In most homes, the attic is an afterthought—often relegated to overflow storage or simply left untouched. So when our client approached us with the vision of transforming their 2,500-square-foot attic into a chic lounge to entertain friends, we knew we had a fun challenge on our hands. The goal was to create a warm, sophisticated space perfect for hosting up to 50 guests. It was a tall order, to be sure, but we knew we could bring their vision to life.
After sharing a few BTS photos on Instagram and receiving some feedback and questions, it was clear this project deserved a dedicated post on our website. Learn how we tapped into this unfinished attic’s full potential, complete with a full commercial bar, cozy seating nooks, a wine room, and yes, even a dance area.
The Design Plans: An Intentional Layout
Like any LTW project, our work began with detailed floor plans to maximize functionality and flow. This 2,500-square-foot unfinished attic had once been used for storage, but with the clients’ request for an adults-only lounge, we were set on transforming it into an open, loft-like space with five distinct zones:
1. Bar Area: The absolute showpiece of the lounge, featuring a commercial-grade, 15-foot bar with stunning under lit Cristallo quartzite counters. Lighting beneath the counter added a soft, ambient glow, while five linear handmade pendants helped us channel a sleek bold yet understated look.
2. Upper Lounge: A comfortable conversation area with plush sofa seating where guests can connect and relax. This zone is perfect for intimate gatherings or simply lounging with a glass of wine. In order to maximize flow, we used curved furnishing to allow for a soft and welcoming space that is easy to navigate. We loved the idea of swivel chairs to connect the upper lounge with the lower lounge if guests wanted to swivel around to interact with the rest of the room.
3. Lower Lounge: An inviting spot equipped with a Frame TV for entertainment, ideal for movie nights or watching the big game with friends and while it is off, it serves as a beautiful piece of art.
4. The Entry Area: A welcoming entry zone that sets the tone for the lounge, with layered lighting and a hint of drama to give guests an immediate sense of arrival. TIP: Our favorite art to keep on the screen when in art mode is work by the one and only Petros Koublis.
5. Flexible Open Space: A flex zone that’s truly multi-functional. It can be used for standing tables during cocktail parties, or better yet, cleared out for a night of dancing. We originally had a dining table with side chairs here, however, mid project our clients preferred to keep it open for other possibilities.
Setting the Tone
The biggest opportunity of the space was also our biggest challenge—the openness. It was important to avoid the feeling of a white box, so we had to get strategic with design. First and foremost, we layered in mixed materials like oak, limewash paint, stone, and brass to create a clear sense of depth and dimension. Limewash paint and wallpaper treatments added texture on the walls, while white oak on both the floors and ceiling brought in the warmth the space needed. To maximize natural light, we installed a large window as a focal point, allowing sunlight to flood the attic for daytime use. Lighting was key in order to add interest and bring the eye around the room so it wouldn’t fall flat. We intentionally played with scale by using three oversized pendants in various sizes, long thin pendants over the bar and round sconces on the entry wall.
Color Palette & Texture
With the flooring and wall treatments in place, it was time to consider tones, textures, and layers. We curated a color palette of monochromatic neutrals balanced with a variety of textures, like fluted stone and boucle upholstery, for visual interest. The interplay of these elements brought a sense of warmth and elegance to the attic, making it the perfect setting for entertaining. Another recurring theme of the space is curved silhouettes. We wanted to juxtapose the clean lines of the bar and pendant lights with the furnishings, so we sourced curved sofas, chairs, bar counter stools, and accessories for softness.
The Finishing Touches
To round out the space, we added a built-in window bench with a custom upholstered mohair cushion. This design move created yet another conversation zone and also added more moments of texture. In the Lower Lounge zone, we installed a Frame TV that doubles as art when turned off for the ultimate balance of form and function.
By thoughtfully dividing the space and meticulously selecting materials and finishes, we transformed the attic into a sophisticated lounge where our clients can host memorable gatherings. We loved bringing this project together, and it’s a true reflection of our studio’s commitment to creating beautiful, functional spaces, tailored to our clients’ specific requests.
Cheers to the many incredible parties this space will surely hold!
Xx
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