Adding a new extension on a period home can be tricky. It requires a design that is sympathetic to the period features whilst giving you the comforts of a contemporary lifestyle.
Furthermore, recreating or imitating period styles can be tacky if not done right. However, with expert knowledge and craftsmanship, it can be achieved.
Here is a list of extension ideas for period homes that will work perfectly in keeping with the modern-day lifestyle and still respect the period details of the home.
Choose Complementary Materials
You do not necessarily need to use matching materials, just ones that will complement the look and feel of the original building. An extension does not need to mimic the existing architecture of the home, it simply needs to respect the traditional features.
For example, try and maintain the ceiling height of the original house so that the old and the new will meld seamlessly together, rather than lowering the ceiling in the extension, because this may cause the extension to feel claustrophobic.
Consider A Modern Contrast
You may want to consider a striking contrast from the old to the new. This may make the extension ‘pop’ whilst drawing attention to the original features of the house as well.
A good example would be to have polished concrete floors in the extension whilst the older part of the house still retains the floorboards which could be polished to enhance the look.
You may also want to consider skylights in the extension to bring in more light to the new area.
Go Rustic
A rustic look can work with period homes too. Use timber windows in the extension to complement the timber windows in the original part of the house. Or perhaps match the timber flooring throughout the house, matching old and new for a seamless finish.
Connect The Indoors With The Outdoors
A contemporary glazed design can flood the room with natural light while adding a modern touch to a classic house. Glass doors will give you access to natural views, without the need to go outside. You can enjoy your garden without having to open the windows or doors.
Open Up The Place With More Doors And Windows
Modern extensions can totally transform a period style home with the addition of large glazed sliding doors that will flood the new area with light and give you a connection from the house to the garden with an idyllic indoor-outdoor space.
Be generous with the size of the windows and the doors. Period homes typically do not have big windows, but modernising and upsizing them can bring in more light and will certainly be a worthwhile decision.
Use Steel and Metal
Modern industrial style extensions are practical and can elevate the aesthetics of your home. It is all about planning the space and making sure the finishing and paint colours complement or contrast the original building.
Designing an extension to a period home may seem limited by the original architecture of the old house. But a modern extension to a period home does not need to be constrained.
Extensions and renovations to old houses have as many options as a knockdown and rebuild option or building a new home. There are creative ways to go about it. Before you go and dive right in on your extension project. Consider the following:
- Consult a designer and draftsman
- Set a budget.
- Hire a builder
- Plan the tiles, fixtures, and fittings in advance.
- Shop around for best prices.
- Source materials locally.
- Set a schedule or a calendar of tasks.
- Set a reasonable timeline.
- Consult the local council for permits
When planning for a period home extension, it is important that you get enough support from the experts. Going at it alone without consulting an expert or a professional can cost you money and potentially compromise the integrity of the build.
If you are looking for some period home renovation ideas, then please speak to us at Period Extensions & Designs. We understand how delicate the process of renovating or building an extension on a period homes is.
Our award-winning designers have a plethora of experience when it comes to designing extensions and renovations to period-style homes. Our designs complement the old whilst giving you the modern-day comforts you are accustomed to. We will work with you and for you from start to finish.
We will listen to what you want and use our knowledge and experience to turn your vision into a truly exquisite design, which we will then bring to life.
Whether you need help with the design or the actual extension and renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.