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Did you ever go up to your attic, look at all of the ancient clutter that had piled up over the years, and think “What could I do with all of this space?” Well, you are not alone!
The idea of doing a loft conversion for your home has been rapidly rising in popularity over the recent years. If you have never heard of this trend, let us break it down for you real quick. A loft conversion is essentially an attic makeover, where you clear out the space and then transform it into a functional bedroom, office, home gym, art studio, etc. A dormer conversion adds vertical walls and a horizontal ceiling, and is the most practical and popular method.
We love this idea of being thrifty and working with what you have instead of splurging on more rent and more bricks and mortar, so we headed on over to PineTree lofts and attics to get some ideas on how the pros do it!
Turning Your Loft Into a Bedroom
This is by far the most frequently applied and the most widely popular aim of loft conversion. After all, you are more likely to find an attic in a family house, rather than as a part of an apartment, so this situation lends itself perfectly to adding a new room for a new child, or simply solving the problem of squabbling siblings.
Thankfully, though, the same principles apply for any type of conversion. The technical and safety considerations for space remodeling are universal stuff, and then it is easy to adjust the design according to your target purpose. Let’s take a look at how to go about it!
The Technical Side
The new room must have the required safety equipment, sound insulation, and proper storage space.
To muffle the sounds from the rooms below, invest in carpeting that has a thick foam pad, and add a bonus layer of subflooring before you install it. Plywood is excellent for both blocking sounds and adding some stiffness, so that your floor framing will not squeak with every step. Use construction adhesive between layers, and noise-reducing vinyl, cellulose, or recycled rubber help a lot. Click here to learn more about soundproofing your floors. Also consider unfaced fiberglass insulation: it keeps both the sounds and temperature in check!
Storage solutions in a loft space can be a real challenge, mostly due to the slanted ceiling which reduces the area you get to work with. So get creative! Install built-in cabinets in knee walls. Opt for furniture that is also storage, like window seats with flip tops or cute storage stools. Trunks are one awesome hack: you can store clunky bedding, books etc. and just throw some cushions or a blanket onto the lid for a comfy and cool seating area. You can install floating shelves, or turn winding wall pipes into shelving space. Do not forget the extra room underneath beds and desks, either! Baskets and boxes are lifesavers here.
Keep your new room safe. Residential laws dictate that every bedroom must have two exits for emergency purposes. Since this is a remodeled loft, install an escape ladder, and make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it.
Design Solutions
Your design choices will depend on your intended purpose. For example, a child’s playroom will be more vibrant than an adult’s bedroom, while a home office, art room, and workout space will need a whole other kind of vibe to each of them. To get some overall hints about designing different areas of a home, check out this link: https://freshome.com/2012/10/11/10-clever-interior-design-tricks-to-transform-your-home/
When it comes to remodeled lofts, there are some universal essentials to consider. Keep your color scheme simple, and opt for light and understated tones that will not swallow up the natural sunlight. Remember, dark or intense colors make the space feel more cramped.
White, beige, and baby or sky blue are some staple choices, especially for bedrooms which need to have a calm atmosphere. Pastel violets or greens are nice choices for art studios and home offices, as they inspire creativity without infringing on the peaceful feel. A home gym might benefit from an energizing amber or cheerful dandelion yellow.
To spice up this overall paleness and give it some character, make details your weapons. Keep your decorative items few, and choose smart. A single painting, green plant, or ikebana gives a tasteful accent. Add to the light factor by employing mirrors, glass décor, and stainless steel surfaces. Choose boldly patterned bedding and rugs. Pick one accent color and apply it to all your furniture and heating fixtures. For an office space, choose a rustic desk and shelves with a richer lacquer shade, or all metal furnishing for a modern style.
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