So you’re planning a kitchen extension?

It’s without doubt that the kitchen extension has been the most popular type of renovation to the home for several years now. This increased appetite for an extension of this important space has been fuelled by the trend for larger, open-plan kitchens. As the epicentre of the modern home, the kitchen must be given due consideration.

The kitchen is an area where a multitude of activities occur: cooking, eating, socialising, homework duties, relaxing and working. For this reason, layout is crucial. Creating the perfect space that caters for all of your needs can be made significantly easier with an extension. Opening up the space generates a myriad of design opportunities. In this post we will discuss the basic elements and requirements you will need to consider if you are planning a kitchen extension.

Types of extension

The first step is to think about the type of extension that is most suitable to your home and needs. There are a range of factors to take into consideration and the option you choose will depend heavily on the current layout and architecture of your home. Some of the most popular extensions are as follows:

• Extending into the garden is a highly popular option as homeowners attempt to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
• Knocking down walls internally is perfect for reconfiguring the space with minimal cost and disruption implications.
• Converting a garage and linking to the kitchen may be an option for people who want to make better use of a previously underused space that currently exists only for clutter.
• Utility spaces are an alternative option if you do not have an adjacent garage; there are many ways of making better use of this area and amalgamating with your kitchen.
• Basement extensions are increasingly popular in townhouses and open up an array of options for renovation.

Just remember that the kitchen should be easily accessible from the main hallway and not via another room. Whatever you decide to do, always check the planning permissions and seek appropriate building regulations approval. It may be a faff but it is crucial in order to avoid any problems further down the line.

Choose the right designers

You may be an interior design whizz in your spare time but it pays to consult high calibre kitchen designers for help with planning your kitchen extension. They will be able to advise on the best options for your own personal requirements. This should be a bespoke service that is tailored to the individual, not a blanket approach.

Be sure to give the designers a clear brief. The more information you can provide about what you want, the better they will be able to realise your vision and make it a reality. Generally, the best designs combine impressive functionality with beautiful aesthetics to create a fusion between the two. If you are uncertain about which designers to appoint, be sure to check out testimonials and try to gather recommendations from friends and family.

Other aspects to consider

There is so much to consider when planning a kitchen extension that it can seem overwhelming, leaving some aspects to get overlooked. Below we share some of our key recommendations to bear in mind. This is by no means an extensive list and a qualified designer will be able to expand on this:

• Leverage the use of natural light as much as possible and work out how to maximise it, whether via a glass extension, skylight or a simple change of layout.
• Plan your storage in line with your own personal needs and make sure that you don’t fall short of cupboard space or your kitchen will end up cluttered and chaotic.
• Consider which appliances will make your life easier and how they will be positioned in the kitchen; keep in mind tidiness and safety in the case of children.
• Think about adding a folding or sliding door to open up the space into the garden; this merging with nature and the outdoors is becoming increasingly popular.

Final say

Planning a kitchen extension is no mean feat and you will inevitably require the help of experienced designers and fitters. Here at Burnhill Kitchens, our kitchen designers are award-winning and highly experienced in a multitude of kitchen extensions.

Get in touch or request a brochure to find out how we can help bring your vision to life.