When seeking out ways to increase space within the home, one of the first things people do is look up, as the attic is notoriously the ideal area for getting more out of your home without taking away any outdoor space.
Loft conversions are incredibly popular home improvements that give you the gift of being able to utilise the space in your loft safely, while structural additions like dormer loft conversions can even add to the space available to you in your new loft room, further extending the design possibilities, and all without the need for planning permission, too.
Many standard room designs work well for a loft conversion – a guest bedroom or an older child’s bedroom are the most common uses – however, there are some other options that truly extend the boundaries of a loft conversion far beyond the norm. Options that don’t just create a beautiful, functional space, but a dream space, a ‘wow’ space, a room that goes far beyond practical ideals, and instead gives you the luxurious, the fun, and the indulgent.
If you fancy a little bit of the extraordinary when it comes to your loft room, then read on for a veritable feast of innovative, imaginative and exciting ideas to tuck into and broaden your loft conversion design horizons.
Snug
A snug is a relaxation space that is very cosy, very hygge, very textural, snoozy, tactile and just an all-round dreamy space – the kind of space that just leans into snuggling up with a book, or having an afternoon sofa cuddle with a loved one. It’s not a living room, as such, but instead you can expect cosy armchairs, thick rugs, reading corners and maybe a kitchenette for making a yummy hot chocolate. Think small, comfortable, stress-free. It’s a little snuggle nest and you’re the chick.
Creative studio space
Whether you draw, paint, animate or sculpt, a loft conversion space can be your creative escape. The light is wonderful, and in the evening you can have the perfect artificial lighting setup you need to support your particular art form needs. You could also have a sound system to aid creativity, and even sinks for messy areas and equipment washing.
Games room
A snooker table, arcade games, a board game table, gaming recliners, consoles and giant screens, play all of the games in your loft conversion. You could even pad it out and make it a super-safe space for VR gaming.
Walk-in wardrobe
For the ultimate Carrie from Sex in the City moment, why not have a walk-in wardrobe not just in your loft room, but as your loft room? Wonky corners make for wonderful shelving and display options, and the natural light flooding in is perfect for trying on different items and putting an incredible outfit together.
Home cinema
Loft conversions make for a very natural attic cinema because you can easily install blinds to block out the light, and utilise all manner of projectors and screen setups to suit the space. Seeing as you’re being indulgent, you definitely need to include some big chunky recliners for that extra movie watching comfort too, and a snacks cabinet for those mid movie munchies, of course.
Spa space
A home spa can take many shapes in a loft conversion. You can have a stunning roll-top bath as you gaze at the sky above through a big skylight, or in front of a large vertical window giving you views of the surrounding area as you soothe aching muscles and take a moment for yourself.
Some people also invest in a wet room as an ensuite, and where possible there could be room for a steam room and jacuzzi bath. It all depends on where your plumbing is and the space available, but your loft construction company can discuss the details with you so you know what your options are. Pop the Enya on, would you?
Gym/fitness studio
Some people with a lot of loft height have had climbing walls installed, but most people don’t have the room (or want) for that kind of exercise equipment in the loft. Instead, you could utilise this space as a home gym.
Are there loads of stairs to climb with heavy equipment? Sure! Do you need an obscene amount of floor reinforcement? Yeah! But if you really want it (and all of the healthy gains) you can have it.
Alternatively it can be used as a yoga/Pilates studio, and you could keep the cross trainers and weight lifting machines at the gym.
Home office
More than 75% of people who work from home say that it has improved their work/ life balance; over 50% said it is quicker to complete work and they have fewer distractions; and nearly 50% also felt working from home improved their well-being.
If you want to work from home without slumping on the sofa or being distracted by all of the littles and furries, a loft conversion home office is a fantastic idea and will offer you the privacy you need to concentrate and also offer a space that you can leave behind when the working day is over.
Tech-free dream zone
Some people utilise a loft conversion as a tech-free zone. Technology is known to impact our mental health negatively in numerous ways, including sleep impact from blue light exposure, and feelings of negativity comparing ourselves with others on social media.
A loft conversion can be a tech-free dream zone with entertainment that’s more analogue – a mini-library, a reading corner, a sketchbook and journaling desk – the options are endless. You could even have a hammock installed for the ultimate in dreamy blue-zone free snoozing.
Plant paradise
Indoor plant sales have gone wild, with the RHS reporting a 10-15% increase on indoor plant sales since 2013. The loft is a wonderful place to make a plant paradise because of the bright indirect light which most plants love.
You could also set up a hydroponic watering system (discuss the plumbing with your loft construction company), your own glass plant cabinet, even an outdoor garden in the sky if you have a balcony. If your loft has beams, they’re also ripe for delightful danglers like string of hearts type plants, or add hooks to the wall and help climbers like monstera adansonii or pothos grow across for healthy, happy living décor.
Music room/recording studio
You can easily soundproof a loft conversion to make it a music room or recording studio for budding musicians. It’s a great place to get creative, with far-reaching views of the surrounding areas offering plenty of inspiration for musical creativity and expression.
Secret speakeasy
Lots of people have a bar in their house as a novelty décor addition, so why not have a whole room following the same theme? You can have raised bar chairs, sofas, nightclub lighting, a sound system and, of course, a whole bar to serve family and friends with tasty tipples when a fun and fancy night in is on the cards.
Final thoughts
If you would love to do something a little daring and indulgent with your loft conversion, speak to an experienced loft construction company today. They can discuss your options with you, and work with you to find out what’s possible for your loft conversion space. Why not make your loft conversion your little world of wonder? Life’s too short not to.
