Two years ago, we bought a 1926 home that we’ve been gradually renovating. This is the fourth in a series of posts where we’ve shared about the progress: first the kitchen reno, then our office and living room. Today, here’s a peak of our third floor attic.
Renovation might seem glamorous, but it’s decidedly not. For the first year we owned the place, our third floor room was a construction zone full of power tools and ShopVacs. (For those of you who have lived through renos, you know!) Though the previous owner had used the third floor as the master bedroom, we decided to convert it to a second living room area since we don’t have a basement. Little did we know the fun we had in store! Here’s a summary of the work we did:
- Tore up the existing carpet and removed every.single staple from the floor below
- Laid a snap-together floor of engineered hardwood (just the two of us!)
- Painted the entire room
- Tore off the previous trim, which was 1×4 boards
- Re-hung and painted actual trim
- Built custom built-ins into the knee walls — Alex’s idea and genius
- Hung a new fan and light fixture
- Added curtains, rug, and new furniture
- And a finishing touch — hung hanging plants
Below are some shots of the final room. It’s hard to tell perspective since it’s difficult to photograph the entire room, but it’s a fantastic space that seems like a peaceful retreat. Neither of us love basements, so this is the perfect alternative for us. We hope you enjoy the photos, and that they might inspire ideas for an attic space of your own!
The Third Floor: Before (Previous Owner)
After
West corner of the room
East corner of the room
Custom built-ins at the top of the stairs, designed by Alex – since the house is old and not very square, it was a difficult process to get just the right angles!
We added hanging plants to bring some movement and life to the room, and we love the effect.
The snap-together floors were very easy to install – even I could do it! The hardest part was, again, fitting the angles of the old house.
It’s our favorite room to curl up with a good book :)
You guys are so handy!! Love this – the built ins are genius, love the hanging plants, that blue lamp is the perfect pop of color… I have that rug but unfortunately (for me) the dog made it her chew toy :)
Thank you so much! That means a lot coming from you! (Our design mentor) :)
an attic to cozy up in! this is so perfectly romantic and dreamy. i would never get any work done with a space like this ;)
Haha, you are sweet! Come visit it! :)
What a difference you guys have made to that room! It looks so bright and fresh and the absolute perfect place to relax.
Thank you so much, Kathryn! We love spending time there. Come see it for yourself! :)
This looks sooo peaceful. And I love those hanging plants! I like the idea of an attic as a little retreat in the house, because whenever I’m in someone’s basement during the day it seems like such a waste of daylight. Love it!
Thank you, Sara! I completely agree – we are not basement fans since they are so dark. Having a third floor “basement” is perfect for our needs (lots of light!) :)
You guys did such a beautiful job! High fives, loving it!
Thank you so much, Jessie!
It turned up beautiful! Congratulations! Looks like a perfect place to relax!
I can’t believe how you guys transformed the space! It is so bright and airy! Love it – especially the hanging plants:)
XO – Sarah
http://beautyandblooms.com/
This is so stunning. You guys are renovating masters! Right out of a magazine! :)
Coming from another reno master, we consider that a huge compliment!
What a fantastic space! I’ve just been researching house plants on Amazon because we desperately need more greenery in our apartment- what are those hanging ones called? Love them! Wonderful job all around :)
Thanks for the comment! Sorry, I don’t know the name of any of the plants… I just randomly picked them out at the nursery :)
What a fabulous space! So light and airy, love it.