Tag: attic

Creative loft conversion ideas that just make sense

Creative loft conversion ideas that just make sense

One home extension that’s become more popular in recent years is the loft conversion. Homeowners are seeking to make as much as they can out of their existing home space, and converting the loft and other areas of the home has become the new norm, whether you’re looking to add a bedroom or you’re hoping to create a home office for remote working.

A loft conversion can make a big difference to your home and to your comfort. You can go with ingenious storage solutions, or you can go with an innovative design concept, but whatever you choose to do, your loft conversion is going to be stunning as a result. With that in mind, let’s have a look at some creative loft conversion ideas that just make sense.

  1. A loft studio. If you’re a creative, then a loft studio is a great idea. You can transform the space into a multipurpose studio that allows you to adapt your ever-changing needs. Whether you need more light from the skylights to be able to paint or you are looking to create a personalised yoga retreat, you can create a studio space that will reflect who you are. You can divide the loft into distinct zones for different activities too, using area rugs, furniture placement and partitions to help.
  2. A loft bedroom suite. If you’re done with the standard main bedroom in the main floors of the house, then converting your loft into a bedroom suite is going to be a game changer. Elevating your loft into something luxurious that exudes elegance and comfort will make you feel more comfortable. You can add more skylights and maximise your natural light, and you can illuminate the space as a result. You can pick a platform bed and built-in storage to make sure that every corner of your loft conversion is lit up and comfortable. Furthermore, you can even design a corner of the loft as a private en-suite bathroom. This will allow you to have somewhere to go so that you don’t have to walk downstairs every time you need to use the bathroom.
  3. A new entertainment area. Whether it’s a teenage hangout or somewhere for you to keep your gaming, creating a loft space that’s dedicated to relaxation and entertainment is a great idea. You may feel like it takes you away from the rest of the house, and it will, but for a good reason. You could install a built-in multimedia centre with a large TV surround sound system and ample storage, or you could opt for versatile seating options like modular sofas or even large floor cushions. If it’s for your teenagers, you could give them somewhere to play in peace without disturbing the rest of the house, and you could even choose to be soundproof so that they don’t disturb if they’re talking to other people online.
  4. A new office. You can create your new office with a view by adding more roofing, windows and skylights. You can have sunlight bathing through the room. Transforming your loft into a functional as well as inspiring a Home Office that maximises your productivity and comfort is a great idea. You could have as much natural light come in as you’d like, and you can keep yourself away from the rest of the house. So, if you’re sharing an office space, you can have somebody working downstairs while you work upstairs. You could include storage, just make sure that you have your flooring converted so that you can have an office chair without snagging any carpet.
  5. Your own loft library. Are you an avid reader? Having a space where you can have your books on large shelves and a comfortable chair to recline into is really going to be a game changer for you. Book lovers would love a reading nook, but what about an entire library that’s dedicated just to your favourite things? You could line the walls with floor to ceiling bookshelves to showcase your collection, and you can install a very plush, very thick armchair or window seat with soft cushions and throw blankets. Once you have good reading lighting, you will be comfortable.
  6. A playroom for the kids. Whether you have kids now or you’re planning to have kids later, transforming the playroom for the children is a great idea. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of their space and imagination, and it allows you to put the toys somewhere that’s out of the way and not scatter all around the house. You could consider designing a loft that includes a designated sleeping area, as well as a play zone, a study desk and more.
  7. A wellness space. We talked about a yoga studio, but you could create a loft that has your own gym and a Wellness space. If there’s enough ceiling coverage, choosing a durable and shock resistant flooring to support different workout activities is a good idea. Rubber flooring with interlocking foam mats and even specialist equipment is a good plan. Choosing fitness equipment that is versatile and suits your workout routine will mean that you are comfortable no matter what you do.
  8. A hang-out area for your friends. What if you installed your own bar in the loft? A chic loft bar can turn your loft into a social hub for gatherings with friends and family. You can create an amazing, inviting atmosphere and have a stylish bar counter using materials like granite, marble or even reclaimed wood. You can even install bar stools that complement the bar’s design while providing comfortable seating. With good lighting and an entertainment system, you can hang out with your friends in your own space.

The sky is the limit when it comes to loft conversion ideas, so really have a good think about what it is that you want the most from your space. The best thing that you can do is invest in something amazing.

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Basement, garage or loft conversion – which is best?

Basement, garage or loft conversion - which is best?credit

Are you ready to make a change to your living situation? It might be that spending the past year going in and out of lock-down has left you feeling tired of staring at the same four walls. In which case, perhaps now is the perfect time to do something about it.

However, with the UK’s average house price increasing by 8.6% over the year to February 2021, you may decide this isn’t the most opportune moment to be scouring the market. As an alternative, can you convert a space within your existing property?

It’s undoubtedly a major decision that will require careful consideration and financial planning but once it’s done you might just find that you’ve rediscovered your love for your humble abode. So, which room is best for conversion? Your basement? The garage? The loft? Here are the pros and cons of each conversion option.

Basement iconcredit

Basements

You can find many ideas for a London basement extension online. If done right, converting your basement has the potential to add significant value to your property.

If done right, converting your basement has the potential to add significant value to your property. They can be large areas with high ceilings, which offers a much wider range of possibilities, while there’s also the chance to create a separate access and make it a standalone space. This could be perfect if you have visions of turning it into a self-contained flat that could be rented out. On the negative side, it can be difficult to secure planning permission for basement conversions and if there is lots of work to do in terms of damp proofing and insulating, then the costs can soon mount up.

Garage iconcredit

Garages

Is your garage little more than a glorified storage cupboard? If so, why not add some value to your home by converting it into an office, a gym or even a games room? Garages can make for an easier renovation while they also offer separate access to the house as well as a natural link to the garden. Like basements, however, it can sometimes prove tricky to get the permission you need from the authorities, and it could make life more difficult if you’re forced to park your car on the street as a result. It’s also important to think about the practicalities of the space, and whether you are opting for a brick built garage that’s attached to the house or separate, you may find it easier to think about how it should work with your home. A small footnote when it comes to the planning and prep, but an essential one nonetheless.

Loft iconcredit

Lofts

If you don’t have the room to build outwards, why not convert upwards? Loft conversions are a popular option and it’s easy to see why – it’s typically easier to secure planning permission and the end result can create a beautiful space filled with plenty of natural light. The flip side, however, is that you may be forced to deal with smaller dimensions and low ceilings, while the only access is via the rest of the house, which may not be desirable.

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How to plan a successful loft conversion

How to plan a successful loft conversion

The attic is often an overlooked and underutilised room. Usually, it’s the place to store outgrown children’s clothes & toys and to dump the Christmas tree for 11 months of the year. But the area can be used for so much more. A successful loft conversion can create space for a new bedroom, bathroom, nursery or home office and, at the same time, increase the value of your property.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Building regulations and planning permission

Before you embark on any work you need to consider building regulations and whether you’ll need to apply for planning permission. Look around at similar houses on your street and the rest of your neighbourhood; if a number of them have had loft conversions carried out, it’s almost certain that you can have the work carried out.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Access

If the loft is being converted into a room where there will be daily use, a basic pull-down loft ladder isn’t suitable; a stairway will have to be installed. If the space isn’t too challenging, you can buy a ‘kit’ online to your specifications. Don’t forget, installing stairs will take up an area of the room below, so spend time coming up with the most space-saving and practical design.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Floor

You’ll be walking on what was once essentially your property’s ceiling. This is why it will be necessary to  lay solid wood flooring and ensure all joists and rafter ties are in tip-top condition. It all needs to be able to bear the weight of heavy items such as furniture or a bath-full of water! You also need to think about soundproofing; this can be achieved by laying down insulation. In addition, carpet or area rugs can cut down on any footfall noise that you may hear in a room or flat below.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Windows

Unconverted roof spaces can be dark and dingy spaces. Installing a roof light or skylight is essential to letting natural daylight and fresh air into the room.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Ceiling

Again, suitable insulation needs to be filled into the roof cavity. It needs to keep precious warmth from escaping through the roof during the winter… without the loft feeling like a sauna in the summer. We’ve found that double-sided aluminium foil bubble insulation is an economical, space-saving option.

In addition, if there’s limited headroom, when it comes to choosing lighting, recessed spotlights are your best option. You don’t want to be banging your head into pendant lampshades.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Storage

Once all the building work on your loft conversion is done, it’s time for you to think about finishing touches such as furniture and storage. As lofts are often awkward, angular spaces, off-the-shelf cupboards and wardrobes probably won’t fit correctly. Made-to-measure and specialist loft storage fixtures & fittings are becoming more readily available.

If you’re tight on living space and aren’t able to extend the footprint of your property,  you should consider developing the space above your head. A successful loft conversion could prove a much simpler and cheaper option than moving house.

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Transforming a dingy attic to a light functional family space

Transforming a dingy attic to a light functional family space | H is for Home

More light and more space in the home; these are features that many families crave most and some will even sell a property where they’re happy living, to get it. However, this may not always be necessary because sometimes we can create more space and light by converting a previously unused area like a dark and dingy attic into a bright and functional space for the family to enjoy. A topic you can read all about in this post.

You may not believe it, but even a dingy space like this can converted into a functional family room.

Lime-washed attic walls and window

Strip it back & make it safe

Before you can transform your attic space into a light and function room for the family to enjoy you need to strip it back to the bare bones and make it as safe as possible. Of course, the first thing to do here is to clear the space of any old and unwanted items which can be a significant and time-consuming job.

Luckily, if you contact a business that specialises in household clearance, they’ll be able to help you with this, taking items away and disposing of them in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. Something that can leave you with more energy to install solid floors and check that the room is as safe as possible for when the family comes to use it.

Wooden spiral staircase up to an attic room

Access

Now, if your attic room conversion is going to be genuinely functional for the family to spend time in, one thing you really need to get right is the access you provide for everyone. After all, many attic rooms only have a straight ladder providing access, but that will not always be suitable for everyone in the family to use.

If you have small children or older relatives with mobility issues, installing a proper staircase, perhaps a spiral one with a hand rail would be the best choice, or even a lift if you home if budget allows for it.

Of course, if part of the appeal of creating an attic room in the first place is to have somewhere where you can escape to without being disturbed, maybe keeping a ladder is the best idea after all!

Loft bedroom lit by skylights and round wall window

Windows and skylights

Light is crucial in any room, and attic spaces often create a unique issue here. This is because many only have small windows, and some don’t have any windows at all, meaning natural light can be at a premium. Happily, there’s a smart way sort this, and it’s to get skylights installed, usually by a professional. These are angled windows in the roof that let in plenty of natural light and ventilation.

In fact, many people love the effect that skylight can provide because it gives them an uninterrupted view of the sky which is not only fantastic for watching clouds go by in the day but fantastic for star spotting at night as well.

Paint it

Once you have the basic structures sorted like the flooring and windows, it’s time to paint your attic room. Of course, to be able to do this you need to ensure that the walls have been treated in the right way with either plasterboard or actual plaster, making them insulated and smooth for painting.

In particular, remember, if light is your key concern, then using bright white paint can help even the smallest room with the fewest windows to not look dingy.

White painted attic living room

Interior decoration

Finally, once everything else is done, it’s time to decorate the interior and add furniture. Of course, the first thing to consider here is what you’ll want to use the attic space for. After all, if you want it to be a reading nook then comfortable chairs, directional lighting, bookshelves and side table for your cup of tea will be needed.

Alternatively, if you’re hoping to make it into a family cinema room then a projector, sofa and maybe even a popcorn machine will be in order!

Do remember a couple of things though, when decorating your attic space. The first is that you’ll be limited on the furniture you can use depending on the size of access to the room.

Secondly, if you want to keep things as light and airy as possible, opt for brighter colours and avoid dark greys and browns at all costs. The reason being, such tones can suck the light from a room and make it look dull and dingy, despite all of your hard work to create the opposite!

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