family retreat space

challenge

light and natural - modern and timeless

This unfinished attic space offered an ideal blank canvas to create a third floor retreat for a family of four to enjoy. The empty shell consisted of steep-sloped ceilings and limited natural light through three existing windows.

The new space needs to be appealing and accommodate both kids and adults. Durable materials, flexible storage solutions, and a fun, yet sophisticated design are all required.

process

After asking a lot of questions (in person and in a questionnaire), we quickly realized the home owners had a passion for the great outdoors.  So … we decided to incorporate this love for the outdoors, and their preference for simple, clean and family friendly interiors into their new 'family retreat space'.  

We generated a mood board with images that helped the home owners to envision how their space could look and feel.   After reviewing the mood board together, we then created concept boards detailing the home owner’s personal style.  The boards also showed the general layout of the space, and the proposed  finishes and fixtures.  Seeing the overall design concept, in conjunction with the plan, and mood board, helped the home owners get excited for the unveiling of the final space.  

There were no surprises along the way, because the home owners were able to visualize and understand the design, because they collaborated with us during the entire process.

contributing photographer (process): @differenteyesfordifferentguys

solution

We developed a space plan consisting of an open living area with a new full bathroom located at one end of the space. We created a dramatic focal point by adding a large, three-panel window, housed in a blue, built-in niche with a bench seat at the far end of the living space. The window highlights the tree-level location of the project, as well as the family’s love of the outdoors by creating an airy, light-filled room.  Our design features warm white walls, warm wood details, and blue accents. The navy and white carpet tiles and the modern lights call to mind stars in the night sky, further emphasizing the focus on the natural world, while adding some bursts of fun to the space. 

The result of this renovation is a cozy space, easy to lounge around or play in while feeling connected to the outdoors and removed from the ‘noise’ of the world below. The wall of flexible storage creates usable space at the lower portion of the sloped ceiling and provides easy access for the kids to play with their toys, while also offering a place to conceal them when the adults want to enjoy the room. The final design is simple, modern, and timeless and gives the family added living space for making memories together.

photography: bike path pictures inc