A new extension can do more than add square footage to your home. It can transform how it feels. If you’re thinking about extending, there are plenty of creative ways to increase living area, bring in light and make your home more inviting.
From open-plan kitchen extensions to modern conservatories, these house extension ideas show how thoughtful design can help you make the most of every corner of your home.
1. Rear kitchen extension
One of the easiest ways to create space is a rear kitchen extension. Adding large sliding or bi-fold doors pulls in daylight and opens up the room to the outdoors, while an open-plan kitchen can bring together family and friends for a bright, social area.
Tip: To create an airy and calm room, use natural materials and a light palette.
2. Side of home extension
Narrow spaces along the side of your house don’t have to go to waste. Turn them into an extended kitchen, a bright dining area, or a practical utility room for laundry and pet washing. A glass roof or skylights can bring in extra light and make the home feel larger.
3. Add a new entrance
A front extension can transform your kerb appeal. Consider a welcoming porch or a second entrance with a gable roof, matching cladding and glazed panels to create a light-filled hallway.
4. Wraparound extension
Combine side and rear additions, and create a wraparound extension to enjoy a wide, flowing living area. Carefully placed windows provide panoramic views of your garden and a continuous, light-filled home.
5. Conservatory or orangery
A conservatory or orangery is a cost-effective way to extend your home. Floor-to-ceiling glazing connects you to your garden, while modern insulation ensures year-round comfort. Planning permission is often simpler than for a full extension – or in some cases, not even necessary – making it a practical solution for many homeowners.
For conservatory extension ideas, visit our blog here.
6. Loft conversion
Make use of underutilised space by converting your loft into a bedroom, studio or office without changing the footprint of your home. Dormer windows allow daylight to enter during the day, with spotlights adding a cosy feel at night.
7. Modular or prefabricated extension
If you need extra room quickly, modular builds are a smart choice. These structures are built in a factory and then assembled on-site, offering a faster and often cheaper alternative to traditional brick extensions with minimal disruption.
8. Garden room
A detached garden room provides a quiet space that is often separate from the main house. It can be used as a home gym, a studio, a home office or a guest room, while keeping the main house uncluttered.
9. Skylights or roof lanterns
If a full-height glazed wall isn’t possible, luminous roof elements are the next best thing. Skylights and roof lanterns bring daylight directly into the heart of a room, particularly over kitchen islands, hallways or bathrooms, lifting moods and making areas feel open.
10. A glazed corridor
A glass corridor can link two areas of your home together while creating a gentle, calming flow that frames your garden views. It adds brightness, balance and a touch of elegance to a traditional home.
11. Two-storey extension
A two-storey extension allows you to reconfigure your home, transforming and significantly increasing your available living area. Costs are typically lower than for a single-storey extension, as expensive elements like roofs and foundations are similar for both.
12. Small, but smart extension
An addition doesn’t need to be large to change how you use your home. A side return extension provides more room for storage and adds more sunshine, making the room feel generous, bright and uplifting.
Tip: When choosing, focus on clear sightlines, where storage will be placed and what multi-purpose furniture can be used.
13. Extend over your garage
Make the most of your existing space by extending over a garage, allowing you to add an extra bedroom, office or game room. Plan access points, windows and rooflights carefully to make full use of brightness and usability.
14. Add onto an existing extension
If you already have an extension, such as a small bathroom or a utility room, you don’t necessarily need to start again to create more room. Building alongside your current addition can give you extra room for storage, utilities or a small office.
By choosing matching materials and adding windows where possible, the space will feel natural and blend seamlessly into your home.
15. Sunken extension
For homes on a slope, a sunken extension can frame garden views beautifully while maintaining privacy. Choosing large, well-placed windows or glazed walls will invite natural light and keep you connected to the outdoors.
Whatever your home’s size or style, there’s an extension idea to suit. And for a bright, practical way to add space, a conservatory could be the perfect choice.
How a conservatory can work as an extension
A conservatory doesn’t just add room. It’s a cost-effective option that creates valuable space while illuminating your home.
Modern conservatories are designed for year-round comfort, with advanced glazing and insulation that keep the temperature comfortable, no matter the season.
You could use your conservatory as:
- A bright dining room, perfect for evening meals or hosting
- A family lounge or playroom filled with sunshine and space to unwind
- A craft or art room where you can open the doors and enjoy fresh air as you create
Because every home is different, your conservatory can be styled to match. To see some examples of how this works, visit our customer stories page.
Design tips to maximise light and space
Even small changes can have a big impact. Here are some design tips to help you increase space in your home.
Open-plan layouts
Remove internal walls to let light flow freely from room to room, creating a sense of calm connection. A kitchen that blends into your dining and living space feels sociable, perfect for cooking, chatting and being together.
Multi-functional rooms
Make your home more adaptable by having rooms that serve more than one purpose. Use a dining table that doubles as a place for gaming, or tuck a sofa bed into a reading nook.
Window and roof placement
See how sunlight moves through your home. Even a small, carefully placed window can brighten a quiet corner and make it feel alive again.
Furniture and storage solutions
Select pieces that feel airy and open. Built-in storage and hidden shelving keep things tidy and calm, while soft tones, natural textures and subtle reflections enhance brightness.
Factors to consider when planning your extension
Budget
Start with what you want your new space to give you. Maybe it’s room to gather, more light, or a better connection to the garden.
Set a clear budget that includes design, building and finishing details, and try to leave a little extra for the unexpected.
Timeframe
Extensions can take a few weeks or several months. If you’re after a quicker project, modular builds or conservatories can add a beautiful, functional living area without long construction periods.
Aesthetic appeal
Your extension should feel like a natural part of your home. Using complementary colours, textures, and materials helps everything blend seamlessly.
Planning permission
Before work begins, check if approval is needed. Many smaller projects fall under permitted development, but it’s always worth confirming with your local planning office.
How we can help you
Whether you dream of a sleek glass addition, a cosy side return or a modern new conservatory, the right design will help you fall in love with your home all over again.
Try our design tool to explore how you could expand your home’s footprint and bring your ideas to life.
