Creative Attic Spaces

A variety of ideas turn awkward attics into useable space.

While the core of Atticmag has always been kitchen and baths, we often venture into other areas of design.  Yet, there is one space that hasn’t been featured – ironically, it’s the attic.  It is an area rarely used to its full potential and frequently neglected due to its large size and irregular shape.  They aren’t just for storing holiday decorations!  If you’ve always wanted a basement movie theater, but don’t have a basement, maybe up is the answer.  This award winning home theater isn’t high end, but nicely done.  Acoustical absorption panels create a cozy feeling and, along with thick rubber carpet padding, prevent sound leakage.  The acoustically transparent screen allows the speakers to be mounted behind it, so the room has a cleaner appearance.  Too bad the subwoofer has to be mounted on the gable wall below.

A pair of ceiling speakers for surround sound, a projector and a comfy sectional, and it’s family movie night every night.

Maybe the lady of the house is a fashionista with a shopping habit that has outgrown her closet.  Attic walls are the perfect height for hanging clothes and built-ins; shoe shelves to the left and drawers on the right, with a tufted bench between   Luxurious metallic wallpaper covers the ceiling between painted beams.  The skylights are not the best idea, due to sunlight damage and fading to fabrics, but the natural light would be wonderful.  The exposed chimney brick backdrop is a nice contrast to the gold framed mirror.

Any little girl would love this child-size playhouse crafted with salvaged Victorian trim and Habitat store finds.

Another part of the attic has a nighttime sky complete with stars and fluffy clouds.  Notice the hanging lanterns and the owl perched on the beam.  A wonderful place for the imagination.

I was a bit disappointed when I discovered this tented “attic” is really a luxury retreat in Kenya.  But the idea could easily translate into a fun bunk for sleepovers or visiting grandchildren.  Just skip the cots and opt for large beds, wide sofas with bolster cushions and wool rugs.  Roughing it has never looked so inviting.

(Souces: Electronic House, Wanelo, Ohdeedoh, Traveler + Inspiration)