An extension is a great way to add space and value to your home, but they require a proper plan and a bit of interior design know-how.
I’ve worked on many extensions over the years and I’ve noticed that homeowners make the same mistakes over and over again. I’m here to put that right.
Here are 5 interior design tips for kitchen extensions
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1. Draw a layout of your extension
Homeowners are often surprised by how the space in their extension is used. The space they imagined isn't the same as the space they end up with. This is because they didn’t consider the size of their extension and furniture.
To get the most out of your new space, make a detailed drawing of your extension layout and zone the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
Take accurate measurements of the rooms and draw the positions of doors, radiators, and televisions.
Also, take measurements of any furniture you plan to move into your extension and add them to your drawing. Clients often underestimate the depth of a sofa - 100cm at least - so be sure to leave room for that.
A drawing will give you an honest representation of your extension and clearer interior design aspirations.
💡Bonus Tip: Allow push-back space for dining chairs (75-90cm).
2. Lighting
Your electrician will need to know where your lighting will go at the start of the project.
Try imagining what the layout of your extension will look like and where you will need plug sockets for lamps - especially in hallways and large rooms.
If your extension will be a kitchen, consider where your dining table and kitchen island will go for the pendant drop lighting positions.
Plan how many spots lights you want and where they will go, not forgetting the under kitchen unit lighting.
💡Bonus Tip: Consider whether you want cool or warm bulbs depending on your preferred atmosphere.
3. Flooring
Despite the floor being one of the largest features of a home, it is sometimes overlooked. Don't make this mistake. The right floor can do wonders for a home.
I usually recommend hard flooring for its practicality and versatility. You could choose marble, concrete, or something else. Whatever you choose, just make sure the style is consistent with the rest of your extension or home.
💡Bonus Tip: Use large rugs on hard flooring to soften the room and zone each area.
4. Colour Scheme
Colour is a powerful interior design tool. It can change the way we think and feel and the way we use space.
One thing homeowners regularly overlook is how certain colours are affected by certain types of light.
For example:
North and east-facing rooms are exposed to cooler light which makes brighter colours look subdued. Choose warm-tone colours with a red or yellow pigment in them.
South and west-facing rooms are exposed to warmer light, which makes darker colours look brighter and lighter colours glow.
I recommend a durable paint finish, especially for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and living spaces.
5. Style
Consider the overall style you would like to achieve, whether it’s country, modernism, classic and traditional, industrial, or quirky.
An interior design style can be fully realised in the furniture, doors, and accessories you choose.
Get In Touch
I hope my extension interior design tips saved you from making an expensive mistake.
If you need more imaginative and practical interior design guidance, book a 2-hour at-home consultation with me.