When you are looking for loft conversion design ideas, you’ll probably come
across a great deal of advice about making the best use of light, about the
best ways to maximise space, about how to get your new area of the home flowing
from the old, and about utilising as many mod cons as you can.
But what about making use of
the natural features your loft space has to offer?
If you haven’t guessed yet,
we’re talking about exposed beams. Natural features like these can add an
enormous splash of added charm, especially when complemented by traditional or
period style décor.
However you intend to use
your newly converted loft space, you will find that exposed beams do a
fantastic job of adding character and ambience. Go for a natural look with
‘organic’ wood that reveals the intrinsic beauty of the timber with its
intriguing knots and burls, or opt for a paint job to match up with your design
scheme.
Matching Themes
Get the flow going in your
new space with natural wooden flooring that pairs up beautifully with the
exposed beams. Enhance your rustic country feel with richly woven rugs and wall
hangings for splashes of opulence.
And while you’re there, why
not set yourself up for a regular spot of time travel? Source yourself a Regency
style easy chair and place it in all its beautifully carved glory strategically
aside from the Juliette balcony you thought to have built in to your loft
conversion. The rich timber framed window that surrounds it will echo back to
bygone eras as you relax with a good book, or flip through your memory albums
with a smile.
You can continue your theme
by having your builder work in some fitted storage with doors and panelling to
match the beams above. Whether it’s hidden wardrobes, cupboards and drawers, a
home office set-up or a bespoke surround for your entertainment tech, isn’t it
so exciting to see the whole idea taking shape in your mind’s eye?
Caring for Exposed Beams
If you are lucky enough to
live in a property that was built around solid wood beams, you’ll usually find
that these are crafted from oak. This species of timber calls for good care and
maintenance to allow it to stand the test of time. Remember that wood is a
natural material that is vulnerable to rot and disease so you must take the
right steps to ensure your beams are adequately protected from drying and
ageing. These steps will include applying an appropriate preservative
treatment, but you should always take advice as to the right type of treatment
to use.
You may find that your
support beams are constructed from composite materials rather than solid wood.
It is known for such beams to be carved with features like notches and nicks to
make them look authentically aged. Like solid timber, composite beams also
require treatment with purpose made solutions so that they do not disintegrate
over time.
If you have decided to
paint, stain or varnish your beams, whatever they are made of, you should apply
the appropriate type of protection beforehand.
Are you looking to bring
your loft conversion design ideas to life in unusual ways? Talk to Bespoke
Lofts. Our experts have been designing beautiful attic spaces for almost three
decades, and are ready to help you breathe charm into your loft space dreams.