Two Sides of the Same Coin: Designing a Dream Kitchen Extension
There’s something wonderfully exciting about the early stages of a kitchen project – when all possibilities are still on the table and the client’s vision is just beginning to take shape. That’s exactly where we are with one kitchen extension project I’m currently working on, which I’d love to share the details of today.
When a client has limited time, every conversation needs to count, and seeing as my clients are a busy working family, our design discussions have had to be both efficient and decisive.
Luckily, they knew exactly what they wanted from the start, which has allowed us to move quickly through the planning phase and focus on the really exciting part: creating not one, but two distinctly different aesthetic options for them to choose from.
The brief
The main focus of this project is a side extension that will enlarge the existing kitchen and connect it to the dining area. With a large utility room already in place, our challenge was to create better connectivity between these hardworking spaces whilst maximising the social potential of the new open-plan layout.
The beauty of this project lies in how the remodelled ground floor will transform family life. By knocking through the kitchen and dining room, we’ll be creating a space that’s not just about cooking – it’s about gathering, connecting and making memories. The existing sitting room already enjoys lovely views of the garden and surrounding countryside and the new layout will enhance the flow between all these sociable spaces.
Getting the layout right
As I discussed in my recent blog post about small kitchens, the U-shaped layout is one of my favourites for maximising both storage and workflow. This project follows this tried-and-tested kitchen configuration, though it’s certainly more generous in scale.
The layout came together remarkably quickly. We decided to position tall cabinets along one side for maximum storage, place the sink under the window to take advantage of natural light and views and design the hob run with additional storage above to back onto the utility room for logical workflow.
One element I’m particularly pleased with is the island we’ve chosen to incorporate. Whilst it won’t be as generously proportioned as we might have wished, it’ll be an incredibly hardworking feature with tray spaces, drawers, open shelving and integrated bin storage. Sometimes the best design solutions come from working creatively within constraints.
The fun part: Two aesthetic directions
Here’s where this project gets especially interesting. Rather than presenting my clients with a single vision, I’ve developed two completely different aesthetic schemes – each beautiful in its own right, but appealing to different sensibilities.
The moody blue scheme
The first option embraces drama and sophistication with a petrol-teal blue palette accented with pink details. This scheme is for clients who aren’t afraid of colour and want their kitchen to make a statement. Ribbed glass pendants add architectural drama, whilst veined marble worktops bring natural elegance.
This palette creates atmosphere – it’s the kind of kitchen that feels both contemporary and timeless, moody yet inviting. The combination of cool blues with warm pink accents prevents the space from feeling cold, whilst the natural materials keep it grounded.
The romantic pink scheme
The second option takes a softer, more romantic approach with a pink palette complemented by patterned tiles for the splashback, possibly in green tones. This scheme feels gentler and more traditional whilst still being thoroughly modern in execution. Opaque glass pendants contribute to the overall softness of the aesthetic.
What I particularly love about this option is how the pink will blend beautifully with the oak flooring, creating a warm, cohesive feel throughout the ground floor. There is an existing sideboard the clients would like to paint, which we can either finish in another shade of pink or a darker complementary green – adding another layer of personalisation to the space.
The next chapter
We’ve now taken the detailed designs to five local kitchen suppliers, ranging from high street options to bespoke manufacturers. Each will provide costings based on the same layout, allowing my clients to make an informed decision not just on aesthetics, but on quality, service and budget. This stage of the process is always fascinating – seeing how different suppliers interpret the same design brief and helping clients navigate the sometimes overwhelming range of options available.
Design your kitchen journey
What I hope this project illustrates is that great kitchen design starts with careful listening, efficient planning and creative exploration. You might be drawn to moody drama or romantic softness, but the key is developing a layout that works for your lifestyle before committing to an aesthetic direction.
If you’re thinking of embarking on a kitchen extension or renovation, I’d be happy to help you explore the possibilities. From initial concepts through to supplier selection and beyond, I’m here to help make your new kitchen the sociable heart of your home. Contact me today to begin your design journey.
Nicky