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Lori Madden, MANGROVE REALTY ASSOCIATESPhone: (941) 780-8443
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Tips for creating a home office or studio in your attic

by Lori Madden 08/20/2023

attic room

When it comes to choosing a location for a home studio, attic and basement spaces are often at the top of the list. These areas are far enough removed from the regular living space to not cause as much disturbance, while also giving you the unique opportunity to utilize a previously useless space.

However, an attic home office or attic studio can pose some interesting design challenges. If you're interested in setting up a studio in your attic, here's what to know:

What is an attic?

An attic is the area in a house between roofs on the higher floors in a home. Usually attics have insulation and occasionally heat and cooling equipment too. Unfinished attics usually require adding electrical wiring, drywall and flooring to become livable.

How to build an attic studio

If you're lucky, your attic might already have flooring, windows and wiring installed. If not, you'll need to begin with a basic "finishing" remodel.

Before you begin working, have a contractor inspect the space. They will check for adequate ceiling heights, escape routes and other structural safety factors. This will also help you if your local building codes require a permit before remodeling.

How to work with an angled ceiling

The most iconic and charming aspect of many attics is a steep, angled ceiling. However, this feature can also make an attic space tricky to decorate. Some great tips for building an attic office space or studio include:

  • Opt for custom storage solutions and shelving that work with the ceiling shape.
  • Install blinds or screens for skylight windows to control the amount of natural light.
  • Choose low-profile furniture to accent the space without making it feel cramped.

What else can you do with a small attic?

In addition to a studio or home office, a small attic can serve a variety of purposes. You could convert an attic into a dream walk-in closet, a craft room, a miniature library or a playroom for kids. If you like houseplants, a sunny attic room can make a perfect indoor greenhouse space.

No matter how you decide to decorate your attic, these tips and ideas will help you get started on the right path.

About the Author
Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!