A Practical Interior Design Guide For Your Extension

When designing your dream extension, it can be difficult to come up with ideas and make the most of your new extension. In this article, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when designing your extension and the common pitfalls to avoid.

The key to a successful extension is to make sure your design and layout are as well-planned as possible from the start. It might be difficult to envision, but an experienced designer can help you turn your extension into a truly functional and impressive space!

We at Arch Plans create the space that suits your needs: socket locations, light placements, furniture arrangements, we handle everything!

Select Your Design Layout

It’s important to keep in mind that the success of your extension will be determined by how much practical use it can achieve day-to-day, not just how it looks from the outside.

The first step when designing a new space is to decide on a layout that suits your family's needs before purchasing new furniture or choosing colour schemes. Make sure to include all elements that may not be altered, as well as existing furniture, in the plans. After that, you can begin to lay in your most important pieces of furniture.

You may be surprised to know how frequently this mistake is made! More individuals than you might think undergo an expansion to their home simply because they believe they need more space but do not think through what they need the extra room for and how they will use it. When you work with a designer, a large part of our job is to uncover the real issue and come up with creative solutions.

The Benefits of Natural Lighting in Designing Your Space

Most home extensions vary significantly in design, but there is one consistent need from homeowners, and that is to increase natural light. There are many advantages to increasing natural light in your home, one of which is that it can be done easily.

Install fixtures that simulate the way light moves throughout the day.

Take some extra time to consider how to make the most of your extension's light in the early stages. Observe how the light moves throughout the day and see if it works with your current design.

In this case, it would be a bad idea to position the TV on the same wall where the light is falling on. Instead, try placing a window seat there to create the perfect reading or nap spot.

Windows are a fantastic addition to your extension, but make sure you don’t go overboard with your choice of glass. We see so many beautiful extensions ruined by over-dosing on glass. The extension becomes too hot during summer, and you are unable to use it. Bifold and sliding doors are notoriously difficult and expensive to cover, so make sure you think about what kind of window treatments you will use before you buy them.

Are Bi-fold Doors Better Than Sliding Doors?

Choosing the right door type for your extension can be a difficult decision. The bi-fold door is one of the most popular options. It may be more expensive than other door types, but the quality is quite substantial. Bi-fold doors come in various colours and may be made as subtle or as flashy as you like. They may also be folded away if you're searching for an appropriate ambience for your renovation ideas. Your outside area will be seamless to access in the summer if you hide your bi-fold door away.

Sliding doors are convenient to operate and can be tailored to suit your needs. They make it simple to transition from the inside to the outside of your home. They can be closed and opened quickly and produce a sophisticated look. Sliding doors provide for maximised light as well as offering an easy transition.

French doors have become popular for home expansions in recent years. They are constructed from uPVC and are both contemporary and enduring. Even if you have a specific aesthetic in mind, French doors may be utilised in numerous ways. You may also have wooden-style door inserts if you prefer.

Crittall doors are a design that emphasises panoramic glass panels. The aluminium framework gives a strong, distinctive appearance to these double doors. Make your choice and let us assist you in creating the ideal living area for your property.

Plan the lighting

A lighting plan is essential for designing an extension. Understanding the layout of your furniture will help you think about where you need different types of lighting, such as pendants over dining tables, kitchen task lighting, and ambient living room lighting.

Consider where there are beautiful architectural features you’d like to illuminate, or a sentimental piece of art you’d like to highlight and choose low-level lighting for those areas.

For kitchen or dining room extensions, lighting is important for practicality. The lighting should be slightly brighter than the lighting used in your living space, and more lighting is needed to work comfortably. Under kitchen units, spotlights focused straight down can help provide a brighter effect.

Think Bespoke

The best way to ensure you have the most space possible in your new extension is to design it properly from the start so that you can include as much bespoke furniture and storage as possible. You can then use the available space in your extension to create a dining area or even a storage area in addition to the extra storage it provides:

Storage can be placed in any location you want to create the desired feel and flow of a room. In open plan or broken plan spaces, you can create smaller zones by choosing where to place the storage.

Establish A Focal Point

Whenever you design a room, you need to consider the focal point. This is the feature that will grab the attention of your visitors and make them feel welcome. It can be anything from a fireplace to a shelved wall. Of course, it is also important to define the focal point in the early stages so that you don't add additional costs.

A focal point in design refers to the location where your eyes are immediately drawn. Designers choose a focal point to draw attention to a distinctive section or feature in a room. A focal point may be enhanced and drawn out to make a room more appealing, beautiful, and attention-grabbing. Here are some popular focal points in interior design: Fireplaces, windows, televisions, furniture, artwork, and feature walls.

We hope this information has been helpful. Working everything out now will ensure your extension is both functional and a truly pleasant environment, and it will not only be worth the investment but also enjoyable to use.