Things you can do with an old attic: Transforming unused space into a cosy retreat

Things you can do with an old attic: Transforming unused space into a cosy retreat

Attics are often overlooked spaces in homes, serving primarily as storage areas for forgotten boxes, old furniture or seasonal decorations. However, these underutilised spaces hold significant potential, waiting to be transformed into something both functional and delightful. With a bit of creativity and some renovation effort, an old attic can become a cosy retreat, offering a quiet sanctuary, a home office or even an extra bedroom. Whether you’re looking to make a space for relaxation, work or hobbies, here are some great ideas to inspire you to make the most of your attic.

Transform it into a games room

If you’re a fan of video games or enjoy online casino games, turning your attic into a dedicated games room can be a fun and exciting project. The privacy and tranquillity of an attic offer the perfect atmosphere for gaming, providing an uninterrupted space to immerse yourself in your favourite games.

For a video games room, equip the space with a comfortable gaming chair, a large-screen TV or monitor and your console or gaming PC setup. Add shelves or cabinets to store your game collection, accessories and controllers. Soft lighting, soundproofing and comfortable seating will enhance the atmosphere, making your games room the ultimate escape for gaming marathons or casual play.

For those who enjoy online casino games, create a sleek, modern atmosphere with a stylish desk, ergonomic chair and a high-speed internet connection. A few decorative touches, such as neon lights or casino-themed décor, will complete the space and make it feel like your own personal gaming haven. A growing number of bettors are choosing to stay home and play games like slots and blackjack online rather than visit physical casinos.

Among home gamers, many are privacy-minded and choose to play on sites that don’t require verification to register. Casinos with no ID verification allow bettors to get started gaming without the typical delays associated with identity confirmation, which means gamers can get straight to the fun without delay. By creating space for gaming in an attic, bettors can ensure that they have a dedicated zone for their favourite hobby right at home, making the entire gaming experience easy and hassle-free.

Create a cosy reading nook

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to transform an attic is to turn it into a cosy reading nook. Attics naturally have an intimate, secluded feel, making them perfect for quiet time. The sloped ceilings add charm and make the space feel cosy. Add a comfortable chair or small sofa, a few throws and an assortment of your favourite books, and you’ll have a peaceful retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

To enhance the space, consider adding soft lighting such as string lights or a dimmable floor lamp. A few decorative cushions, a rug and perhaps a small side table for your coffee or tea will complete the space, creating a relaxing atmosphere perfect for getting lost in a good book.

Design a home office

As remote work becomes increasingly common, more people are seeking ways to set up functional home offices. If you’re lucky enough to have an attic, it could be the ideal spot for a peaceful, productive workspace. The separation from the rest of the house means you won’t be easily distracted, and the natural light often found in attic spaces can boost your mood and productivity.

To set up your attic office, begin by installing proper lighting – consider task lighting and ambient lighting. You’ll also need to ensure the space is well-ventilated and temperature-controlled, as attics can sometimes become stuffy. Use the sloped ceilings to your advantage by installing built-in shelving or storage to keep clutter at bay. With the right furniture, such as a sturdy desk, ergonomic chair and plenty of storage, you’ll have an office that’s both stylish and functional.

Turn it into a home theatre

Another great way to utilise an attic is by turning it into a home theatre or media room. The seclusion of an attic offers a perfect opportunity to create a dedicated space for watching movies, gaming or enjoying your favourite shows. You won’t have to worry about outside noise disrupting your experience, and the cosy, intimate atmosphere makes it the perfect setting for movie nights with family or friends.

To create your home theatre, start by investing in a good-quality projector or large-screen TV. Add some comfortable seating – bean bags, plush sofas or even recliners, depending on the size of your space. Install blackout shades to control the lighting and keep the room dark when needed. Enhance the atmosphere with a sound system that creates a surround-sound experience. With the right touches, your attic will become a cinema-like haven.

Turn it into an art studio or craft room

For those who love to create, the attic can be an ideal spot to set up an art studio or craft room. The natural light, often abundant in attics, can be a great asset when painting, sewing or doing any other creative work. This space can be a true haven for your hobbies, offering ample space to spread out and get messy without worrying about cleaning up immediately.

Design the room around your artistic needs, with plenty of shelving or storage for art supplies, fabrics or craft materials. A large worktable will be essential, whether you’re painting, working on DIY projects or crafting. Add a comfortable chair or stool and ensure you have enough lighting for detailed work. You can even hang up your finished pieces around the room, giving the space an inspiring and personalised touch.

Create a guest room or extra bedroom

If your home is lacking in guest space, converting your attic into an extra bedroom can be a fantastic solution. The privacy and tranquillity of the attic make it an excellent option for a guest room or a cosy retreat for yourself. Depending on the size of your attic, you can create a compact yet functional room with a bed, small storage and perhaps a little seating area.

Pay attention to the layout, as attic rooms may have unusual angles due to the sloped roof. Use furniture that fits the unique shape of the space, and opt for multi-functional pieces like storage beds or fold-out furniture. Add a few decorative touches, such as soft bedding, curtains or wallpaper, to make the space inviting and comfortable. A well-decorated attic guest room will make your visitors feel right at home.

Home gym or yoga studio

Finally, if fitness is important to you, the attic can be transformed into a home gym or yoga studio. It’s a quiet, private area where you can work out without feeling self-conscious or distracted. Depending on your fitness preferences, you can equip the space with weights, a treadmill, yoga mats or resistance bands.

For a yoga studio, focus on creating a calm, serene atmosphere with soft lighting, soothing colours and a sound system for playing relaxing music or guided meditations. If you’re setting up a gym, make sure to include enough floor space for exercises and opt for durable flooring that can handle heavy equipment or high-impact exercises. Either way, an attic gym or yoga studio is a great way to stay healthy and centred at home.

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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.

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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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Get their look: Loft master bedroom

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by A House Beecomes A Home 🐝 (@housebeecomesahome)

We often peruse interiors magazines and websites such as Pinterest, Instagram and Houzz to get inspiration for our crog loft bedroom. It’s an awkward space to decorate and furnish because of the ceiling height and angle of the pitch.

This loft master bedroom caught our eye because of its practical storage solutions, beautiful one-of-a-kind lighting and simplicity of decoration. I love the double Velux windows, stripped back beams… and did I mention the ingenious ceiling lights?

It’s a perfect place to retire to each night and wake up refreshed the next morning.

Get their look

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NORDLI bedside table
NORDLI bedside table
Egyptian cotton bed linen, full set
Egyptian cotton bed linen, full set
PePPer scaffold bed frame
PePPer scaffold bed frame
3-head pendant light
3-head pendant light
BRANÄS rattan basket
BRANÄS rattan basket
KALLAX modular shelving unit
KALLAX modular shelving unit
NORDLI bedside table
NORDLI bedside table
Egyptian cotton bed linen, full set
Egyptian cotton bed linen, full set
PePPer scaffold bed frame
PePPer scaffold bed frame
3-head pendant light
3-head pendant light
BRANÄS rattan basket
BRANÄS rattan basket
KALLAX modular shelving unit
KALLAX modular shelving unit
NORDLI bedside table
NORDLI bedside table
Egyptian cotton bed linen, full set
Egyptian cotton bed linen, full set
PePPer scaffold bed frame
PePPer scaffold bed frame
3-head pendant light
3-head pendant light
BRANÄS rattan basket
BRANÄS rattan basket
KALLAX modular shelving unit
KALLAX modular shelving unit