Are you planning for a kitchen design and extension project?
Your kitchen is likely to be one of the busiest rooms in your home. To many people, it’s the heart of a property. It’s where meals are prepared and served and where the whole family comes together.
Therefore, you may have more than a few reasons to want to renovate or extend your kitchen. It’s a space which should be practical as well as stunning! When you start considering a kitchen extension, there are going to be more than a few factors to plan for.
In this guide, we will take you through what to bear in mind when considering kitchen design and extension projects. What are some of the more common elements of a modern kitchen? How can you make the most of space and storage?
How Do You Intend to Use Your Kitchen Design and Extension?
Before you even start thinking about the perfect look and design, think about practicality and use. Many people have many different reasons for extending their kitchens. That doesn’t mean you are necessarily going to follow suit!
The following reasons for a kitchen extension may apply to you:
- You need more room for appliances and systems
- You have a growing family and need more space
- You want to extend your kitchen into an open plan dining area
- You want to blend the look of your kitchen into an existing living space
- You want to add to the visual and physical values of your home
- You want to start entertaining more guests
- You’re struggling for practical space while cooking
There are countless reasons for opting for a kitchen extension. However, it pays to know precisely why you are getting into such a project. That will help you, in the long run, make clearer decisions. It will also help you communicate freer and easier with contractors and experts.
Consider the Essentials
Plenty of people focus on the design and aesthetic of a kitchen before functionality, which is more common than you may think! When setting up a kitchen extension, you are going to need to think about the essentials.
You may already have some of the essential fixtures and fittings in place, but you may want to bring in more essential systems and services!
You should also think carefully about how to accommodate the essential features you already have. Some of the features and fittings to keep in focus may be:
- White goods (such as dishwashers, fridges and freezers)
- Ovens, cookers and grill units
- Worktops and islands (where appropriate)
- Sinks, drainers and plumbing
- Ventilation and extraction units
- Dining and breakfast areas
- Food storage – cupboards and cabinets
- Kitchenware storage – drawers, cupboards and other units
- Under-sink storage
Kitchens are always going to vary in terms of size, function and look. Therefore, do be prepared to remove items or add items to the above list.
Questions to Ask Yourself
When setting up any kind of kitchen extension, there are of course going to be a few concerns you should cover before you start.
- Where are you going to place your extension? Will you extend into the garden, or onto a patio?
- Will you create an open-plan look that blends into your living room or dining area?
- Will you create an extension purely for utilities and laundry?
- Do you want an outer run of worktops, or do you prefer floating islands
- Will you redesign the whole look of your kitchen? Alternatively, will your extension blend into your current look?
- How many new appliances will you need?
- Will you need to rethink your electricity and plumbing?
- Do you need permission to extend your property? Have you contacted the relevant local authorities?
- Will you need additional storage solutions?
Budgeting for a Kitchen Extension
Budgeting for any kind of kitchen extension isn’t always an exact science. However, it helps to consider what is likely to contribute to the overall cost of your long-term plan. Again, a kitchen extensions designer will be able to help you with this.
Common factors which affect extension budgeting include labour costs, any time you need to take off work, and the materials used. However, kitchens are often a little bit different. That’s because there tend to be more appliances in this room than elsewhere in the home.
You will need to budget for plumbing and electrical provision. You’ll also need to consider glazing options, as well as storage. As one of the most commonly used rooms in the home, investing in the aesthetic, too, is crucial.
Modern Kitchen Extension Options to Consider
Today’s kitchen treads a fine line between being practical and stunning in equal measure. While you may consider extending a kitchen to a simple design, you may wish to consider a few modern twists.
Here are a few intriguing modern kitchen design ideas which could benefit you:
- Enhanced wall storage. Making the most of vertical space is the best way to cut down on clutter and crowding on worktops and in lower cupboards.
- Open plan living. Some modern kitchens open up into lounges and living areas. Others incorporate conservatories and dining rooms.
- Kick plate storage. A great way to increase the amount of storage available in your kitchen is to install below your cabinets. This is, again, making the most of the space that otherwise gets wasted.
- Multi-function design. Many kitchens are used as homework areas and work spaces! Why not consider creating unique areas and spaces in your kitchen for these needs?
- Walk-in pantries. Cupboards and cabinets are great for storing food and kitchenware. However, a walk-in cupboard could prove to be hugely convenient.
- Extra organisation. Why not consider areas of your kitchen where you can store mail or organise your schedule?
- Under-floor zones and rooms. Do you have space beneath your kitchen floor? You could create small alcoves or walk-in spaces to store wine, kitchenware and more besides.
You should also think carefully about the place your kitchen actually has in your home. Here are a few more potential concepts to keep in mind.
How Will Your Kitchen Tie In?
It’s simple to think that your kitchen is its own self-contained space. In fact, it has a huge bearing on the rest of your property.
- Once again, open plan living may help in this regard. That could help you to interact with people in other areas of your home.
- You may also wish to bring the outside in! Will it benefit you to have specific growing bays and zones for herbs and spices? It may be worth promoting natural light.
- It may also be worth considering setting up a bespoke BBQ space or to blend in with an outdoor kitchen. That may be beneficial during warmer months, as well as for entertaining.
- You should also consider theming and tying your kitchen in with the colours and styles of other rooms in your home. It makes sense to try and compliment your space with the overall look of the rest of the property.
- You may also wish to consider blending a laundry room into your kitchen. You could extend your pantry space, too, to incorporate laundry and storage room facilities.
- What’s more, sharing your kitchen space with a nearby bathroom may help with efficiency in plumbing. Why not share gas and water piping?
Consider Multi-Tasking
Of course, a kitchen is a space likely to demand much from you. Why not consider setting up a fully-fledged multi-tasking space? To save on the amount of room you have available, you could blend your kitchen into a specific breakfast zone.
Alternatively, consider a walkthrough kitchen. These spaces will double as thoroughfares as well as functional kitchen zones. You need to think carefully about what is likely to cut downtime, effort and hassle for you.
Why Consider Approaching a Professional for Help?
It’s safe to say that, while your kitchen is likely to be a popular space, it can be complicated. If you manage your project on your own, you will need to plan very carefully. Are you going to need to use your kitchen during development? Have you put plans in place for plumbing and electricity?
There are no reasons why you can’t bring your ideal kitchen design to life. However, it can sometimes be difficult to plan for functionality alongside your perfect design. Therefore, approaching a kitchen design professional will help give you critical insight.
Setting Up a Kitchen Extension
Setting up a kitchen extension can be a lot of fun. It’s great to see a dream kitchen space come to life! However, extending your kitchen is also going to require work and commitment. There are no good reasons to handle it on your own.
Want to know more about modern home design and extension? Contact Bayside Extensions now for a free quote and access to local companies who can support you.
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