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 it’s rarely been quiet, but having KLB Homes recognised in this way genuinely stopped me in my tracks.

That pause brought a period of reflection. Not just on the milestones, but on the everyday moments within projects - the decisions that have made life easier for families, the challenges that required a rethink, and the small design choices that ended up making the biggest difference.

So as we embark on 2026, I thought i'll try to write a post based on some of these reflections; lessons learned from real extension projects and the insights that tend to matter most when shaping your home around family life.

Every extension project begins with optimism: more space, better flow, and a home that finally works for everyday living. But behind the finished photographs are dozens of decisions, conversations and moments of learning along the way.

Having worked on many residential extensions over the years, I’ve seen what consistently works well, where projects can stumble, and what truly makes the difference between a good outcome and a great one. What follows is not theory, but real-life insight drawn from real homes and real families.

Start with how you live, not how much space you want

One of the most common mistakes I see is beginning with square metres rather than lifestyle. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, and often the most successful extensions aren’t the largest, but the most considered.

Before thinking about walls and windows, it’s worth asking:

• Where do bottlenecks happen day to day?

• Which rooms feel underused, and why?

• How do mornings, evenings and weekends actually work in your home?

  
  

Design that responds to real routines like the school mornings, homework spots, family meals and quiet corners, will always feel more generous than design that simply adds space for the sake of it.

Natural light matters more than people expect

Light is often discussed, but frequently underestimated. Roof lights, orientation, ceiling heights and window placement can completely change how an extension feels - sometimes more so than size or finishes.

What works particularly well:

• Bringing light deeper into the plan, not just at the edges

• Using roof lights to balance privacy with daylight, and

• Thinking about how light changes throughout the day and seasons.

  
  

A well-lit space feels calmer, more welcoming, and far more enjoyable to live in (especially during these winter months!).

Planning constraints aren’t the enemy

Planning is often approached with anxiety, but constraints can actually lead to better design. Homes in Surrey villages, conservation areas or sensitive settings often benefit from:

• More thoughtful proportions

• Clearer 'hierarchy' between the old and the new

• Designs that feel settled and appropriate rather than overstated and extended for the sake of it.

When planning is considered early (rather than thought of as an obstacle), it can shape a proposal that feels right for both the house and its surroundings, and ultimately stands the test of time.

Circulation and storage are game-changers!

Some of the most successful extensions don’t look dramatic at first glance, but they do transform how the home works. Often, this comes down to:

• Clear, intuitive movement through the space

• Proper storage that removes everyday clutter, and

• Small design decisions that reduce the frustration in daily life.

  
  

These details rarely feature in glossy images, but they’re what families notice most once they’ve moved back in!

The middle of the project is often the hardest part

There’s usually a point where enthusiasm dips, decisions stack up, budgets feel stretched, and the disruption of building work sets in. This is completely normal. The projects that weather this stage best tend to have:

• Clear drawings and documentation

• Decisions made early, where possible

• A steady, calm approach rather than rushing to resolve everything at once.

Having clarity upfront allows you to navigate this phase with more confidence and fewer surprises!

The best outcomes come from collaboration

The most rewarding projects are always collaborative. When clients feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns and being honest about how they want to live, the design is stronger for it. An extension isn’t just a building project, it’s a reshaping of how a home supports your home lifef. That requires listening as much as designing.

Final thoughts?

A successful extension isn’t defined by trends or size. It’s defined by how it feels to live in, day after day, year after year. When design is rooted in real life, thoughtful planning and clear communication, the result is a home that quietly works hard in the background, allowing your family life to take centre stage again.

And as you know... if you’re considering an extension and want to talk through what might work best for your home and your family, I’m always happy to have a conversation!