Whether you have big ideas for an extension that creates a fabulous new kitchen-diner or more modest plans to convert the garage into a sunny breakfast room, a kitchen extension will add space and potential value to your property. Take a look at these practical kitchen extension ideas that will open up the hub of your home. 

Depending on your building and type of kitchen extension, a steel joist (RSJ) may be necessary to reinforce ceilings. This kitchen extension with side return addition by Dittrich Hudson Vasetti has embraced the use of steel posts and beams by leaving them exposed and painted yellow to provide a striking visual and contemporary feature.

You don't have to start from scratch when it comes to kitchen extensions. This small but perfectly formed kitchen-diner was once an integral garage. Merseyside Builders have converted this single garage into a light-filled and inviting galley kitchen. 

A kitchen extension that has room for a central dining table can create a traditional and inviting vibe. @bungalow_fifty8 has added an extension to her bungalow which features a pitched roof to combine height, light and homely looks. The roomy space allows the owner to fill it up with funky kitchen furniture that looks contemporary rather than cluttered. 

Many Victorian homes have a patch of land to the side, known as a side return, creating an L-shaped garden. Extending to the side and rear – known as a wraparound extension – can revolutionise this type of property for modern living. Clever kitchen unit positioning in this side return extension leaves room for dining, living and play areas. The 'sliced out' glass roof and door makes the space look ultra-contemporary. 

It is easy to spend a fortune planning, building and perfecting that dream kitchen extension, but it doesn't always have to be the case. By thinking outside the box you can add that extra square footage for less than you might think. An extension of fewer than three metres doesn't always need planning permission and by pinning or toothing a structure to an existing wall can save time and money on building costs. Budget kitchens can look super high-end and vinyl flooring is an easy lay alternative to tiles and real wood. 

Think about your kitchen needs at the planning stage. If you like to cook and entertain then go for an extension that has a large island for social cooking and has the wow-factor to keep guests talking as they spill out onto a seamless connecting terrace. Architects, Dittrich Hudson Vasetti, made sure this side extension was perfectly in tune with the main barn and installed an eco-friendly grass roof too. 

Sometimes it's necessary to dig below floor level for foundation stability or to increase ceiling height. The design can achieve stunning results like this large kitchen-diner which has been given new depths thanks to the split-level arrangement.

Vibrant bespoke cabinetry in mustard yellow adds a splash of colour to this contemporary box-style kitchen extension. The oak veneer adds warmth while the stylish stainless steel countertops complete the professional vibe. The oversized lamps echo the black door frames and finish off the stylish Scandinavian look perfectly. 

Make your kitchen extension hold more than just the cooking area by creating a large and modern open-plan living room for the whole family to enjoy. Use the new space with lots of natural light to place the units and dining space and keep the living area inviting and cosy with complementary yet inviting tones.

Lighting is a key kitchen extension component to generate a social and entertaining atmosphere. Skylights and bi-fold doors in the dining area will ensure lots of natural daylight. Come evening, the ambience becomes inviting with beautiful metallic pendant lights over the island having a huge overall impact on the room.

A glass box kitchen extension allows light to flood into the space allowing views of the garden beyond. Including bi-fold doors will blend inside and out. Before this glass extension by Ungar Architects the ground floor or this coach house had no visibility of the garden at all so what a difference this glazed lightwell has made!

By going up a level, the outlook can be breathtaking. Here, a run of kitchen units to one side allows space for a dining table and living area that serves as a viewing platform. Curvaceous beams are in keeping with the surroundings and echo the lines of boats sailing river. To achieve panoramic views  Carpenter Oak added timber frames that project out of the boathouse which are supported on oak brackets.

Incorporating a new kitchen with a two-storey extension will, of course, double the return in terms of your property's value. And, with the help of an architect, you can unlock your home's potential. Here, a modern kitchen has been given double the light with a spectacular glass wall to maximise space. The clustered hanging pendant lights gives the room glamour and wow that finishes the luxurious look. 

This small kitchen box extension lends itself perfectly to broken plan living that is a trend growing in popularity. A Crittall-style glass partition separates the space from the living area without shutting it off completely. Chevron flooring creates a seamless continuation into the new space from the living room. 

This Victorian semi-detached extension project creates a light and open kitchen/living space by improving the accessibility to the garden. The architect added a striking black timber cladding that frames the glass walls to complete the contemporary look.

If built at the rear, floor-to-ceiling, bi-folding doors will continue your kitchen out to the garden. Then, think about the positioning of wall and base units to enhance the room's outward flow. 

Make the most of the new area you have by maximising cupboard and storage space. Modern gloss units are smart and sleek and a neutral scheme creates a calming atmosphere. A clever narrow window acting as a quirky splashback makes an attractive extra light source. 

The perfect marriage between glass and aluminium can achieve striking architectural results. The super strong metal can be moulded to any shape and replace an entire supporting wall if needed, which will give you an incredibly light room that connects you to the outdoor space.

Exposed brickwork creates a custom focal point and adds warmth to stark white ceilings and adjacent walls. Team with industrial extras like these stylish pendant lights and bar stools for a rustic urban vibe.

Floral patterns paired with simple wooden furniture creates a homely, timeless and modern country feel. Plus, uplifting structural plants fill an open space with greenery and boosts air quality, too. 

This bespoke oak kitchen extension has two key standout features; a glazed wall that opens out into the garden and a clever wall of built-in storage and appliances. A breakfast bar is another great way to make your kitchen a sociable and relaxed space.

A glazed roof positioned over the dining space is practical and inviting. Built-in, diner-style seating looks comfortable and professional, plus it keeps a walk-way clear to enter the garden. 

A large rear kitchen extension can maximise the potential for a beautifully spacious open-plan home. Warm wood floors throughout teamed with soft-toned furniture keeps the look coherent and calming.

A custom-crafted curved oak kitchen island creates a magnificent showpiece in this large family kitchen extension. The sleek, handleless doors, opened via a lip at the bottom, ensure a clean run of units. Two colour-coordinated pendant lights finish the high-end look.

Once complete, you won't be changing your state-of-the-art extension for a while. But if you need a quick up-date, blinds can help dress your windows and offer an instant change of scene. Geometric prints on opaque fabrics are stylish and refreshing.

This calm and tranquil extension has overcome the need for a support pillar by nestling it within a beautiful kitchen island. Reclaimed oak blends beautifully with the attractive Shaker-style, sleek white quartz worktops and artisan bar stools. 

Dove grey handmade units and walls free of cupboards maximise the sense of space in this small and perfectly formed kitchen. A mini kitchen island is an exact fit and the Velux roof windows mean light streams from above. 

Invest in elements that won't fall out of favour. Complementary shades of grey are neutral and calming and quality wood cabinets will remain durable and timeless for years to come.

White is the go-to choice for a classic design but to prevent the room from looking stark use tactile elements such as an exposed stone wall, upholstered dining chairs and hanging pendant lights. 

Don't be afraid to follow your kitchen fantasy. Chic gloss units paired with gentle tones of pale pink, copper and gold have a delicate charm that's contemporary yet feminine. 

A practical peninsula work surface and unit makes an attractive natural divide in a kitchen-diner extension. It can also double your storage space or become a handy breakfast bar and the layout works really well for the cook's much-desired 'golden triangle' of sink, cooker and the refrigerator. 

When space is at a premium every bit counts. Choose unfussy features that will incorporate your storage and appliance needs. Are there elements that could be multipurpose? The window seat in this cosy urban kitchen extension doubles as a dining bench and fits snuggly into the corner. 

A kitchen extension completed by a specialist craftsman can double a cottage kitchen's light and space using materials that will preserve a home's heritage and character. This classic farmhouse kitchen has been given a new breakfast and utility area while preserving its country tone. 

Create a sense of drama with tomorrow's tech. Handleless units, clever use of LED lights and stainless steel appliances create a distinctly futuristic look. Ultra modern extras like a double oven, wine chiller and induction hob add to the sense of sci-fi fun.

When designed in keeping with a period property, traditional walnut-fronted cabinetry will offer time-honoured style that doesn't have to feel dark. Here, the finish is balanced by light from a stunning orangery-style glazed roof. 

Of course, white kitchens are still the most popular cabinet choice but dark blue kitchens are giving the old favourite a run for its money. Teamed with fresh white walls and countertops a smart navy scheme can transform a modest kitchen extension into something sensational. 

Love a modern look but live in an older property? Mixing contemporary elements with existing features could be the perfect compromise. Oak beams are typical of barn conversions but when teamed with contemporary bi-folding doors the finish is fresh and luxurious.

Inject strong personality into a large space with refreshing feature tiles in zingy colours and interesting patterns. Then, tie the scheme together with yellow pendant lights. The distinctive wall mural sticker makes a striking and unique finish. 

Rear extensions usually benefit from views of the garden. If possible place furniture where users can appreciate the scenery, while a neutral decorating scheme won't overshadow your enjoyment of the great outdoors, whatever the weather.

Loved this? See more beautiful kitchen ideas to inspire your next project