In this day and age, it seems that more people are becoming more adventurous when it comes to interior design. Rather than bringing in a professional to help them choose the perfect discount window treatments, wall paint and decor for their living spaces, homeowners are doing it themselves and taking pride in the end result.
One room that you might want to consider renovating if you're on the hunt for additional space in your house is the attic. How many times have you gone up there for a long lost heirloom and been wowed by the amount of space you have? While many people prefer to use their attics for storage, some choose to be more daring and convert them into living spaces that serve as another room in their homes.
Whether you have an attic that has never been used as a spare room or the space could be easily spruced up with a little TLC, there's no better time to do so than now. With new wood blinds, linens or an area rug, your attic can be quickly transformed into a space that's used frequently by the whole household. Here are some tips for redecorating and designing the space, regardless of which stage your attic is at.
Allow natural light into the space
Unlike a renovated den or basement, there's often plenty of potential for light to shine into an attic whether you have skylights or you intend to install a few. That being said, you'll want window treatments that give you the opportunity to control how much natural light flows into the space on a whim.
Cellular shades are an option you might want to consider - their light, airy design is perfect for allowing sunlight to come into the attic. When you want privacy or less illumination, you can simply pull them down. If your attic is small, keep in mind that light is your friend in the design process. Additional illumination can create the illusion of more space.
Choose curved furniture
Because your attic likely already has a natural slope and various lines that create an unusual space compared to other rooms of your home, you have the perfect opportunity to showcase its marvelous architecture. Freshome.com suggests bringing in elegant furniture with beautiful contours to complement the shape of the room. Don't be afraid to play with color, either - vibrant hues can help transform your attic into one of the most sought-after spaces in your home.
Create built-ins
If you're working in a small attic, storage should be a primary concern for you as a designer. One tactic that many people use in attics is built-in storage. Whether you want a place to keep your books or souvenirs from your travels, ThisOldHouse.com states that built-ins can be the perfect solution. As opposed to bringing in cabinets and armoires for storage, this option conserves space while preventing clutter.
Make it cozy
The attic can be one of the most awkward, toughest spaces to design, even for professionals. It's full of unusual shapes and architectural challenges that make it unlike other rooms in your home. However, one way to make it fit seamlessly into the rest of your house is to increase the cozy factor.
This means bringing in everything from comfortable linens to oversized furniture to create a homey feeling. Look for plush sheets if the space is converted into a bedroom or soft throw pillows if a couch is placed in the attic. Choose warm colors for the walls such as orange, yellow and red. These tips can help you create an attic you'll love to show off to friends and family.
