Kitchen extensions London architect guide
At GOAStudio London residential architecture, our award-winning practice has ample experience in transforming kitchens across London. Whether you’re looking to maintain traditional London build features, or add a contemporary twist on a classic design, we can make your vision a reality.
Designing the ideal kitchen extension with the help of your expert London kitchen extension architect
The traditional kitchen is no more. With our current fast-paced lifestyle, a kitchen area needs to be multi-layered and it has to offer so much more functionality than simply a place to cook and store food.
A kitchen may be a place for the family to gather, it may be a space to unwind and relax after a hard day, the room where you can switch off and focus on your hobbies, it may be the life and soul of the party. Whatever you want your kitchen to be, it is likely that it needs to become a multi-functional space and this is why kitchen extension design is something to be best considered with the help of an expert kitchen extension architect.
Increase the potential of your home
The right kitchen extension can dramatically change your home for the better.
A kitchen extension does not need to be big to force you to rethink the way you want to live and how you can better enjoy your home.
And this re-think is a key part of the design development stage we will go through with you before we make decisions on what is right for you and what is right for the property as well.
A kitchen extension creates allows the potential to open up the layout of your home and to create much more enjoyable and inviting spaces for you, for your family, and friends.
Getting started: Kitchen design inspiration
Whether you’re considering a kitchen renovation or extending your home, the first consideration should be how you want to use the space. Simply making your kitchen larger will not help to improve your home, unless you know how to make the space work better for you.
It can help to spend some time determining how you interact with the kitchen. Is it a place of refuge, a gateway to your outdoor space or a busy, bustling hub of the home? Does it blend seamlessly with the other rooms of the home, does it have distinct zones, or does everything seem to collide in one space?
There are lots of aspects that you can incorporate into your kitchen design. Knowing what the non-negotiables and the nice-to-have elements are can really help you when searching for kitchen design inspiration.
Aspects you may need to consider include the following:
- More space for cooking
- A dining area
- A kitchen island or breakfast bar
- Seating areas
- Smart technology and appliances
- A link to the garden
- A feeling of outdoor living
- More natural light
- Increased space with extra height
- Improved accessibility
- Seamless integration with other rooms of the house
- Open plan, zonal layout or defined and enclosed.
As soon as you had a chance to think what you need from your new kitchen space you can contact us and we will help you start on this journey. In the meantime you can look for inspiration and ideas and we will shape your requiremens in design options for us to explore and develop further.
Kitchen extensions London architect guide – advice and inspiration
The right kitchen will be a space that could transform over time, yet still offer the level of functionality and flexibility that you need.
Your needs and requirements are likely to change over time. For example, the play area may become office space, or a utility room may become a downstairs bathroom. Of course, you do not want to re-extend your home every time your requirements alter, which is why getting the extension design just right the first time is so crucial.
Having an architect designed kitchen extension can be so important to make sure your space meets your needs now and in the future.
This is exactly where the value is in appointing a chartered architect for your home extension project.
Architects know that a kitchen extension means more than simply having a bigger space. They understand the workings of home and how to create comfortable and liveable spaces, they know that the personality of its occupants is always eflected in how a home functions, and they know everything there is to know on a range of construction, planning and technical matters.
With an architect supporting your kitchen extension project you do not have to worry about the practicalities of a building extension, but you can focus on making your space be better designed to suit your lifestyle. Yes, you will have more space, but you will also be making the most of your existing space to create a home that is much more versatile and built to reflect your personality, circumstances and requirements.
How can a kitchen extension architect help you design your kitchen?
As well as being able to see the bigger picture and longer-term plan for your property, a kitchen extension expert architect can take into account all of the aspects of designing, planning and tendering the works for an extension.
An architect will cover all considerations such as:
- The client brief and their long-term needs
- The budget and potential added value to the property
- Planning applications and permissions
- Quality, adaptability and longevity of the build
- Relevant design inspiration
- The flexibility and transitional elements of the design
- Its functionality, smart capabilities and integrated technologies
- Lighting, ventilation and heating
- Kitchen cabinetry and furniture.
An architect experienced in kitchen extension design will have many valuable contacts in the industry. This can help you to source the right contractors and the right products and solutions for your home. An architect can not only help you to get started with the design but can offer the expertise that will carry through the whole home extension project.
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas - Enhancing the character of your property with a kitchen extension
The period features or character of your home may provide some indication of how your kitchen extension can take shape.
You may want to remain true to its current style; or you may prefer a degree of artistic licence to help blend a contemporary style with the historic character of your home.
Remember, you do not have to lose character by adapting the space. If your Victorian terrace feels like it lacks in light and space, then a careful introduction of glazing can offer the freshness and lightness you’re looking for. At the same time, subtly retaining key features and making sure that any new spaces match the geometry, shape and proportions of other rooms in your property would maintain a sense of balance as you transition between the old and the new parts of the house.
Similarly, sometimes the layout of your home might be such that any new kitchen extension will appear as an afterthought and it will clash with the rest of your house in terms of circulation and placing. In this case a kitchen extension might not be what you need and it may make more sense to move the kitchen somewhere else in the house and remodell the existing layout accordingly.
There are ripple effects when you add a space in a layout that already functions in a particular way.
Many homeowners limit their design ideas based on the original purpose of the room. However, a kitchen extension expert architect will be able to reimagine the space, switch rooms around and the kitchen extension may still happen, but not quite where you expected it while still retaining the heritage character of your property.
With our design expertise here at GOAStudio London residential architecture limited, and an extensive portfolio to draw inspiration from, we can offer solutions that many homeowners would not think possible.
Kitchen extensions London architect guide – Ideas and Types
When it comes to kitchen extension designs the opportunities really are endless, especially when you consider that you may be able to move your kitchen somewhere else in the property rather to the new extension. However for many properties, kitchen extension types typically fall into some of these most popular categories:
Kitchen/Conservatory
For kitchens that struggle with natural light, then a glass extension, complete with large windows, French doors and a glass roof can help to flood the space with natural light. It can create a space full of natural energy and calm. With this type of kitchen extension, your kitchen will change in response to the sky. From the brightness of a breakfast room to the sunset glow over supper; your space offers a different feel throughout the day and throughout the seasons too.
This type of kitchen extension can be ideal for kitchens that are multi-functional, such as being a busy space in the morning, doubling up as a work from home space in the day to having relaxed family meals in the evening.
Side Extension
This type of extension is ideal for making the most of underutilised space where an alley might have been while not compromising on garden space. A side extension may only be a few feet but can really make all the difference to the space of the kitchen and its uses.
Wraparound Extensions
These extensions incorporate both available side space and rear space to expand your interior living environment. With these, skylight windows and roof wells are common for the side return aspect of the extension. The rear extension will make the most of strategic lighting, windows, and doors to create the perfect ambience. With wraparound extensions, they offer incredible flexibility and a great deal of space; they are perfect for a show-stopping design.
Flat Extensions
Many flat owners believe their extension plans are limited. However, there can often be many solutions for how to remodel and adapt the property while respecting the character and nature of the property. For ground floor flats, the easiest option may be to extend to the rear of the property. However, there are several different ways you can achieve a kitchen extension, even if you believe your existing space is limited.
Kitchen/Diner Extension
This is a popular option for those who are looking to integrate their kitchen and dining room into a more open-plan solution. With this type of extension, you can increase the functionality of the kitchen with more space for cooking, but also create an inviting entertaining space that can bring everyone together.
Double Height Extensions
As well as a two-storey extension which may be beneficial if your home requires more space, a double height extension will give you much more vertical space to play with. As well as a light and airy feel, you can also increase the natural light of the space and be able to capitalise on inventive storage options and stylish features thanks to the benefits of having a high ceiling.
Victorian Kitchen Extensions
Many properties in London are rich in Victorian features. Understandably, many people want to respect the character. However, they also create a space that works better for the modern lifestyle. An architect can help to create a kitchen extension that respects its age and character and can either be sympathetic to the design or juxtapose the traditional element while still maintain a sense of harmony.
Kitchen extensions London architect guide: Time to transform your living space
If you have just moved to a new home or you are ready to tailor your home around your lifestyle, then the kitchen is the ideal place to start. Being the hub and heart of your home means that it can influence all of your other spaces and provide the functionality and comfort that your home needs.
At GOA Studio London residential architecture limited, we have ample experience in transforming kitchens across London. Whether you’re looking to introduce traditional London build features, or add a contemporary twist on a heritage property, we can make your vision a reality.
We hope this guide has put you on the right path, it showcased of different design elements to consider, and summarised certain extension styles and features that you could include into your space.
Please explore our portfolio to find more kitchen extension design ideas and to get an insight into how we work and the transformations we can make happen.
And of course, Contact us to find a kitchen extension architect; start with a chat and tell us what your requirements are.
BOROUGH SPECIFIC ARCHITECT AND PLANNING GUIDES FOR YOUR HOME PROJECT
Your local Council will have in place design and planning requirements for your home project and you will need to obtain planning approval for a wide range of extensions and alterations to your property.
When you get in touch we will offer you detailed advice about what is likely that your Council will approve and in the meantime we have prepared the following architectural and planning guides that include extracts of the relevant planning policy and examples of our projects in our Borough.
Barnet residential architect and planning guide, Camden residential architect and planning guide, Enfield residential architect and planning guide, Hackney residential architect and planning guide, Hammersmith Fulham residential architect and planning guide, Haringey residential architect and planning guide, Hounslow residential architect and planning guide, Islington residential architect and planning guide, Kensington and Chelsea Conservation architects, residential and planning guide, Lambeth residential architect and planning guide, Lewisham residential architect and planning guide, Newham residential architect and planning guide, Redbridge residential architect and planning guide, Richmond residential architect and planning guide, Tower Hamlets residential architect and planning guide, Waltham Forest residential architect and planning guide, Wandsworth residential architect and planning guide, Westminster residential architect and planning guide
HOME DESIGN
See our guides for ideas, inspiration and architectural advice for your home project.
Side extensions London residential guide, Rear extensions London residential guide, Kitchen extensions London residential guide, Roof extensions London residential guide, Residential renovations London guide, Mansard roof extensions London residential guide, Contemporary extensions London residential guide, Flat extensions London residential guide, Garden flat extensions London residential guide, House extensions London residential guide
Also see our latest Conservation area architects - London architectural and heritage guide and Listed Building architects - London architectural and heritage guide.
We have prepared a guide on the type of Architectural plans you will need for your home project, and another guide for Terraced house extension plans that includes advice on detached and semi-detached properties as well.
