Almost two years ago, I started this blog and a journey certainly began without my knowing it.
We began our own journey at home too…we started the renovation of our attic space.
The attic, when finished, would be three separate rooms: my office, a playroom, and a home theater.
Since a lot of you guys weren’t around for the original before and after, (welcome, by the way!) I thought I would give a little background info.
The original space was just a typical attic. We used it for (messy) storage, and quite a bit would have to be done to create actual living spaces in it. BUT, we saw the potential there….the lofted ceilings, the odd shape…it spoke to me as a studio, a space for me to create in, to write in.
We hired some folks to do the heavy stuff…moving water heaters, and the AC units, and adding the walls. We then did the finishing work. It was exhausting, spending many of our nights painting trim or installing the floors. All in all, the attic added another 1,400 square feet to our home. Crazy, right??
I’ve had this question asked a million times, so I’ll address it here…our attic was walled off and converted to three separate rooms….not just one big space. 🙂 On my list is to give you guys a virtual tour of the rooms upstairs.
So, remember the before or have I put you to sleep yet??
This shot was taken a couple of months after the original reveal….it was a ton of work, but totally worth it! I’ve sometimes taken a little flack for creating an all-white space, but you know, I had my reasons. And mostly, I had wonderful feedback from you guys…it’s only when it’s shared somewhere else that I’ll get an occasional stinger…hospital? Really?
That’s the great thing about design….it’s subjective, ever moving and shifting. It moves around our lives as well as trends, and I needed a blank slate to create in. To write, to spread paint samples all over the floor, to lay out a 250 page book in…etc.
Plus, after completing a massive reno, there wasn’t budget for everything like rugs, plants, and other items that would warm the room up a bit. Over this last year, I found a few key pieces that changed everything about the room.
Take note of the few changes…I’ve only tweaked two areas.
Since the reveal, we added a simple natural fiber rug (Ikea). No matter the room or color palette, that rug usually brings it home. ties it all together, and grounds the space. That little bit of warmth was exactly what the room needed.
We built this daybed from doors from my childhood home…and hands down, it’s one of our favorite projects to date. Originally, I dressed it with a Simply Shabby Chic duvet and sham. I was ready for a bit more color and some layers…for now, I have some more bedding from Target and some spa blue throw pillows piled on. (Euro: PB Pick-stitch , 12 x 14 blue linen: a cover my go-to seamstress, Debbie from Cottage & Cabin, made me with leftover fabric from the dining room seat cushion.)
I’m thinking it’s time to add a bit of a graphic punch, so I’ll be shopping around Etsy for a few new throw pillows…let me know if you have any favorites or a shop I should check out!
The other area that we updated was around the desk. You saw the armoire I made over to house paint/supplies/design books/fabric samples.
After passing this shelf in Hobby Lobby the other day, I knew it was heading home with me. Oil rubbed bronze? Wire baskets for my hardware? Hooks to hang samples/other junk? Thick wooden plank? Sign. Me. Up.
And at %50 off, it was only $40…I knew we couldn’t build/weld it for less than that. And it was ready to be hung. We’ve been doing a lot of handmade lately, and I love that, but it felt good to bring it straight from the car to my wall.
A-hem.
I made some more Anthro inspired letters to represent a bit of my blog….we refer to it as “pi” a lot around here, so it seemed fitting.
Just a couple more beauty shots for you…
There you have it. The current evolution of the writing room.
I encourage you to create a little space for yourself. Whether it’s a whole room, a closet, or a corner…find time to dwell there. To think, to brainstorm, to challenge yourself.
This room is a refuge for me…clean space I can breathe in.
To spaces that will us to be creative, to expand our boundaries. If you have a space like this, no matter its size or shape, link it up and let us see it!
🙂
Your home is so beautiful. 🙂
I thought the first stage was beautiful. Perfection. I don’t think every room needs that jarring “pop” of color. There are other design styles and I can appreciate many varieties. I get the white room. It’s so serene and fresh. I would never think hospital. The second stage is lovely too, and I am sure whatever layers you add in the future will be just as lovely. Enjoy your gorgeous space. It is blissful.
Wow … that is such a lovely room and you’re right, those few small changes that you’ve made to it are just perfect. I quite liked it in its all-white form as well but that rug really warms it up. I cannot believe you got that shelf at Hobby Lobby for $40. I would have pegged that for a $250 item from Sundance or some really funky catalog. I love it (and might have to go on the hunt for one myself although I don’t know what I’d do with it).
I really like the whiteness of the room actually. I LOVE the floors… so pretty! Also, is that a light hanging above the new armoire? It looks very interesting & I’m curious about it…
LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS ROOM. Seriously… who could possibly have a problem with the white walls when it looks so gorgeous? I love that you’ve updated the pictures. I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging for 2 years.
afabulesshome.blogspot.com
I love attic spaces that are converted as well as yours. Our Master bedroom is in the attic space and I LOVE it!! It’s so cosy and private – like our own special cocoon!
Thank you so much for hosting!
Sarahx
amazing loveliness Shaunna – can’t wait to see the other 2 attic rooms… you are so gifted with talent… look forward to your blog every day/week.. no pressure hahaha… honestly love love your blog… keep it coming and enjoy your w/end with your 3 babies 🙂
Okay that room is BEAUTIFUL … and my jaw literally DROPPED at that storage piece you picked up. Like I need that now… what do I need to do to get that! 🙂 There isn’t a Hobby Lobby anywhere near me…
Just a beautiful space, way to go!
Pamela @ pbjstories.blogspot.com
I”m so curious WHAT ARE THESE FLOORS??? they are awesome? Like were they raw wood you bought and painted? or do you get them from a store?
Hey Kathy! They are laminate…we found them from a Lumber Liquidation center…and they were on clearance and being discontinued. I’ll try to find out the name…but have had no luck so far. 🙂 Thank you!!
🙂
shaunna
That transformation is amazing! So beautiful!!
I love this room and I love that it is all white. It looks fresh and clean but cozy at the same time! Great job!
I am awe of what you guys did to this attic space! Thanks for letting us link up our spaces too!
it has amazed me, as i’ve joined this blog-o-sphere, the amount of bloggers like you that have to deal with ugly comments. really??! why say anything if its not kind? i just don’t get it!
LOVE the writing space … love the all white – there’s something pristine and clutter free about all white … a bit of sanity for you, i’m sure! 🙂
This looks GREAT! What a beautiful room reveal. Super bright and cheery.
I dream of one day living near a Hobby Lobby. {sigh} I am working on a creative space right now, but it’s definitely not, umm, neutral… But I *heart* yours! And, mine is nowhere ready for any kind of reveal, though the chairs I linked are a small part of it.
Oh, I almost forgot to say a BIG thank you for hosting this party!
Oh I have to head to Hobby Lobby.! Yes, I saw this incredible room before, and that’s exactly why I want to include your photos in my Mom Caves article!! Email me. Thanks!
I can not imagine someone criticizing your space. It’s gorgeous! Bravo on all your hard work. You did a fantastic job!!
Hi Shaunna, I LOVE your white room. I also love your daybed from the door of your old home. I think it looks like a perfect place in which to be creative!
Thanks for hosting, too.
-Revi
Wow, it looks amazing.
you guys created an amazing space… our attic looks much like your before shot… you have my dreaming… again! : )
thats… you have me dreaming! ; )
I love your space – what a wonderful place to create and enjoy. So beautiful!
I wish my hospital looked like that! 🙂 I loved the original look, but I love the updates as well. When can I move in?! Kidding! Also, I am going to beg and plead for a Hobby Lobby to come to the Northwest because it is just not fair that I don’t get to have that shelf for myself as well…I have the perfect spot for it. Just wanted to say love your blog and love what you are doing!
Sigh. I just love your attic. Simply gorgeous.
Love your space 🙂 My post today I think I will make my room….even though it is smack dab in the middle of chaos it makes me feel good 🙂 I hope you do this link party again b/c my room isn’t done….my post today was the built in & barn doors we made for it….in fact, I painted my table today (not pictured yet) using a technique I learned in your ebook 🙂 I think it turned out ok….I like it 🙂 Hopefully I can make the next link party 🙂
Just beautiful, Shauna! It’s so important to have a space to go to, when you are creating, that sets you free. This is surely the perfect example.
That space is beautiful, absolutely beautiful! It is so airy and works so well in that space.
I just linked up my craft room. It fits my style and it inspirational to me.
Seriously? Someone used the word hospital? If that’s a hospital I wanna get sick.
sigh. Blissful perfection. Please don’t show the bathroom. From what I see…I wouldn’t be able to take it! Like another comment said, my attic looks like your “before”. I often go up there and dream about a yoga/meditation space there. It’s lovely!
Love it! What a serene work space:)
Oh, Shaunna, I’d love to make you some throw pillows!! I sell some in my Etsy shop and I just made a pair for a friend that turned out really well. It would be so fun to work with you to make some for your gorgeous space :). Here’s the link for the pair I currently have, but I’ve made lots of different kinds. Oh, and all my upholstery is white and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80914461/happy-linen-bird-pillow-covers-2
home decorating is a matter of personal taste – I love your style. Love the first pics after you finished and love it more now – nowhere, at any time, did the thought “hospital” ever enter my mind. pictures from this room are on several of my own personal “inspiration” boards.
hospital?? That’s crazy talk! (I haven’t been in a hospital that looks like this!!) What better than a clean, fresh space like yours to create and inspire? The possibilities seem endless in your uncluttered studio where everything has it’s place. The picture of this room is what first attracted me to look at your blog. This must be a very special and personal space for you – how kind of you to share it. It’s beautiful and, I was going to say “perfectly imperfect,” until I remembered that its the name of your blog….oops! Best of luck to you in all your upcoming endeavors!
I love your blog! I love your writing room! I love reading about you and The Lettered Cottage and your adventures. Keep up the good work!
I do have a question I was hoping you could answer. How did you work out access to the attic space? We have 2 spaces in our home that would work as a conversion space, and I would love to do what you’ve done for my own space, but only have the pull down attic stairs for access. Any ideas?
Hi Shaunna,
I clicked over to read about youtr attic because we have one just like it in our 111 year old house that we plan to renovate some day. So this is pure inspiration and I love the white. I’m trying to convince the hubs to go for a white ceiling.
I’d love to hear more about how you put the design together and how the “hire out” process went. Thanks for sharing!
UH mazing room!!! I want that for my study room!
For anyone that was curious about the wood & metal shelf with 4 wire drawers she has shown here from Hobby Lobby. I went to both of my local stores and they don’t sell it in the store. However, I did manage to find it on their website for $120 (no sales I guess) 🙁 Here’s the link though if you’re still interested: http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/metal-and-wood-shelf-with-baskets-and-7-hooks/
Thanks so much for the info!
🙂
shaunna
Do you know what the fabric on your desk/writing chair is? I have it on a bench and have been looking for some more for a project, thanks!
i am looking for decorate my office and i want to get some ideas about Outdoor Furniture design for my office if you have some info let me know please . .
Thanks for finally writing about >HOME DECORATING IDEAS | PERFECTLY IMPERFECT | HOME OFFICES | INTERIOR DECORATING | Perfectly Imperfect™ Blog <Loved it!