Kitchen extension

[sammysam]

We're thinking of extending our kitchen to make it twice the size with a good sized dining area, and play and seating area for dd and us. Where can we get inspiration for layout etc. are there any good websites/magazines?

I found KBB (kitchens bathrooms bedrooms) and '25 beautiful kitchens' good to get ideas, they show layouts and have appliance/flooring/worktop costs etc.

Thanks captainmummy-i'm just off to have a gander

just get some paper - draw out where walls, windows, doors and non-movable plumbing are - then start playing - try lots of different ideas of where you would like things - see what works for you.

Think about cooker size, split level or not, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine sink etc - and make sure you have enough unbroken work space.

imagine yourself cooking a meal - work out where you would need to be - trace the path you take - see if you are doing lots of unnecessary walking about.

My sister has just done this and although I haven't yet seen the final result one thing they did that has made a huge difference was to put in a high ceiling in the extension - can't think of the technical term as am hungover but it basically does up in an upside down 'v' shape and they have skylights and a diamond shaped window high up in the outside wall. It looks huge - really cannot believe how much more spacious it looks.

Thanks for tha great suggestions-i think i can picture what you mean buda! Do you have any idea how much extra that added to the cost?

Any other things we should take into consideration?

I had 2 skylights put into my kitchen design - they cost £200! I was going to have those sunpipe things, but the builder said 'nah you dont want those luv. You don;t get half the light through 'em as you do thro Veulx' so I had 2 veluxes and they are fab! One is in the downstairs loo and it covers 90% ofthe ceiling. Loads of light. I don't have one of the upside-down 'V' shapes on my cieling, but they still managed to make a sort of tunnel effect to the skylights.

we were definately thinking we'd have 2 skylights-pleased to hear that they are worth it captainmummy-i love bright rooms!

buda you mean a vaulted ceiling I think

Countessdracula - you are the reason I joined Mumsnet! I was looking for inspiration for my new kitchen worktop, and one of your threads came up on google, from when you were doing your kitchen. I printed out the whole thread cos it had some really good advice, and then I joined.

So thanks.

really
how fab