Creating a Light-Filled Open-Plan Kitchen and Living Space
I was really pleased to be back on Roper Avenue in Roundhay, Leeds for this rear house extension project, especially as it came through a referral from another project I had worked on just over the road. It is always lovely to return to the same street and know that a previous client has been happy enough to recommend my architectural services.
For this project, I provided the architectural drawings and design assistance for a rear extension that would completely transform the ground floor layout.
Photos of the previous exterior:
The Brief
The existing layout was dark, awkward and quite segregated. The kitchen felt small, cramped and disconnected from the rest of the downstairs space. To get from the kitchen to the dining room, you previously had to pass through three separate doors, which made the layout feel unnecessarily complicated and closed off.
There was also an existing orangery at the rear of the property, but it did not make the best use of the space. The aim was to remove this and replace it with a more practical rear extension that would improve the flow of the home and create a brighter, more modern living area.
Permitted Development – No Planning Approval Needed
Because the proposed rear extension was less than 3 metres, the project could be carried out under permitted development rights, meaning full planning approval was not required.
This helped keep the process more straightforward for the client while still allowing us to create a much more usable and attractive living space.
Architectural Drawings and Support
As part of the project, I provided the architectural drawings needed to clearly show both the existing and proposed layouts.
The previous drawings highlighted just how divided the old ground floor had been, with separate rooms, awkward circulation and wasted areas. The proposed drawings helped show how the same footprint could be used much more effectively, creating an open, practical and light-filled family space.
The first architectural drawing shows the previous layout, second shows the new improved layout:
The New Design
The new design focused on opening up the downstairs layout and removing the unnecessary barriers between rooms. Where the original layout had lots of wasted space and poor flow, the new arrangement creates a much more natural connection between the kitchen, dining and seating areas.
Instead of passing through multiple doors, the new layout allows you to move from the kitchen into the dining area with ease, creating one open and sociable space.
A key part of the design was introducing as much natural light as possible. The new extension benefits from:
- Large aluminium floor-to-ceiling sliding doors
- Velux roof windows above
- A large kitchen window positioned above the sink
- An open-plan kitchen, dining and seating layout
- A breakfast bar where the original wall once stood
These features work together to turn what was once a dark and awkward space into a bright, airy and modern kitchen and living area.
From Cramped Kitchen to Open-Plan Living in Leeds
One of the biggest improvements is the feeling of space.
The old kitchen felt tiny and enclosed, but by reconfiguring the downstairs layout and extending to the rear, the home now has a generous open-plan kitchen with a breakfast bar, dining space and seating area that flows beautifully towards the garden.
The large sliding doors create a strong connection between inside and outside, while the Velux windows bring light down into the centre of the room. With the sink now positioned to look out through a large window, the kitchen has become a much more enjoyable place to spend time.
The Result
This rear extension in Roundhay has completely changed the way the home works.
What was once a dark, cramped and disconnected downstairs layout is now a bright, open and welcoming kitchen, dining and living area. The new space feels modern, practical and much better connected to the garden.
It is a great example of how thoughtful architectural drawings and a well-planned rear extension can transform an existing home without always needing full planning approval.
For anyone considering a rear house extension in Roundhay, Leeds, or looking to improve the layout of an older home, this project shows how much difference can be made by opening up the space, improving natural light and creating a better flow through the ground floor.
Give us a call
Speak to Hannah today and get the right advice for your project
