There is a reason why terraced house kitchen extension ideas are so highly sought after – they can totally transform both the exterior and interior layouts of these types of houses in a way that suits homeowners' expectations of what a home should offer us these days.
Building an extension is the perfect way to create a bright, open, sociable kitchen in a terraced house, particularly those constructed during the Georgian and Victorian eras. These were periods where far less emphasis was placed on the importance of the space that is now frequently considered to be one of the most vital rooms to get right.
We've pulled together 10 of the best examples of terraced house kitchen extensions around to give you all the inspiration you need to start planning your new addition.
1. Use your extension to pull light deep into the house
While the layouts of terraced houses are not all exactly the same, this is a style of house that does tend to have some recurring features. One of these is that awkward 'middle room' that often lies between a reception room at the front of the house and a small kitchen at the rear. This space often won't feature any windows meaning finding ways to brighten it up can be tricky.
This is where the right kitchen extension ideas can help, allowing for the addition of large expanses of glazing and opening up the floorplan of a house that may previously have been made up of a number of smaller rooms and corridors.
The extension of this house was designed by architect James Munro of Pace Architecture. Thanks to the addition of large sliding doors and a number of rooflights, not only does the new kitchen have a fantastic connection with the garden, but it also acts as a way of bringing in light to the living spaces beyond. A 'pod' extension, complete with its own roof terrace, has also been added to the second floor.
2. Create contrast with cladding
While there is much to be said for designing a kitchen extension to tie in with the existing house, creating contrast can be a nice way to acknowledge the evolution of a building.
"There is no single answer to the best way to extend a terraced house," says William Dewar, director at Sketch Architects. "Much depends on what you are hoping to achieve and the budget available. Different forms of extension lend themselves to different needs, whether that is gaining extra bedrooms, improving everyday living space, or unlocking previously underused areas of the home."
This striking kitchen extension, designed by Delve Architects, is strikingly modern in contrast to the rest of the house, with its dark stained larch cladding. Internally, the kitchen feels fresh and modern thanks to its restricted palette of materials, window seat to the side and bifold doors.
Will is director at Sketch Architects and is enthusiastic about all aspects of architecture, especially sustainability in design and introducing these concepts into early stages of the process. He has a wide range of experience working on large scale residential housing projects, masterplans, renovations and one-off houses, at all stages of the architectural process, from concept through to completion onsite, he enjoys getting into the detail of a project.
3. Set your house apart from the others with an eye-catching design
There is something pleasing about the uniformity of a row of beautiful period terraced houses, but that isn't to say that you can't get a little creative with your kitchen extension. In fact, this is the perfect way to set your home apart from those it is attached to.
This might mean incorporating an interesting type of roof into your extension's design or, as with this stunning example, using materials you might not expect to see on this style of property.
This London terrace was made up of a collection of smaller rooms and the owners were keen to create a larger kitchen and living space. In response, James Dale Architects added side and rear extensions with glazed doors. The metal-framed glazing, teamed with green H&E Smith metro tiles, give the whole thing a beautiful vintage vibe.
4. Make the most of a cellar or basement
Many Georgian and Victorian terraced houses were built with cellars or basements, originally designed as cold stores. However, these days they can be the perfect spot to house a new kitchen extension.
"This solution can deliver valuable additional space on small plots, suitable for a variety of functions," picks up William Dewar. "However, basement conversions are typically one of the more expensive and complex ways to increase your internal space, especially in a terrace house. They often require additional permissions, detailed structural design, and specialist construction methods to ensure the space is usable and doesn’t impact the neighbouring properties.
"At Chivalry Road (above), we extended an existing basement to create a fully usable and welcoming kitchen and living space," continues William. "Through careful design, the subterranean level is now bright, spacious, and connected to the rest of the home. A key to the design was introducing natural daylight and to achieve this we placed a large rooflight directly above the basement staircase, to draw light deep into the plan."
5. Use the full width of your plot for maximum space
Even if your terraced house is on the smaller side, there are ways of adding a beautiful, bright kitchen extension – particularly if you use the full width of the plot. This might mean a simple flat roof extension, but combining a side and rear extension also makes sense.
"If you are looking to increase your living space then a side or rear extension offers an opportunity to transform your home," explains William Dewar. "These extensions are well suited for creating generous, open-plan kitchen and living spaces, with a strong connection to the garden."
For the extension of this Victorian terrace, designed by Delve Architects, the entire breath of the plot has been utilised. By continuing the simple palette of materials from inside to out, the entire space feels cohesive and considered.
6. Consider your landscaping within the design
Where space is particularly limited, as can be the case with terraced house renovations situated on very narrow plots, it really does pay to tie the extension together seamlessly with the garden. Joining the two spaces together using both form and materials somehow has the effect of stretching the whole thing visually.
YARD Architects, the designers behind this kitchen extension, were working with a very restricted plot and responded by designing a timber framed extension composed of larch studs infilled with matching larch cladding.
This same material has been used within the courtyard garden and complements the colour palette of the house beautifully. In addition to the rear extension, a loft conversion was also incorporated to expand the space.
7. Don't underestimate the power of window and door design
Clever window and door design can be key to the success of any kind of kitchen extension but is particularly useful when it comes to terraced house kitchen extensions due to the way in which these glazed openings can bring in light to a space that really will benefit from being well lit, as well as help to marry it up with the garden.
When working with a tight space, it is important to think through how your choice of patio doors or opening glazing will work with its proportions and how their design could make the most of it.
This eye-catching extension, designed by James Dale Architects, features pocket sliding doors that take up no space when opened up, along with a large picture that provides a spot to perch both inside and out. Blue terracotta tiles and larch cladding finish off the structure perfectly.
8. Don't discount an interesting roofline
There are definitely many benefits to flat roofed extensions, not least that they are often one of the most cost effective options, but exploring other types of roof is well worth it when it comes to terrace house extensions.
For this extension, designed by Delve Architects, a saw-tooth pitched roof was constructed, chosen due to the way in which this type of design can help to provide a sense of space and air deep into a floor plan, at the same time as maintaining a low profile often favoured by planners, particularly in conservation areas.
Interestingly, all demolition materials were reused within this new extension, including reclaimed brickwork for the exterior walls and rubble waste for drainage hardcore.
9. Build your extension with sustainability in mind
There are so many reasons to build a green extension that go beyond just helping the planet. Designing and building a sustainable kitchen extension can mean it feels more comfortable to spend time thanks to a focus on reducing heat loss. You can also look forward to lower energy bills – plus green homes often help with a general sense of wellbeing.
This striking kitchen extension was built using a timber frame and utilises both cork insulation and cork cladding. It was built to replace a previously dark and cramped kitchen and is now flooded with light, enjoying clear sightlines over the garden.
If you really want to secure your new extension's eco-credentials, consider fitting it out with a second-hand kitchen too.
10. Find ways to bring in light from above
Ceiling glazing and rooflights are one of the best ways of bringing light into extensions where there might not be enough free wall space for standard windows – and in a kitchen extension you want to keep as much wall space free as possible for storage.
While there are many advantages to incorporating swathes of glazed patio doors into a kitchen extension, the light that comes in from above, through a partially glazed ceiling or bank of rooflights, for example, is quite different, offering a clear, bright quality.
This mid-terrace Victorian property enjoys both side and rear extensions, designed by George & James Architects. The addition features both a striking north-facing picture window as well as large rooflights meaning the whole space feels bright and breezy.
FAQs
Will a terraced house kitchen extension require planning permission?
The good news for owners of terraced houses wanting to add a kitchen extension is that, in many cases, it will not be necessary to apply for planning permission to do so, assuming it is not listed or in a conservation area. That said, you will need to ensure it meets the criteria for permitted development and do double check with your local planning office if in any doubt.
Additionally, it is very likely that you will need a Party Wall Agreement when extending a terraced house given that the work may well affect walls shared with your neighbours.
If you are looking at ways of saving money on your new kitchen space and are asking 'do I need an architect for my extension?' it is well worth taking into account the added value they can bring to a project like this. While you might not be planning a huge addition, getting a smaller structure spot on in a way that makes the most of a restricted plot is, in some cases, even harder than when playing with an expansive space.
