Extensions are a fantastic way of adding new space to your home, In this article, We’ll show you how to design your home extension to add space, comfort, and value to your home, with examples of inspiring home extension plans and why they work so well. We’ll also cover the fundamentals of home extension design, the role of architects, and some of the inherent complexities.(Keep Reading For Inspiration!)
The right layout setup will make your home extension look like it’s always been there. High quality design adds value to your property and makes your home a great place to live.
TYPES OF HOUSE EXTENSIONS
Finding the best home extension setup for you and your family can be tricky and will depend on the spatial limitations of your extension. First, let’s review the different types of extensions:
- BASEMENT EXTENSIONS: Creating a space under your home, usually to provide entertainment or additional spaces to your home. This will add an additional floor to your house.
- REAR EXTENSIONS: At the rear of your property, single or double storey in height.
- SIDE EXTENSIONS: On the side of your property, one or two storeys high.
- TWO-STOREY REAR AND SIDE EXTENSIONS: Addition of rooms on the first floor as well as on the ground floor, either to the side or to the rear.
- WRAP-AROUND EXTENSIONS: On the side and back of your property, usually on one level.
- DORMER ATTIC EXTENSIONS: Extension of the rear slope of the roof in the form of a box.
- HIP-TO-GABLE TYPE LOFT EXTENSIONS: Changed the entire roof type to get a larger internal space and convert it to living space.
- MANSART-STYLE EXTENSIONS: Creation of additional space by modifying the rear slope of the roof and transforming it into living space.
- ADDITIONAL FLOOR EXTENSIONS: Adding an entire floor to your property. It also means raising the height of the roof an additional storey.
YOUR HOUSE EXTENSION PROJECT
Before deciding on what type of home extension you want, it’s a good idea to think about what your home is missing. Here are seven questions to get you started:
- Do you need a more open living space for the family?
- Do you need additional bedrooms and a laundry room?
- Do you need extra space for the bathroom?
- Do you want a master bedroom in the attic?
- Do you need an office or a workspace?
- Do you want brighter spaces with more natural light?
- Do you want spaces to be more easily accessible?
After determining what you need, you should be able to determine what type of extension you want and start designing your plan.
WHY IS THE LAYOUT OF A HOUSE EXTENSION SO IMPORTANT?
The layout of a house extension should always be designed according to your lifestyle. Families generally need a large open living and dining area, with an additional downstairs toilet and utility room. Sometimes an extra bedroom or office can improve your lifestyle.
Interior decoration and furnishings go hand in hand. Deciding what you like and how it fits into your property will change the whole space.
Below are a few layouts designed by our team, each corresponding to one of the seven questions mentioned above (names are fictitious). They should give you some ideas for extension and inspiration.
PLANNING THE LAYOUT OF YOUR HOME EXTENSION
An architect will help you through the planning stages and help you conceptualize the extension taking into account the interior design as well as the exterior.
A quality architect will recommend building materials and consider the use of light and space to develop an extension that will improve your quality of life. A house extension doesn’t come cheap, so you should look for cost-effective solutions.
The good news is that a well thought out and effectively implemented extension creates a home with a wow factor! Precise planning from the early stages helps to create an ideal home.
RESOLVING HOUSE EXTENSION ISSUES
A knowledgeable architect can help you solve difficult problems that seem unsolved. Many French houses were built over 100 years ago and do not correspond to contemporary lifestyles. People now like the kitchen to be the focal point of their home and want a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
With the right home extension and interior design, your new addition will look like it’s always been there.
Think about what your ideal outcome looks like before submitting a planning request. A reputable architect will help you think about it:
- How the extension fits into your existing home
- The extra space you are going to create
- What to do with the original space
- The look and feel of the house.
- A strategic approach to design will help you create spacious and stylish results.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR THE LAYOUT OF A HOUSE EXTENSION
Architects can guide you through the design process and interior designers follow best practice principles to ensure high quality. Both will spend a considerable amount of time figuring out how best to get the most out of your home.
Here are the 5 tips that will allow you to quickly achieve the same effect:
Balance
Balance in a room creates harmony and comfort. Allowing for symmetry, your extension will look as though it has been professionally assembled. You can either use:
- The symmetrical balance where each half of the room reflects the other.
- The asymmetrical balance, which gives a more relaxed impression.
- Radial symmetry, where similar elements radiate from a central point.
- A balanced room will be elegant and well-designed.
Light
The feeling of light is by far the most important principle when it comes to interior design for an extension of a house. People are deeply affected by light, it can be traced back to when our ancestors lived in caves, but we generally look for homes that are bright and bright. If you lack natural light, consider using strategically placed tonal bulbs to enhance the natural ambience.
Central point
Set a focal point to generate interest and attention. A unique point of interest such as a fireplace, flat screen TV, or quirky piece of furniture adds purpose and a sense of ease and familiarity.
Rhythm
The rhythm of a piece is difficult to define, but it is impressive when it is well defined. A specific color and texture palette can help establish a pattern and rhythmic flow that encourages people to relax and spend time in the space. An unloved and underused extension is a waste of your money and resources.
Details
Attention to detail is the perfect finishing touch. Tonal color palettes with pops of contrast and an array of plush, textured fabrics reinforce both design and impact. Taking the time to choose a harmonious aesthetic will be worth it when you get the desired result.
HOW IT ALL FITS TOGETHER
As architects, they were trained in a variety of areas to help you keep the big picture so that your home looks like a cohesive, synergistic space, not a series of unrelated rooms.
When you build an extension, you run the risk of it being underused. But this is not necessarily the case. By connecting the era and style of your existing home with the new extension, your design can result in a cohesive layout of the extension with harmonious color combinations, furniture and wall coverings.
An extension may make you consider redecorating or renovating the rest of your home. But it’s best to wait until the new expansion is complete to get a feel for how the spaces fit together before making any important decisions.
Choosing the right architect to create the interior of your home extension will pay you dividends in the years to come by improving your sense of comfort and peace.
TO DO THINGS WELL
It is a good idea to always take the interior and exterior of your home into consideration, as you will be living in it for many years to come. Also, when the time comes to sell, your extension will increase the value of your home. So by getting a good interior design for your home extension you increase your lifestyle and the value of your property, but if you get it wrong you risk losing potential buyers and making your space less comfortable.
While there is no single formula for achieving the best fit, our expertise and experience will help you create the best extension layout by designing a room that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. Your home is your sanctuary where you can relax and get away from it all, so choosing the perfect design for you is important.
This article was written in-partnership with Its Architecture 365.
