Planning a Kitchen Extension: Cost, Layout, and Key Tips
The kitchen is the part of the house where not only food is prepared but also family members spend time together. If your kitchen is small or does not have enough space, a kitchen extension can be a good option. A kitchen extension will not only give you more space but also a chance to organize the kitchen better. Apart from this, it can also give a new look and feel to your home. With the right planning and layout for your kitchen extension, you can create a space that meets all your needs.
Choosing the right layout, furniture and appliances is very important during a kitchen extension. You have to decide which essential elements to keep in the kitchen and where to place them. This not only makes the kitchen easier to work in, but also allows you to make better use of it.
When extending a kitchen, it is very important to make the best use of every corner. Even small changes can provide bigger space and better functionality. Whether you want an open plan kitchen or want to make some changes in the modern style, extensions give you better options.
Choosing the right material and technique for kitchen extension is also important while planning. This ensures that your kitchen extension not only looks beautiful but is also durable and useful for a long time. For a better and effective kitchen extension, you need to take care of smart design along with proper planning.
Choosing the right layout
The most important part of kitchen extension is the layout. A good layout makes your work easy and the kitchen organized. The most common layouts include “L-shape”, “U-shape” and “galley layout”.
L-shape layout
The L-shape layout is the most popular and practical. In this layout, two walls of the kitchen join together to form an L shape. With this layout, you can save empty space in the middle of the kitchen and use it for a dining table or bar counter. It is especially good for kitchens that require an open space. In the L-shape layout, you can arrange the storage and appliances in such a way that every part of the kitchen becomes useful.
U-Shape Layout
The U-shape layout is also a great option, especially for those who want more storage and counterspace. In this, kitchen appliances and counters are placed on three walls, so that everything in the kitchen is within your reach. This layout is ideal for large kitchens. In this layout, you can divide your work in an organized way, such as one place for cooking and another place for preparation.
Galley Layout
The galley layout is better for kitchens where the length is more and the width is less. In this layout, counters and appliances are placed on both the walls of the kitchen. This layout is suitable for small and long kitchens as everything is close to you, making the work quick and easy. The biggest advantage of the galley layout is that the kitchen can be used very efficiently.
Choosing the right material
Choosing the right material is also very important in kitchen extension. While selecting the material, you should keep in mind its durability, maintenance and appearance. This helps in maintaining both the beauty and durability of the kitchen.
Flooring Materials
For kitchen flooring, you should choose materials that are durable and easy to clean. Tiles, vinyl, and wooden flooring can be good choices. Tiles are not only water resistant, but are also easy to clean. Wooden flooring gives the home a natural and warm look, creating a cozy atmosphere in the kitchen.
Countertops
The material of the countertops is also important in kitchen extensions. Durable and beautiful materials like granite, marble, and quartz are great for kitchen countertops. These not only last long but also give the kitchen a stylish look. Choosing the right countertops can make your kitchen more functional and attractive.
Cabinets and Shelves
Choosing the right cabinets and shelves can keep the kitchen organized and neat. Wooden cabinets and shelves are durable and come in various colors and designs. You can customize them according to your need and kitchen layout. Using the right cabinets can enhance the look of the kitchen.
Natural light and ventilation
Natural light and ventilation are of great importance in a kitchen. A well-lit and ventilated kitchen not only makes work easier but also makes it more hygienic. It maintains a fresh and clean environment in the kitchen.
Right placement of windows
It is very important to have the right placement of windows in a kitchen extension. This allows natural light to enter the kitchen throughout the day and you have to use fewer lights. Windows also serve as a way for fresh air to enter the kitchen, which provides good ventilation in the kitchen. Large windows keep the kitchen open and full of light.
Glass doors
Using glass doors can also bring more light into the kitchen. This not only makes the kitchen look bigger but also brings in more natural light. If your kitchen has a garden or open space, glass doors can be a better option. Glass doors also make the kitchen look modern and attractive.
Vents and chimneys
By choosing the right vents and chimneys in a kitchen extension, you can keep the kitchen fresh and clean. Chimneys and vents allow smoke and cooking odours to escape from the kitchen, thereby improving ventilation in the kitchen. Proper ventilation helps in keeping the kitchen healthy and comfortable.
Storage Solutions
A good kitchen extension is not complete without proper storage solutions. Whether the kitchen is small or large, the right storage solutions help in keeping the kitchen organized and clean. Proper storage makes it easy to keep things organized in the kitchen.
Modular Cabinets
Modular cabinets are becoming very popular in modern kitchens. You can customize these cabinets according to your need and space. Modular cabinets are not only good for storage, but they also improve the look of the kitchen. With these cabinets, you can give a modern and organized look to the kitchen.
Sliding Drawers
Sliding drawers are a great option for small kitchens. They provide more storage in less space and allow you to make the most of every corner of the kitchen. You can easily store kitchen utensils, spices, and other essentials in sliding drawers. Using these drawers makes the kitchen even more functional.
Upper cabinets
Upper cabinets are great for storing things that you do not use on a daily basis. This keeps the essentials close at hand and also keeps the kitchen organized. You can keep storage jars, extra cookware, and other large items in the upper cabinets. These cabinets are a smart way to save space in the kitchen.
Right use of color and lighting
By using the right color and lighting, you can make the kitchen extension even more beautiful. This not only gives a new identity to the kitchen but also changes its ambiance. The right lighting and color combination makes the kitchen look more open and comfortable.
Choosing light colors
Choosing light colors in the kitchen extension makes the kitchen look bigger and cleaner. Colors like white, light gray, and beige bring a freshness and calmness to the kitchen. These colors can be used for kitchen walls, cabinets, and countertops. Light colors make the kitchen appear lighter.
Proper lighting
It is very important to have the right lighting in the kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting allows you to see the kitchen countertops better, while overhead lighting illuminates the entire kitchen area well. You can also highlight different parts of the kitchen by bringing variations in the lights. The right lighting makes the kitchen look livelier and more attractive.
Accent Lights
Using accent lights in the kitchen can make it look even more stylish. You can create a soft and smooth lighting in the kitchen by placing accent lights above the shelves or inside the cabinets. This creates a cozy and calm atmosphere in the kitchen.
Choosing the right layout, material and lighting is very important when planning a kitchen extension. This ensures that your kitchen not only looks beautiful but is also organized and functional. Whether you want to make small changes or big ones, kitchen extensions are a great way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your home. With the right planning and smart design, you can create a kitchen that meets all your needs and gives your home a new look.
The right layout for a kitchen extension depends on your space and needs. L-shape and U-shape layouts are good for both small and large kitchens, while a galley layout is better for long and narrow kitchens. The right layout makes the kitchen work more efficiently.
Use modular cabinets, sliding drawers and upper cabinets to increase storage in the kitchen. These solutions help you make the most of the space. These storage solutions make the kitchen more functional and organized.
Use large windows and glass doors to increase natural light in the kitchen. This will keep the kitchen lit throughout the day and you will have to use fewer lights. Windows and glass doors can make proper use of natural light in the kitchen.
Light colors are best for kitchen walls, such as white, light gray, and beige. These colors make the kitchen look bigger and cleaner, and also bring a freshness and calmness. Light colors make the kitchen feel more open and comfortable.