{"id":24014,"date":"2024-04-04T14:47:57","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T13:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=24014"},"modified":"2024-04-04T14:47:59","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T13:47:59","slug":"victorian-side-return-extension-ideas-to-bookmark-for-inspiration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/inspiration\/victorian-side-return-extension-ideas-to-bookmark-for-inspiration\/","title":{"rendered":"Victorian side return extension ideas to bookmark for inspiration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With their decorative cornicing, high ceilings and traditional features, Victorian homes deliver charm by the bucket load. According to estimations by Historic England, over a quarter of the British population live in a Victorian pad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our love affair with these older houses shows no signs of waning. A survey from estate agency\u00a0Jackson-Stops<\/a> reveals two-thirds of period property owners would buy an older home again, with Victorian homes the most sought-after \u2013 beating off competition from both Georgian and thatched cottages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known for their durability, thanks to the quality of materials such as brick, stone and cast iron used in their construction, Victorian homes have stood the test of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But while their characterful features make them stand out from more modern properties, there are some drawbacks to living in a house or flat that was typically built between 1830 to 1901, particularly in terms of square footage.<\/p>

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\u201cThough they are rich in beauty period properties like Victorian homes can often be short on space and light,\u201d explains Jamie Jones, founder and outdoor living specialist from\u00a0Open Space Concepts<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many Victorian homes have a long, narrow galley kitchen<\/a>, left over from its former use as a cooking space or scullery, but this inherited layout often doesn\u2019t meet the modern desire for a more sociable, open-plan space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solution for many with a desire to blend the charm with contemporary living is to extend, with a side return extension often the most popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAdding a side return extension can be a great and easy way to add extra space to your Victorian home,\u201d Jamie continues. \u201cUtilising unused alleyways down the side of your property and transforming them into liveable spaces can not only use up dead space but also add value to your property.\u201d<\/p>

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From building a sleek, glass add-on to seamlessly blending the new with the old, here are some unique yet totally achievable ideas for extending a Victorian home into the side return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To blend or contrast?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Homeowners wanting to extend their Victorian house into a side return will need to decide whether they opt for a structure in keeping with the original building or a new addition that contrasts completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen it comes to the design of your side return, making sure your side extension complements and enhances the existing charm of your property is key to help the building look seamless,\u201d advises Jamie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA simple way to achieve this is by ensuring the structure of the side return mirrors the form of the existing building by following the existing contours of the roof,\u201d he advises.<\/p>

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Equally, you shouldn’t be afraid to put your own stamp on the newly created space, which can also lend itself to a more modern aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We love to give extensions in our clients homes a new personality rather than trying to replicate traditional Victorian features,” advises Alexa Glover from My Bespo<\/a>ke Room<\/a>. “The contrast of old and new can create a real ‘wow’ moment when you walk through to the back of the house.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Connect the spaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you opt to tie in with the old or contrast the new extension, it is crucial that the old and the new parts of the home talk to each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexa suggests keeping the flooring consistent throughout or using a similar colour scheme.<\/p>

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“Using the same flooring throughout the whole ground floor can create cohesion as well as choosing a ‘red thread’,” she explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This could be a colour used in all rooms in different amounts. For example you could paint the front lounge in your Victorian home in a deep and moody green, then carry that colour into the extension in smaller amounts, such as a green sofa or artwork.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pick a side return style <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re opting for a Scandi look and feel, Jamie suggests incorporating a neutral colour scheme with minimalistic decor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor an industrial feel, choose reclaimed and raw materials to help add edge to the space,\u201d he continues. “Just make sure the decor flows between the old and new spaces to help connect the two spaces together seamlessly.\u201d<\/p>

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For North-facing kitchen spaces, Ann Marie Cousins, founder at AMC Design<\/a>, says you’ll need to inject some warmth and cosiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Think about a warm palette, maybe opting for the burnt ember and terracotta colours du jour,” she suggests. “Keep all neutrals warm and avoid brilliant white paint at all costs. Think about using brass or nickel taps and handles to add a dash of glamour while continuing to add warmth.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexa says a mid-century aesthetic works really well blended with a traditional, Victorian style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The contrasting elements of mid-century design, with its sleek lines and bold colours, juxtaposed against the ornate details and rich textures of traditional decor, create a dynamic and visually stimulating fusion,” she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Think about planning permission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Resi<\/a>, side return extensions don\u2019t always require planning permission as they can often be carried out under permitted development rights. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome factors that may be taken into consideration are size and height of your proposed renovation project, whether you\u2019re impacted by any listed properties or conservation areas and proximity to your neighbouring property,\u201d the site explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resi suggest using a checklist as a rough guide for whether your project falls within your permitted development rights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n