It’s easy to think of a home extension as a tangible addition of size to the property. Because in most cases, that’s what people mean by the term. But not every homeowner has the means or permission to extend their home as and how they’d like. Planning permission can be notoriously restrictive, and you may also find that the budget to knock down and add floors to your home just isn’t available right now.
Is it possible to extend the home for more people, but without necessarily adding size? Well, we believe that can be done if you’re mindful, in the same way a tailor can help a suit fit more appropriately to the needs of your figure, without necessarily adding clothing segments or additional fabric to achieve that result.
In this post, we’ll discuss some helpful methods of achieving that:
Splitting Larger Bedrooms Into Two With A Dividing Wall
If you have larger bedrooms in your household, it might be that splitting this into two can help you create two bedrooms that are relatively smaller than average, but still cozy and functional. While it might seem a shame to divide such a lovely room, careful planning can create two comfortable spaces without losing the room’s character.
This most often demands working with the natural light and existing features in each space. Windows become your starting point here, as each new room needs its own source of daylight.
A skilled architect will help place the dividing wall just right and that makes them worth the hire. Ensuring both rooms get proper electrical points and switches without awkward placement is key. Just don’t forget good soundproofing in the new wall, as it helps everyone feel like they have their own space, which is especially important when you’re accommodating more family members or guests.
Reorienting & Remodeling Bathroom Spaces
Many people just leave the bathroom, as is, in the house they move into as long as it’s functional enough. But you can reorient the space with a little help from your plumbing contractor. You may be surprised, but, even older bathrooms often hide unused potential behind outdated layouts.
Moreover, modern bathroom fittings have come a long way in their design. Often taking up far less space than their older counterparts while adding style and function. Perhaps you’ll use a bath remodel service to help you implement a larger tub and shower unit or better cabinetry with that added space.
Some families discover that splitting one generous bathroom into two smaller spaces can work well for their morning routines. Corner sinks and wall-mounted toilets can often work if you prefer to maximize your space and add a more modern touch.
Converting Attics, Basements & Garages
It’s fair to say that where you store your belongings could have hidden potential. Unutilized space under boxes of holiday decorations and forgotten hobby equipment you never use. Your dusty attic could become a peaceful bedroom or home office if you convert it. This can be a job you take on over a few months at your own pace, perhaps increasing the value of your home.
If you have a basement, you can alter that into anything from a cozy family room to a home theater room depending on your needs. Even a humble garage can offer more than just a place to park your car. It could become a welcoming guest room that still lends space for those essential garden tools. Or a space for a home gym which can be seen as a luxury and perhaps increase the value of your property. Just make sure that insulation, ventilation, wall and ceiling treatment and natural light is considered here.
Bonus: Designing Connective Areas For Entertainment, Such As Garden Decking
Sure, you might not be able to extend outwards, but that might just mean building any additional walls to your property. A new garden deck, revitalizing the porch, or adding an awning to an otherwise nice staging area might justify you implementing a nice dining table for eating outside most of the year. This means that you can keep your smaller dining space inside for wet days, but mostly use that space for other purposes, perhaps as a reading area or office space.
With this advice, we hope you can feel more confident extending your home, even without the renovations we might usually consider essential.
Designer Tip: When It Might Be Time to Bring in Help
If you’re working on your home and things still don’t feel quite right, you’re not alone. Many of our clients start exactly where you are now. They’ve gathered ideas, saved inspiration photos, and maybe even purchased a few pieces, but the space still doesn’t feel cohesive. That’s often the moment when having a designer can make all the difference. We help homeowners create a clear plan so every decision works together. From layout and furniture placement to finishes and lighting, the goal is a space that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and complete.
If you’d like a little guidance with your space, you can learn more about our interior design services below.
Explore Interior Design Services
Planning a kitchen, living room, or full home project? Start with a quick discovery call to see if we’re a good fit.
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