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BEYOND THE BUILD
Thoughts on homes, design and the realities of renovating.
Creating a home goes far beyond bricks, beams and square footage. After two decades working in property and residential design, and plenty of experience of family life and renovation myself, I’ve learned that some of the most important decisions aren’t always the most obvious ones.
Beyond the Build is where I share some of that experience: practical advice, design insight and personal reflections on creating homes that work not just on paper, but for everyday life. From planning and extensions to budgets, layouts and the realities of living through a renovation, it’s here to help you ask better questions, make more informed decisions and think a little differently about what your home could become.
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Design Insights
Thoughtful, practical ideas for designing homes that work beautifully for real life - from layout inspiration and material choices to clever storage, lighting, and making the most of what you’ve got.
Do you actually need an extension?
It might sound like a strange question coming from me, but sometimes the answer is… no! When people get in touch, they often already have an extension in mind. They need more space, the house isn’t working, and naturally the answer feels like it must be to make it bigger. But one of the first things I like to do is take a step back and ask: do you actually need more space, or do you just need the space you already have to work a little harder? Because the two aren’t always th
Kristina
Feb 122 min read
WINNER of the Women in Property & Construction Award 2025
What a way to end 2025! Last week, I was incredibly honoured (and a little overwhelmed) to receive the Women in Property & Construction Award 2025 at the International Women’s Business Awards . KLB Homes began with a simple love of helping people create homes that truly work for their lives. To see that ethos recognised on an international stage feels very special, and honestly quite humbling. I’m so grateful to my wonderful clients, supporters, collaborators and everyone wh
Kristina
Dec 22, 20251 min read
Honoured for Excellence in Authentic Family Living Design
I am truly honoured to have KLB Homes awarded Best Residential Architecture Practice 2025, South East England Small Business Awards. In particular, an Excellence Award for Authentic Family Living Design ! This recognition means so much, as it celebrates our passion for creating homes that are not only beautifully designed, but also thoughtful, practical, and inspiring spaces where families can truly live and grow. To my incredible clients - thank you for trusting me with
Kristina
Nov 10, 20251 min read
Why I created The Renovation Academy
So… I’ve finally done it. I’ve created a course. This is something I’ve wanted to do for years, but honestly? I didn’t have the guts. The thought of sitting in front of a camera made me want to crawl under the sofa. That's just not me. But with a bit of a push (more like shove), I got it done. Here’s why. Every week I hear from people who just want to know the basics. Where do I start? How much will it cost? What should I do first? And the truth is, there’s so much noise out
Kristina
Oct 20, 20252 min read
What quality or finish should I aim for in my home extension?
It’s a question I hear so often: “Do we go for the simple option, or do we spend more on higher-quality finishes? Will it really make a difference?” And the truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your budget, your priorities, and what you want your home to feel like at the end of it all. But I do know this. The choices you make around quality and finish aren’t just about looks, they shape how you use and enjoy your home every single day. When we talk
Kristina
Aug 5, 20252 min read
Can a small extension really make a big difference?
Absolutely. I know when people first picture a home extension, they often imagine something big like a huge open-plan kitchen-diner, a sweeping rear build that doubles the ground floor, maybe even a two-storey addition. And while those projects are wonderful when they’re right, the truth is that even a modest extension can completely change the way a home feels and functions. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a metre or two. A little side infill where there used to be an awkwar
Kristina
Jul 18, 20252 min read
How to plan a home extension that adds real value...
When people set out to extend their home, the motivation is often part personal, part practical, and part financial. You want more space, of course - maybe a bigger kitchen, a home office, or a family snug. But it’s also perfectly normal to wonder: Will this actually add value to my property? And the answer is: it depends. Not all extensions deliver the same return, and a thoughtful approach from the start can make all the difference. The trick is to balance your own needs w
Kristina
May 2, 20252 min read
How to design a home extension that feels like it’s always been there.
A great extension should feel like it’s always belonged to your home - a seamless, natural part of the story.
Kristina
Jan 17, 20252 min read
Garage Conversions: Making the most of the space you already have...
With thoughtful design and the right planning advice, it can become one of the most loved and lived-in parts of your home!
Kristina
Dec 9, 20242 min read
5 things most people forget when planning an extension (and how to avoid getting caught out)...
Remembering these five things can help make sure that when the build dust settles, you’re not left thinking, “Oh, I wish we’d thought of that!”
Kristina
Sep 12, 20243 min read
How much does a house extension cost in Surrey?
The truth is, costs vary a lot, but the more you understand the moving parts, the easier it is to plan with confidence and avoid the “hidden extras” that can creep in if you’re not prepared.
Kristina
Jul 22, 20242 min read
Creating Calm: Extensions designed for later life living.
This kind of calm doesn’t happen by accident, it’s created with care, forward thinking, and a design that holds you gently and well into the future years.
Kristina
Nov 13, 20232 min read
Designing a Sustainable Home (that still looks great).
Sustainability, when done well, enhances design. It brings in more light, better materials, smarter choices… and it just feels good!
Kristina
Oct 16, 20232 min read
Loft Conversions: Turning empty space into something special...
There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking an unloved, underused loft and transforming it into a bright, beautiful space that...
Kristina
Jul 4, 20232 min read
The Hidden Costs of Home Extensions (and how to budget for them)...
Any renovation, conversion or extension is an investment. But with clarity and a bit of planning foresight, they can be one of the most worthwhile ones you’ll ever make!
Kristina
May 9, 20232 min read
Creating spaces that work for multi-generational living
Multi-generational living isn’t about squeezing more people in, it’s about designing spaces that support more ways of living. With some careful thinking and a bit of creative planning, your home really can work beautifully for everyone, whether they’re eight or eighty.
Kristina
May 8, 20232 min read
Creating homes that support real lives...
Building a home is about so much more than bricks, beams and square footage. It’s about creating a space that actually works for your life. The kind of home where your mornings run a little smoother, where there’s space to breathe, connect, recharge. Where the design doesn’t just look good on paper but quietly supports the 'rhythm' of your everyday routine. That’s the real magic, and honestly, it’s the bit I love most about what we do. When we sit down with clients, we’re no
Kristina
Apr 10, 20232 min read
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