Photo: design-homes.ru Thanks to popular American TV series and films, many dreamed of attics even before this fashion reached our latitudes. Of course, it is impossible to arrange it in a standard apartment - this requires a special layout. But if you are building your own cottage or you got housing on the top floor of exactly this configuration, it’s time to use your imagination!
What is an attic floor?
The attic floor is a separate room under the roof, from which you can make a utility attic-storage room and a full-fledged living room. They began to appear in the seventeenth century, and are named after the architect Francois Mansart, who contributed to the emergence of a new trend.
Modern attics can be different in construction and design. For example, vertical, made from the same material as the house, or inclined, when a rafter roofing system is used as a frame. In fact, this is the room above which the main facade of the building intersects with the roof.
Sometimes the attic can even protrude beyond the boundaries of the lower floor, or, on the contrary, it can be a small element of a complex multi-level roof. The specifics of construction allow you to create any shapes and lines, so here designers can run wild.
An additional level increases the usable living space, and not the main but useful rooms can be moved upstairs: an office, a home theater, a games room, a billiard room or a workshop. With proper insulation, due to the presence of an additional air gap, heat loss throughout the building is reduced. And visually the attic floor gives the house a complete, harmonious look.
The main problem of construction is compliance with strict standards of heat, sound and waterproofing, otherwise the premises will be unsuitable for use. It must be taken into account that moisture condenses under the roof, and rain beats outside and precipitation accumulates. You will also have to spend time searching for suitable windows that will fit into the geometry and compensate for the lack of light.
Floors, floors and ceilings
First of all, the interior decoration deserves mention. For a chalet, these must be clean, natural, natural materials. Wood embroidery is the most suitable decoration option. To lay the floors, it is best to use a solid board that has not yet been painted.
The wood is covered with wax, you can treat it with stain or use varnish. Decorative plaster is best suited for finishing walls in a chalet style, but you can also line them with wooden panels. Recently, the following approach has been widespread: one wall is decorated with boards that are laid out horizontally, while the rest can be plastered.
This technique has a stylish result. The house will look very impressive. In addition, this is an excellent alternative to exposed stone masonry - a widespread but already set sore throat.
The hallmark of a chalet-style ceiling can be ceiling beams - always protruding. Of course, if we are talking about a typical building, in a city apartment, where all the ceilings are 2.5 meters, then there is no way to add ceiling beams. But if the height of the ceilings allows this, it makes sense to implement this technique.
In this case, the emphasis can be shifted to the ceiling, which effectively distracts attention from the walls and their inherent irregularities, and other imperfections in the finishing also fade into the background.
Choosing an interior style
The only limitation when choosing an interior style for an attic is the specifics of its design. Small cottages look best with laconic and minimalist interiors that create a sense of space. And it is most convenient to work with directions that allow you to leave open beams, communications and complex shapes.
Modern style attic
Modern style balances between solid classics and elegant high-tech. This is what you need to design an elegant and at the same time functional attic. Natural materials are combined with artificial ones, and laconic colors are combined with complex and varied textures.
Classic style attic
The classic style is suitable only for large and spacious attics, so in a small room it is better to combine it with modern elements. Use wood, tiles, stone finishes and textured expensive textiles. This is the best way to recreate the atmosphere of a luxurious country mansion.
Attic in Provence style
When decorating an attic, Provence is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical, because it solves several problems at once. Light pastel colors give a feeling of light, air and space even in a small attic room. Natural wood preserves the homely atmosphere, and the beams from the rafter system effectively complement the style of the French province.
Attic in Scandinavian style
Attics are often characteristic of Scandinavian-style houses, so this interior will fit here like home. Keep all shapes and outlines, use natural materials, a light background and a few color accents. Stick to minimalistic furniture and create an atmosphere with cute handmade accessories.
Loft-style attic
Creating loft attics is very convenient, because all communications, beams and complex shapes become an interesting advantage, and not a problem. You don't have to mask the roof structure or completely sheathe the ceiling. The walls also do not have to be leveled and hidden behind plasterboard structures or panels.
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General information
Chalet is the name of a small French house located in an area of picturesque alpine meadows. From time immemorial, shepherds and hunters lived in such small but cozy dwellings.
Alpine house
The style arose from the peculiarities of the way of life of the indigenous population, who, for many reasons, did not have the opportunity to afford expensive decoration for their homes. Therefore, local natural materials were actively used for interior decoration.
The construction of houses from environmentally friendly materials of natural origin has become the prerogative of modern suburban construction. And decorating your own home in a chalet style is the best way to solve this issue.
Comfort of the chalet
This home interior is chosen by people who are tired of the bustle of the city and want to retire in the silence of a country house. Decorating a building in a chalet style means forever becoming one with nature.
Distinctive features, features
The appearance of a chalet-style house stands out on the one hand with special luxury, and on the other hand, it expresses the simplicity of alpine houses, which, in fact, it is:
- High rubble foundation with a basement floor.
- Walls made of coniferous wood with panoramic windows.
- Attic, balconies and wide terraces.
- Wide and massive roof eaves. They are designed to protect open areas of terraces and balconies, which can be located around the perimeter of the entire building.
- The fencing of such areas is made of wood, the appearance of which fits perfectly into the architecture of the main facade of the building.
- A harmonious addition to the overall appearance of the building are shutters on the windows and heavy massive doors.
- The landscape design of the garden plot provides for stone-paved areas equipped with a grill and wicker furniture for a comfortable outdoor recreation.
Note: the location of the main facade of the building is of particular importance, which should face strictly east, and the rooms of the home should be evenly illuminated by natural light during the day.
Rest area
Interior
The internal layout of the house is primarily characterized by a large high room, divided into functional areas - kitchen-living room, relaxation area with a large fireplace or stove. Second floor - children's rooms, office for work, bedrooms.
Rest zone
Wooden parts of the house structure, such as ceiling beams, columns, wall panels, are left visible and not subjected to additional processing. All wood used for interior decoration should be matte or semi-matte dark shades with elements of aging.
Wooden interior details
Wall decoration is mainly light-colored plaster or gray stone (see photo). All parts of the general background are laid out as islands along the entire perimeter of the premises. These areas fit organically into the overall composition of wooden interior elements.
Living room decor example
The color scheme should correspond to warm natural shades, these are:
- terracotta;
- natural linen color;
- color of natural stone - gray;
- there are small decorative areas of bright colors, usually red.
To furnish the rooms, massive, strictly functional and comfortable models made from natural wood are chosen. Antique cabinets, sideboards, chairs, armchairs and chests of drawers of classical shapes, but always with smooth curves and rough surface treatment.
Kitchen decoration
Wicker chairs, tables and other examples of folk art will be useful in the interior, and the use of leather in furniture and interior design is also encouraged.
Home
One of the main features of the home is the hearth, which is traditionally located in the living room. The sight of fire and the quiet crackling of burning logs will create a quiet, calm atmosphere and comfort.
Chalet style interior example
A chalet setting cannot be imagined without heavy homespun carpets with long wool pile.
Floors and walls are decorated with carpets, and in addition to this theme, it is recommended to decorate rooms with the following collectible items:
- weapon;
- paintings;
- tapestries;
- animal horns;
- linen curtains with leather tiebacks;
- pottery, vases and other handicrafts.
Considering the features of the style in such detail, one cannot help but touch upon such an important element as stairs for a chalet house.
Chalet style stairs
When planning the organization of the interior space of the premises, it is necessary to approach the choice of stairs in the chalet with all seriousness. Designers usually equate this element of the interior to the category of furniture.
Therefore, the style of the chalet for the stairs should be in harmony with the color background of the interior doors, furniture and meet all the preferences of the room in which this structure will be installed.
Color solutions
Due to the complex geometry and lack of light, when decorating attics, it is best to use light shades: white, milky, beige or gray. No less relevant is natural wood with its expressive texture and patterns. If you have a large and spacious attic, feel free to choose bright or dark colors, depending on the chosen style.
A little history
This style originates in France, on the border with Italy and Switzerland. “Chalet” translates as rural house. And the location means that this style has absorbed the beauty and grandeur of the Alpine mountains. Such a dwelling was originally built exclusively from stone and wood. At the same time, the foundation and first floor were made of stone, and the attic was assembled from massive beams. Thanks to this choice of materials, the inhabitants of rural (or hunting) lodges were reliably protected from unpredictable weather conditions.
It can be equipped both in a large house and in a small apartment.
In recent years, this style has become more and more popular. It is used not only for furnishing large country houses, but also for apartments.
The interior can be quite ordinary and contain only a bed and a couple of bedside tables.
Materials and design
The main building materials when arranging an attic are wood, metal or reinforced concrete. Regardless of how it will be used, or whether it will be used at all, it needs professional insulation and weather protection. It is advisable to choose windows with deep seating and not to use foam during installation. But almost any finishing materials will do!
Floor finishing
Keep in mind that the attic floor is the ceiling of the lower floor, so first of all take care of high-quality sound insulation. Most often, the floor is laid along joists - this is more convenient and faster. Laminate or high-strength linoleum, and less often, tiles or parquet, are laid on top of the frame and substrate. We recommend avoiding materials that are too heavy, such as natural stone.
Wall decoration
Plastic materials that can easily withstand minor displacements and deformations typical of roofing are better suited for wall decoration. Such fluctuations are invisible at first glance, but too hard cladding will deform or crack over time. Also, plastic is usually not used - it is not environmentally friendly enough, especially when overheated in hot weather.
The classic solution is natural wood, which always looks warm and cozy. It creates additional insulation, ensures stable heat transfer and maintains a healthy microclimate. For more budget-friendly materials, pay attention to plywood, lining, siding and drywall. They can be painted, varnished and even covered with vinyl or non-woven wallpaper.
Ceiling design
The peculiarity of the attic ceiling is its complex geometric shapes, which need to be correctly emphasized. But first, take care of good insulation and roofing, otherwise the room will overheat in the summer and freeze in the winter. And at the same time, think about the heating and ventilation system in advance so that you can live in the room.
The most budget-friendly facing material is plasterboard, which can easily hide the insulation cake and any imperfections. It is easy to integrate any lighting into it and you can make multi-level structures. Wooden lining or imitation timber is not so flexible in use, but it is warm and cozy.
Exposed beams maintain that country house attic feel and provide additional insulation. You can leave and emphasize the original rafter structure or use decorative beams. It is convenient to attach pendant lamps, chandeliers, install ventilation and electrical wiring to them.
Tension fabrics are only suitable for attics with a simple ceiling design. Their main advantage is water resistance, so they will save you if the roof suddenly leaks. In this case, it will be enough to call a specialist and carefully drain the water after repairing the roof.
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Tips for choosing textiles
The interior of the bedroom will be unfinished without textile decoration. First of all, this applies to curtains - the material is also used only natural. Preference is given to:
- cotton;
- flax;
- raw wool.
The design of the curtains is not particularly important. Ordinary curtains, curtains with rollers and drawstrings look equally appropriate. The use of synthetics and blinds is unacceptable in the interior of the chalet; in exceptional cases, it is possible to use tulle on a natural basis. The use of textiles in the bedroom is not limited to this. For warmth, carpets and rugs with high pile and soft texture are placed on the floor. But canopies are practically not used; if necessary, the bed is surrounded by curtains made of thick fabric. Patchwork bedspreads and pillowcases for decorative pillows fit perfectly into the chalet style.
It is customary to decorate tables with beautiful snow-white tablecloths and napkins; beautiful capes and pillows are placed on chairs. If the furniture does not fit the style of the room, and you don’t want to buy new ones, then it is permissible to use furniture covers made of velor and other fabric with a similar texture. In this way, even mismatched furniture can be turned into a single ensemble. You should not ignore the bed; beautiful capes and bedspreads are selected for it, echoing other textiles and decor in color.
Handmade work is extremely valued in the interior of a chalet. Lace napkins, knitted capes, patchwork bedspreads. This list also includes bedside rugs, embroidery and wicker decor. All these elements give the bedroom a real homely feel. It’s also not a good idea to overload a room with textile elements; everything should be in moderation – you should rely on your personal ideas about comfort. Even bedding is chosen in the style of the chalet - it is much more comfortable to rest on beautiful, but not too bright linen. In addition, this is a pleasant bonus for perfectionists - the soul rejoices when all the elements of the bedroom are made in the same style and fit each other perfectly.
Lighting and backlighting
Due to the specific configuration in the attic, it is difficult to build the usual multi-level lighting. Especially if you want to preserve the outlines of the under-roof space, and not level everything with drywall. A series of pendant and slatted lamps, sconces, floor lamps and table lamps would be appropriate here. Beams, niches, and decorative elements can be emphasized with decorative lighting.
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Modern
Art Nouveau is a design movement that originated in Europe in 1890-1910. The essence of the style direction is to abandon right angles and lines, approaching a more natural “natural” look.
A staircase in the Art Nouveau style is made mainly of wood, but if desired it can be made of any material (glass, concrete, metal), the steps have a curved shape. The railings attract attention and look very rich; they display the visual appearance of sea waves, tree branches or other details of nature. To achieve the desired effect, the railings are cut from wood or forged.
Photo of modern staircases (Click on the image to enlarge)
How to decorate a small attic?
To design a small attic, use light colors and try to retain as much natural light as possible. If you have only one room, you can zone it with color, contrasting elements or thin partitions. Light transverse beams installed between the roof slopes will help create the illusion of volume.
Where to order, buy
The companies presented in the “Where to order wrought iron staircases” section offer a wide range of wrought iron staircases. In addition, craftsmen can create an original project based on the client’s individual request.
Sections: Stairs
Tags: perila kovany`e dlia lestneytcy`, Spiral staircases, Wooden staircases with forging, Staircases in houses, Street stairs
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Interiors of rooms on the attic floor - photo
As we have already said, a residential attic can be decorated in any way you like. All living quarters can be easily moved there - the main thing is to think through the concept in advance. Here, look!
Attic bedroom design
The good thing about a bedroom in the attic is that it seems to be separated from the rest of the house. This is a real corner for privacy, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle and where guests will definitely not come. But when creating a bedroom interior, you still need to seriously think through the entire insulation pie on the walls and roof.
Living room design in the attic
We are used to the fact that the living room usually goes right next to the hallway, but this is not the only option. If you already have a spacious attic, a recreation and entertainment area will fit perfectly there. And in the evening, guests will be delighted with the view from the window - it’s always very romantic!
Kitchen design in the attic
A kitchen in the attic is attractive because of its privacy, because you can do business without distractions. Odors will not spread throughout the house, and noisy household members will run around the stove. And if you install the tabletop right next to the attic window, you can enjoy the view from above.
Office design in the attic
If you need privacy for work or creativity, a personal account is a real salvation. No conventionally fenced area in the living room or bedroom will ever compare with it. But there is usually nowhere to fit an office in the house, and here a small cozy attic away from the living quarters will come to the rescue.
Attic bathroom design
A bathroom on the attic floor is one of the most non-standard solutions, but that’s what makes it so attractive. Here you will need careful technical preparation, because you need to install water supply and sewerage. In addition, the bathroom is always humid and there are temperature changes, so additional insulation of the under-roof space is needed.
Design of a children's room in the attic
Most children are delighted by the very opportunity to climb higher, right under the roof. In the attic children's room you can create a real fairy-tale world with a princess castle or a pirate ship. If you are making a room for little ones, the main thing is to take care of protecting all sharp corners and sloping ceilings so that the child does not hit himself.
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Photos of chalet-style bedrooms
The chalet style in the bedroom interior is a continuation of the habits of the owners. The cozy room is imbued with an atmosphere of warmth and magic. Every element in the space is thought out, so there are no unnecessary items.
Country
Country is an American style direction that carries a traditional provincial look. Ideal for a country house or a stylized establishment, it does not require large financial expenses.
A country style staircase is made only of wood and visually looks very simple. The simple shape of the steps, the fence resembles a village fence. To achieve realism, the staircase structure is given the appearance of wear and tear.
Photo of country stairs (Click on image to enlarge)
