Design Dilemma: Making the Most of Attic Space | Home Design Find
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Design Dilemma: Making the Most of Attic Space

contemporary family room how to tips advice

Looking to create a little extra space in your home? If you’ve got one, press your attic into service! An attic, if well thought out, can become an extra bedroom, office, art studio, den, or even a separate apartment. Instead of becoming a repository for old Christmas ornaments and children’s toys, it can become an actual living space which will maximize your family’s enjoyment of home.

Below, you have a typical, unfinished attic. This one happens to be in an Atlanta home.

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And another view:

home design how to tips advice

This Atlanta family knew they were going to need some extra space for their four girls, so they decided to convert their attic into a suite with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a playroom. The architect moved the HVAC unit out of the attic and replaced a vent with a triple casement window.

And here’s how it came out:

traditional kids how to tips advice

And this:

traditional kids how to tips advice

Look closely and you’ll notice how the architect cleverly made use of the available space, by using the higher ceiling areas as a living area for walking and standing. The built-in sleeping areas make use of the lower, awkward spaces of the attic and are surrounded by drawers, cabinets and closets that also make functional use of low, cubbyhole spaces.

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Two fully outfitted bathrooms were built into the large attic area. The total project renovation time took 7 months.

Below, another attic renovation. This time wasted space above a garage was turned into a family/TV room, with space to work on the computer or do arts and crafts/

traditional family room how to tips advice

And here are few more cool attic renovations. Below, the attic as rec room:

modern family room how to tips advice

And here, an attic as exercise/yoga studio:

contemporary home gym how to tips advice

Below, an attic converted into a home office:

modern home office how to tips advice

And here, an attic becomes the best walk-in closet, ever:

contemporary closet how to tips advice

Here’s a new space to put the guests:

transitional bedroom how to tips advice

And here, the attic became the new master bedroom suite:

contemporary bedroom how to tips advice

Here’s what the experts say you should consider if you’re thinking of converting an attic space:

  • First decide what the purpose of the space will be. Try not to make it work for too many activities.
  • There’s more involved in an attic renovation than most people realize.  You have to build a safe and comfortable stairway access and be sure the floor is strong enough to support added weight. HVAC and electrical lines may have to be installed or moved.  So be prepared.
  • Hire an architect. Because attic renovations can get complicated, this is probably one home project in which you’ll want to turn to the experts for help.
  • Consider adding windows. These are likely to be skylights or dormers in the roof.  The extra space will help open up and expand the space.
  • Consider carpeting. It will help keep the noise level down on the floor below.
  • Keep furniture low but not small. Furnishings should be comfortable enough for a good sprawl.

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One comment so far to “Design Dilemma: Making the Most of Attic Space”
  1. Bailey Dunn Says:

    Your attic design ideas are really perfect. This is exactly what I really need to give my attic a new view and make use of it. As I am going to make a simple stock room of old furnitures, perhaps I can apply one of your idea instead this year. Thanks for these ideas!

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