Side extensions are one of the most popular house improvements out there. They’re a great way to use up free space at the side of your houses, enhance natural light in the home and thanks to their relatively small size in comparison to some other extension options, they’re typically cheaper and take less time to construct. Side extensions are also hugely flexible so the world is your oyster when it comes to how to enjoy your new-found space. We explore some of our favourite ways to utilise side extensions in the home.
Expand your kitchen with a side extension
Creating more space with a side extension can hugely expand your kitchen and allows for the possibility of reimagining your entire layout to make it multi-functional and more open-plan. With more room to play with, you could transform the area into a kitchen/diner – an increasingly popular option as more people are opting to entertain at home. If you’re thinking of shaking up your kitchen design but you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide to stylish & practical kitchen layout ideas.
Make room for multi-functional space
The beauty of the extra space you’ll gain with a side return extension is that it can be for anything. Reflect on what you might benefit from adding to your home and consider how it might fit into your new patch. Here are just a couple of ways to consider playing with the space in your home:
Get snug
Create your very own hideaway haven in the comfort of your own home with a relaxing lounge area reserved for unwinding. Craft a supremely comfy seating situation – we love The Small Biggie sofa in Oatmeal from aptly-named Snug – and choose some comfy cushions that make it feel tailored to you. Light a good candle, open your book and get snug.
© SNUG - The Small Biggie Sofa
Play time
Having little ones running about can make any home feel smaller than it is so having the extra room offered by a side extension is a saving grace. Give your kids their very own playzone to enjoy, complete with a toy organiser to keep it nice and tidy.
Make connections
Before you embark on your side extension renovation journey, consider how you’d like your new project to look and feel in relation to the existing property or your garden. Would you like something that seamlessly blends with the character of your home as it is or would you like to introduce a bold contrast? We look at just a few considerations for how you might connect your new extension with your home:
Add glass doors to your side return extension
Building glass doors into your side extension is a functional and stylish way of connecting your home to your garden area. It’s also a great way to add more light to your home. If you’re struggling to decide which doors to choose, read this guide to picking the right doors for your extension.
Choose your materials wisely
We’re not just talking about selecting high-quality, durable materials for your side extension, we’re talking about aesthetics. Whether you want your exterior to match the rest of your house or make it stand out, finding out what look you’re going for is key. Browse Pinterest for ideas and book a free advice call with us to discuss your options.
Let the light in
Natural light is essential for our health and well-being, and can make a huge difference to the look and feel of a home – especially now that we spend nearly 90% of our time indoors. Here are some fantastic ways to enhance the natural light in your home with a side extension:
Choose a glass ceiling & walls
Build your side panel with large glass panes to optimise the amount of light that reaches into your property. There are a number of different side extensions that include glass so, before you embark on your project take a look through projects on Pinterest to get a feel for what style you like.
Install skylights
Installing a Skylight into your new side extension is a fantastic way of flooding extra light into your home. They come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that suits your home. Consider also adding a shutter or shade to block heat if the skylight is in a place which could receive direct sunlight during the summer months.
Choose bi-fold doors
These are one of the most popular door choices for kitchen extensions. They’re a sleek and stylish way to increase the light in your kitchen and a great option for maximising space. Take a deep dive into the pros and cons of bi-fold doors and see if they could be a good option for you.
There are many reasons why side return extensions are all the rage and, if we’re here to help answer any questions about them you may have.
Book a free advice call with one of our in-house Resi experts to learn more.
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