A home extension is a great way to add value and more space to your home but finding the inspiration to design your dream extension can be challenging. Whether it’s your first time building an extension, or you’re a seasoned pro, the process of planning, designing and building a home extension can feel overwhelming. However, with the right inspiration, architect and designer, it can also be an exciting and enjoyable experience too.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 10 popular ideas to help inspire your new home extension which will enhance your home and create the ideal environment for you and your family. So, whether you’re in the early stages of planning or needing some design inspiration, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Open Living Spaces
The concept of open-plan living has evolved into a timeless trend with its ability to transform homes with a sense of spaciousness and modernity. When planning your new extension, consider the layout carefully, ensuring a seamless flow that enhances the overall functionality and aesthetics of your living space. Envision the integration of your living room, kitchen, and dining area and how removing existing walls or the addition of rooms will open the physical space.
Consider the potential for multifunctional zones within your open living space. Whether it’s a cosy reading nook by the window, a designated play area for children, or a versatile workspace. Embrace the fluidity of the open-plan design, allowing each area to serve its unique function while maintaining a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. This holistic approach not only maximises the extended space but also adds layers of depth to the overall design, making your home a true reflection of your lifestyle.
Panoramic Views with Bi-Fold Doors
Elevate the connection between your indoor and outdoor space by installing panoramic or bi-fold doors. The brilliance lies in the large glass panes that provide unobstructed views and flood the interior with natural light. By incorporating these into your plans, you invite the natural beauty of your garden into your living space and create easy access to your garden. With easy access to and from your home, it provides you with the opportunity to extend your living space into the garden, perfect for entertaining friends and family.
Moreover, explore the added benefits and practical advantages, such as the energy-efficient properties that contribute to a well-insulated home and the security features that ensure your peace of mind while enjoying the seamless connection between your interior and the great outdoors.
Wood Flooring Options
Flooring serves as the foundation of your living space, and the choice between engineered or solid hardwood flooring can significantly influence the ambience. From the stability of engineered wood to the timeless appeal of solid hardwood. Carefully consider your personal preferences, budget, and the specific needs of your space to make an informed decision that aligns with both style and practicality.
Engineered wood flooring is crafted by layering a thin veneer of real hardwood atop a plywood or high-density fibreboard core. This construction imparts notable stability to the flooring, making it less susceptible to warping or expanding, especially in high-moisture conditions. This attribute makes engineered wood flooring an ideal choice for rooms with fluctuating humidity levels. Additionally, it presents a more budget-friendly alternative to solid hardwood, making it accessible to a wider range of homeowners.
In contrast, solid hardwood flooring is crafted from a single piece of genuine hardwood. This construction imparts a robust and durable nature to the flooring, making it the go-to choice for those seeking longevity and a timeless aesthetic. Solid hardwood offers an unparalleled warmth and natural feel, showcasing the genuine grains and textures of the wood. The ability to sand and refinish solid hardwood multiple times contributes to its enduring charm, allowing you to refresh and customise the appearance over the years.
Solid hardwood, however, is more susceptible to environmental factors, such as moisture and temperature changes. It is crucial to install solid hardwood in controlled environments, avoiding high-moisture areas like basements or bathrooms.
Elegant Large Format Tiles
Indulge in the luxury of large-format floor and wall tiles, a design choice that exudes sophistication and minimises grout lines, resulting in a seamless and polished effect. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the practical advantages of reduced maintenance make large format tiles an attractive proposition. Explore the versatility of their application in various rooms, from bathrooms and kitchens to open-plan living spaces and see how they elevate the overall ambience of your home.
Additionally, large format tiles may present potential cost savings in terms of installation. Due to their expansive dimensions, fewer tiles are needed to cover a given area compared to smaller tiles. This can result in lower installation costs, making large format tiles an economically viable choice for homeowners mindful of their budget.
Charming Exposed Brick Feature Wall
Infuse character into your living space by embracing exposed brickwork. This popular design feature adds a rustic, industrial, or vintage feel to any room, creating a unique aesthetic that complements various decor styles. Beyond the visual appeal, exposed brick walls bring a sense of history and texture to a room, making it a captivating focal point. Explore its versatile application in living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, discovering how it transforms the dynamics of your living space.
Velux Windows & Skylights
Invite the beauty of the sky into your home with the strategic placement of Velux windows and skylights. Explore their potential in both flat and pitched roofs, leveraging their ability to flood spaces with natural light. Beyond the visual appeal, these window installations can visually enlarge smaller rooms and contribute to the overall atmosphere of your living space.
One notable benefit is their energy efficiency, as they optimise daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and potentially lowering energy costs.
Modern Crittall-Style Doors
Give a contemporary twist to your living space with Crittall-style doors, characterised by sleek black steel or aluminium frames and expansive glass panes. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the slender frames of Crittall-style doors provide a minimalist and sophisticated look, allowing for unobstructed views of your outdoor surroundings. Their robust construction, often three times stronger than aluminium, ensures not only a heightened level of security but also durability over time. Acoustic glass or double-glazing options further contribute to soundproofing, creating comfortable and serene living spaces, making them an ideal choice.
Luxurious En-suite Bathroom
Consider the impact of creating a luxurious en-suite bathroom into your extension, particularly when adding additional bedrooms. This popular addition not only enhances the value of your property but also provides a private and comfortable space for you and your family. To ensure a meticulous design that accommodates essential fixtures and optimises the available floor space, carefully consider the location, size, and cost.
Functional Kitchen Islands
Elevate the heart of your home with the addition of a functional kitchen island, a sought-after upgrade that blends counter space, storage, and aesthetic appeal. Explore the endless design possibilities, incorporating unique features such as built-in sinks, hobs, or built-in appliances. When designing your kitchen, ensure the kitchen island complements the overall interior design while providing added functionality. Kitchen islands serve as social hubs, gathering spaces, as well as additional worktop space.
Smart Home Technology Integration
Uncover the potential of Smart home technology to elevate your daily living experience and contribute to a more sustainable and secure home. If you’re new to Smart home technology, take time to explore the benefits, ranging from enhanced energy efficiency to heightened security equipped with motion sensors and cameras, offering remote monitoring capabilities for a safe and secure living environment. As well as Smart thermostats, capable of adjusting home temperatures based on your schedule, and smart lighting systems that respond to your smartphone or voice commands.
