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BEYOND THE BUILD
Personal reflections and professional insight on what I think helps design homes that work beautifully for everyday life, family routines, and the future.
With two decades of experience in property development and family-focused design, I’ve learned that creating a home goes far beyond bricks, beams and square footage. As an architectural designer, and also a wife, mum, and someone who’s lived through many of the same decisions my clients face, I know how much thought goes into making a house feel like home. So I'm here to help you by sharing some of my personal reflections and professional insight on what i think it really means to create a home. One that supports real life and not just for now, but for the years ahead (and hopefully it will help you with your home renovation!).
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Reflections: What I’ve learned from helping families extend
Towards the end of last year, KLB Homes was honoured to receive both the Best Residential Architecture Practice 2025 in South East England and the Women in Property & Construction Award 2025 . It was an incredibly special moment and one that gently but firmly made me pause. I’m usually on the go; always have been, and probably always will be! KLB life has been deliberately built around being present for the girls without having to miss a beat. It hasn’t always been easy, and
Kristina
Jan 124 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
I did a thing...
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 19, 20252 min read
Autumn: the season to reset
For me, September has always felt like the real new year. Once the children are back at school and the summer chaos has eased, I find myself looking around the house with fresh eyes. The mornings are cooler, the evenings a little darker, and home suddenly shifts from being somewhere we pass through between days out to the place we want to feel cosy and welcoming. It’s a natural pause point, a chance to reset before the rush of winter and Christmas begins. And I think it’s the
Kristina
Sep 7, 20253 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 4, 20252 min read
Should we extend or move? The big dilemma...
Weighing up the pros and cons of moving versus extending your current home.
Kristina
Jun 9, 20252 min read
What kind of planning application do you actually need?
Navigating the various planning permissions - find out if your project needs permitted development rights, full planning or a lawful certificate.
Kristina
Mar 3, 20252 min read
Can I build an extension without planning permission?
In many cases, yes! But there are some important rules (and a few exceptions) to be aware of.
Kristina
Feb 12, 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
Family-friendly garden ideas that grow with your home and your children...
Gardens should feel like a natural extension of your home and family life, not an afterthought. The best gardens aren’t just beautiful; they’re lived-in, loved, and ever-evolving.
Kristina
Jul 10, 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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