Perhaps you are considering adding a loft to your home and are wondering will the cost be worth it. Monetary value is an important aspect of course, but adding a loft may indirectly also add to your quality of your family life with more creative space or an extra bedroom. This could also be an opportunity for you to exercise those creative interior design talents.
Lofts refer to a number of floor spaces built under the roof area of a building; from attics in existing homes to mezzanine style areas in converted commercial buildings. There is something different about the “air up there” in a loft as they often have clearer light and a feeling of open space. This makes them perfect for creativity, relaxation and bedrooms. Humans have gravitated to the feeling of safety from a room with a view since caveman times.
When you are considering a loft conversion there are a number of aspects to complete prior to any finishing interior decoration. You need to allow for cost, planning, authority permissions, purpose of proposed addition, choice of design company and so on. There are various sources available to help with these loft conversion considerations. They help layout the overview so you don’t end up missing important details or a project that has spiralling costs.
When those initial planning details are completed here are few design trends to consider when planning and decorating your loft space.
1. Layout trends
Sticking to a minimalist theme is always great for smaller spaces (and life in general). Keep the layout as open as possible and check for ergonomic movement around the room without unnecessary articles in the way. If space is limited, keep things off the floor using wall mounted mirrors or television screens.
However, always give some consideration to the current style of your home – it can be rather jarring to have a rambling Victorian style and walk into stark white with metal embellishments. Keep some flow of style to the other areas of your home even if you want to modernise.
2 . Storage trends
Storage is a very important feature in modern design to keep with the minimalist look yet have a place for everything.
Avoid clutter by building any storage areas into the space. Floor to ceiling wardrobes can almost be made to look like a smooth wall that conceals everything with unobtrusive and streamlined hardware. Plan them to hold all clothes and fashion items. Incorporate mirrors into wardrobe doors to save space and to reflect light, give the impression of more space.
Beds can also be designed with drawers underneath utilising space that is often only collecting dust.
3. Colour trends
Lofts are light, so keep them light and airy whatever their function will be. Trends remain for basic white with neutral colours with creams, whites, greys, taupes and stronger accents of darker browns and even blacks. These neural palettes have calming restful effects, just what you need after a busy day at work or outside in the bustling city streets. However don’t be afraid to bring in your favourite colour to the palette if you wish. Any colour will compliment a basic neutral scheme.
Leave stronger colour accents for items like artworks that demand and deserve extra attention. A favourite painting on a wall can be a perfect distraction from daily stresses.
4. Furniture trends
Modern furniture trends are continuing with long straight lines with minimal decoration. Not only do these help to maximise the feeling of space and light, they are also simple to maintain and easy to clean. There are few fussy details to dust or materials that require high maintenance.
Painted or lacquered surfaces keep to the trend but a few wooden items also look good with the neutral colour palettes.
5. Furnishing trends
Pattern is often kept a minimum as it tends to make a space look smaller and more chaotic. Instead of choosing pattern, go for furnishings with texture to add interest yet not be overpowering. Add cushions that have velvet, fluffy surfaces or loose weaves; a flokati or handmade rug for example
So I hope those guidelines will give you some confidence and direction to encourage you to explore the option of adding a loft to your home. Follow the planning process for a feasibility study initially and then enjoy the addition if you decide to go ahead with the plans.
