In This London Attic, a Daybed Was Built to Fit the Awkward Sloped Ceiling

The article details the transformation of a 125-square-foot attic nook in Laura Stephens's South London home into a versatile, double-duty space. Originally housing her middle daughter, the attic needed to become a professional yet homey environment for her husband's work calls during lockdown and for her mother's stays. The design challenge was to create a flexible room that felt tranquil and studious while also being welcoming, avoiding the clinical feel often associated with hybrid spaces. Laura achieved this by incorporating layers of texture, pattern, and color, rather than opting for a stark, minimalist approach. A key element of the renovation was the daybed, which was chosen as a pull-out option to accommodate a desk and chair comfortably within the small space. Laura selected a basic double daybed and enhanced it with tonal soft textiles, including a custom linen valance, an Indian block-print quilt, and numerous cushions. To address the awkward sloped ceiling, a custom headboard was fabricated from plywood by a local upholsterer, clad in Mulberry Home fabric, and angled precisely into the wall. Matching bolsters at each end were added to create the impression of a proper sofa, maximizing comfort and aesthetic appeal. Lighting was another crucial consideration, especially given Laura's desire to avoid extensive rewiring. She repurposed the existing ceiling pendant by adding a rattan shade from Vinterior. For additional, flexible lighting, a wall light with a swing arm was installed near the daybed. This light functions as both a bedside and reading lamp, and its braided cable ingeniously conceals the fact that it's plugged into a floor socket rather than being hardwired, providing functionality without compromising aesthetics. Contrary to conventional small-space design, Laura deliberately chose not to paint the room white. Instead, she opted for "Smoked Trout" by Farrow & Ball, a dark mushroom tone, for the walls, skirting board, door, and architraves. Her reasoning was that white paint, particularly on woodwork, can create visual distractions and undesirable stripe-like effects in a tiny room. The darker, uniform color, however, prevents unwanted shadows and provides a cohesive backdrop. The only element painted white was the fireplace, intended to stand out as a distinct feature. A navy-bordered scalloped jute rug was introduced, harmonizing with the tasseled trim of a small antique chair, further contributing to the cohesive design. The desk, an "Empire" piece from Scumble Goosie, was painted in "Teresa’s Green" by Farrow & Ball to achieve an antique look. This desk fits perfectly into an alcove and doubles as a dressing table when guests are present. Since there was no space for a wardrobe, a simple hook on the door serves as a practical solution for hanging clothes. Above the desk, a simple shelf displays personal keepsakes, adding a touch of warmth and personality. Despite designing the space for her husband, Laura humorously notes that she often finds herself working from the kitchen table, highlighting the inviting and comfortable atmosphere she created in the attic nook. #AtticRenovation #SmallSpaceDesign #MultipurposeRoom #DaybedDesign #InteriorLighting #ColorSelection #CustomFurniture #HomeOffice #GuestRoom #SlopedCeilingSolution #AtticRenovation #SmallSpaceDesign #MultipurposeRoom #DaybedDesign #InteriorLighting #ColorSelection #CustomFurniture #HomeOffice #GuestRoom #SlopedCeilingSolution

86 months ago

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