How to Make an Extension Not look like an Extension

Creating a new extension for your home is an exciting opportunity to add space and improve functionality — but when working with a period property, it’s crucial that this addition feels like a natural, effortless continuation of the original home. The last thing you want is for your beautiful period house to suddenly feel disjointed or lose its character.

Having worked on a number of projects where this balance needed to be carefully navigated, I wanted to share some advice on how to seamlessly blend old and new, and how thoughtful design choices can transform a home extension into a cohesive, elegant space.

Respecting the Architecture

Before making any design decisions, spend time understanding your home’s existing architecture — the proportions, mouldings, materials, and finishes. In my Preserve Cottage Project, for example, we introduced bespoke panelling to both the original hallway and the new extension to create visual continuity. Panelling is a wonderful way to soften new spaces and provide an instant sense of heritage.

Consider echoing original details such as architraves, skirting boards, and ceiling roses. Even if you simplify them slightly for a contemporary feel, referencing these features will ensure your extension feels connected to the main house.

Choosing Complementary Materials

Materials tell a story, and in period homes, they’ve often aged gracefully. When adding an extension, opt for finishes that harmonise with the original property. In The St George House project, we reinstated reclaimed timber flooring, sourced from a local reclamation yard, to immediately inject warmth and character. Using reclaimed or aged materials where possible will help new spaces feel rooted in history.

You might also consider replicating original flooring patterns, like herringbone or parquet, or choosing stone and tile finishes that echo those found elsewhere in the home.

Thoughtful Fittings & Fixtures

Modern kitchens and bathrooms can still feel at home in a period property if you select fittings with care. In The Farnham Project, brushed stainless steel paired with grey-washed cabinetry added a contemporary touch while remaining understated enough to sit gracefully within a classic setting.

Opt for classic-style taps, traditionally styled radiators, and hardware in finishes like aged brass or antique bronze. Lighting too is key — blend period-style wall lights and pendants with a few more modern pieces to create layered, atmospheric spaces.

Cohesive Colour Palettes

A well-considered colour palette helps tie old and new together. Use tonal variations of colours found in your existing rooms and carry them through to the extension. Soft, muted hues work beautifully in period properties, while the occasional bold accent can bring energy and modernity.

At Roath Park House, we used light, airy schemes paired with carefully chosen artwork and furniture to balance 1920s features with 21st-century living.

Creating Flow

One common challenge in long period homes is creating natural pauses and transitions. I often recommend defining entrance areas or visual stopping points with a beautiful sideboard, artwork, or rug to break up extended sightlines and guide you gently through the space.

Consider your sightlines from old to new — frame views with doors, panelling or feature walls to encourage a sense of flow and discovery, rather than simply adding a large open-plan box to the rear.

Why Work With a Specialist?

This delicate balance between preserving a home’s heritage and introducing modern comforts is something I have been fortunate to work on throughout my career, both in the UK and abroad. With over a decade’s experience in residential interiors, including complex period renovations, I understand how to sensitively enhance these properties while making them work beautifully for modern living.

If you’re planning an extension or reworking your home’s layout and want to ensure it feels seamless and elegantly considered, I’d love to help. You can explore some of the projects mentioned above on my portfolio page and get in touch here to arrange a consultation.

Would you like more tips on transforming your period home? Follow along on Instagram or keep an eye on the blog for upcoming guides.