Optima Magazine

With house prices falling, and the economy at an all time low, there has never been a better time to make the most of the property in which you live. At the recent Grand Designs Live, London, exhibition, experts from the popular show together with Claire Barrett, Editor of Grand Designs Magazine, took the opportunity to bring together this helpful guide… top tips to provide you with all the ideas you’ll need to transform your home, and deliver some additional living space.

1. Consider an outdoor room:

It’s a place of necessary escape or solitude – that extra summer living room, or play area for the kids, or even for work if you choose to make it a home office. However you use your outdoor room, it’s sure to add value to your home.

Nowadays, designs are much more than a glorified shed. With heat, power and running water there are a host of new build designs that are eco friendly, and sit in harmony with the surrounding environment. Some will not even require planning permission so they can be put up quickly and efficiently if you go for a prefabricated design.

2. Increase natural daylight within the house:

Introducing natural light into a dark corner, corridor or internal room with a solar tunnel doesn’t just brighten up the place, it will also reduce energy bills because the lights stay off. VELUX were at Grand Designs Live demontrating just how a skylight can make you feel that the place is much bigger, and encourage you to use it in a different way.

A home office makes good use of a spare room

3. Create extra storage space with clever design solutions:

Turn an unused box room or awkward-shaped corner in a large master bedroom into a dressing are or home office. A built-in shelf and desk or wardrobe module will save on space, as well as keeping clutter well hidden and a full walk-in wardrobe with glass doors, will really make you feel like an A-lister.

Adding a conservatory is straightforward

4. Add a conservatory:

Of all the construction methods you can undertake to increase living space, a conservatory is one of the cheapest options. Plus, you won’t require planning permission, provided it falls within your permitted development rights (check this with your local planning department). Advanced glazing technology means that it’s easier to minimise solar gain during summer and heat loss in winter, making it comfy all year round.