Loft living
This attic has been transformed into a cosy bedroom decorated with contemporary colours and eclectic accessories. Veronica Rodriguez, 40, and her husband Darren Jones, 41, have lived in their three-bedroom terraced Edwardian house for four years. During
Eclectic pieces and contemporary colours make a chic attic bedroom
Tell us about your renovations
When we moved in the house hadn’t been touched for 15 years so we worked our way through each room in turn, starting with the bathroom. Then, once we’d saved enough money, we were able to turn the loft into our bedroom.
What ideas did you have for the space?
Before the conversion the house had only two bedrooms, which could be a tight squeeze when family came to stay. Darren and I wanted a self-contained ensuite bedroom so that guests could sleep in what had been our bedroom and the spare room, and use the main bathroom.
Did the conversion all run smoothly?
Our neighbours recommended a building firm, Mega Construction, that had converted their loft. They were great, even drawing up plans, and helped us with submitting them for planning approval. As they had promised, the build was completed within eight weeks.
And the decor?
I wanted to use deep grey on the walls. The conversion resulted in a fairly large space with plenty of natural light, which could take a dark colour. A white ceiling, pale grey upholstered bed and bright accessories balance the dramatic walls.
The bed is a real focal point
It’s wonderful to have the luxury of an upholstered bedstead. I researched online to find the perfect style covered in a soft, tweedy
fabric. Although it looks expensive, it was excellent value. Luckily, the other furniture we already had also works well in the space.
How did you finish the scheme?
I like the contrast of blush pink with dark grey, and decided to paint an old ornate mirror in this shade. Then I found pale yellow bedlinen for just £40 and made cushions with fabric I’d bought during a trip to Hawaii.
You’ve made clever use of space in the bathroom
As there’s not much room we chose a wall-hung WC and vanity unit and installed a sliding door. After considering the options we decided to have the basin, loo and shower fitted on one wall, with the vanity unit central to everything. A large mirror made the room seem more spacious and marble-effect wall and floor tiles add a touch of luxury to the scheme.
What did you learn from the experience?
Research and plan ahead as you’ll be asked to make a lot of decisions as the build develops. For example, we needed to know the width of the bed before it was delivered so that the wall light positions could be accurately marked out.
There are plenty of cupboards
Yes, the storage under the eaves helps make the most of every inch of space. We use it for suitcases and Christmas decorations. And the built-in wardrobes were definitely the best way to use the awkward area under the loping roof.
‘Painted and vintage furniture give this room character and style. The contrast of the dark walls and pale accessories works to great effect.’
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL SAYS...