The Dos and Don’ts of Designing a Side Return Extension
A Tale of Two Kitchens
I’ll never forget the day we first viewed this house. The kitchen was dark, cramped, and utterly devoid of any natural light. As soon as we stepped inside, I knew what had to be done – a complete transformation, including a side return extension to open up the space and breathe new life into the heart of our home.
Fast forward six long years, and I’m sitting in our brand new, light-filled kitchen, sipping my third cup of tea for the day (the joys of having instant boiling water on tap!). It’s a world apart from where we started, and the process of getting here was anything but straightforward. From navigating council planning regulations to coordinating a team of builders, designers, and tradespeople – we encountered our fair share of ups and downs.
But I’m happy to report that the end result was more than worth it. This kitchen has truly become the game-changing hub of our family life. So, if you’re considering embarking on your own side return extension project, let me share the key dos and don’ts I learned along the way.
Do: Get Creative with the Layout
When it came to the layout of our new kitchen, I knew I didn’t want to simply follow the conventional route. The original plan would have been to run the main run of units, oven, and sink along the side where the low ceilings were. Then squeeze in an island and a small table in the remaining space.
But that felt all wrong to me. I didn’t want the kitchen to feel cramped or overwhelmed by upper cabinets. So, I decided to flip the script. We put the main kitchen run under the soaring vaulted ceilings created by the side return extension, with an island in the middle and a built-in banquette seating area along the far wall.
This arrangement not only maximized the sense of space and light but also allowed us to incorporate ample storage in the form of floor-to-ceiling cabinets along one side. It was a bit of an unusual layout, but it worked perfectly for our needs and lifestyle.
Don’t: Underestimate Planning Permissions
One of the biggest hurdles we faced was navigating the council’s planning regulations. As it turned out, the existing kitchen had already been extended, which meant we were up against strict height restrictions for the new side return.
We had initially hoped to install a pitched glass roof to flood the space with natural light, but that idea was quickly squashed. Luckily, our architect was able to work around the limitations and propose a design that still felt bright and airy thanks to the strategic placement of Vario by VELUX rooflights.
The moral of the story? Always do your homework upfront on local planning rules and restrictions. It can save you a lot of headaches (and extra costs) down the line.
Do: Embrace Quirky Features
One of the unique aspects of our kitchen was the existing chimney breast that ran along the side wall. Rather than try to work around it, we decided to seamlessly incorporate it into the design.
Behind that bank of floor-to-ceiling cabinets, we created a custom storage solution that wrapped perfectly around the chimney – housing a laundry cupboard, tall pullout pantry, and even a dedicated craft supplies station for the kids. It was a clever use of otherwise ‘dead’ space that added tons of functionality without compromising the clean, streamlined aesthetic.
So, whenever you come across quirky architectural features in your home, don’t automatically write them off. With a little creative thinking, they can become an asset rather than a hindrance.
Don’t: Skimp on High-Quality Appliances
As much as I wanted our new kitchen to look the part, I also knew it had to work hard for our busy family. That’s why we didn’t skimp when it came to the appliances.
We opted for a Smeg induction hob with an integrated extractor hood – a game-changer that eliminated the need for a bulky overhead extractor and maintained our sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The dual ovens from Smeg’s Dolce Stil Novo range have also been a godsend, with tons of advanced cooking functions that have truly elevated my culinary skills.
And let’s not forget the American-style integrated fridge freezer from Fisher & Paykel. It may have been a tight squeeze to fit it in, but the convenience of that built-in ice maker is priceless when hosting parties.
The moral? Invest in quality appliances that not only look the part but also make your life easier in the long run. It’s one area where you really don’t want to compromise.
Do: Mix Materials for Visual Interest
With a relatively neutral color palette of warm greys and whites, I knew I needed to layer in plenty of texture and visual interest to keep the space from feeling too one-dimensional.
That’s why I fell head over heels for the Dekton countertops – their heavy, dramatic veining adds so much character. Paired with the oak parquet flooring, brass hardware, and olive green velvet banquette, the result is a harmonious blend of materials that feels both modern and timeless.
Oh, and let’s not forget the custom cabinetry from John Lewis of Hungerford. The slab-front doors in our chosen ‘Tusk’ color provide a beautifully simple backdrop, letting the other elements shine.
Don’t: Neglect Lighting and Electrical Planning
Lighting and electrical planning might not be the most exciting aspect of a kitchen renovation, but trust me – it’s crucial. We put a lot of thought into strategically placing sockets, ensuring we had enough to power all our appliances and gadgets without unsightly cords trailing everywhere.
The Wandsworth Electrical sockets and switches we chose not only look gorgeous but also have that satisfying, high-quality click – a small detail that makes a big difference.
As for the lighting, we layered a combination of dimmable spotlights, a statement brass chandelier over the dining area, and those stunning Spark & Ball wall sconces. It allows us to create the perfect ambiance, whether we’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home.
Do: Prioritize Natural Light
Speaking of lighting, one of our top priorities for this renovation was maximizing natural light. That’s why we went all-in on the Vario by VELUX rooflights – custom-designing them to fill every last inch of allowed glazing area.
The difference these windows have made is nothing short of transformative. Even on the gloomiest of days, the space is flooded with a beautiful, airy glow. And the best part? We can control the amount of light and ventilation by opening the central rooflight.
Investing in high-quality, strategically placed windows was undoubtedly one of the best decisions we made. It’s completely changed the way we use and enjoy our new kitchen.
Don’t: Overlook Storage Solutions
When you’re designing a kitchen from scratch, it’s easy to get carried away with the aesthetics and forget about the practical necessities. But trust me, storage is key.
That’s why we worked closely with the team at John Lewis of Hungerford to create a bespoke, built-in storage system that maximizes every inch of available space. From the tall pullout pantry to the dedicated crockery and craft supplies cupboards, no corner was left untouched.
And let’s not forget the fluted glass cocktail cabinet we included on the dining side of the kitchen. It’s the perfect spot to stash all our glassware and barware, keeping the main preparation areas clutter-free.
Remember, a beautiful kitchen is one that’s both visually appealing and highly functional. Don’t neglect the storage side of things, or you’ll quickly find yourself drowning in clutter.
Do: Embrace Your Unique Style
One of the best parts of embarking on a major kitchen renovation is the opportunity to really inject your personality into the space. And for me, that meant taking risks and embracing my slightly unconventional design sensibilities.
From the olive green velvet banquette to the striking brass accents, every element was carefully curated to create a cohesive, signature look. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The key is to stay true to your own aesthetic, even when well-meaning friends and family try to sway you in a more ‘safe’ direction. After all, this is your dream kitchen – it should reflect your unique style and vision.
Don’t: Forget the Finishing Touches
It’s easy to get caught up in the big-ticket items like appliances, cabinetry, and countertops. But don’t overlook the importance of those final finishing touches. They’re what really make a space feel polished and considered.
For us, that meant carefully selecting the perfect light fixtures, hardware, and even the humble electrical switches and sockets. We fell in love with the brass Buster + Punch handles and the Spark & Ball wall sconces, which add an elegant, boutique-hotel vibe. And those Wandsworth Electrical toggle switches? They bring an unexpected touch of vintage charm.
These small details might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they truly elevate the overall aesthetic. Don’t treat them as an afterthought – make them an integral part of your design vision from the start.
Lessons Learned
Looking back on our side return extension journey, there are a few key lessons I’ll be sure to carry forward, whether you’re tackling a similar project or simply refreshing your existing kitchen:
- Get creative with the layout – don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
- Do your homework on planning permissions and restrictions.
- Embrace quirky architectural features, don’t fight them.
- Invest in high-quality, hardworking appliances.
- Mix materials to add visual interest and depth.
- Prioritize natural light and strategic lighting/electrical planning.
- Maximize storage with bespoke, thoughtful solutions.
- Stay true to your unique style and design vision.
- Don’t overlook the power of those final finishing touches.
At the end of the day, a successful kitchen renovation is all about striking the perfect balance between form and function. It’s a delicate dance, but one that’s truly worth the effort when you end up with a space that checks all your boxes – and then some.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your dream side return extension!
