Attics are an odd duck, rarely given the design attention they truly deserve. What other room in the house offers so much square footage of space, unobstructed by furniture, appliances or built-ins? This is especially true of homes built before the mid-twentieth century. Many of these attics span the entire length and width of the home, gifting us with endless creative possibilities. And yet…
They are still mainly used for storage, and therefore rarely seen or appreciated.
While there is something wonderful to be said for great, designated, organized spaces in which to store our treasured belongings, it’s always good to think outside of the box, as well. With some careful planning and a widened imagination, your attic can be transformed into anything from an extra living space to a play area, and everything in between.
A fun fact: the word “attic” actually comes from the Attica region of Greece. Back then, attics were conceived as small, decorative spaces. My, how much has changed. Over time, many variations of the attic were introduced, including a minimally-charming, yet incredibly useful version that included a small, utilitarian ladder, which one must climb in order to enter it. While it may be a challenge to convert this particular version into a different kind of space, it is possible, and the results can be stunning.
Of course, the most common reason to convert the attic, is to be able to enjoy more livable space in your home. What kind of new room you crave? An art studio? An office? A private space for your teen? How about a hidden movie theater or a pool room? You can have it. Don’t get us wrong: the payoff is incredible – but the construction, while fun – can be a challenge. You’ll want to consult a professional for your project. The thing about attics is: many of them have idiosyncratic design elements (lots of corners, low ceilings, etc.) that encourage us to get really specific when considering our options. A design and construction professional can be of utmost use to assist you to plan your attic transformation with equal parts creativity and objectivity. Consider Eileen Gould Design & Construction for the task.
After a consultation to determine your wants and needs, we will charge a flat design fee based on the scope and size of the job. The design fee includes CAD drawings, shopping time, and designing, as well as project management. This fee does not include color renderings or permits, which we perform for an extra cost. Our payment schedules are easy, as we accept Visa and MasterCard. You’ll always know what’s going on via spreadsheets and invoices created just for you.
Do you already have a great attic that you’d like to show off? Email us some evidence now. We can’t wait to see!
Eileen Gould Design & Construction, Inc.
(818) 421-7667
egould07@gmail.com
EileenGould.com
