Do you have any ideas for this room?

4 months ago

last modified: 4 months ago

House hunting – this is a second living area. Does anyone have any ideas on how to update the space? The door to the left is a second bathroom and back 2 doors to kids bedrooms. Thinking maybe remove loft, paint, different floor???

Comments (15)

PRO
MMAD Architecture
4 months ago
Definitely embrace the loft. Here's a small example we did for a kids bedroom above their robes. The girls love it to read and generally just chill up there. remember to add lighting and light switches (2way is good so you can turn it off without having to get up there) also power points for charging. Kids find a way to make it their space so be flexible. Likewise the remaining floor space let the kids work out how they'd like to use the space. Cool movable bean bag type and stool seating so they can easily move it themselves if they want to move everything out of the way to play or dance/ perform (perfect their tiktok)
with regards to the space definitely paint out the ceiling beams and lighten the space up. install a wall of storage to chuck all the toys and think about storage at kid level...low and accessible. You could consider chalk walls or other surfaces to pin or magnetically pin up stuff. If it's definitely a space for the kids think like a kid and have fun. There's ways to be be sophisticated as well that will keep it from looking like a childcare centre. Have a look at funky office fit outs like Google and the like. they have fun breakout spaces that still have a level of practicality. think about ways to blend kid meets breakout space. good luck!
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bigreader
4 months ago
What do you need the room to do for you? What are you using it for?
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Kris Fay
Original Author
4 months ago
Second living area. Kids watch tv, sit on lounge, play board games.
Kate
4 months ago
Floor plan please
PRO
Dr Retro House Calls
4 months ago
1. It will be a slightly awkward space to furnish due to the circulation space needed to access the two bedrooms.
2. I think it would be a mistake to remove the loft as it looks like it could be a fun place for kids to play. A loft dedicated to Lego could be very cool. But it depends on how it is accessed, how old are your kids, how many kids and if the balustrade height complies with the current building regulations.
3. The space under the loft would be great for TV and computers as it has less natural light.
4. Always best to live in a house for 12 months before swinging a sledgehammer so you really understand the spaces and their potential - best for your family to grow into a house gently.
5. Don't paint the timber as it provides character and visual warmth. Due to the strong architectural lines of the space painting the timber won't "update" it.
6. Consider engineered cork flooring as practical, warm and in keeping with the space. https://www.premiumfloors.com.au/cork/
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Best of luck with the house hunting,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls
Kris Fay
Original Author
4 months ago
Yes I agree it seems like an odd shape to furnish. Kids are 4 and 6 so yes maybe embrace loft for leggo. Thanks for the tips!
siriuskey
4 months ago
What a fabulous house. in particular love the kids wing with loft, hope you are lucky enough to get it
asorbak
4 months ago
put a reading corner in loft with bean bags and paint beams white. it will make it seem bigger and more open plan...
Susan Clark
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
While I am a huge fan of Dr Retro and his/her advice generally, I am in favour of painting the beams and door trims. We did this once, throughout a previous house with a look identical to yours. Had a massive impact - all positive. The bones of the house look excellent - don’t change the layout. Check there is good internal/external flow, I’d want the carpet gone in favour of an engineered timber or laminate floor (for cost reasons only and given it is a children’s “wing”), but given the age of your children I would probably delay that for years - kids heads and hard floors don’t go so well together. Tiles would look good but magnify noise. Good luck.
PRO
Lauren Shiels Interior Design
4 months ago
Keep furniture choices in fresh linens - either warm grey or taupe to balance the warmth of the timber with the starkness of the white (looks pure to me), white sheers with thermal backing for window treatments with indoor plants will soften the space. Keep foot traffic from bedrooms to bathroom completely clear. How to furnish depends what you want to do with it :)
Kate B
4 months ago
I have two kids and I would definitely keep the loft area for Lego or quiet play or reading area when they want time away from each other.
I would also paint the beams white but that’s just me, I know some people love them.
You’re very lucky to have the kids down the it eve end of the house and a second bathroom. Enjoy!
Barbara
4 months ago
This is a tricky space with the vaulted ceiling etc...perhaps call in an interior decorator just to get some advice to use the space to the best of it's potential.
fianou luca
4 months ago
It's a fantastic space but needs an update. The stain on the beams and the carpets dates the space. If you like the timber ideas, consider sanding and refinishing in a more modern tone, maybe a lighter more blonde? I'd consider sanding and just oiling with whatever the natural colour is. I'd be reluctant to paint the beams white, because they add warmth to a large space... It's a large enough space. I'd actually I'd say lack of warmth is the real issue. I would choose some midtone natural earthy colours to help blend the space. The loft could have a stronger colour and the rest something lighter. throwing some nice rugs over the carpet would help define the large floor area and let an older carpet last a little longer till you decide to update it.
fianou luca
4 months ago
...course painting beams is a lot easier than stripping them! If you go white then consider some colour on the floor and walls?
fianou luca
4 months ago
My kids would love a space like that, especially a loft! Perfect for reading, lego, boardgames and sleepovers.