Styling your home extension gives you the chance to show off your creative side and express yourself in ways previously not possible.
Of course, with so many ways to personalise the look and feel of your extension – from your choice of wallpaper and lighting through to furniture – knowing which style is right for you can be tricky.
To ensure you feel confident in your design choices, consider these 7 tips when styling your home extension.
Looking for some inspiration? View images at the APEX gallery to see the ‘Before’ and ‘After’ of various home transformations.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY:
By following the same design principles as the rest of your house this will ensure a seamless blend and complete the look.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to have a 1:1 match. You can choose to incorporate just a few design elements. For example, the same wallpaper colour or species of hardwood flooring. This way, you can take the chance to introduce new design elements, yet still preserve the original charm and character of your house.
STYLISED LIGHTING FOR ENHANCED LOOKS, COMFORT, AND COST-EFFICIENCY:
Lighting design. It’s an often neglected art form. Which is a shame, because the right type and placement of interior lights can really lift the mood of a living space. Investing in smart LED lighting can also do wonders for your energy bill.
There are many factors to good lighting design. Such as the type of lighting, how many to include in each room, and the purpose of each light. There’s a dramatic difference to how you implement ambient lighting (i.e. ceiling, wall, and fan lights) compared to task lighting (i.e. lamps and light strips).
When styling your extension, choose a builder who understands the benefits of good interior lighting, and who can propose a custom lighting solution just for you.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT WALLPAPER FOR THE RIGHT ROOM:
Great wallpaper can enhance the mood and character of any room.
The trick? Choosing a tone that matches the rest of the house and fits the purpose of the room. For a children’s room, use soft warm colours to make the environment bright and happy. For a master bedroom or private office, a simple off-white tone is a timeless and distraction-free choice.
To help you make the right choice, your builder’s designer will recommend a range of colour options to suit your personal taste.
Want to relive that new home feeling? Discover the benefits of a ground floor extension.
COMPLETE THE TRANSFORMATION WITH STYLISH FURNITURE:
As one of the last things you do when you style an extension, choosing the right furniture is easy. Why? Because the layout and interior design is already finished … you just need to fill the room.
Try to match the space with furniture that fits the era. For example, modern leather furniture may look out of place in a rustic-inspired home. Of course, with so many advancements in furniture design today, a lot of companies have been able to combine modern design sensibilities with ‘traditional’ styles to great success.
SET UP AN OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT SPACE:
Why not bring the comforts of indoors outside with your own private paradise?
With a covered outdoor entertainment space, you can enjoy quiet time and host spontaneous social events any time of day, all year round – without having to schedule around the weather.
Another advantage to outdoor living is the choice of furniture. Furniture made from rattan, wicker, and cane are hard wearing through all seasons – with little maintenance required – and come in a diverse range of styles to suit any home.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPES OF WINDOWS AND THEIR PLACEMENT:
Strategically placed windows can help you admire the view, reduce your energy bills, give you privacy, and let you bathe in warm natural light.
There are many types of windows to choose from. From Single and Double Hung Windows through to Casement and Awning Windows. Which one is right for you will depend on the size, layout, and purpose of the room.
You should also take into account the placement of furniture. Because, once you put up a window on a wall, it becomes harder to place furniture there.
Your builder can help you create a window configuration that looks great and provides ‘just’ the right amount of natural light. They can also recommend different glazing options to assist with indoor climate control too.
CEILING HEIGHT:
Another neglected aspect of design is ceiling height.
However, there are many benefits to having taller ceilings. Not only do they help a room feel more open and spacious, they can even promote an overall sense of clarity and happiness in a person. On the other hand, lower ceilings tend to make some people feel cramped and confined.
For these reasons, it’s worth opting for a ceiling height that’s a bit higher than what you need. While the upfront cost is a bit higher, the value it can bring to your life and property value makes it worthwhile.
Want expert advice on how to style your next home extension? Contact us today to book your site inspection.
