If you’re about to welcome a new family member, your existing family members are getting bigger and more independent or you just have some unused space in your attic, it might be time to invest some money into an attic renovation. These handy and easy tips will help you transform your boring attic into a stylish and functional space where you can entertain guests, relax in front of a TV or watch your kids play.
Start with a good plan
An attic can be transformed into any room – from an extra bedroom, living space to a playroom, home gym, to lovely home office. See what extra room you would have the most use of and go with that solution. It would be a shame to spend money on turning your attic into a home theatre and then using it only once a month. The best transformations are those that go from an empty attic to a stylish social space or extra bedroom.
Hire professional help
There are many minor renovation elements you can take care of yourself, but it’s best to hire professional help for some more serious works. For instance, experienced architects will be able to design your space in a way that is both functional and beautiful. Plus, your design will meet all of your local council requirements. You might also need the help of pro electricians. DIYing your electrical work is tempting, but you’ll be risking electrical fires if you’re not completely sure what you’re doing.
Don’t go easy on insulation
If you want to be able to use your converted attic all year round, you need good insulation. It will make your new space pleasant and energy-efficient. This is another point in your renovations where professionals can really help. They can assess your current insulation, boost it and achieve the right R-value for your attic. They will also remove any possible mold and identify problematic areas.
Let the sunlight in
If your attic doesn’t already have windows, make sure to have some installed. Natural light will make your space much more pleasant and cheerful, especially when it comes to a bedroom or a living room.
Layer the artificial lighting
Natural lighting is important, but so is artificial. So, make sure to install plenty of lighting fixtures and introduce some task lighting. For instance, table lamps provide ample task and ambient lighting and they are relatively cheap.
Add some color to the walls
Once the insulation and wiring are in place, it’s time to bring in some color to space by painting your walls. Your safest bet is to go with neutral colors since attics are usually small. These shades will reduce visual boundaries and make space look larger than it actually is. But if you want your young kids to really love the space, you can add an occasional splash of vibrant shades.
Lay down the floors
If you’re converting your attic into a busy living room, pay special attention to the floor. Experts suggest carpeted floors that are much better at absorbing sound than hardwood floors and are a lot cheaper.
Be smart with furniture
Just because your attic is small, it doesn’t mean you have to invest in tiny furniture. Instead, opt for normal-sized pieces, but make sure they are low. This will give your attic a comfy yet modern and stylish vibe.
Experiment with decoration
Since this room is, by default, much more private than your first-floor space, you can feel free to express yourself and really experiment with the decor. You can opt for a single theme, or just follow your heart and disregard all conventions. Just make sure your space has character!
Attic transformation cost less than you might think yet it offers so much in return. Your home will be much less crowded and more desirable with a whole extra room!
Author: Chloe Taylor
