Attic Living Spaces

A wonderful attic room by Axel Vervoodt published in Veranda with exposed white-washed beams, bleached wood floors and doors, casual slipcovered furniture and stacks of books and a warm fire at the ready. 

Shel  Silverstein's quirky books of poetry were among my favorite fun reads as a child. In fact, my copy of A Light in the Attic that I owned in the third grade still sits on a bookshelf in my house. I take it down every now and then when I need a dose of some odd bit of of silliness.

Attics are so intriguing. When I was growing up I used to imagine that it would be so much fun to hide in one for hours and read. Tucked under the eaves of a house, their odd corners, dormer windows and low ceilings are cozy. In newly constructed homes in the U.S. they are something of a novelty; they usually appear as long, narrow rooms occupying the space over an attached two or three-car garage in an average-sized house and are widely referred to as "bonus rooms". 

The same design elements that make them charming can also make them challenging; irregular wall heights and low-slung ceilings require more creativity when finding storage space. Small windows and limited natural light require attention as well. I am working with some of these challenges in an attic room in my own house, so I compiled this post as a reference for inspiration. 

The hallway leading to the attic room, shown below. 

An attic room with a limited color palette and casual vibe with comfortable slipcovered chair, stacks of books, family photos and extra throws nearby. These rooms seem to cuddle you with their calm. Interiors by At Ease Interiors via The Paper Mulberry's terrific post on relaxed country living.

The owners of this wonderful living space are fortunate to have some height on the far wall of this room, the perfect place for nestling in bookcase around the fireplace. Look closely at the far right, lower corner of the bookcases-- electronic equipment has found a home there next to beautiful leather-bound books. Kelly Harmon Interior Design via Splenderosa

In a beautiful, old restored barn in Normandy that is the home and studio of Russian painter Yuri Kuper, shelves run just above the floor in the room for storage space. A wooden trunk behind the sofa provides additional storage. Windows in the ceiling to the right let the natural light flood in.

In another view of the room, the height in the recessed window above is used to allow room for a storage cabinet. The weathered beams are wonderful. See more of this beautiful home and studio in a beautiful post by The Essence of the Good Life.

Soft creams and whites mix with blue and natural textures for another relaxing room. Floor cushions encourage lounging. The blue and white striped dhurrie is fabulous. The weathered wood trunk and shelves with baskets help with storage. Via Cote de Texas' post on Houston-style interiors

In a wonderfuly-planned family room, the walls and ceiling are painted the same color easing the dominance of ceiling over walls. The tall mirror at the end of the room reflects a window increasing the light; skylights in the ceiling really let the light flood in. Small lights in the recesses above the bookshelves remove potentially dark corners. The shape of this room is more typical of attic living spaces in newer American houses than some of the spaces shown above, but its decor is in a class by itself. Gorgeous lanterns catch the eye and break up the long rectangular shape. via That Inspirational Girl. (If you know the designer, please leave a comment and let me know!)

While special attention has to be paid to the placement of the bed to insure no one bumps their head when they sit up in bed, attic rooms can be used to great effect as bedrooms filled with character.

Fanciful painting envelops wall and ceilings for a room that any young girl would love. American Girl dolls Samantha and Felicity have tea. via Castles, Crowns and Cottages on Pinterest

In another bedroom where the attic angles are pronounced, whimsical paintings and continuity of color keep the angles from seeming harsh. Look at the charming, irregular doorway in the center-left of the room. via Gigi Thibodeau on Pinterest

I can tell you for sure, I would be quite happy as a guest in this serene little room. 

Southern Accents

Who wouldn't want to spend a night or two here? Or just move in? A perfect companionship of white and cream on the walls keeps things light and airy and lets your eyes continue to the view through the open patio door. Pinterest

This attic room appears as a little gem swathed in periwinkle blue and toile.

Storage space is made under this bed by elevating it and by taking advantage of nooks and crannies. Like all kids, my two love tiny spaces and would find this room so fun.

Can you smell the salt air? This quiet room speaks "sea cottage". Pinterest

And just so you're sure that attic spaces can serve just about every purpose, here are a couple of beautiful bathrooms tucked under the eaves...

via The Paper Mulberry

And here's a view of an attic window from the outside.. I am sure it is just as charming on the inside.

cheers!

keri

Happy September -- Early Signs of Fall

A maple tree at my house, already tinged in red. 

Happy September! As much as I love summer, this year I'm more than ready to see fall. Boring it may be to talk about the weather, but when summer temps break records set during the 1936 Dust Bowl, it seems to be everyone's favorite topic. Now that it's cooling off-- I'm finding early signs of fall everywhere, not the least of which is in my kitchen. At my house, the start of fall is synonymous with a good bowl of chili.

Nancy's Black Bean Chili from Carolyne Roehm's book At Home with Carolyne Roehm.

Before finding this recipe from Carolyne Roehm created by her cook, Nancy, I was not an avid chili fan. I find most chili to be too heavy, too greasy, too spicy and/or to have too many beans. This is a good recipe for the not-so-big-chili-lover.

RECIPE for Nancy's Black Bean Chili, 6 to 8 servings:

4 tablespoons olive oil

8 garlic cloves, sliced

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1 each red, yellow, and jalapeno pepper, coarsely chopped

1-1/2 pounds ground sirloin

2 tablespons chili powder

1 pound black beans, cooked (*I use canned black beans, well-rinsed and drained.)

One 28-oz can crushed tomatoes, with juice 

1/2 cup water

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. *I use Lawry's Seasoning Salt

**My add-ins & purely optional: extra jalapenos to taste, seeds removed, 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 can dark red kidney beans, extra chili powder to taste.

For garnish: 1 bunch scallions, diced, 1/4 pound Cheddar cheese, shredded, and 2 cups sour cream

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute garlic, onion, and peppers for 5 min.

2. Add ground sirloin and chili powder and saute until meat browns, 5 min. (*I add salt to the meat at this point.)

3. Add black beans, tomatoes, and water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Serve chili with garnishes in individual bowls.

Let me know if you try it out! 

Now, I have a big thank-you to all of you for your supportive comments that you sent about my decision to home-school. Your support is SO appreciated.

And lastly, my husband came home with this single rose. 

"It's your blog's 1st birthday!" 

I had completely forgotten. Happy Birthday, little blog.

And Happy Labor Day weekend to you!