Turning Our Cramped House into a Bright, Airy Oasis
As I sit in our new, light-filled living area, sipping on my morning coffee, I can’t help but feel a palpable sense of pride and contentment. Just a few months ago, this space was a dark, disconnected corner of our home – a poorly constructed single-story extension that cut us off from the garden. But thanks to a thoughtful, minimalist rear extension, we’ve managed to transform it into a true sanctuary.
You see, my partner and I purchased this fixer-upper in Aberdeen about seven years ago, with grand plans to one day make it our dream home. The existing layout, however, left much to be desired. The only bathroom was located in that dated, claustrophobic extension, and accessing the backyard required navigating a maze of narrow corridors. It was functional, sure, but hardly the open, airy, and cohesive living experience we craved.
Kitchen extensions and rear additions are incredibly popular these days, and for good reason. They offer the perfect opportunity to not only create additional square footage, but to reimagine the flow and feel of your entire home. So, after years of saving and careful planning, we finally decided to take the plunge and embark on our own extension project.
Designing for Function and Aesthetics
From the outset, I knew I wanted to design a space that was equal parts practical and beautiful. As an interiors writer and stylist, I’ve always been drawn to the calming power of minimalist, nature-inspired aesthetics. And with a young toddler in tow, flexibility and open-concept living were absolute musts.
Researching the best extension ideas, I was instantly drawn to the idea of a double-story addition that would maximize both our living and storage spaces. This would allow us to not only expand the downstairs living area, but also add an extra bedroom and bathroom upstairs – solving our spatial constraints in one fell swoop.
Of course, function was just one piece of the puzzle. I also had a very clear vision in mind for the design and materials palette. Keeping things light, airy, and focused on natural textures was paramount. Think: a neutral color scheme, warm cork flooring, and sleek, Crittall-inspired glazing to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
Breaking Ground on Our Dream Space
Once the plans were finalized and the permits secured, it was time to bring in the experts. We enlisted the help of Scenario Architecture, an acclaimed firm in London, to oversee the entire project. And let me tell you, having a talented team to manage the build was an absolute game-changer.
The construction process itself took around six months, from demolishing the old extension to adding the final finishing touches. It was a whirlwind, to be sure, but our builders – the Polstar Group – made it as seamless as possible. We had weekly site visits and a dedicated WhatsApp group to stay on top of progress and address any hiccups along the way.
Maximizing storage was a key priority, so we worked closely with the Polstar team to design a custom run of built-in cabinetry that would connect the kitchen to the new living area. This included a generous pantry, laundry nook, and loads of concealed storage beneath the window seat.
Bringing the Vision to Life
As the project neared completion, the excitement (and occasional stress) started to give way to pure anticipation. I could practically envision myself curled up in that window seat, book in hand, gazing out at the lush garden beyond. And let me tell you, the final result did not disappoint.
The double-height glazing floods the space with an abundance of natural light, creating a true sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. Those sleek, Crittall-inspired sliding doors allow us to fully open up the living area to the patio, seamlessly blending interior and exterior. And the tactile, neutral palette – from the warm cork floors to the custom white oak cabinetry – imbues the entire space with a soothing, restorative ambiance.
Glass extensions are renowned for their ability to flood a home with natural light, and ours is no exception. I find myself constantly drawn to the ever-changing play of sunlight and shadow, whether I’m sipping my morning coffee or settling in for a cozy movie night.
But perhaps my favorite design element is the window seat. I envisioned this as a true sanctuary within the sanctuary – a cozy nook where I could curl up and lose myself in a good book, or simply gaze out at the lush greenery beyond. The deep, cushioned seat is the perfect spot to relax and unwind, and the custom storage below means we can tuck away odds and ends without sacrificing style.
A Sanctuary for the Senses
When it comes to home design, I firmly believe that the little details are what truly make a space shine. So in addition to the major architectural elements, I pored over every finish and fixture to ensure a cohesive, elevated aesthetic.
The porcelain lighting fixtures, for instance, add a touch of sculptural elegance, while the minimal Dowsing & Reynolds switches and outlets seamlessly blend into the walls. And those Charlotte Perriand and Muller van Severen wall sconces I scored during the Black Friday sales? They’re the perfect blend of form and function, casting a warm, inviting glow.
But beyond the visuals, I also wanted to create a space that engaged all the senses – one that would truly soothe the soul. The gentle hum of the cork flooring underfoot, the fresh scent of the garden wafting in, the soft texture of the window seat cushion…it all comes together to craft a calming, restorative atmosphere.
As Cate St Hill beautifully articulates, our homes should be our inner sanctuaries – spaces that uplift our wellbeing and nourish our spirits. And with this rear addition, I truly believe we’ve achieved that.
A Flexible, Adaptable Space
One of the beauties of this minimalist extension is its inherent flexibility. Rather than designating it as a standalone dining or living room, we’ve opted for a more open-ended layout that can evolve with our needs.
The built-in window seat and banquette-style dining area, for instance, provide ample room for entertaining, working, or simply lounging. Our young daughter loves to curl up here with her toys, while I frequently set up my camera gear for photoshoots. It’s a truly multifunctional space that adapts to our lifestyle.
And while many homeowners opt to relocate their kitchen to the rear extension, we decided to keep ours centrally located. This allows the new living area to serve as a buffer between the public-facing front rooms and the more private family zones. It also means we can easily shuttle between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces without ever feeling disconnected.
At ABC Home, we believe that the best home extensions are the ones that seamlessly integrate with your existing layout and daily routines. By thoughtfully planning the flow and functionality, we can help you create a space that truly transforms how you live.
A Dream Come True
As I reflect on this journey, I’m struck by how much I’ve learned – not just about home design, but about the power of clear vision and decisive action. There were certainly challenges along the way, from navigating the bureaucratic hurdles to managing the budget. But with a skilled team by our side and a steadfast commitment to our vision, we were able to bring this dream to life.
I’m reminded of the wise words of Cate St Hill, who described the process as “a journey to say the least.” And she’s absolutely right. Embarking on a major home renovation is no small feat. But the payoff, at least in our case, has been nothing short of transformative.
I wake up each morning, walk downstairs, and am instantly enveloped in a sense of calm and wonder. The dappled light, the organic textures, the seamless connection to the outdoors…it’s everything I ever hoped for and more. This space has become our family’s sanctuary – a haven where we can play, work, entertain, and simply be.
So if you’re considering a rear extension of your own, I can’t encourage you enough to take the plunge. With the right team, a clear vision, and a healthy dose of determination, you too can turn your cramped, disconnected house into a bright, airy oasis. It’s a journey, to be sure, but one that’s more than worth the effort.
