When designing a kitchen extension, you will want to get everything just right, including the space and the features within it. This should all be decided early before works commence to ensure the project runs smoothly and to avoid any costly mistakes. Your extension needs to work for you and your lifestyle, so it is important that the room has everything you need to make it stylish and functional for day-to-day living. Here are our tips for designing a kitchen extension.

Work out how you will use the space
Think about how you will want to use your new space. Will you be using it for just cooking and dining or will it be a hub for entertaining friends and family? If your kitchen extension is going to be a multifunctional space, then create zones and plan out where they will go. Envisage the space and your movement between the different areas, so it makes sense to you and those using it. You can zone areas by colour blocking, using specific pieces of furniture or structural dividers, such as an existing pillar.

Design the layout before the work starts
Work with a kitchen designer to help design the layout of your kitchen, as they will be able to provide the best advice on where to place cabinets, a sink, hob and so on. If you are introducing full-height doors, wall space could be limited, so it is important for cabinets to be located where you have walls to maximise these areas. You should also add features into your layout, such as a kitchen island. This is particularly important as your kitchen features and appliances will impact where your plumbing and electrics will go. 

Think about how much light to let in
A lot of rear extensions connect with the outdoors by using full-height bi-fold or French doors. This will allow lots of light to flood through the room and give you direct access to your garden. Another option to enjoy the natural light is adding a flat roof or pitched roof skylight. This type of glazing is ideal if you want to optimise the natural light in a specific area of your room – such as above a cooking prep zone. Be mindful of positioning and how much glass you include, as you won’t want the room to overheat – especially in the summer.

Choose appropriate ventilation
Whilst natural ventilation such as doors and windows, will be covered in your design, you’ll also need to consider the type of extractor method and fan style you want to remove fumes and steam. The type of extraction method (extraction or recirculation) will be dependent on your budget and size of your room. Dependent on the location of your hob some options include; a wall mounted extractor, a downdraft extractor that sits flush with your worktop, or a ceiling extractor in a bulkhead above your hob.

Style it right
Whether you choose a classic or contemporary kitchen, the style is entirely up to you. If you want the kitchen to flow seamlessly into other rooms in your home, consider which style will complement them. If you live in a period property, then classic in-frame cabinetry is a great choice, or a handleless kitchen is perfect if you have a modern home and are looking to achieve minimalism.

Don’t forget storage
For your kitchen to function effectively, you will need storage. If you have a large kitchen extension, you might have room for a pantry, which will make it easy for you to find what you need all in one room. A kitchen island is also a popular choice for adding extra storage, as well as a place to prepare food and socialise – seating can be positioned so you can enjoy views onto the garden or facing the ‘cook’ in your family. Other storage options include corner carousel units to make use of tricky spaces, wine racks, integrated waste bins and open shelving. Make sure you get a good balance and do not overcrowd your kitchen extension, so you can enjoy the extra space.

Read our last blog on what to consider when planning a kitchen extension.

If you need help designing your kitchen extension book an appointment with our design team by using our contact form or give us a call – 0208 300 8181

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