With the festive season approaching, you may be working out how to accommodate extra family and friends. While you won’t be able to create an additional bedroom in time for this Christmas, why not think about converting your roof space in time for next year? Extending into the loft doesn’t usually need planning permission and a Nationwide Building Society study estimated that adding an attic room could add up to 21% to the value of your home.
Using Craven & Hargreaves, an interior design company experienced in home renovation Leicestershire, will mean you get a professional project management service as well as all the ideas and advice you need to create a truly special space in your home.
Trying to organise a project like this can be stressful and choosing the wrong contractors and suppliers can become a costly headache. How much better to let someone else take the strain, leaving you with the much more pleasant decisions such as which window style, colours, furniture and accessories to choose.
You’ll need to decide whether to have a dormer created or use Velux windows and this, plus the orientation of your home, will influence how much natural light your room has. Bear this in mind when selecting colours for your interior scheme. Choose the best quality windows you can afford. Those with both surfaces cleanable from inside are a great idea.
Lighting is another key decision. Ceiling mounted halogen spotlights can brighten a room without good natural light but consider using table lamps around the space and task lighting, such as desk lamps, if you use the room for work or hobbies.
Do you want your loft to be just a bedroom and or could you add a bathroom? Check the headroom available across the space before deciding what should go where. A walk-in shower and a toilet might be more practical than a complete bathroom. If your budget permits though, why not go for a luxury wet room?
Many people use loft conversions as home offices, hobby or playrooms. Your ideas for using the space will influence your interior scheme. For example, in a playroom, use blackboard paint on the lower sections of the walls to create a great base for a constantly changing display of children’s art. Or have storage units built under the eaves for files, to reduce desk clutter in an office.
If you’re keen on crafting, leave space for a large table with good overhead lighting. Coupled with some drawer units, this could double as a desk for home working. Drawers on wheels give great flexibility, especially if you need to convert the room into a bedroom when guests arrive: you can use the drawer units for bedside tables.
To make the room seem larger, have a bed settee instead of a bed. Go for the best you can afford and it will be provide seating and for a good night’s sleep.
Look at interiors blogs and magazines for ideas, employ a professional interior design company and by next Christmas people will be competing to come and stay with you!