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Mad About … Loft Spaces

Surely we all fantasise about having more space? About converting that loft or digging out that basement? The reality is that most of us will never do this. Or, if we do, the resulting space, while useful, will never quite turn out to be the large, airy space of our dreams.

So, for that reason, because dreams are made of this, we are mostly mad about loft spaces.

And what better way to start than with a bedroom that has a swing in it?

from remodelista.com via pinterest
from remodelista.com via pinterest

This might be the loft of my dreams though

image from decorativehomeinterior.com
image from decorativehomeinterior.com

This one isn’t so much a direct loft conversion as a space in what is probably a loft. I love the white painted brick walls

from alvhemmakleri.se
from alvhemmakleri.se

I love the way this loft has been created as a mezzanine to the half floor below

from lolitas.se via pinterest
from lolitas.se via pinterest

This space may be a giant warehouse conversion, but look how they have added ceiling height by removing the plasterboard and exposing the beams. Paint it all white and this would work in any period semi flat or house.

from eclectictrends.com
from eclectictrends.com

But if you don’t want to remove the ceiling, perhaps just boarding it over like this would work. That’s what they do in ski chalets except they don’t paint it white. This room might have sloping ceilings on both sides but it still feels light and airy.

from manmakehome.com
from manmakehome.com

What do you think of this? Of course, living in a loft is all very well as a single, or child free couple. The appeal of that starts to wear off a little when small people turn up. So for those of you knee-deep in nappies and nagging, have this. Spend a few minutes fantasising. Better?

from wowhomeinteriors.com
from wowhomeinteriors.com

Somehow I know I would never do this to my bed, but that doesn’t stop me looking at this room and loving it

from bellashabby.blogspot.com
from bellashabby.blogspot.com

Which one do you like? Comments below. And while you’re thinking about it, here is some sensible information that might come in handy if you’re thinking of converting yours.

1 You must have a minimum height of 7ft (2.2M) from the existing ceiling joist to the underside of the ridge (the apex of the roof).

2 It will add value to your property. Opinion is, of course, always divided but some estate agents say up to 20 per cent. A basic conversion will cost somewhere between £20,000 and £30,000 and others say you can expect to double your investment when it comes to selling.

3 If your house hasn’t been extended beyond the 15 per cent of permitted development, then you probably won’t need planning permission. Always check through Planning Portal though.

4 You will always need to comply with Building Regulations.

 

 

 

 

Tags : conversionfloorboardsimproveloftspainted floorboardsquiet spacesrough luxewhite
Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.

1 Comment

  1. Oh, it’s definitely the last one for me. Soooo dreamy I can even look beyond the practicalities of dusty walls and no window dressings.

    Thank you for sharing!

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