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It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for domestic extensions

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Five tips to make your space go further over Christmas

 

I’m really enjoying the 2021 House of the Year Award nominations on Channel 4 this month. The RIBA (the architecture industry’s professional body) will announce the winner on December 8th. I love the fact that this year, so many of the nominated houses are renovations and extensions rather than new builds – and I really hope that one of them wins. To me, this is far more reflective of UK householders’ experience of architect-designed spaces. 

 

Most of my work is in domestic refurbishment and extension: there’s a massive demand for these services because it’s often far better value to extend and improve your existing home than to incur the many costs of selling and buying. If you like where you live, it makes sense to improve your current house rather than buying another one down the street.

 

I’m also bracing myself for one of my busiest times of the year for enquiries – January! It’s traditionally a time for new starts and resolutions, including people moving in together or expanding their families. Many people are looking ahead to their household requirements in the coming year and beyond.

 

The Christmas holiday break further fuels these seasonal desires. With time off over Christmas, people have time to reflect and mull over important life decisions. In previous years, the effect has been heightened by families spending an unusual amount of time together in the home. Of course, in 2021 this has become a way of life for many people, and I’ve taken on many jobs this year prompted by the need for more workspace in the home.

 

All being well, family and friends will be gathering in the traditional ways this year – as the Sainsbury’s ad says, “it’s been a long time coming!” and we all want to make the most of the festive break to spend time with our loved ones. This always puts pressure on communal and sleeping space in our homes, not to mention kitchens and bathrooms taking the strain of extra catering and house guests!

 

That’s why I’m expecting lots of people to get in touch in January – the Christmas season really focuses people’s minds on how well their home is arranged to allow them to host, entertain and relax in a sociable way.

 

Extensions and renovations take time: even for the simplest designs, the planning process can’t be hurried and the shortage of builders and materials is making construction projects even slower at the moment. Thinking about extending your kitchen diner to fit the Christmas table in or adding a bedroom for the in-laws isn’t something you can make happen now in time for 25th December! 

 

But in the short term, there are some ways to make the most of your existing space, even as you begin to think about renovating to create your dream home. Here are five suggestions I’ve picked up from visiting clients’ homes:

 

1.    Turn the tables: to fit everyone in for Christmas dinner, consider turning your dining table around or temporarily locating in a different. Even if it’s not practical most of the time you might create extra space at the ends or manage to squeeze in a folding table at the end for more capacity

 

2.    Split the party: if there are distinct groups in your Christmas posse, you could set up two tables or dining spaces. For example, kids might be able to eat on the floor, picnic-style, or teens might enjoy a private dining experience in another room. You can always move people round half way through the meal so everyone spends time together while eating

 

3.    Get your gazebo out: we’re all being encouraged to maximise ventilation to stop the spread of Covid: make a party feature of an outdoor space with lots of cosy blankets, a fire pit and hot chocolate or mulled wine

 

4.    Light up your life: you can create zones for different activities if you use lighting cleverly. Fairy lights might create a festive mood but you can provide task lighting in a corner of the living room so people can see to read. In the kitchen, if you need more prep space, think about clearing and lighting cluttered worksurfaces or bringing in a camping table to use when you’re catering big!

 

5.    Roll out the beds: camping mats and lumpy sofa beds aren’t the only options for overnight guests. There are lots of ingenious and surprisingly comfortable temporary bed solutions, even for the smallest spaces. From stylish space-saving ottomans (try sleepandsnooze.co.uk or made.com) to sturdy air mattresses with inbuilt pumps and foldable sprung beds (B&Q has inexpensive options) you can give everyone a good night’s sleep. Freestanding screens can give people a bit of privacy even when sharing rooms. 

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