Inside A Designport Editor’s Attic Renovation
Finishing our 3rd floor attic space was one of those “we should really do this” conversations that you have and then table because there are obstacles and inertia in the way. Then the lock-down hit, and work from home made the project a priority.
Part of what made this 500 sf space so awkward was the immoveable stairwell in the middle. Additionally, the steeply sloped ceilings meant there wouldn’t be a ton of walking space, and a raised platform in one corner concealed the master bedroom’s tray ceiling, another permanent fixture.
In a meeting with the contractor, we realized we could reclaim 2’ of prime floorspace by closing up part of the stairwell while still maintaining adequate clearance coming up the steps. We also learned that skylights could be added at minimal cost (stick to standard sizes and fixed glass) and that would create the illusion of much more space and light. We added 3 skylights to mirror the dormer windows on the other side of the attic.
Our big splurge was the glass stair surround to replace the sheet-rock half-wall, which made the space feel twice as big. Additionally, 6” Vinyl plank flooring by Durato was a huge win. We like it more than the real wood floors in the rest of the house.
Built-in shelves and a small custom kitchen corner with a mini-fridge filled in a nook that would have otherwise been wasted. Benjamin Moore’s Banana Yellow gives the space a color pop. (The other walls are painted Benjamin Moore’s Shoreline at 50%, and the trim, ship-lap and ceiling are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace). A cluster of five individual Muuto E27 pendant lamps hang over the stairs in yellow and gray.
The long desk is an Ikea hack made from 4 Alex filing cabinets and a waterfall edge desktop made by the contractor out of oak-veneered plywood. The Eames style desk chairs are from Laura Davidson Direct. The sit-to-stand desk and ergonomic Aeron chair are from DWR.
Our one mistake was not having the patience to wait on plumbing work to put in a half bath. But the space is there if a future owner wants to do it.
We underestimated how much of a slam-dunk this renovation would be. The house feels bigger. The third floor now gets daily use as a home office and it’s our favorite room in the house! The total cost of this renovation was 45k. Having separate spaces to work and adding 500sf of finished space to the house in 2.5 months with minimal mess: priceless.
