Transforming an unused attic into a functional and stylish space is always a challenge, but also a great opportunity to creatively utilize the potential of the interior. In this project, the key moment was raising the roof, which opened up entirely new design possibilities. This allowed me to create a space that combines comfort, aesthetics, and the maximum use of available space. As an interior architect, I approach such transformations with passion, and this attic quickly became one of my favorite projects.
INITIAL STATE OF WORK:
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN:
Conceptually, I aimed to create a space that would be both comfortable and modern while maintaining the cozy character of the attic. A thoughtful design has made the interior ideal for both everyday use and relaxation. The entire project was based on combining functionality with aesthetics and turning limitations into advantages, which allowed us to create a bright, spacious, and unique apartment full of character.
FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT:
The entire attic space is about 70 m² and has been divided into two zones. The open area includes an entryway with spacious wardrobes, a kitchen, a dining area, and a living room. The closed area consists of a bedroom with a walk-in closet and a bathroom. The apartment reaches a height of 3.40 m at its highest point and 2.10 m at its lowest.
ROOF RAISING PROJECT:
Initially, this space was an unused attic, and due to the building’s age, the roof needed replacing. The owners decided to raise it, which made it possible to convert the attic into an apartment. The roof structure, including the placement of posts and beams, was designed with the future interior concept in mind. Preparing the attic for adaptation turned out to be a bigger challenge than we anticipated—the previous owners had stored ash there for many years, which we had to remove.
Planning the kitchen and bathroom was challenging because it required bringing installations from the lower floor. In the kitchen area, the ceiling height difference was 0.5 m, which meant that the upper cabinets had to be adjusted to the sloped ceiling. They were designed to be as spacious as possible. Additionally, a special utility nook for kitchen appliances, such as a stand mixer, helps save space on the worktop.
The apartment also features numerous clever storage solutions, including a utility closet, a wardrobe for outerwear, and a spacious pantry pull-out. Additional storage space was designed above the wardrobes to make full use of the interior’s height.
Planning the lighting was also challenging due to the sloped ceiling. Since the apartment is an open space with zones that blend seamlessly together, careful selection of lighting fixtures was necessary to ensure they did not stylistically compete with each other while still being well-suited to the function of each area. The focal point is a woven wicker pendant lamp above the table. In the living room, atmospheric lighting is provided by sconces with an interesting design, while the lights above the kitchen island combine functionality with aesthetics. The dining area, located at the center of the apartment, is well-lit during the day by a skylight.
MATERIALS AND COLOR SCHEME:
The interior is dominated by wood combined with white walls, which gives the space a natural, warm character. The color palette is enriched with pastels that harmonize with the natural wood. The overall look is complemented by floral prints inspired by historical herbariums, which complete and unify the interior’s color scheme. The coherence of the entire space is ensured by the use of vertical, whitewashed pine boards in various zones of the apartment, as well as linen Roman shades. Natural materials emphasize the character of the space while also tying all the design elements together to create a harmonious whole.
SUMMARY:
The attic has something special about it—often hidden away, it offers immense potential, evoking warm memories from the book “The Children of Noisy Village.” In this project, we managed to create a bright, light-filled interior that harmoniously combines aesthetics with functionality. Transforming an unused attic into a functional and stylish space was a challenge, but also an opportunity to create something unique. The roof raising, thoughtful interior design, and creative solutions allowed us to make the most of this space’s potential. Thanks to carefully selected materials, a cohesive color palette, and attention to detail, the attic not only impresses with its appearance but also perfectly meets everyday needs. This project shows that even limitations can become an asset when the space is properly designed, and challenging interiors can be given a new life with a thoughtful approach.
