Chimneys

Many attics, especially these in old houses/buildings, have chimneys in them. So is my own attic - as I will describe in a separate post. Since most renovation do not include dismantling the chimney, one has to work around it in designing the attic space. Here are some options that addressed the issue in different ways. Some left the bricks unpainted, some painted them. In all the pictures it is clear that the chimney has a presence in the room, in one way or another. My advice to the attic renovator is to treat the chimney as an architectural element in the room, and to decorate it according to the decorating scheme and of the whole space.

Here the chimney was covered with wood to create an architectural modern element in the room. Covering the chimney all the way to the ceiling emphasize the height of the room and the vaulted ceiling. the use of wood adds warmth to the all-white room.

 

In the pictures below the designers lest the chimney red bricks un-painted. In the next three pictures the designers built walls incorporating the chimneys in them. This left the interest that the chimney adds to the room but allowed the addition of a closet to the room (in the first room). Smart and beautiful.

In the next four pictures the designers left the chimneys "as is". The brick color and texture add interest to the all-white rooms.

 

Another beautiful example of the decorating aspect of a cheimny in a room (houzz.com, room designed by James Madson).

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Here the odd corner next to the chimney was used to store a chest of drawers. (By Ocean Interiors - houzz.com). The chimney was used as a background for art.

In the picture below the chimney bricks where painted the same color as one of the accent walls in the attic. Personally, I would have chosen a more dramatic color that would have accentuate the wall and the chimney. Dark red maybe? teal? orange?

A different "chimney approach" is demonstrated in the pictures below. Here the designers painted the chimneys bricks to match the walls of the rooms. Painting the chimney the same color allows the chimney to "disappear" into the surroundings. This way the chimney does not seem as an obstacle in the middle of the attic. The chimney becomes a backdrop and allows other elements to take center stage - art, accessories etc.

In my own renovation I decided to paint the chimney white due to the reasons mentioned above.

Craft rooms

This time my intent is to explore the option of using attics as craft rooms. Here are some examples.

The first two pictures (Yahoo.images) show two multi purpose attics that include laundry, craft an an office space.

Can you imagine not having fun crafting in this colorful space?

In this simple and modest space the owner arranged for her/himself a comfortable craft area. This demonstrates that you do not need a lot of space and effort to achieve what you want.

Here is another limited space craft area. the colors unify it and create a "designed" space. 

Same here. Love the accent wall.

And... same here and in the next few pictures. Simplicity and function.

The next five pictures where taken in an attic that was designed as a craft room. Awesome use of space light and the colors of the materials as accents. 

Another, modest, way to store craft materials.

Here is an example of the use of limited space to create a functional space to create in. The awkward and unusable corner between the chimney and the sloped ceiling was used to host a craft table, chair and a lamp.

And to another well designed upscale craft attic (houzz.com). Here the designer used a limited green and white color palate to unify the room. Using the length of the room four working stations were placed along the walls.

It makes me feel like creating something.

A DIY wonderful family room

Another link from HGTV (don't you love this channel? I am hooked on it for years).
 

A couple decided to renovate their spacious attic and turn it into a fun and functional family room. The new family room is multipurpose hangout complete with games, an area for reading and a stage for playing musical instruments and performing.

The couple added a mural and built a stage area for their children to use.

A large space, the attic could be broken down into several different areas, each with its own purpose.

The reno turned the attic into a usable space for all the family members.

Ain't it amazing?

An attic apartment

This charming house was divided to two apartments. The photos below are the upper attic apartment. 

Here is the floor plan of the attic. The apartment consists of a big room that includes the living/dining areas and the kitchen, one bedroom, walking closet and bathroom. The walls separating the bedroom from the walking closet and the living area are partition walls that does not reach the ceiling. The attic has 7 windows, that allow an abundance of light into it.

Here is he entrance from the outside into the apartment. Throughout the apartment the designer used a restricted unifying color palate of white, cream, dark blue and red. Another unifying element in the apartment is the use of different wood tones. From stained brown to painted white wood. The entry door was painted dark blue in connection to the inside colors.

Main seating area in the living space.

A view from the living room to the bedroom. Notice the partition wall between the two rooms and the architectural elements of the door.

A view of the kitchen from the walk-in closet. The white walls reflect the light coming from the windows. The lower kitchen cabinets and the window trim and shutters are painted the same blue color as the entry door.

Another view of the kitchen.

 A detailed kitchen cabinet adds interest in the room.

Bedroom view. The color palate in the bedroom is mainly whites and creams with wood accents. Just beautiful.

Details, Details...

This is an inspiring example of the use of space, light and color to create a fun, comfortable and easy space to live in.

Insperation - Kitchens

When designing an attic with a kitchen one has to figure out the electric and plumbing needs of the space with professionals. Another issue that has to be addressed is the floor's ability to sustain the weight of a refrigerator and stove. Again, I highly recommend to ask a professional for advise.

Here are some photographs of kitchens that can be used as an inspiration as you design an attic kitchen:

Both pictures below demonstrate examples of kitchens done in white, with a window that lets a lot of light inside. The white color reflects the light coming form the window and set an airy, unpretentious, breezy feeling in both kitchens.

Below is another (fun and cozy) example of seating in the kitchen.

The kitchen in the next picture is set on one wall (saves in electric and water install cost). The hood add a industrial element and interest to the room.

In the picture below the owners used a small corner to set the refrigerator and the dining table in. They also added shelves above. Great use of space.

Another white on white airy kitchen.

The rooms below are stunning in their simplicity. Note how small the kitchen space is, but still accommodating. Note the use of very high kitchen cabinet to add more storage space. The white unifies all the rooms into one composed space. The wall paper adds whimsy.

I just LOVE this space in the next two pictures. So simple. So cool. The use of primary colors - blue, red and green (the frog cattle) is great. No fear here. Color is the easiest way to go wild - you can always change it. Especially on a small items like the refrigerator or chairs. That's an easy trick to steal.

 The cabinets are made of cheep plywood. Simplicity. Beauty.

Here is another, simple example of the same principles of using white and primary colors.

The picture below shows a kitchen the size of a small bathroom (approx 6" X 6"). Originally the kitchen had 4 walls and a door. The owners took two walls down (where there's an island and an entrance now). It shows a smart and beautiful use of open and closed shelving and storage.

Below is a stunning kitchen. Again, all on one wall. Look what can be done on one 6" wall. The designer used here warm materials - brick and wood, in contrast with cold materials the white cabinets and the stainless still appliances. I totally dig it. Contrast adds interest to any space and is one of the elements of contemporary design.