7 Large kitchen extension ideas in Cardiff

A kitchen is the heart of any home and choosing a functional design is crucial. Acquiring planning permission when necessary is important for homeowners because you'll avoid getting in trouble with the local authorities.

With the right builder for your extension project, it's easy to maximise your space. Before embarking on the project, you should determine your needs and then select a suitable design. Here's a compilation of large kitchen extension ideas in Cardiff that you can incorporate.

1. Allow natural light into your space

Whether you have a single-storey rear extension or a side extension, there are several ways you can ensure your new kitchen has enough natural light. You can consider aesthetic options like roof lights which are ideal if you have low ceilings. Large windows can also fill your space with fresh air and make it look bigger. Another option to consider is glass doors which will allow plenty of light into your kitchen space. An interior designer Clara Annesley, who works at a kitchen extension company over at Proficiency suggest you can get your dream kitchen with quality craftsmanship. An experienced builder will help you choose a suitable design for your space and advise you accordingly.

2. Consider an open-plan layout

Getting an open-plan kitchen is another option you can consider for your home improvement project. This gives you enough space for a cooking area and dining room. With such a design, you can easily incorporate a large kitchen island that can be multi-purpose. It can be used as a dining area or breakfast bar and you can also install some storage cupboards. You can get creative and incorporate different colours or materials in the various sections of your open-space kitchen.

3. Make the most of two kitchen islands

You can never go wrong with two islands in your kitchen extension. One of the islands can have a sink and some storage drawers and you can also use it as your worktop when preparing meals. The other island can be used as a breakfast bar or casual dining spot in your new extension. You can add more character by installing pendant lights which can also be the focal point.

4. Incorporate glass folding doors

Incorporating glass doors into your kitchen diner extension provides a clear view of your garden space. There are different designs that you can choose from, including bifold doors and sliding doors. Glass doors give a seamless transition into the outdoors. Depending on your home's aesthetic, you can consider glass doors with wooden frames, and glazed or even frosted doors. Your extension builders can advise you if you want something that suits your interior decor.

5. Consider a side return kitchen extension

Unlike a rear kitchen extension, having a side return maximises the space on the side of your property. This means you won't have to build on your garden space. With the extension, you'll get more floor space from the resulting L-shaped kitchen. With such a kitchen design, you can even have a pantry and a separate dining area. There are many ways you can spruce up your space such as adding a roof lantern, large windows, a dining table and some seats. You can also create a small cosy reading nook by adding a small window seat. This extension design will significantly increase the value of your home but you might require a Party Wall Agreement especially if you share a wall with an immediate neighbour.

6. Incorporate the latest technology

Imagine being able to operate most of the appliances with the tap of a screen or a simple voice command. Adding smart home technology to your kitchen extension is the best way to create a convenient and functional kitchen space. With such an installation, all you need is your smartphone to operate different appliances or lighting, among other things.

7. Consider having a walk-in pantry

With a large kitchen extension, having a walk-in pantry doesn't sound like a far-fetched idea. You can maximise every inch of space by adding shelves and drawers to create functional storage solutions for bulk food items and some appliances. Instead of having different appliances lying around on your kitchen counter, you can keep your space neat by storing them in the walk-in pantry. This will help you achieve a functional and organised space. We've looked at several large kitchen extension ideas in Cardiff which can make it easier to choose a modern design depending on the type of extension you get. Your extension builder and interior designer can also guide you.