Category: loft

  • How To: Updating Your Old Wood Ceiling Beams

    How To: Updating Your Old Wood Ceiling Beams

    Are your wood ceiling beams looking outdated? Don’t worry. You don’t have to go through the expensive process of replacing them. Various simple and cost-effective ways exist to update your old wood ceiling beams and bring them back to life. Here, we will guide you through how to update your old wood ceiling beams, from preparing the surface to finishing off with a protective coat of sealant. Read on to learn how to quickly and affordably update your wood ceiling beams!

    Assessing the condition of your old wood ceiling beams

    Before updating your old wood ceiling beams, assessing their condition is important. Inspect the beams for any signs of damage, such as rot, cracks, or insect infestation. Determine if any structural repairs are necessary before proceeding with the update. Look for discoloration or fading in the wood, which may require additional sanding or treatment. Understanding the condition of your beams will help you determine the best approach for updating them and ensure that they remain not only safe, but durable for years to come.

    Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

    Choosing a new finish or paint color

    When it comes to updating your old wood ceiling beams, choosing a new finish or paint color can make a big difference in the overall look of your space. Consider a clear varnish or stain to bring out the natural wood grain if you’re looking for a more natural look. For a more modern look, a white or black paint coat can be a bold choice. You may also consider adding a pop of color to match your decor or metallic accents for glamour. Whatever you choose, make sure it complements your existing decor and style.

    Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

    Sanding and prepping the surface of the beams

    Once you have assessed the condition of your old wood ceiling beams and chosen a new finish or paint color, it’s time to sand and prep the surface. Start by using medium-grit sandpaper to remove any existing finish or imperfections. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain for a smooth and even surface. After sanding, wipe down the beams with a damp cloth to remove dust. Finally, use fine-grit sandpaper to further smooth the surface and ensure the new finish or paint adheres properly.

    Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

    Applying the new finish or paint to the beams

    Once you have prepped the surface of your old wood ceiling beams, it’s time to apply the new finish or paint. Start by applying a primer coat to ensure the finish adheres properly. Once the primer is dry, use a brush or roller to apply the chosen finish or paint color evenly to the beams. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying additional coats if needed. For a more rustic look, consider using a stain instead of paint to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

    Photo by Julia Kun on Unsplash

    Optional step: adding decorative elements to the beams

    Consider adding decorative elements if you want to take your old wood ceiling beams to the next level. This can be anything from carving intricate designs into the wood to adding metal straps or hardware. For a unique touch, you can also paint patterns or designs onto the beams. Just remember to keep your home’s overall style and aesthetic in mind when choosing decorative elements to ensure they complement the rest of the space.

    Updating your old wood ceiling beams is a great way to refresh the look of your space and add character to your home. By assessing the condition of the beams, choosing a new finish or paint color, and properly prepping and applying the new treatment, you can transform your outdated beams into a stunning focal point. Don’t forget to consider adding decorative elements for an extra touch of style. With time and effort, you can enjoy the beauty of your updated wood ceiling beams for years. Thanks to Reclaimed Michigan for Consulting.

  • Utilizing space: Extra space worth using!

    Utilizing space: Extra space worth using!

    Utilizing Space

    I love natural light in a home and tall ceilings can add to that by making a room feel large and bright. A great way to add some of that in a smaller home is doing a loft conversion. Opening up an attic and using that space can really add a lot to a home.

    That extra space could go towards adding more square footage and creating a room in the attic! With a nice sky light window you can open up a small space with gorgeous natural light.

    Using the natural shape of the extra space can create some stunning designs. Some people are nervous about loft conversions but using a specialist can make this transformation easy with as little disruption as possible.

    Some spaces are large enough to convert into an entire loft apartment. Using a wall of windows really makes this space feel more like a getaway than an attic!

    Another option would be to just open up the space. This kitchen hardly feels small with the tall ceilings and windows.

  • Beautiful Staircases: Inspiration for an overlooked area

    Beautiful Staircases: Inspiration for an overlooked area

    Beautiful Staircases

    Staircases aren’t usually something one thinks of when thinking “home decorating.”  I thought it might be fun to dedicate an entire post to beautiful staircases and the beauty they can add to your home.  I’ve even found some inspiration for outdoor stairs, which aren’t as popular in the states as maybe external staircases uk, or Italy, and throughout Europe.

    Moreover, considering a lot of staircases open to the foyer or entrance of a home, it is well worth considering the design and aesthetics of your staircase in home decorating projects. While spiral staircases aren’t as popular in the states, I saw a lot of them while living in Spain, an unbeknownst to me you can buy staircases online!

    Below I’ve posted some staircase inspiration:

    beautiful staircases

    How sweet is this white winding staircase?  I love the gray wide paneled floor and entry rug too. This winding staircase also adds some valuable storage space under it, great for adding a small desk or entry console for sorting mail.beautiful staircases

    Wow. I would love to have built-in bookcases behind this graceful spiral staircase and a comfy seat for reading by the window. I also love the plants and lantern hanging in the center of the staircase.

    beautiful staircases

    Spiral staircases don’t need to be antique and old fashioned.  There are a lot of modern options for staircases available these days, as well as space-saving solutions. I love the contrast this steel spiral staircase creates against the white room.

    beautiful staircases

    A balcony garden with a pretty exterior spiral staircase!  This is a clever way to include more greenery in your outdoor space if it is limited.

    beautiful staircases

    This winding staircase is truly a work of art.  The architectural details and the care that’s been taken in creating a beautiful curve is amazing.  Everything about it is so artful.  I love the planes of white surface and the interesting windows.

    beautiful staircases

    Spiral staircases can really shine in lofts since they’re visible from most areas of the space. I love the eclectic mix in this loft of different furnishings and wood finishes.  The exposed beams and wood-paneled ceiling is gorgeous too!

    Have you put thought into your staircase?  If so how do you have it decorated?  Is it an afterthought?  Are you lucky enough to have a staircase that had a lot of architectural details added?  We don’t have a staircase in our home – so I need to live vicariously through people who do!

    *Disclosure:  This post brought to you in partnership with Fontanot Shop

     

     

  • Elegant dining rooms that are also comfortable and relaxed

    Elegant dining rooms that are also comfortable and relaxed

    Elegant Dining Rooms

    Lush velvet chairs evoke glamour and comfort, charcoal walls and a gold pendant add edge.

    Fun artwork and modern foil wallpaper keep this space from being stuffy.

    A circular table is instantly cozier than a rectangular one, while the details on that amazing settee scream sophistication.

    This dining room is a hybrid home library and eating space.  Not a conventional pairing, but I love it.

    A velvet upholstered banquette and a Saarinen table?  Yes please!

    Modern traditional dining furniture in an industrial loft makes for quite a cool space for dining.

    via Decor Pad

  • Considering the Open Concept Layout

    Considering the Open Concept Layout

    An oldie but a goodie for you on this Thursday!
    Now that hubby and I are not longer spending every spare moment wedding planning, we are finally thinking about improvements that we’d like to make to our home.  Our house it a 50s rambler, and while it doesn’t have the bones these amazing spaces do, we are still thinking about knocking down some walls to create a more open and modern space.
    Has anyone here remodeled for a more open layout?  Were you happy with the results?
  • Bright interiors: how natural light energizes a room

    Bright interiors: how natural light energizes a room

    Light and Bright interiors

    Bright interiors are beautiful interiors! There is nothing like natural light.  Natural light has the power to completely energize and change the mood of a room.  When we were house shopping, one of the first elements of a home I’d look for was natural light.  I’d pay attention to window quantity, size, placement, and any exterior overhang.  One of the best home improvements we ever made was replacing our small rancher living room window with a full length window.  Believe it or not, ever since enlarging that window and knocking out a dividing wall, I no longer need to use my light therapy lamp in the winter.

    Below are some example rooms that I though demonstrated the beauty and transformative power of natural light.

    bright interiors natural light bedroom

    What a treat to wake up with the morning light streaming in.  A simple white curtain allows the filtered light through and allows for privacy at night.

    bright interiors natural light living room Gorgeous interior shutters can be opened all the way, and don’t impede any light from entering through the beautiful tall windows.

    bright interiors natural light loft

    Lofts take the cake for bright interiors.  Open concept layouts, high ceilings, and lots of windows make the most of natural light.

    bright interiors natural light kitchen

    This dining room makes the most of morning light and would make a great place to wake up to coffee and croissants.

    bright interiors natural light living room

    High ceilings and strategically placed mirrors are two well-known advocates of natural light.

    all images via Disc Journal

  • Kids Rooms That Rock!

    Kids Rooms That Rock!

    I’ve always pictured how fun it would be to decorate a kids room. Since the nursery phase doesn’t last long, I’ve been scouring the web to find some pretty awesome kids rooms. Here’s what I found:
    mommo design: 10 ROOMS FOR LITTLE BOYS:
    A campers dream come true with room for a friend!
    for the girl ill have one day:
    Extra space to play is a must have for a busy toddler!
    Floating shelves:
    Room for tea and place to put everything. That is a mom’s dream room too!
    Upgrade your child’s bed panels like this creative parent did using scraps from floral wallpaper. This is just one of the many creative kids room ideas.:
    via brit.co
    A space to hideout and hangout!
    Dream Big With These Imaginative Kids Bedrooms – Design Sticker:
    A room you wouldn’t mind sharing!
    Have you made your kids room a dream come true? What did you do?
  • An elegant bohemian loft

    An elegant bohemian loft

    A stylish and sophisticated loft in Philadelphia

    Elegant and bohemian aren’t normally two styles you necessarily see together, but done right they make quite the beautiful pair!  This loft is the work of Design Manifest, and isn’t new to the blogosphere, but worth a revisit! All photos are from Design Manifest.

    Stark white walls are the canvas, but you’ll find ample pops of pink, blue and black as accent colors.

    Amazing light and a lot of seating – hard for this loft not to look friendly

    I love that the home is full of what look like travel souvenirs.

     Even the bookcase is full of pops of color.

     Blue,  pink, red and black create quite a punch on this accent wall.  There is also a chinoiserie theme throughout.

     I really like the suzani tablecloth.

    A small wall is painted black to designate a bar area.

    The bedroom is still colorful but in more muted tones.

    What do you think of this modern bohemian loft?

  • Elegant dining rooms that are also comfortable and relaxed

    Lush velvet chairs evoke glamour and comfort, charcoal walls and a gold pendant add edge.

    Fun artwork and modern foil wallpaper keep this space from being stuffy.

    A circular table is instantly cozier than a rectangular one, while the details on that amazing settee scream sophistication.

    This dining room is a hybrid home library and eating space.  Not a conventional pairing, but I love it.

    A velvet upholstered banquette and a Saarinen table?  Yes please!

    Modern traditional dining furniture in an industrial loft makes for quite a cool space for dining.

    via Decor Pad

  • Living with a Loft

    Living with a Loft

    When I was apartment hopping, I always pictured myself living in one with a loft. Just the thought of it gave me so many design ideas that I probably wouldn’t know where to start. Now with the tiny home living you see a bunch of little lofts with bedrooms and I wonder, how would I have decorated my loft apartment?
    Since the loft is usually visible to the rest of the apartment, would I get frustrated with always having a view of it and keeping it clean for when guests come over?
    The 18 Most Beautiful Lofts You’ve Ever Seen via Brit + Co.:
    via brit.co
    Or maybe I could love it being up and away from the rest of the world.
    Would I keep the same design style and color scheme throughout the apartment so it didn’t look choppy?
    Frankfort, Germany | Built from a recycled barn, one entire side of the house is built from the old barn brick, each of which have been washed with a brush. Beams have been recycled as structural support for the mezzanine where there's a family room (with a lovely wicker swing!) and study. Love the stairs and the multi-angled ceiling as well.:
    via curbed
    If it was partially hidden, would I create it as a little getaway?

    What would you do with a loft?