of glass and, thanks to advances in glazing technology, can be used all year round. A kitchen conservatory will add a real wow factor to a home, letting in a huge amount of natural light.
I’d love an extension but I don’t know where to start!
Planning any new extension, regardless of whether it’s a kitchen extension, can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be an exciting and rewarding process. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Define your needs and budget: Consider how you want to use your new kitchen, any interior design features, and how much you’re comfortable spending.
- Research different types of extensions: Explore the different options and their pros and cons to find the best fit for your property and lifestyle.
- Seek professional advice: An architect or builder can help you design a practical and stylish extension that meets your needs and complies with building regulations.
- Obtain planning permission (if required): Depending on the size and scale of your extension, you may need planning permission from your local authority.
At SEH BAC, we believe that a kitchen extension is the perfect way to offer additional space and completely redefine the way you use and experience your home. Whether it’s a single-storey extension, an open-plan wonder, or a creatively repurposed space, a kitchen extension is the ideal solution to transform your current cramped space into somewhere that the whole family can enjoy. We have extensive experience with kitchen extension design and building beautiful and functional kitchen extensions, and can guide you through every step of the process, from kitchen extension cost and your floor plan, and the initial concept to final completion, to get the right type of extension you need. For more information about our range of kitchen extensions contact us here or give us a call on 0800 666 444.
