Planning a loft bedroom renovation? We’re delving into how to decorate this large-scale project to maximise impact and design potential.

Loft bedrooms are a fantastic way to expand your living space. However, they can also be challenging to tackle, from logistics to design. So, KBB journo Amy Reeves asked interior designers for their top tips for renovating this space. Plus, we’ve also complied six real projects to get your inspiration going. Read on…

Tips and tricks for loft bedrooms

Jojo Barr of House Nine Design Studio says a loft conversion can be a bit of a puzzle. The key, however, is to work with the architecture, not against it. “The right placement of skylights or dormers can completely transform a loft, making it feel bigger and more connected to the rest of the house and, rather than seeing awkward angles as a challenge, embrace them as a design moment – whether that’s built-in seating, shelving or bunk beds,” says Jojo.

“When selecting furniture, make sure you can get it up the stairs,” says Sarah Davies-Bennion, senior designer at Kate Guinness Design. “Stairs to loft spaces are notoriously narrow and unforgiving to larger pieces of furniture and, at the top of the house, it’s hard to pop out a window if you need to because it’s a much bigger operation than on the ground floor or lower ground floor, for example.”

In terms of decorating this space, interior designer Sean Symington recommends carrying the main flooring up into the loft. “Try playing with textures, too – think plush rugs, soft furnishings, ceramic or rattan table lamps – and use colours and patterns which add personality. Loft conversions need to be as functional as they are beautiful,” advises Sean.

And, don’t forget about lighting. “In a loft, natural light is key,” says interior designer Laura Stephens. “Wall lights and directional lamps can help create ambience and functionality. Lighter tones also help reflect light, while a tonal palette can make an awkward space feel intentional and harmonious.”

Now, let’s take a look at some stunning, real loft bedrooms, bound to inspire your project…

1. Strategically simple loft

When looking to renovate the house and build a loft extension to their London terrace, the owners of this property approached Rider Stirland Architects to create a new bedroom, dressing area and bathroom in the loft, in addition to the other refurbishments.

The resulting layout includes strategic partitions to make the most of the space. One divides the bedroom and dressing area, and the other helps to form a generous shower in the new bathroom.

2. Flexible sanctuary

Stepping away from a traditional-looking guest room-meets-office, this airy loft features a simple furniture layout of a cosy daybed for guest use, practical desk and thoughtful reading nook. “The main aim of the loft conversion was to add a multi-functional space that felt as thoughtfully designed as the rest of the home,” explains Laura Stephens. “As this is the top floor, I wanted to make the most of the natural light and create a cosy yet uplifting retreat.”

The soft, muted tones, mixed textures, and vintage-inspired details help to give the space character while maintaining a calm and inviting atmosphere. A new fireplace was incorporated into the reading area. It provides an asymmetrical focal point that pulls attention to the room the way a bed normally would.

In addition, the old floorboards were sanded and repainted in a clean, fresh white, allowing for another texture to soften the new space. Built-in storage has also been cleverly concealed beside the daybed.

3. Space to focus

Artist Louise de Lima commissioned Mitchell + Corti to create a studio for her work. Loft conversions are ideal for creative spaces, thanks to their position for roof lights. The indirect natural light in spaces such as this floods the room throughout the day. “The brief was to design a studio space that had ample amounts of natural light, and large sections of wall to be able to work on and hang paintings,” comments Ester Corti, founder of the practice.

“Dual aspect and passive ventilation measures were key to the design and, as it is an artist studio, we were able to include a large high-level skylight and an open-plan top-floor layout.” The pared-back nature of the interiors allows for Louise’s creativity to spark, while the open floor plan is broken into a desk space and a standing work space with a mobile caddy for materials.

4. A touch of class

Full of classical elements and intricacies, this loft extension dedicates the entire new storey to a primary suite for the adults of the house. The two dormers divide the loft into ‘bays’ that house a generous new bedroom and an open-plan bathroom and dressing area with separate WC.

“The project was developed in close collaboration with the clients, reflecting both their requirements and their extensive inspirations: incorporating castles, classical compositions, Italian urbanism, secret gardens and decorative tiles and brickwork; plus, a real enthusiasm for the details and quirks of the existing property,” explains Tessa Baird, director of OEB Architects. Large windows, roof lights and a porthole make the most of the panoramic views while bringing in plenty of natural light.

5. Modern, coastal-inspired loft

When renovating this cottage in South Devon, Hutley & Humm were inspired by the vibrant colours of the natural coastline. Blues, greens and yellows adorn the entire house, while tongue-and-groove panelling hides all manner of hidden storage throughout. The loft conversion continues this theme, with a salty blue hue and painted timber encapsulating the sleeping area.

“For this calm space, we took colour inspiration from the beautiful headboard fabric. In the ensuite bathroom, we used a sliding door to maximise usable space by eliminating the need for a door’s swing, which allowed seamless flow between the bedroom and bathroom,” explains co-founder Melissa Hutley. “The stable-style door gives the space character and perfectly blends with the panelled walls.”

The ensuite utilises the sloping eaves to create a feeling of being enveloped by the sunset pink wallpaper and plaster pink gloss zellige tiles, matched with green woodwork. Opulent materials such as brass and marble are dotted around the space.

6. Relaxed sleep spot

A full-width dormer was added when converting this loft to provide additional headroom for the bathroom and ensuite. Vorbild Architecture looked to the awkward under-eaves spaces for built-in storage. Then, the original chimney structure was exposed and painted to provide a new sense of character for the room.

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