Do you think you can do more with your kitchen?

It happens. What may have been the perfect room to live in a few years ago might not be as ideal as it once was.

Perhaps the kids have grown up and things are starting to feel a bit cramped?

Perhaps you want to entertain more and have your family and friends around in comfort and style?

This is why you need kitchen extension ideas!

Planning a kitchen extension is a lot to undertake and requires a lot of thought and consideration before it can be given the green light, but there are many reasons as to why one may be the best thing for you and your family. A spacious kitchen becomes the heart of the home, a place where family gathers and memories are made.

Here at Kitchen Warehouse, we thought we would share some of these kitchen extension ideas with our loyal customer base. Many homeowners may simply want to add more space and functionality to their kitchens, making extensions a popular choice.

Now you can consider if any of these options could enhance the look of your kitchen and start designing a kitchen extension.

kitchen extension layout

How to plan a kitchen?

Having a detailed plan in place is paramount when considering a kitchen extension, guiding you through each phase. We answer all of your questions that require you to fully plan your new kitchen from start to finish. Let’s go!

How much should you spend on a kitchen extension?

Before we delve straight into some kitchen extension ideas, let’s first discuss some aspects you are going to have to think about before you take the plunge.

Naturally, it’s always wise to be sensible with your finances. Understanding the cost breakdown of a kitchen extension ensures there are no surprises and helps in budget allocation.

Effective and realistic budgeting will let you know what you can and can’t achieve with your kitchen extension ideas.

How much does a kitchen extension cost?

With so many variables to potentially consider, there is no simple answer to this question.

Similar to the old classic, “How long is a piece of string?” the truth is, you can spend as little or as much as you like on a kitchen extension.

Rather than starting out by calculating your kitchen extension cost, you should work backwards by first determining how much you want to spend before coming up with a kitchen extension plan. Setting a realistic budget for your kitchen extension ensures you get the best value without compromising on quality.

Here is when you can begin to explore the limitless options available and find something that fits your vision.

kitchen extension

What are the typical costs involved with a kitchen extension?

As a basic rule of thumb, a typical kitchen extension can cost anything from £1,000 to more than £3,000 per square metre.

A lot will depend on the materials you choose, the quality of the finish, and so on.

When budgeting for a kitchen extension, remember that you will also need to allow for the appliances, flooring, and fixtures to complete it.

kitchen extension cost typically encompasses the structural alterations only, as opposed to the finished kitchen and its content.

As a ‘safety net’ of sorts, it is also advisable to budget an extra 10% to 15% over your kitchen extension cost. This is simply to ensure you have a little extra available, in case you run into any unexpected costs or complications along the way.

This may seem cautious at first, but it is the best way to ensure that you have enough in the bank when you start work!

narrow kitchen extension

Do I need planning permission to build a kitchen extension?

All of this is well and good, but what happens if you need to fulfil planning permission requirements and building regulations?

Unfortunately, this is where things get slightly tricky, as you may or may not need planning permission to go about a kitchen extension.

Do I need to check with my local council?

When planning any project that alters the exterior shape or structure of your home, it is important to check with your local council whether or not a permit is needed.

Before getting started on your dream kitchen, take a walk down your street and note if any other properties have extensions similar to the one you have in mind. If so, it most likely indicates that you will be permitted to proceed with the project.

Why is it so important to check what you need to do?

If you fail to secure the planning permission you need and go ahead with your extension in any way, you may be ordered to tear it down and restore your property’s prior structure at your own expense.

And now the good news…

In recent years, the government has relaxed planning rules regarding extensions, which is great news if you want to create a brand new space for your kitchen.

The changes have given homeowners more flexibility to improve and increase the value of their homes.

Previously, without planning permission, you could add a single-storey extension of up to 3 metres in depth to an attached property and 4 metres to a detached house.

Now these measurements have been doubled. This gives you more freedom when it comes to your kitchen extension ideas in the UK.

What is permitted development?

In many cases, you can build a kitchen extension under what’s known as permitted development.

This allows you to carry out specific tasks that meet certain criteria. Under permitted development, the following rules apply:

  • You can extend a detached property by 8m to the rear if it’s a single-storey extension (6m for a semi or terraced house), or by 3m if it’s double
  • A single-storey extension can’t be higher than 4m on the ridge and the eaves, and ridge heights of any extension can’t be higher than the existing property
  • Two-storey extensions must not be closer than 7m to the rear boundary
  • Side extensions can only be single storey with a maximum height of 4m and a width no more than half of the original building
  • Any new extension must be built in the same or similar material to the existing dwelling
  • Extensions must not go forward of the building line of the original dwelling
  • In designated areas (such as areas of outstanding natural beauty, conservation areas, etc), side extensions require planning permission, and all rear extensions must be single storey
  • An extension must not result in more than half the garden being covered

It’s important to keep in mind that different rules may apply if you live in a conservation area, if your building is listed, or if you live within a national park.

light kitchen extension

Isn’t it true that most kitchen extensions are exempt from planning permission?

The vast majority of small to medium-sized kitchen extensions are exempt from planning permission. Even with this in mind, it is still a good idea to check with your local council first, rather than making assumptions. Even if the local authorities say you need to apply for permission, it is not a particularly painful or perplexing process.

Most extensions are likely to require building regulation approval. This means that your extension is checked and signed off to ensure it is safe, sound, and efficient.

It is also essential to have this done properly, as if you ever come to sell the house, your buyer will require a copy of the building regulation approval.

The inspector, who will come out from your local authority, will look at the flooring, foundations, ventilation, energy efficiency, doors, windows, drainage, electrics, external and internal walls and roof

Do I need an architect for my kitchen extension?

Technically speaking, it is possible to plan and go ahead with a kitchen extension without hiring an architect. If you hire an experienced local building contractor, they may provide an all-inclusive package where no additional architect input is required. Or if you have the knowledge and experience needed to design your own dream kitchen from scratch, go right ahead!

In most instances, however, planning your kitchen extension in meticulous detail with an experienced architect is advisable. You may have a definite vision in mind for your dream kitchen, but is it really suitable for your property? Perhaps there is an even better kitchen extension layout available that you have not yet considered.

Make sure that you think long and hard about which architect you wish to trust, as any misjudgements here may prove costly.

You could either be denied an extension that is perfectly feasible or realise that your plans won’t work out as anticipated when it’s too late.

Kitchen extension ideas to get you started

There are so many reasons why you may be considering a kitchen extension. On a practical level, it might just be that you fancy a new space – a large space.

Many extension ideas centre around designs for a new space that extends the existing dining space, meaning that the new dining area, as an open-plan space, can let in much more natural light.

Essentially, it means that your kitchen space can take on an entirely new dimension.

No longer simply a dining table in a dining space fit for a family, you have created a ground-floor entertainment space that feels almost as airy and light as a typical garden space.

Now your dining space can have a breakfast bar, a dining table, and much more!

A kitchen extension: Finally, enough space for all those appliances!

Gone are the days when the only appliances in the kitchen were the cooker, fridge, and washing machine. Modern living means gadget heaven – and virtually any appliance for pretty much every need.

But sometimes the challenge is where to put it all!

A kitchen extension could be the answer. Finally, with the room you crave, you now have the space to cook, relax, and unwind in a comfortable space, with all mod cons to hand.

From the conventional likes of cooking appliances to fridges and dishwashing and laundry options to contemporary and ingenious ways of making your life easier, such as coffee machines, warming drawers, or wine coolers, a kitchen extension can be the blank canvas on which you paint a picture of ideal family life.

To make things even more straightforward, Kitchen Warehouse is now an AEG Kitchen Studio Premier Partner.

What does this mean?

Well, basically, it means that we can offer in-house demonstrations in our Ripon showroom of a range of cutting-edge stainless steel appliances so that you can see how they might work for you in your own home.

Not only that, 5-year warranty cover is included across the whole AEG Premier Partner range.

AEG Premier Partner

Have I got enough space for a kitchen island?

One feature of modern kitchen design that becomes a genuine possibility if you extend the space is a kitchen island.

Islands are decidedly on-trend in both contemporary and traditional properties. They have a lifestyle choice for many homeowners as they enable you to make more efficient us of space. By creating more worktop and storage space, a kitchen island is a smart choice.§

What’s more a kitchen island is ideal for entertaining too.

Choose any colour you like

Another advantage of having the space that a kitchen extension gives you is that you have more options we your choice of colour. In a smaller space, darker colours – blues, greens and blacks, for example are really not wise choices.

Darker shades can be overpowering and oppressive in smaller kitchens. A large extension means that you can finally pull it off with darker shades.

Why not take a look at Handleless Matt Fir Green Kitchens or Matt Black units?

Kitchen extension layout ideas

A well-designed layout is the backbone of any kitchen extension, ensuring flow and maximising space. The key to success lies in prioritising the working triangle.

This means ensuring there is a clear and convenient path between your sink, fridge, and hob to allow free movement. Imagine lines drawn between these three points to form the shape of a triangle.

Ideally, no side of the triangle should be less than 1.2m or greater than 2.7m.

The sum of all the sides should be somewhere between 4m and 7.9m. Ensuring you have plenty of countertop space is also essential, as is avoiding the temptation to squeeze too much into every inch of available space.

If you are looking for some inspiration regarding the uses of your kitchen extension, then you have come to the right place.

You can use it to turn your kitchen into a fully functioning office, a great place to socialise, or simply refresh your kitchen space with pendant lighting or wall lights.

Kitchen office extension 

Perhaps you have made the permanent shift to working from home.

If so, you can look to build your new desk into a wall that can be knocked down, opening up your space for a more secure option in the future.

This will allow you to have a constant work desk without having to pack up if you want to eat food with the family.

A perfect place to socialise 

If you optimise your floor space, even with a small extension, you can make much more of an existing room.

A new extension adds more prep space and a larger family room at the same time.

Perhaps you can make your kitchen open plan if you have enough space, extending to the living space so you can feel in touch with the people in your home at all times.

Your new kitchen can be the ultimate family room and party space!

living room extension

Adding unique lighting 

Skylights are a great way of ensuring that natural daylight seeps through the ceiling to ensure that your kitchen area is bright and spacious, especially during the summer months.

Some hanging lights above your kitchen doors might also be a great alternative for those dark winter nights if you have a high ceiling.

With these lights, you have somewhat of a blank canvas and are afforded the opportunity to go as safe or as wild as you like!

Having your dream kitchen extension finally gives you the opportunity to create your dream space. From a roof lantern or roof lights to a vaulted ceiling or a pitched roof, a new kitchen diner extension or typical rear extension allows you to dream big.

But crucially, these dreams can come true!

How do I make the most of the space in my kitchen extension?

Let’s face it, the need for more space is the driving force behind all kitchen extension ideas. Of course, by their very nature, any ‘extension’ will deliver just that – more space.

However, there are some clever ways of making it feel like you have even more space than you actually do. Maximising space in your kitchen not only offers better movement but also opens up a myriad of storage possibilities.

One such approach is to allow the extension to seamlessly blend the inside and outside spaces.

Sliding doors opening from the kitchen to the garden are the ideal way to open up space. Having so much glass also gives you another clear advantage: maximum light. This will keep any space feeling light, open, and airy.

It’s a great way to maximise existing space.

There are so many ways you can create a focal point with an extension.

And there’s so much more you can do with all this extra space.

Why not finally treat yourself to a coffee machine or a wine cooler?

You may now have space for an integrated waste bin too.

Open-plan kitchen extension ideas

Open-plan kitchens are one of the most sought-after features of modern properties. This is hardly a surprise, considering the light and spacious designs they offer and the versatility they bring to the table.

Because of this, many kitchen extension ideas focus on converting the existing kitchen into a space for open-plan living.

Open-plan living is almost like bringing the feel of an outdoor space inside the four walls of your home. It brings in more natural light and that garden-like feel. It can transform your dining area.

Now, a breakfast bar, roof lights, or glazed doors all become realistic additions to maximise space with rear and side extensions.

Typically, an open-plan kitchen combines the kitchen and the dining area. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from incorporating a lounge setting into yours too.

Knocking a wall through is an obvious way to form an open-plan space. It’s also a great way to introduce plenty of natural light.

Why is glass so effective?

A contemporary glass extension is another great idea to consider.

If you want more natural light, this is a great way to flood your ground-floor dining area with it!

The importance of natural light should never be underestimated. It is, of course, particularly important with small kitchen extension ideas.

Glass is very effective at letting light in, and when you pair it with aluminium, the effect can be especially striking. It keeps the room awash with light and creates a contemporary feel.

Don’t forget the importance of storage

One thing that is sometimes forgotten with kitchen extensions is the importance of storage. Innovative storage solutions in a kitchen extension mean every utensil has its place, keeping clutter at bay.

Obviously, making the most of your valuable space is vital. However, there is more to your kitchen space – indeed any living space – than simply space.

Without adequate storage and well-chosen wall and base units, kitchen extensions can fail to meet expectations.

One thing you should have more space for with a new kitchen extension is storage. An open shelving section can be a great way of making storage both appealing and accessible.

With extra storage, you can spare yourself all those wasted moments searching for things in the bottom of drawers or at the back of kitchen cupboards.

Top tips for storage ideas

Keep frequently used items, from utensils to your favourite cookery books, on an open shelf so that things are close at hand. Your kitchen extension storage should be planned with care to ensure the best possible and most convenient experience on a daily basis.

If you have the space, it’s a great idea to store storage units and kitchen cabinets together in one space, rather than having them dotted about in a random fashion.

Get in touch with Kitchen Warehouse for more kitchen extension ideas?

Here at Kitchen Warehouse, we are on hand to offer the very best units online to help you add an excellent complement to your new kitchen extension.

We hope that we have given you some ideas about the best kitchen extension ideas that will help you create a fantastic space for modern living in your own home.

If you would like to ask us any questions regarding an extension project or kitchen extension costs, we are always on hand to help.

We can give you advice on how to create fabulously tall storage solutions and how to make the best use of wasted space.

Our range of products and stunning cabinet units can make all the difference in an open-plan layout and in all kitchen spaces.

Be sure to get in touch today.

About the Author

Kitchen Warehouse

A Family run business selling high quality kitchens directly to the public. Take a look at our main website to see full price lists or get in contact for help finding exactly what you need.

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