How to Design an Extension That Feels Like It’s Always Been There
Designing an extension for a Queenslander or character home is a balancing act — adding space, flow, and function without losing the soul of the original structure.
When done well, an extension shouldn’t feel new at all. It should feel like part of the home’s story from the very beginning.
Here’s how to create an extension that blends seamlessly with your existing home — in both style and spirit.
1. Start With the Bones of the Home
Every great extension begins with understanding what makes the original home special.
Look closely at:
The rooflines and proportions
Existing materials (weatherboards, timber floors, VJ walls)
Ceiling heights
Window styles and placements
How natural light moves through the space
Before you think about adding, it’s important to honour what’s already there.
This is the foundation of a design that feels connected — not tacked on.
2. Respect the Rooflines and Proportions
One of the biggest giveaways of a poorly designed extension is when the roofline or scale feels out of balance.
Good design ensures:
Roof pitches match or complement the original home
New spaces don’t overpower the old structure
The extension reads as a natural continuation, not a competing element
Get this right, and everything else becomes easier.
3. Blend Materials — Without Faking Age
A seamless extension doesn’t mean disguising new work as old.
Instead, it’s about thoughtful repetition.
Think about:
Matching weatherboard profiles
Continuing VJ linings inside
Carrying flooring species or tones through
Using similar window styles (casement, double-hung, French doors)
The goal? Cohesion, not imitation.
4. Create Flow That Feels Natural
The transition between old and new should feel effortless — both visually and practically.
Key considerations:
Logical room-to-room movement
Aligning circulation paths
Opening up cramped layouts while respecting structural integrity
Ensuring sightlines feel connected, not abrupt
Flow is where character homes shine.
A thoughtful extension enhances it rather than disrupting it.
5. Take Advantage of Light and Orientation
Most older homes weren’t designed for modern lifestyles — but they were designed beautifully for Queensland’s climate.
Your extension should:
Capture breezes
Maximise natural light
Improve ventilation
Connect indoor and outdoor living
This is where modern design elevates traditional character.
6. Treat the Join Between Old and New With Care
The “junction” is the most telling part of an extension.
This might include:
A sympathetic hallway transition
A consistent ceiling line
Matching trims, architraves, and skirting
Thoughtful detailing where materials meet
Small details make a huge difference in whether an extension feels integrated.
7. Modern Function, Classic Character
A great extension respects the past while solving the needs of today.
You can still include:
Open-plan living
Master suites
Large kitchens
Walk-in pantries
Indoor–outdoor flow
…but framed through the lens of your home’s character.
This is where experience truly shows — knowing what to keep, what to evolve, and what to let go.
8. Work With a Builder Who Understands Character Homes
Designing an extension that feels original requires a team who genuinely understands older homes — not just how they look, but how they’re built.
Choose a builder who:
Has deep experience with Queenslanders and character homes
Understands structural quirks, timber movement, and heritage constraints
Values craftsmanship as much as efficiency
Works closely with designers to protect your home’s story
Extensions are where poor planning shows — but also where great design stands out for generations.
How Hill House Makes This Simple for You
You don’t need to know roof pitches, gable proportions, or how to blend original materials with new work — that’s our expertise.
With our Design + Construct process:
Our designer studies your home’s architecture and creates concepts that feel seamless
We guide every decision, from layout to materials to heritage details
We coordinate engineers, certifiers, and approvals
We ensure your extension looks like it belongs — not like a modern add-on
You get one cohesive team who handles everything from design to handover
Your only job?
To share your vision.
We take care of the rest — thoughtfully, respectfully, and with the character of your home at the heart of every choice.