Single Storey Extension Ideas for Extra Living Space

Single storey extensions are an excellent way to add purposeful space to your home, enhance flow between your living areas, and optimise your home to bring the best out of your property.

There are many different single storey extension types to choose from. In this guide, we break down the differences between your home extension options, explore the strengths of each, and delve into how to personalise these spaces to best suit your lifestyle. This article serves as a collection of practical single storey extension ideas, intended to inspire and inform you in your home improvement project.

Glazed Extensions: Demystifying the Differences Between Orangeries, Garden Rooms & Conservatories

With so many incorrectly used definitions blurring the lines between different home extension ideas, it’s hard to know where to look when seeking glazed extension inspiration. Below we break down the definitions in simple terms, so that you can make an informed decision on which extension type is right for you before exploring layout ideas.

Orangeries

Orangeries can be categorised by their solid, flat roofs, which sport one or more roof lanterns. With many optional design features such as feature breakfronts, decorative pilasters and intricate entablature, each orangery will be individualised. Orangeries were first popularised in the 17th century to shield exotic plants from harsh winters in wealthy homes. Still maintaining their reputation as symbols of opulence and grandeur to this day, the contemporary orangery is a revolutionary glazed extension that offers timeless, elegant style.

Garden Rooms

Garden rooms feature a pitched, tiled roof that is adjoined to the existing property. With vaulted ceilings, gable-end glazing and glazed roof sections that span into the apex, garden rooms are a stand-out way to extend your home. The tall roofline and large amounts of glazing create a connection between your home and garden like no other, making them arguably the strongest extension choice for homeowners looking to bring the outside in.

Conservatories

Conservatories festered a poor reputation due to the boom of poor manufacture of uPVC conservatories during the 80s and 90s for yellowing and warping, so it’s understandable that homeowners looking to extend with permanence might dismiss the idea of a conservatory. However, the contemporary timber conservatory offers the high standard of timeless aesthetics and top performing materials of a garden room or orangery, whilst also delivering on maximised natural light through a pitched, glazed roof. Westbury’s timber conservatories bridge the gap between the classic conservatory and revolutionary garden room, still offering homeowners an extensively glazed look whilst maintaining a timeless, thoughtfully designed aesthetic.  [1] 

Open-Plan Single Storey Extension Ideas

Now that you have a more solid understanding of the different single storey extension types, let’s explore how you can integrate one with purpose, beginning with open plan extension ideas.

Why is Open Plan Living Essential for the Modern Lifestyle?

• Open plan living offers optimised layout and maximised space.
• Through connected spaces, a seamless flow is created around your home.
• Open plan rooms are versatile, social spaces.
• Homes feel bigger and brighter with enhanced movability thanks to reduced physical boundaries[2] .

Creating a Larger Kitchen and Living Area

The kitchen-diner is the heart of the home, creating a hub for everyday dining, family time and entertainment. Opting for a kitchen extension can completely transform a compact kitchen layout, opening up the space and enhancing movability and the social aspect of the kitchen.

Family Rooms and Everyday Living Spaces

Larger single storey extensions such as orangeries and garden rooms make excellent multi-purpose living spaces. After all, when investing in a cutting-edge home extension, you expect to make the most of the space for daily use. See below our gallery of inspiration for a truly multi-functional extension, connecting a trio of living, dining and kitchen spaces together.

Rear Single Storey Extension Ideas: Layout Ideas That Make the Most of Space

Extending Towards the Garden

Extending towards the garden is the most popular way to expand your home. The versatility of these extensions depends entirely on the limitations of the garden, meaning that those with small gardens will be restricted in how far they can extend their home. Below, we take a look at how to make the most of your space in rear single storey extensions.

Using Doors and Views to Link Inside and Outside

Glazed extensions link your home and garden, creating harmony and flow across your entire property. By opting for ceiling-height glazing, you’ll experience uninterrupted views of your garden. For homeowners with green thumbs, this means that you can admire your hard work all year round!

Zoning Different Areas Within the Extension

Open-plan extensions that are multi-functional can be zoned to create independent areas without obvious boundaries. One way this can be achieved is through lighting. For example, task lighting above dining tables or pendant lights hung above lounge areas give the different zones independence without ever physically separating them. You can also create zones through tactically placed furniture by using sofa positioning, rug layouts or indoor planters.

Side Return Single Storey Extension Ideas: Turning Narrow or Unused Space Into a Living Area

Side return extensions refer to extending onto the side of the home, most commonly seen in terraced or semi-detached houses to extend into small gaps or down narrow alleyways. From outside, the size of this extension may look ineffective, however, side return single story extensions may be the difference between a compact kitchen and an open-plan kitchen-diner.

Usually, these extension types make use of space that would have otherwise been unused. Dark, slim alleyways are converted into additional living space. It’s worth noting that these extensions should be open-plan for an effective enhancement of your floorplan, as closing these off can feel claustrophobic and counter intuitive.

How to Choose the Right Single Storey Extension Idea for Your House Extension

The ‘right’ single storey extension idea will differ from household to household. In order to make an informed decision, consider the purpose of your extension. Are you looking to create an open-plan living space that connects your living areas? Or are you seeking a separate, tranquil space designed simply for relaxing in the evenings? Do you have ample garden space, or instead have an unused alleyway beside your compact kitchen? Answering these questions will help you find the right choice for you.

When a Single Storey Extension Makes Sense

• You’re looking to extend your kitchen, dining or living area
• You’re seeking an enhanced connection between your home and garden
• You want a structure that will feel cohesive with your existing property as opposed to a separate entity

When to Opt for Alternatives to a Traditional Single Storey Extension

• You’re seeking a separate structure, such as an annexe
• You lack sufficient garden space in either width or length
• You’re looking for a multi storey extension

There are many ways to extend your home, and the right one for you will depend entirely on your needs and desires. For those aiming for a larger, open-plan living space, a rear orangery or garden room extension may be ideal. For those working with a smaller, terraced home or one with unused alley space, a side return extension may better suit your property.

Still unsure which extension type will suit you and your home? Give our sales and design team a call today for expert, personalised advice. You can also request a brochure for further inspiration.