Most of our clients’ kitchen extensions turn out to be the most-used space in the house within six months of handover. Getting the design right matters as much as getting the build right. Here is how we at CK Construction help clients across Redditch, Birmingham and Solihull think through the design brief before the drawings start.
Start with how you actually live
Before we look at the plan we ask about mornings: who is up first, where coffee gets made, where the children have breakfast, where school bags live. Then we ask about evenings: cooking while the kids do homework, hosting friends for Saturday dinner, flopping on the sofa after work. The answers shape the whole plan more than any Pinterest board.
Natural light is non-negotiable
Extensions bury the rear of the original house in shadow. Good design puts the light back. We typically specify:
- A central roof lantern or large flat rooflight (2m x 1.5m or larger) over the kitchen island
- Bifolds or wide sliders to the garden with slim frames
- Internal glazing or crittall-style doors between the extension and the hall if light needs to reach deeper into the plan
- Reflective ceiling and wall finishes to bounce light
Flow and zones
A successful open-plan kitchen extension still has clear zones. The island often doubles as the hinge between kitchen and dining, with the lounge or snug tucked at the far end facing the garden. Consider:
- Clear sightlines from the kitchen to the garden so parents can watch children playing
- Acoustic separation (a glazed door to a dining area, a drop in ceiling height over the lounge zone) so TV and homework can coexist
- A boot room or utility between the back door and the main kitchen for coats, muddy wellies and school bags
Finishes that age well
The fashionable finish of the moment will date in five years. Focus on finishes that improve with age:
- Oak flooring (engineered, oiled finish) over concrete or tile for warmth underfoot
- Honed stone or quartz worktops in neutral tones over bold colours
- Painted hardwood kitchen units over acrylic doors
- Brass or antique bronze ironmongery that patinas well
Working with your architect
We work with any architect you choose, or we can provide an in-house design service through our own partners. Early collaboration between designer and builder saves money. Our site team will often suggest small changes to the drawings that make the build simpler and cheaper without compromising the design.
Ready to design yours?
Book a free design conversation with CK Construction. Call 01527 521835 or use the contact form.