One of my dreams is to have a large kitchen big enough for entertaining in. At the moment, we have a kitchen diner but there’s no room for a sofa area. I’d love to have space to relax in the kitchen for when we have friends and family over and are making food. At the moment, the living room is separate from the kitchen so it can be quite isolating, especially during holidays like Christmas when one of us is making dinner in a separate room from the rest of the family.
Many people are putting a kitchen extension on the back of their homes to make this dream a reality. So let’s look at how to create the perfect kitchen extension!
Planning Your Kitchen Extension
The exciting part of an extension is planning how to make your dream kitchen entertainment space come true!
Different floor levels
Designing various floor heights in your kitchen extension is a great way to create zones – for example, you could have your area with seating at a different height from the rest of the room. However, you need to consider if this would be friendly for children (could be a trip hazard or a pain if they use ride-on toys!) and it may limit how you can use the space if you wish to change things around in the future.
Conservatory or orangery addition
Rather than opting for a full extension, a conservatory or orangery can be a cheaper way to expand your home and you may be able to build one without planning permission. These types of extensions are brilliant in the sunnier months, bringing loads of light and warmth into your space.
Though they can be really cold during the winter, depending on what type of roof and insulation you invest in – something to consider if you wish to use the space year-round.
Create a multi-purpose space
Think about designing a multi-purpose space in your kitchen extension – it’s all about making the most of every inch. You want a place that’s not just for cooking, but also where you can host, relax, and even work. Think about how you can add movable furniture or things like fold-down tables for use when needed. Clever storage solutions are a must here! Cabinets that reach up to the ceiling, or even an office space that folds up into a cupboard unit is great if you work from home.
Make an island the focal point
A kitchen island can be a great focal point for your kitchen and will allow people to congregate comfortably, whether assisting with food preparation or simply sipping coffee in conversation. I love kitchen islands that have feature lighting above them to tie it all together.
Roof profiles
The right roof can make a big difference in your kitchen extension. Flat, pitched, and conservatory roofs each bring something special to the table. A flat roof is sleek and modern, perfect for a contemporary look. It also opens up possibilities for roof lights, inviting more natural light into your space.
Pitched roofs add character with their classic style. They work well if you’re aiming to blend the extension with the original structure of your home. For those who love an open, airy vibe, conservatory roofs are ideal.
Use glass for natural light
Glass doors and big windows are my preferred choice for bringing sunshine into a kitchen extension. I love skylights too for keeping the space light and airy!
Comfortable seating
Comfortable seating really is a must, whether you opt for two armchairs with a coffee table between to create an intimate space for small gatherings or a large corner sofa with space for all – the seating will make all the difference when it comes to making the space an entertainment area. Make it cosy and inviting so you naturally want to spend time there.
What would be your key features in an entertaining space?