How to get more light into your kitchen

Remodelling design ideas to gain more space and light

By Paula Woods | 16 March 2023

Wondering how to get more light into your kitchen? Knocking down internal walls, adding a rear extension with large windows or doors, or opting for skylights are all good ways to let the light in, as these impressive kitchen remodels show.

Add a single-storey extension

Some single-storey rear extensions come under permitted development rights (PDR), which avoids the need to apply for planning permission. The Planning Portal outlines the rules. This timber-clad rear extension with glazed sliding doors is by McNulty Architects.

A single storey kitchen extension black-grey oak and kaolin with stained oak breakfast bar

Bulthaup b3 kitchen with stained oak breakfast bar by Kitchen Architecture. Photo: Darren Chung

Look to the skies

Installing a small, fixed skylight in a pitched or flat roof is a straightforward job, but take advice from a structural engineer if you want something more substantial. Building Control approval is a must.

bespoke fixed and opening flat roof windows with optional smart climate control in kitchen extension

Vario by Velux bespoke fixed and opening flat roof windows with smart climate control

Upgrade the glazing

Increasing the size of a window or turning it into an opening for large glazed doors makes a big difference to the amount of light coming in. Planning permission may be needed. This extension, refurbishment and interior design is by The Vawdrey House.

Grey pioneer double doors in kitchen extension

Bespoke kitchen by Blakes London. Pioneer windows and doors by Govette Windows. Photo: The Vawdrey House

Knock down an internal wall

Taking down an internal wall is a relatively simple way to gain an open-plan space for cooking, dining and maybe even seating. It often brightens a space by letting more natural light through from the adjoining room.

Hunton painted kitchen in Porcelain and Hartforth Blue by Second Nature

Think outside the box

Replacing a flat window with a multipurpose oriel design, which protrudes outwards, captures more light and provides somewhere to sit. This rear extension and fit-out, with full-height glazed doors and oriel window seat, is by Beacham Architects.

Window with a multipurpose oriel design, which protrudes outwards, captures more light. Rear extension and fit-out, with full-height glazed doors

Photo: Andy Heathcote

The classic side-return extension

Though it may not add significantly to the floor area, a side-return extension is often big enough to reorganise a layout to incorporate an island or dining area. It’s also a great opportunity to add skylights.

Hand painted Shaker kitchen with walnut veneer cabinet interiors and Carrara Venato worksurfaces. Bigger and brighter kitchens.

Shaker kitchen with walnut veneer cabinet interiors and Carrara Venato worksurfaces by Brayer Design. Photo: Paul Craig

Opt for double-height ceilings

Remove a section of ceiling or build a two-storey extension for a spacious double-height room. Get advice from an architect. This whole-house refurbishment, including double-height rear extension, is by A-Zero Architects.

A two-storey extension for a spacious double-height with blue cabinets

Photo: Agnese Sanvito

Use the vertical space

If double-height isn’t an option, it may be worthwhile taking the ceiling up to the rafters. High ceilings make a room look large and airy.

Shaker painted black with timber island and Verdi Lara granite worksurfaces

Shaker kitchen painted black with timber island and Verdi Lara granite worksurfaces by Harvey Jones

Rearrange the layout

Swapping a spacious living or dining room with the kitchen is worth considering. The power and water supply and the drainage will need to be rerouted, which has timescale and budget implications.