Maximising Light In Your Kitchen Extension

An extension can be a great way to bring life to a once dark and dated kitchen. Through careful planning and design, even a north facing kitchen extension can be transformed into a spectacular space.
1. Bring in Light From Above
A skylight or a Velux window can bring up to 3 times as much light as a standard vertical window. Adding one to your new kitchen extension is a great way to brighten up the room – especially if your kitchen extension is north facing.
A skylight in a kitchen extension is a great way to make the room look more spacious and is a fantastic way to add a contemporary touch to any room. If you are looking for something a bit different you might want to consider a roof lantern. These look amazing in both contemporary and traditional spaces and are a great way to create the illusion of space.

2. Add a Glass Ceiling to Your Side Return Extension
Side return extensions can be quite dark, especially if you’ve had to sacrifice at least one window to the side of your home. If this is the case with your new extension, you can add a full glass ceiling to maximise the amount of light allowed into the room. Another option is to add a modular skylight which will add the effect of a glass ceiling while providing effective ventilation.
3. Let Light Flow Internally
In addition to the light provided by sources directly installed onto your extension, you can take advantage of light coming from other places in your home. By removing internal partitions or using transparent or translucent walls, you can take advantage of light coming from the front of your property. You can also bounce light off walls if these are decorated in light colours.

4. Glaze Your Gables
If you utilise the space between your gables and doors, you will be able to introduce extra light into your home. It will also be a very interesting design feature and you will be making of what otherwise would be wasted space. Depending on the glass panel size you can create a design feature that works well with both contemporary and traditional schemes.
5. Glazed Extensions
A glazed extension is the ultimate way to let the most light into your kitchen. This very on trend option can be a striking part of your extension and you can go for a minimal framed extension for a minimal look or a panelled style if you want to follow the latest trend.
6. Use Bright Colours
As when using light colours to bounce light from other parts of the home into your extension, you might want to consider keeping the décor in the extension itself light by using a white or a cream palette. A good option is to use light worktops and pale flooring to maximise the light reflexion.
7. Create a Feature Window
A full length window can transform a bland space into a feature and allow more light than a regular window would. It will not only bring in plenty of light but will also create the illusion of space and of bringing the outdoors in.
If you are planning a kitchen extension and are not sure how to go about it, give us a call at 020 71186155 or visit us at our office in Hammersmith. We are always happy to have a chat on how to bring your vision to life.