Victorian properties never seem to go out of style thanks to their winning combination of authentic architectural character, affordability, and period charm. However, they aren’t without their drawbacks. From narrow, dark kitchens and tasteless cheap extensions to old and sagging roof structures, many Victorian properties need a bit of love and attention to transform into warm, spacious homes that the modern family can enjoy. The most effective way to achieve this is through a well-designed extension that works with the existing architecture and preserves all the best parts of your property while bringing it into 21st-century life. Here are some kitchen extension ideas to inspire you, from a team that’s delivered many successful Victorian house extension designs.
This attractive home in Merton got a new lease on life through a wraparound Victorian house kitchen extension. This was achieved by demolishing an old outhouse and pushing the extension out into the side return and towards the rear, changing it to a 7.3m deep by 4.5m wide space. The ground floor was then reimagined into a generous and light-filled kitchen and dining space looking straight into the garden. Modern, airy and framed by classic slim Crittall style doors, this extension melds old and new to create a balanced and contemporary style home.
Contrast and Drama in Tulse Hill
Traditional Victorian style effortlessly meets contemporary living in this Tulse Hill kitchen extension. The matt dark grey cabinetry and pendant lighting perfectly complement the stark white walls and glazing, allowing light to flood into the space through two skylights and large picture windows while keeping a colour scheme that fits both Victorian and modern aesthetics. This combination of a flat rear extension and a pitched roof side extension adds visual interest and light to the extension, with the warm glow of the parquet flooring and the satin brass cabinet hardware contrasting with the dramatic vaulted ceiling.
Traditional Character for Modern Living in Battersea
Adapting a traditional Victorian home for modern family living doesn’t mean losing the character and features that drew you to this property in the first place. When completed sensitively and with an eye for detail, these kitchen extensions settle into the original property as if they were always there. This home in Battersea exemplifies this by taking all the elements we enjoy about these properties and bringing them into modern, everyday life. From the gabled roof and vaulted internal ceiling to the warm oak floors, exposed brick, and farmhouse kitchen, this space embodies the warmth of Victorian materials and techniques while creating a true heart of the home. The subtle placing of the skylights also ensures that they let in plenty of light without jarring against the home’s traditional character.
Of course, you don’t have to be limited by tradition, which is why Victorian terraces and semi-detached properties are so popular for home renovations. They can be exceptionally versatile and forgiving when paired with modern design concepts, like this home in Southwark shows. This living area and kitchen extension is as modern as it gets, with a virtually fully-glazed rear wall for the extension, large-scale frameless skylights, and a bold interior design scheme. Airy, minimalist and filled with light, it’s the opposite of what traditional Victorian kitchen and dining spaces usually are – and yet that’s exactly what it’s achieved so effectively.
This Victorian house extension in Tooting shows that you really can get creative with Victorian properties. Rather than going with the existing traditional brickwork, the extension is plastered with a soft render in a warm earth colour, creating contrast without clashing. This showcases the modern upgrade that incorporates a spacious kitchen, living area and dining space without it clashing against the existing structure. The Slimline sliding doors stretch across the entire width of the rear wall, bringing light into these traditionally dark and narrow spaces and integrating the home with the garden and outdoor entertainment space. This project also shows how it’s possible to create a large and open space with the right plan and design even when awkward angles are involved, showing the potential for every home to transform into a more practical, enjoyable space.
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Bring Your Property to Life Through Design-Driven Victorian Kitchen Extensions
Successfully transforming a Victorian property takes a combination of thoughtful design and expert construction, ensuring that the finished result is elegant, practical, and durable. As a full-service team, Plus Rooms has designed and delivered over 1,400 home extensions across London, including exceptional quality Victorian kitchen extensions. To find out more about what we do and how our bespoke services can deliver the home your family deserves, contact us today.
