Already own a beautiful house? As time goes by and situations change, you may find that you need more from the house that you live in. And you might find yourself looking for more space or what is known as a house extension.
Any change to the structure of the house that increases the availability of space is called a house extension. There are different types of house extensions and various house extension designs out there. Single and double-storey extensions, conservatories, orangeries, rear extensions, wrap-around and side-return extensions are among the most popular home interior designs for extensions. At times, kitchens, dining areas and living rooms are extended in this fashion, too. House extension designs also include loft conversions and garage remodelling are renovations.
House extension designs come into play when we either need to increase space for functionality or we want to include elements of the outdoors in the sheltered space we call home.
House extensions are carried out by a contractor or directly by a construction company. Either way, extensions usually call for detailed planning including drawing up layouts and preparing detailed material specifications.
House extension designs can also add style and glamour to a home and also improve the quality of life. It can create an additional space that you could use for entertaining guests or just rest.
Read on to find some interesting and beautiful house extension design ideas to get inspired by. We also point out some important factors for you to consider and watch out for when planning your house extension.
House Extension Ideas to Get Inspired
1. Glazing all the way – a contrasting and contemporary house extension
In the image above, we can see a building with a sunshine-filled extension of a living or lounging room made for relaxing and enjoying the summer breeze. This house extension design comprises an entire structure that is made of clear glass surfaces. The structure is supported by interlocking beams and it does the job of a sunroom.
It has a clear contrast with the original structure of the house and stands out as an extension.
The image will give you the clearest idea of what the simplest house extension designs look like. The house extension designs that follow will have a little more variation in style and other details.
2. Building separate single or double-storeyed extensions and connecting passageways: practical house extension design
This beautiful house extension design includes a glass corridor and lounge that connects an old house to its new single-storeyed wing on the other side. The secondary structure can sometimes form an annexe, which is a living space that is connected to the main house but yet independent of it.
The secondary structure can sometimes be built to serve purposes such as enjoying the sunshine while indoors and feeling more connected with nature. It can also be used for utility and storage purposes. Such a house extension design features a glass corridor to sit in with a cup of tea on a rainy day or even enjoy some sunshine on a summer day.
3. Of conservatories and more: house extension designs you will love
This beautifully-framed, well-lit house extension design is pretty much open to the sky and forms the perfect extension to a home in good weather conditions. The pitched glass roof and huge glass walls are what make it a conservatory. Usually, such spaces are constructed so that we can step out of the house for a while and view the surroundings outside, which in many cases is our own garden.
Conservatories are very popular in holiday homes and are not very complicated to build. They are trending currently in house extension designs and can be made to the size required as per the size of the house and the extension space available. Our suggestion is to build a conservatory that offers a good view or lets in the right amount of sunlight.
4. Extending cosy kitchen and dining areas
Don’t we all love comfortable outdoor dining? Extending your kitchen and dining areas is one of the most popular house extension design ideas to implement today. In the image above, a partial glass structure has been built extending from the main building structure to create a dining area with a view and allow a lot of sunlight in during the day. Closely connected to the rest of the house, such a house extension design gives you a space that lets you enjoy the outdoors and the warmth of your home at the same time. It should be cool in the summer and stay warm in the winter season.
5. Converting a porch into a dining area: space-saving house extension design
Similar to the popular decorative window seat, converting a porch into a dining area is another house extension design to use a porch area, rear steps or even a balcony. The ground area is already built. The balcony sides can be covered up with glass windows, therefore bringing in a lot of natural light.
A beautiful, radiant dining space like this can open up and brighten your entire kitchen and dining areas. Try out this house extension design idea to liven and brighten up your living space without having to break any ground.
6. An orangery at its best: the perfect house extension design
Orangeries have their own charm. This image shows you the small glass panes or skylights present on the roof to let in sunlight. Complete with glazed windows, lounge furniture, sliding doors and windows, this place lets you relax at home and enjoy some sunlight. Another benefit is that the orangery will not block out the light that goes to adjacent rooms.
Choose this house extension design if you do not need too much natural light in your space and want a little more privacy than what you get with a conservatory-style extension.
7. Struggling to find space? Small is good too
A challenge many people face with their homes is a shortage of living space. Convert an existing porch or balcony into an extended seat in your living room or bedroom. This is an easy house extension design as the base already exists and it is only the walls and windows that need to be extended. Along with space-saving furniture, it creates a nice seating or lounging area to relax in or when you have guests over.
This is a great example of a small house extension design. As you can see, the space below the seat serves as a storage unit.
8. Pergolas and open-air extensions
Open-air lounges can be really fantastic for a home! Ever thought a space that was once a simple porch or backyard could look like what you see in this image? You can completely transform a space using conversions. They can make very useful and brilliant house extension design ideas. The home in the image has been converted into a super trendy and inviting lounge with tables and chairs to entertain guests or just enjoy dinner outdoors.
9. Bright and colourful dining areas make happy homes
Here’s another stunning kitchen extension. This house extension design idea is one that goes right into the garden! Mostly covered in glass so as to let more natural light in, this structure complements the kitchen perfectly as you now have easy access to the fragrant herbs in the garden that you can use to create flavourful dishes. Having a view of the garden also adds to the charm of this glazed kitchen extension.
10. Let a little light in: a bright house extension design idea
In some cases, a home may not have access to much sunlight. In this case, extending the structure to where it can draw in sunlight through glazing will allow for more light to enter and brighten your home. The bright décor seen in the image adds to the radiant ambience of the space. This house extension design idea is a great choice for those who have the extra ground space and have the right weather to use this space without too much rain.
11. Contemporary versus classic:
The house extension design seen in the image above has completely glazed surfaces and therefore lets in lots of natural light. The open-plan dining space in the extension lends a playful and cheery vibe to the house in general. This image shows how big a change an extension can bring even to simplistic house structures. Adding contemporary extensions to old houses can also really add a lot of charm.
The Perfect House Extension Design For You!
In summary, house extension design ideas are best if they are executed and construction begins after meticulous planning. There are a few important questions to ask yourself before you make your decision on what kind of extension you want for your home. What will you use the new space for? Is it practical in the long run in terms of the value you will get from that space over time? What is the budget you are looking at? Are there several areas you want to extend at the same time or over an extended period? What are the positives and negatives of each extension you might consider getting?
When you find answers to these questions, you can then rely on professionals to help you execute your plan, such as the friendly interior design experts on the HomeLane team. We would love to help you make your home look spectacular.
If you’re looking for other home interior design tips or specific information such as living room design ideas or space-saving furniture ideas, visit the HomeLane blog today!
FAQs
1. Can you design your own house extension?
The answer is yes, you certainly can design your own house extension. However, you will need an architect to make a layout for you in order to get the required permissions from the authorities or to even begin construction. You can share your ideas or a rough sketch with the architect so they can convert this into the technical drawings that are needed.
Many things may change even after you get your original drawing from an architect so you could choose to consult one at length until your extension work is complete.
Please ensure you check with your local authorities as to what levels, sizes and types of extensions require written permission from them and which ones are permitted without any prior notice.
2. What are the different types of house extensions?
Side, rear, side-return, single and double-storey extensions are the most widely used types of house extensions by definition of the ground they cover and how many storeys they feature. A side extension runs along and covers the side of the house while a rear extension covers the full or parts of the rear of the house.
Side-return extensions cover both one side and either the front or rear, forming an L-shape around your house structure. Single-storey extensions could be any of the three types mentioned above and feature a single-storey. Double-storeys are similar but feature two storeys.
3. How do you extend a small house?
Look for ways to connect the kitchen to the outdoors or to link the dining area to an adjacent open space. Try and build a loft extension that could be used as a guest bedroom or even just for storage. Many people also convert their garages into living or storage spaces.
The front porch can also be opened up and you can add a conservatory as an extension to increase space. You could also try enclosing balconies or the backyard. A terrace can also be converted into a dining area by creating an enclosure such as a conservatory.
4. Can I extend my house to the side?
Yes, you can extend your house to the side provided you have the space and regulatory permissions to do so. You must consider the benefits you are looking to derive from the house extension. An interior designer can help you make choices in matters like these. You can consult an architect for technical advice and to understand the practical side of things. Once you get more knowledge on that front, your house extension decision will become easier.
There are also permissions to consider for every kind of house extension. This is something that you can find out by contacting your local authorities. Usually, a hired contractor or consultant can help you in these matters and even obtain the necessary permissions on your behalf.
5. Do extensions increase house value?
Yes, extensions can increase the value of a house. When you create a house extension, you are indirectly adding living, and therefore, sellable space. This space could be an interior living area such as a loft or an annexe, which is an additional structure connected to the main building. These additional areas can serve many different purposes.
At times, the house extension may only offer you a space you can enjoy during the day, such as a playhouse. These spaces can stay closed off from the house at night. Sometimes the additional space gained from a house extension may be used for utility or storage purposes and not just living. That adds value as well.
Therefore, all extensions add to the overall built-up and livable space of a house and the experiences or activities available to enjoy while at home. They will invariably increase the value of your home.
6. What is house extension called?
Any extension that is made to the original or existing structure of the house is called a house extension. This can include only extending the flooring, like building an open dining patio outside the kitchen area, thus extending your kitchen and dining area.
Other extensions may include building a new structure itself called an Annexe, an entire outhouse that is linked to the main house through a walkway or a protected passageway.
At times, a house extension may include enclosing a balcony or verandah and making it a closed space that is part of the house and not open to sky or air.
An extension can also mean utilising a given space like a basement or attic and converting it from storage space to living space.
Front and rear porches can also be enclosed with glass to form Orangeries.
Finally, an entire additional floor can be added to your house, and that becomes a house extension as well.
