Thomas Robinson Architects

Wishing for more space during Christmas and New Year is understandable. Visitors descend, extra chairs and camp beds are needed. Dreams emerge of vast homes, with room for a 12-foot festive tree, several grannies and a couple of fireside labradors.

So, should you upsize by building a mansion? Not necessarily. Reconfiguring and extending your existing home may create more useful space than you realise.

Architect Fiona Robinson says, ‘I relish imagining how a house could work more effectively. Enhancing the flow of a property by moving walls and uncluttering blocked areas gives me a thrill.’ In one cottage conversion, Thomas Robinson Architects rearranged the ground floor to add a second lounge – perfect for separating guests; expanded the kitchen – ideal for cooking Christmas dinner; and enlarged the hallway adding expansive cupboards and seating – great for removing walking boots and hiding them away. On another project, a snug spare room gained two sets of architecturally designed space-saving bunkbeds.

However, if you do decide to upgrade to a dream mansion, you gain the luxury of building the perfect dimensions from scratch.

In the large modern house pictured, the open-plan design easily accommodates large groups so that houseguests aren’t crammed in a single cluttered seating area.

In another more traditional-style new home, the oak-panelled lounge, pictured, features oversize sofas and armchairs, but still has a cosy fireside feel. The panelling is broken up with doorways – some leading to alternative sitting areas. With doors open, a more open-plan impression is created.

Whichever idea appeals, take the design plunge this January and resolve to reimagine your living space.