For the longest time, I’ve always felt the typical design and construction of roofs for (most) residential buildings here in Nigeria, is mostly wasteful. You have a labyrinth of wooden members usually about 2.5 m high to support a 0.5mm sheet of Aluminium, its mind boggling to me (and I’ll write about this, in more technical detail soon).
As an alternative, I’ve wondered why we couldn’t have attic spaces within our roofs? While its not common place here, it would be a better use of space as opposed to the current trend. Our guest writer, Andrea Boffo, has penned an article that not only lends support to this idea but offers some good ideas as to what you can use this ‘proposed’ attic to achieve in your next home project.
WORDS BY ANDREA BOFFO
The attic always ends up being that one part of your home that ends up being completely isolated from the rest of the house. As a result, that space becomes unusable and stays collecting dust for a long, long time. But we’re here today to tell you that your attic can definitely be the perfect getaway if you know how to treat it right!
Although the purpose and spatial function of your attic remodel may depend on what kind of a space you actually need, these are some unique ideas that may inspire you to make a surer choice. So read away and decide how you’re going to make your attic the hidden treasure of your home.
Quintessential study space
If you’re tired of your boring old study room or office, converting the attic into an alternate can be a perfect choice. You can remodel the space with enhanced soundproofing and heat insulation to keep the noise and humidity away. At the same time, you can install large windows in the slant of the roof gable to bring in ample amount of sunlight and natural views. The best part is that when you’ll look up from your desktop, you’ll see beautiful, uninterrupted views of the sky – perfect for soothing the mind without being distracting.
Getaway walk-in closet
There is no such thing as too many clothes and accessories for a fashionista – and if you fancy yourself one, then chances are that you’re running short on display space. What better way to make yourself some more room then converting that perpetually redundant attic into a beautiful walk-in closet? You can go all out with this remodel – go for that display shoe-rack you always wanted, invest in some amazing compact wardrobe choices for storing those precious handbags and even bring in a few fashionable display racks for your beloved clothes collection. This way, your attic can become functional – and even your favorite space in the whole home.
Glass-gabled retreat
Feel like your entire house is too cluttered? Too much noise, too much texture, too many people? Worry not – your attic can become the perfect retreat in these circumstances. You can convert the face of your attic gable into a glass façade to bring in better views and light. Moreover, you can arrange the layout of the space to be the perfect, relaxing retreat – a massage chair in the corner, a comfortable couch in the middle, and maybe even a hammock on the side. You can even find some amazing discounts on home improvement accessories online. This kind of a remodel will definitely make the attic a hidden treasure within your home.
Personal library
If you’re a reader or a writer, then chances are that you’d love to have your own personal library. Chances are even greater that you have a massive book collection that you have no idea where to display. In such cases, the attic can become your salvation. It may seem like an impossible task to convert the slanted rooftop of your attic into usable bookshelves, but don’t worry – you won’t have to. Instead, you can use the flat ends of the triangular gable, and use them as a base to install beautiful, customized shelving for your books. The slanted ends of the roof can be used for dormer windows to let in light and views. Sounds like a dream, right? It can definitely be yours.
Luxury spa bath
Typical bathrooms in a conventional home have very standard layouts – a small shower area, a tiny vanity and a simple commode. But what if you could convert your attic into a beautiful luxury spa-style bathroom? It may take some extensive remodeling works, but you can install a huge shower jet area, a Jacuzzi with a beautiful top-side view and more in your attic. It’s the perfect way to make yourself a spa-like getaway from the clutter of your home.
Stylish personal space
Whether it’s a ManCave or a She Shed, you can definitely convert your attic into one. The best part about this venture is that you get to use your personal ideas and hobbies into an actionable takeaway. For example, if you’re an artist, then you can set up a studio in the attic. If you’re a gamer, then you can set up an entire system in that space. If you like making things, then the attic can become your workshop. Take some time for a DIY venture to light up your attic with style. All of these options and more are a viable way to convert the attic into a stylish personal space.
As you can see, there are quite a few ways in which you can convert the attic into something bigger and better – something closer to your dream space. All you have to do is think what you need, and then go for it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrea Boffo is CEO of PlusVoucherCode, a website that provides discount codes to save money on online purchases.