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Photos: A pink, vintage-style loft conversion guest bedroom
This article details the loft conversion project undertaken by Claire Williams, a TV producer, and her husband Sam Roberts, an IT consultant, to create a guest suite in their Victorian villa in Faversham, Kent. The couple aimed to transform their loft into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space, anticipating future needs as their children grow.
The loft conversion resulted in a guest bedroom featuring a traditional Dormer window and a Velux window. A unique design element is a concealed door integrated into a bespoke bookcase, which leads to an en-suite wet room. This wet room was ingeniously fitted into the space above the main bedroom's bay window.
The decision to convert the loft was driven by the long-term plan to provide separate rooms for their children, Rufus and Rex, and to establish a private bathroom for themselves in the future. The initial phase of the project involved consulting an architectural draughtsman, who assessed the loft space. A surprising discovery was poorly installed insulation by the previous owner, indicating a need for comprehensive renovation.
Planning permission was a crucial step due to the property's location within a conservation area. The initial proposal for two dormer windows was rejected by the council, leading to a revised plan for a single, slightly smaller dormer. This adjustment ultimately enhanced the room's view.
The couple approached the project budget-consciously, obtaining six quotes before selecting builder Danny Burden. While some companies offered faster completion, the chosen builder, with a cost of £39,000, allowed for the incorporation of desired features like the hidden bookcase door and en-suite. The renovation spanned four months and involved cost-saving measures, such as Sam handling the electrical wiring himself (which was then certified by an electrician) and purchasing hexagonal tiles using Tesco Clubcard vouchers.
Several challenges arose during the conversion, particularly maintaining adequate head height after installing the subfloor, floorboards, and insulation. The final head height was approximately two meters, accommodating guests of varying heights. The design and installation of the stairs also proved complex, requiring multiple revisions by KPS Joinery to match the existing spindles and newel posts.
The hidden bookcase door was a personal desire, inspired by Claire's childhood fascination with whodunnits. Its unique shape required special, heavy-duty hinges costing £100 to support its weight. Storage solutions were adjusted from an initial plan for a walk-in wardrobe to a deep storage cupboard under the eaves, suitable for items like suitcases and seasonal decorations.
The interior decor and color scheme evolved from a Modigliani print, which inspired a vintage aesthetic. Retro lighting and teak Nathan furniture were incorporated. A green bed, found on sale, complemented existing bedding. The decision to paint the walls pink came from a desire to brighten the room, although an initial attempt with ochre woodwork was unsuccessful and quickly repainted.
Particular attention was given to the en-suite wet room, designed to provide a luxurious experience for guests. It features separate lighting and extractor fan circuits to minimize disturbance. Despite being the most expensive area per square meter, the couple expressed satisfaction with the final outcome.
The total cost breakdown for the interior elements included: paint (£120), bed and mattress (£450), lighting (£130), flooring (£750), bespoke bookcase (£500), other furniture (£200), and the en-suite (£2,520), totaling £4,670. Claire Williams shares further insights and images of the renovation on her Instagram account, @crayvilla.
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