Like with all industries, the trends in the real estate market also change as it adapts to the preferences and needs of people in this generation. One style that is increasingly gaining popularity these days is the loft house.
Loft-style homes are particularly well-liked by families or couples needing extra space. However, these are also preferred choices for individuals living alone. After all, they are practical and up to the modern aesthetic trends. Here are what you can expect from loft houses, their advantages, and disadvantages.
Loft-Style Homes: What are they?
Traditionally, loft-style homes are modern apartments that were initially industrial buildings. However, they could also be regular houses converted to provide more space for their occupants. These tiny homes usually have their daily living space on the ground floor with the top or second level made to have the typical features of a loft house. In some cases, people have a separate structure from their main home called an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU, then build a loft with it. The space is then used in several ways, depending on the homeowner’s will
However, besides the extra space, most people are now particularly interested in small house plans with lofts because these give them room to showcase their creativity. You can make the space into anything you want it to with these. You get to choose how to divide the room, the arrangement of the furniture, and basically the whole purpose of the loft house. It is even easier to customize its design, as there are no requirements on what you need to have there and how big it should be.
What makes a room a loft?
With a loft, you have the freedom to do whatever you want with it. However, what exactly makes a room a loft? it follows an open-concept space and is usually only a singular ample space with exceptionally high ceilings. There could be no internal walls, or they do not go all the way up.
Think of a loft room as a blank slate where you are free to make the space into anything you need or want for it. While it is not a requirement, loft rooms have features that are typical of them. That could be exposed bricks, polished concrete floors, metal beams, or large windows.
Loft room vs. Bedroom
If you look at a small house with loft bed room plans, you will notice that it is different from traditional sleeping quarters. Loft rooms do not usually have permanent doors and walls separating them from other areas. It is not typical, but if there are partitions, they would usually just be curtains, screens, or even bookshelves. This leads to another primary difference between loft rooms and bedrooms: privacy
Unlike traditional bedrooms, loft rooms are usually the main or extra sleeping quarters. Using the space for guests or tenants is possible but not recommended. After all, they will not be able to get the privacy that they need. For this purpose, an ADU with loft plans could be a possible solution. After all, these structures can be separate from the main dwelling and come complete with the necessary amenities.
What is the difference between a loft room and an attic?
Besides being used as an alternative for a bedroom, loft rooms are also commonly utilized for storage. This is perfect for keeping your stuff organized and not crowding your main living quarters. However, what makes it different from an attic if it is used for this purpose?
Both Storage rooms are typically close to the roof, but attics usually occupy the whole level of the house. Loft rooms, however, are not designed like that, as they commonly provide a view of the floor below. Attics are also closed and hidden from view, While loft storages are open for the people in the tiny prefab homes to see.
Therefore, you can say that both are ideal for different situations. Attics are more recommended if you simply want to store stuff you rarely or no longer use. However, if these are items you still need every now and then and do not want to get dusty or dirty, storing them in a loft is better.
Loft conversion ideas
Besides being used as sleeping quarters or storage space, loft rooms can be used in many other ways. In the first place, that is the benefit of having it in the first place. One of the other common uses for a loft is to serve as a place to relax and have fun. While you are resting or enjoying your free time, you could still be aware of what is happening around the house. This could be particularly useful for families with young kids. Here are some ideas on converting your loft room into an entertainment space.
- lounge or media room
- yoga or workout space
- playroom for the kids
- traditional or computer gaming room
Loft rooms can be used not only so you can have a place to relax, but also for working or studying. In fact, during the pandemic, most lofts have been converted for this. Staying in the living room may not create that productive ambiance, or there may be more than one person int the house working from home. Therefore, you could also use your loft room as:
- mini library
- study room
- remote workplace
The ultimate question about loft-style homes is if they are worth it. Budget-wise, there is no standard cost, as it depends on the existing space, the dimension of the room, and what the owner has in mind for it. At the very least, you would probably have to spend about $7,000, but it could go up to $67,6000. If you overlook the costs, loft houses can give you extra space for whatever purpose you need, which is one of its main advantages. The lack of privacy and amenities, however, could be a disadvantage.
If you have ideas for a small house or ADU with a loft, let Small House Solutions turn that into reality. From the design to the building process, the team of experts will be with you every step of the way. Let your creativity shine and turn the room into whatever you need or want it to be, may it be for sleeping, storage, entertainment, or work.
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