Between the Eaves
A loft conversion is a trusted and time-honoured way to not only add extra space to your home, but to add value, too. And while converting your attic can turn a three-bed terraced house from cosy to commodious – perfect for growing families – it’s worth noting that attic extensions also exist to realise dream spaces, be that a creative home office, an imaginative kids’ playroom, or a luxurious at-home spa. In fact, when it comes to lofty ambitions, the sky’s the limit.
Careful planning
Furnishing an attic room comes with its own set of criteria. Unconventionally shaped spaces and sloping ceilings call for careful planning. But what you may lack in wall space, you more than make up for in versatility – as an extra room, your attic can be whatever you want it to be. Open plan loft spaces work brilliantly, particularly when planning a master bedroom complete with its own spectacular en suite. As a self-contained unit at the very top of the building, privacy is no longer an issue, so why not use the space to create the perfect guest room to give any boutique hotel a run for its money. Separated only by a wall of glass, this ultramodern master bedroom and chic en suite bathroom beautifully exaggerate the room’s angled proportions, giving it real architectural edge. A daringly opened-up suite like this demands the clean lines of a contemporary free-standing bath to fully celebrate the space. Omina natural stone free-standing bath, £3,200 (homeetcbathroom.com)
Working from home
Transforming a converted loft space into an office is a home-worker’s dream. Surrounded with creature comforts yet separated from the rest of the house, the attic-turned-office becomes a wholly creative environment that, up in the rafters, affords you a bit of distance and precious head-space as you shut yourself away to concentrate on work. This Hampstead home office (main image), by interior design practice LEIVARS, makes a feature wall out of the shape of the slanting roof to create symmetry and focus, while the neutral tones and clean lines of the furnishings add to the room’s inviting sense of calm. (leivars.com)
Keep it bespoke
Of course, converting loft space to living space creates a need for seriously smart storage solutions. Bespoke fitted wardrobes can cleverly disguise any dead space in the eaves, while hidden storage in the shape of a nifty partition unit can keep the room clutter-free and at the same time, create a practical interior wall. Shape-shifting and modular shelving such as the new Tylko system really comes into its own in a loft. Whether you’re looking to erect bookshelves that follow the sliding lines of the ceiling, or a low-lying bench to fit neatly under low, angled windows, these box clever pieces are customisable to adapt to your living space. From £151 (tylko.com)
Blinding
Sloping and hard to reach windows and skylights require specialist blinds or shutters that not only block out the sunlight, but keep the strong lines of the loft conversion elegant and precise. Duette offer a range of energy efficient blinds that can be custom-made to suit any window shape, along with child-friendly operating systems for those with inquisitive toddlers. Converting your attic space into a playroom or a small child’s bedroom is ideal if you’re otherwise limited in square footage. Energy saving blinds start at around £150 (duette.co.uk)