From the dark, terraced house they previously owned, their living situation now is likenight and day, transformed into a light-filled abode.
Amy and Tom, an enterprising couple, embarked on a remarkable renovation journey in 2021 when they purchased a two-bedroom brick end-of-terrace house in Walthamstow, east London. The house, in a run-down state with a freezing conservatory at the back, held immense potential, and the location was a definite draw.
Seeking expert guidance, Amy found Michael Langley of MLA-Architecture on Instagram. The vision was clear: to convert the attic into a separate living space for guests, while ensuring it would be a bright and airy retreat.
Creating More Light in the Attic Conversion
To achieve this, the best ways to create more light in an attic conversion were employed. These included installing skylights or rooflights, adding dormer windows, using a bright colour palette, incorporating a layered artificial lighting scheme, and tailoring the lighting design to the attic's unique architecture.
The result was a transformation. One or more skylights flooded the space with daylight, and dormer extensions increased headroom and wall space for larger windows. Pale, reflective colours adorned the surfaces, while a layered lighting scheme ensured the space stayed well-lit during evenings or cloudy days.
Designing the Attic Conversion
The attic conversion was designed to accommodate a guest bedroom, complete with a large window for ample natural light. The main bedroom featured bespoke wardrobes with colours pulled from an existing artwork. The guest bathroom, with an L-shaped attic conversion and skylights, boasted tiles and brass taps with a yellow hue to match the sun's light.
The final design of the renovation saw some of the Victorian charm reintroduced, but with a contemporary edge. The original door sill was lowered to make the transition between the small, paved garden terrace and kitchen dining space inside feel seamless. Oversized windows at loft level were installed to create a feeling of space and light.
Overcoming Challenges
The loft conversion presented a challenge in terms of fitting an additional staircase, bedroom, and bathroom into such a narrow property. However, the clever use of space, including the installation of a large skylight over the stairwell, brought light into the house, making it feel more spacious.
The plastic front porch and rear conservatory were demolished, and the dormer extension's rectangular fibre cement tiles were chosen to match the original house's roof finish. The final result is a bright, airy, and pleasant living area that seamlessly blends the inside with the outside, thanks to the sympathetic paving of the garden that mirrors the herringbone timber floors inside.
This approach to renovating an attic conversion has proved to be a resounding success. The couple's initial vision of creating a bright, inviting space for guests has been realised, and the house in Walthamstow now stands as a testament to what can be achieved with careful planning, expert guidance, and a commitment to bringing more light into people's lives.
[1] Renovating an Attic: Maximising Natural Light [2] Attic Conversion: Tips for Maximising Natural Light [3] How to Light an Attic Conversion [4] Attic Conversions: Lighting Guide [5] Best Ways to Light an Attic Conversion
- Amy and Tom, in collaboration with their interior designer Michael Langley, employed various strategies to maximize natural light in their attic conversion, including installing skylights, dormer windows, using a bright color palette, and incorporating a layered artificial lighting scheme, as part of their home-improvement project to create a guest-friendly home-and-garden lifestyle.
- The attic conversion, designed to accommodate a guest bedroom with ample natural light, a main bedroom with bespoke wardrobes, and a guest bathroom with a yellow-hued theme, is a successful blend of interior design and home-improvement, transforming the run-down house into a bright, airy, and inviting space, making it stand out in Walthamstow's home-and-garden landscape.
