Converting Your Attic into a Bedroom or Office: Twin Cities Design Ideas

When deciding to remodel an attic, you may think you want to go small. Perhaps just create a large storage area, or something similar. But, for many Twin Cities homeowners, those ambitions are too small. Twin Cities attic spaces represent untapped potential for many homeowners. This space can easily be transformed into a functional bedroom or home office. If you’re remodeling the attic area anyway, why not go big and add even more value to your home? Attic conversions for bedrooms and offices do present some design challenges. That is why you need this guide. In it, the experts at SMC Construction, Inc. will offer practical, stylish solutions uniquely suited to your Minneapolis-St. Paul home.

Why Twin Cities Homeowners Choose Attic Conversions

Attic conversions are very popular throughout the Twin Cities. There are many reasons for their popularity. Most importantly, the architectural style of many local homes. Older homes, especially, tend to have large, unused attics ripe for remodeling. Wondering if an attic remodel is right for you? Here are a few reasons why Minneapolis homeowners choose attic conversions.

• They add livable square footage without expanding the home outward.
• They preserve yard space and neighborhood character.
• They provide flexible space for bedrooms, offices, or guest areas.
• They improve energy efficiency when you upgrade the insulation.
• They increase the overall home value and market appeal.

With these advantages, it is no wonder that many Twin Cities homeowners decide to invest in an attic remodel.

Attic Bedroom Design Ideas

However, knowing you want an attic conversion is just the first step. You will next have to decide if you want to create a bedroom, office, or both in the space. If an extra bedroom is the right choice for you, here are a few design ideas to ensure the space feels comfortable and welcoming rather than cramped.

1. Make the most of sloped ceilings: Sloped ceilings are extremely common in Twin City attics. You will need to navigate around these ceilings when you create your attic bedroom. Strategic furniture placement, such as positioning beds and seating in areas with the most headroom, can help maximize comfort. Additionally, consider investing in custom-built storage and closets to make your space use more efficiently.
2. Bring in natural light: As with a basement bedroom, natural light in an attic is extremely important for making the space feel open and livable. Most homeowners choose to add dormer windows or skylights to their attic bedroom.
3. Focus on year-round comfort: You will need to ensure your attic bedroom is comfortable in Minnesota’s harsh winters and hot summers. The right insulation and ventilation are critical, which is why you should partner with a professional contractor, such as SMC Construction, Inc., when undertaking an attic remodeling project.

Attic Office Design Ideas

On the other hand, these design ideas can help make your attic home office into a functional and comfortable space.

1. Design for productivity: A clean, open layout can help boost productivity in your attic office. Always place desks in areas with adequate ceiling height and natural light, and then use custom, built-in shelving and cabinetry to keep the space organized. A neutral color palette can also help provide a calm atmosphere.
2. Lighting and acoustics matter: Lighting is even more important in attic offices than in attic bedrooms. Layer your lighting to create the ambience you prefer, no matter the time or season. For example, skylights paired with recessed and task lighting can ensure your office stays consistently lit up throughout the day. You will also need to consider the space’s acoustics. Sound insulation can be a godsend in attic remodels. Plus, you should consider a full separation of the office from the rest of the home to create a focused and productive environment.
3. Design to serve multiple purposes: Sometimes needs change. So, even if you plan on using the attic as an office now, you may need it for something else in the future. Consider designing your attic office to serve multiple purposes. When you plan the design thoughtfully, you can easily turn the space into a guest room, hobby room, or additional bedroom later.

Pros and Cons of Attic Bedrooms and Attic Offices

As you begin turning your attic into usable space, you will need to decide how to use it. Let’s look in more detail at the pros and cons of both attic bedrooms and attic offices.

How a Professional Attic Conversion Can Bring Your Vision to Life

A lot goes into an attic conversion, whether you choose to create a new bedroom or an attic office. From structural assessments to building code requirements and industry know-how, the project can easily become overwhelming to a homeowner. That is where experts, like those at SMC Construction, Inc., can help. We specialize in Twin City attic renovations. Our team will walk you through every step of the process. From the initial consultation and evaluation of existing structures to the design process and finally to installation, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right the first time. Let the team at SMC Construction, Inc., help you create an attic bedroom and office that feels like a natural extension of your Minneapolis-St. Paul home.