INTRODUCTION

Despite the new governments plans for increasing housebuilding, the lack of new homes in the UK means most people are still looking towards extensions and renovations as a means for upscaling. In 2025, several key design trends are shaping how these projects are designed and executed, reflecting a growing preference for adaptable, sustainable, and technologically advanced homes. From open-plan living and biophilic design to smart home integration and modular construction, these trends cater to those who want to enhance both the functionality, sustainability and aesthetic appeal of their properties.

At My-Architect.io, a leading London architect, we specialise in helping homeowners navigate these trends to create spaces that enable their needs and lifestyles. Our experience spans a wide range of projects, including garden rooms that serve as multifunctional retreats, sustainable designs using reclaimed materials, and smart home installations that bring security and efficiency to older London homes. Throughout this article, we’ll explore the top trends in home extensions and renovations for the coming year, with insights drawn from our recent projects across the city.

Whether you’re considering a new extension, a garden room, or a complete renovation, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions about your project. With our expertise as a progressive residential London architect, we’re here to guide you through the latest developments in home design, offering inspiration and practical advice as you embark on transforming your space.

1. Open-Plan Living Spaces

As with many global cities, open-plan living spaces continue to be a popular choice for London homeowners, particularly in city homes where maximising space and light is essential.

By removing interior walls, open-plan layouts merge living, kitchen, and dining areas into a unified space that enhances flow and creates a more flexible, multifunctional environment. These designs are ideal for modern lifestyles, allowing spaces to serve various functions throughout the day, like being able to see the kids playing while cooking, or sharing an entertaining space when guests are over.

Similarly, our open-plan kitchen and dining space in Wimbledon showcases how flooring can play a crucial role in defining and enhancing an open-plan layout. By using the same herringbone flooring throughout, we were able to create a seamless flow between the kitchen and dining areas.

This continuity not only makes the space feel larger but also provides a backdrop that allows other elements, like artworks and ornaments, to take centre stage. Carefully curated pieces add layers of colour and texture, contributing to a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

The benefits of open-plan living extend beyond aesthetics, promoting social interaction and creating a versatile environment that can be adapted to suit changing needs. For London homes, where entertaining is often a priority, open-plan layouts provide a spacious, inviting setting that can accommodate a variety of uses while maintaining a stylish and cohesive feel.

2. Sustainable Materials and Eco-Friendly Designs

As awareness of climate change continues to rise, London homeowners are increasingly opting for sustainable and eco-friendly materials in their home extensions and renovations. This trend reflects a growing desire to reduce environmental impact while creating beautiful, energy-efficient spaces that enhance both comfort and property value.

In our recent Islington project, we incorporated reclaimed wood throughout the open-plan living, kitchen, and dining areas. By repurposing materials, we not only created a unique and characterful interior but also minimised the project’s environmental footprint.

Reclaimed wood is an excellent choice for sustainable design, as it reduces the demand for new timber, lowers carbon emissions, and provides a rich, storied aesthetic that enhances the overall warmth and appeal of the space.

In addition to reclaimed wood, popular eco-friendly materials include recycled glass and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, which improve indoor air quality and contribute to a healthier home environment. Beyond materials, many London homeowners are embracing energy-efficient features such as green roofs and solar panels. Green roofs help insulate homes, reduce urban heat, and support local biodiversity, while solar panels offer a renewable source of energy that can significantly reduce utility bills over time.

The benefits of incorporating sustainable materials into home designs are substantial. Not only do they reduce the overall environmental impact of a project, but they can also lead to lower energy costs and increased property value.

Homeowners who invest in eco-conscious design elements often find that their homes are more comfortable, energy-efficient, and appealing to future buyers. With these sustainable options, London homeowners can enjoy a stylish, functional space that supports their lifestyle while contributing positively to the environment.

3. Smart Home Integration

Smart home technology is increasingly popular among London homeowners, offering enhanced convenience, improved security, and greater energy efficiency. As these systems continue to evolve, integrating them into home extensions and renovations is an ideal way to create a modern, future-proof living space. However, retrofitting older London homes with these advanced systems can be complex, making it essential to consult with your architect from the outset to ensure smooth integration.

In most of our recent projects, we incorporate smart safety systems like Ring and energy-saving devices such as Nest, which allow homeowners to monitor and manage their homes with ease. These smart safety systems provide peace of mind by enabling remote access to security features, such as cameras and doorbell alerts, enhancing the security of properties even when residents are away. At the same time, energy-saving systems like Nest contribute to a more sustainable living environment by optimising heating and cooling, reducing energy usage, and helping to lower utility bills.

Beyond security and energy efficiency, smart home integration includes features like automated lighting control, voice-activated assistants, and smart kitchen appliances. Homeowners can effortlessly adjust lighting, control appliances, and manage temperatures with a simple voice command or smartphone app, creating a seamlessly interconnected experience. As these technologies advance, they include AI-driven systems that learn user preferences and automatically adjust settings for optimal comfort and efficiency.

The benefits of integrating smart home technology are extensive. These systems streamline daily tasks, reduce unnecessary energy consumption, and significantly enhance home security. However, due to the complexities involved in retrofitting smart systems into older London homes, working with an architect from the beginning is crucial. Architects can ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place, enabling homeowners to enjoy all the benefits of a smart home without compromising the character or structural integrity of their property.

4. Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors

Biophilic design is gradually making its way from the commercial sector, where higher budgets have traditionally supported its implementation, to residential projects. While it isn’t yet mainstream, advancements in technology are paving the way for more widespread use in homes. For London homeowners, biophilic design offers a unique opportunity to bring the calming presence of nature indoors, enhancing well-being and creating a more tranquil living environment.

This design approach appeals to many urban residents who crave a connection to nature, particularly in a bustling city like London. By incorporating elements such as indoor plants, living walls, large windows with views of gardens, and natural materials like stone and wood, biophilic design fosters a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors. While not yet commonplace in residential settings, as the technology and methods involved continue to evolve, we expect to see this approach increasingly integrated into home renovations.

Popular features of biophilic design include living walls, which can transform indoor spaces into lush, green environments that naturally improve air quality. Large windows not only offer expansive views of the outdoors but also allow natural light to flood the home, creating a more open and refreshing space. The use of materials like reclaimed wood and stone further connects interiors to nature, bringing warmth and texture that synthetic materials often lack.

The benefits of biophilic design go beyond aesthetics. Numerous studies have shown that incorporating natural elements into living spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being—an especially valuable advantage in busy urban areas. As biophilic design becomes more accessible and cost-effective, London homeowners will likely embrace this trend, transforming homes into restorative sanctuaries that celebrate nature in a city setting. This growing interest in biophilic design underscores the importance of consulting with an architect to explore how best to incorporate these elements into your space, balancing functionality with the beauty of the natural world.

5. Modular and Prefabricated Extensions

As demand for faster, cost-effective home extensions continues to grow, modular and prefabricated options are becoming increasingly popular among London homeowners. By offering a streamlined approach to construction, these methods provide a practical solution for those looking to expand their living space without the lengthy timelines and disruptions often associated with traditional builds.

We’ve collaborated with modular garden room companies like EcoSpace and modular extension companies like U-Build to bring these innovative solutions to our clients. Prefabricated modules are assembled off-site in a controlled environment and then transported to the property for quick installation. This process significantly reduces on-site construction time and disturbance, allowing homeowners to enjoy their new space much sooner. Modular construction is especially appealing in dense urban areas like London, where access and space can be challenging for conventional building methods.

One of the major advantages of modular and prefabricated extensions is their cost efficiency. By minimising on-site labour and reducing the need for scaffolding and other equipment, these methods can lower overall project costs. Additionally, modular construction is inherently less wasteful, as materials are precisely measured and cut in a factory setting, reducing excess and contributing to a more sustainable build.

These options also offer impressive flexibility in terms of layout and customisation. Modular extensions can be adapted to fit a variety of architectural styles and homeowner needs, whether it’s creating a garden room, a home office, or an additional living space. This adaptability, combined with the speed and efficiency of the process, makes modular and prefabricated extensions an attractive choice for those looking to enhance their homes with minimal hassle.

As modular construction techniques advance, we expect to see even more options become available, enabling London homeowners to explore innovative ways to expand their living spaces with cost-effective, customised solutions.

6. Outdoor Living Spaces and Multi-Functional Garden Rooms

As London homeowners increasingly seek to expand their living areas, outdoor spaces like garden rooms are gaining popularity. These versatile spaces cater to a variety of needs, from remote work and fitness to entertainment and relaxation. With our extensive experience in securing planning approval and delivering garden room projects across London, we’ve seen firsthand how these spaces can transform properties. This includes our recent project in Hackney, where we constructed a garden room in the garden of a locally listed building within a conservation area, and another in Southwark that gained approval earlier this year.

Garden rooms are multifunctional by design, making them an attractive addition for homeowners who need adaptable spaces. Whether used as a home office, a gym, a media room, or even an outdoor kitchen, these rooms can transform based on the family’s needs. Many garden rooms we deliver also include heating, allowing for year-round use. This feature, combined with options like large windows or bi-fold doors, creates a seamless connection to the outdoors while providing a comfortable and inviting interior.

The appeal of garden rooms also lies in their ability to enhance a property’s utility. With remote work becoming more common, these spaces provide an ideal setting for a quiet, dedicated workspace away from the main home. They’re also perfect for hobbies or fitness, offering a private retreat that can adapt over time. By increasing a property’s functional space without encroaching on existing structures, garden rooms add significant value to the home, often improving its marketability.

Our experience with modular garden room companies like EcoSpace and U-Build allows us to provide cost-effective and efficient solutions tailored to each project’s specific needs. With these versatile, adaptable spaces, homeowners can enjoy the flexibility to change how they use their homes over time, making garden rooms a valuable addition to any London property.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating the latest trends into your home extension or renovation can significantly improve both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your property. From sustainable materials and smart home technology to versatile garden rooms and open-plan living, these design approaches cater to the evolving needs of London homeowners. At My/Architect, we have the expertise to bring these ideas to life, whether you’re looking for a London architect to create a contemporary, eco-friendly space or a residential architect to deliver a tailored solution that meets your lifestyle requirements.

With our in-depth knowledge of London’s architectural landscape and extensive experience in residential projects throughout London’s rich tapestry of listed buildings and conservations areas, we’re well-equipped to guide you through each stage of your project, from concept to completion. Whether you’re aiming to create a multifunctional retreat, an energy-efficient home, or a stunning open-plan extension, our team is here to help. Reach out to My/Architect today, and let’s transform your home into a space that meets your vision and needs.