The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where every meal is prepared. Where you socialise with friends over a cup of coffee. And where kids race through to tell you about their school day. So it’s a space that needs to work for the whole family and with time kitchen extension becomes important.

But, if you’re in an older home or one that you’ve lived in for a while, they can become stale. What worked when you were a young couple is now unfeasible as your family grows. A quality kitchen extension can make the space work for you again.

Kitchen Extension Ideas That’ll Completely Transform Your Home

The best kitchen extensions change everything about your home because they’ll give you much-needed space. But not just for cooking, for living and dining too. These extension ideas will help you transform your kitchen from drab and cramped to open and beautiful.

Decide Where The Kitchen Extension Will Go With Amazing Kitchen Extension Ideas

First things first, you’ll have to decide where the extension is going to go. Usually, people think kitchen extensions are only possible if you extend onto the rear. And this might put people off as it encroaches on precious garden space. However, if you have plenty of room to give up, they’re a great option because they suit almost every home. Plus, extending just a metre into your garden will reap huge rewards in terms of spatial advantages inside and a free-flowing layout. But there are other alternatives available.

Opt for a side-return to finally make use of the dead space down the side of your property. It’s perfect if you don’t need to add a huge amount of space to your kitchen. A wrap-around extension combines the ideas of both a side-return and rear extension connecting in the corner. A great option for maximising both space and potential for your new kitchen.

Settle On A Shape And Design For Your New Kitchen

Once you know how the new kitchen extension changes the footprint of your available space, you can start thinking about the kitchen itself. There are 6 main layout options for you. U-shaped, L-shaped, One Wall, Island, Peninsula, and Galley kitchen layouts. Each has its benefits, but the one you settle on will mostly be dictated by the space you have available. Remember to think about how you’ll use the room too.

The design will change the overall feel of the kitchen. There are lots of choices available, too, from oak worktops and marble to handleless doors and hidden appliances. Take the time to get samples of mate

Extend The Space With A Side Return

Side returns have already been touched on briefly, but they can be an excellent option for kitchen extension seekers. Make the most of unused space by building a side return and give yourself much-needed room inside.

A side return will widen the kitchen area to make it feel much more spacious. And you could experiment with having another door outside with a utility before you get to the kitchen proper. It’ll create the perfect space for muddy boots and coats during colder months. Plus, with a side return, you get to hang onto a well-loved garden space.

Add A Glass Box Extension For A Light Filled Room

If you want an extension on your kitchen but are worried about creating a dark space inside, glass box extensions are a great option. They utilise floor-to-ceiling glazing and hidden frames to create a space that instantly connects your home and garden. Think conservatory, but modern.

They allow you to enjoy the outside all year round. Even in the colder months, just in the safety and comfort of your warm kitchen. And you won’t have to worry about not getting enough light into your kitchen renovation. A glass box extension means the space will be flooded with light.

Zone Spaces With A Roof Lantern

Roof lanterns don’t just bring in light. They create an architectural talking point and make your ceilings feel ten times the height they used to be. You can also use them to zone the interior spaces of your shiny new kitchen extension.

An extension on the kitchen generally means you’ll get a more open plan style of living. Thanks to all that extra space, you’ve been able to combine cooking, dining, and living into one room. But you still want the different areas to have an identity. Roof lanterns can be a stylish way to do this.

Open The Extension Up With Roof Lights

Roof lights will flood previously dark rooms with plenty of natural light. They’ll give dingy spaces a whole new lease of life.

They come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, so you can get one to fit your new space like a glove. You may be able to fit more or have them cover a larger area, so you can really open the extension up. And quite literally up, as you’ll get stunning views of changing weather and flocking birds.

Opt For A Pitched Roof For Much Need Height

Extensions add on lots of precious space. But people don’t often think they can gain space if they go up too. And you don’t have to add on a whole new level either. You can gain height by looking at pitched roof designs for your kitchen extension.

Connect With The Outdoors

Outdoor space can be overlooked when exploring extension options for your kitchen. Make the outdoor part of your plan with little touches to connect the two areas. There’s floor-to-ceiling glazing, conservatory options, and a feast of sliding door possibilities that’ll enable you to do just that.

Consider colour and texture choices too. Picking things that echo what you’re seeing outside helps marry the two. Throw some big, beautiful glazing into the mix, and you’re onto a winner.

Open Up With A Galley Kitchen

Galley kitchens can sometimes be overlooked. But they can open up your space. By not having counters or islands in the middle, you’re left with a dancefloor of space to enjoy. And they use space much more efficiently because they don’t utilise corner cupboards. It must also be said that galley kitchens are affordable. So if you’re seeking a kitchen that won’t hurt the purse strings while still looking modern and sleek, a galley kitchen might just be the ticket. .

Make A Feature Of Architectural Details

Consider colour and texture choices too. Picking things that echo what you’re seeing outside helps marry the two. Throw some big, beautiful glazing into the mix, and you’re onto a winner.

Go For An Open Plan Feel With A Kitchen Island

Island kitchens are an incredibly popular choice for homeowners, whether they have an extension or not. They give you great functionality because they can be a place to prep, eat, and socialise all in one. They make the most of open plan living by allowing you to be part of everything else that’s happening. And they do it without separating the areas with a great big wall.

Consider colour and texture choices too. Picking things that echo what you’re seeing outside helps marry the two. Throw some big, beautiful glazing into the mix, and you’re onto a winner.

If you’d like to know more, are interested in our products, or just want a few pointers, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can find us online, in our showroom in Leicester, and over the phone on 0116 2772 252. Oakland would love to share some kitchen extension ideas. We’ve experts in what we do and would love to help you realise your kitchen extension dreams. Contact us today.