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Welcome to the exciting reveal of our second-floor family loft room, where we’ve transformed the space into a modern farmhouse haven with a neutral, cottage-style feel. This labor of love has completely reimagined this once-overlooked area of our home. I want to take you through the before and after, sharing our journey of turning this upstairs loft into a stylish and functional living space.
Overview
In the journey of transforming our second-story family room, we’ve explored the intricacies of decor design and layout with function in mind. From the strategic placement of seating to the inclusion of personal family wall photos, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a welcoming and comfortable space. We’ve also delved into the practical aspects of design, such as the addition of faux plants and floor lamps, and the purposeful use of a rug to protect our hardwood floors.
Our goal has been to inspire and guide those looking to craft their own family-centric second-story living area, emphasizing the importance of both aesthetics and functionality.
Before Photos: Second Floor Upstairs Loft
Let’s start with a glimpse of the space in its original state, as captured in the MLS listing photo. You’ll notice a less-than-ideal design and my biggest concern—a balcony overlooking the living room below. My fear was that our adventurous kids, especially my son, might use it for impromptu stunts. With this in mind, I was determined to design the room in a way that eliminated the need for a sofa backing up against this potentially risky area within this loft space.
Additionally, we aimed to bid farewell to the tired tan shag carpeting. While it had its merits, such as camouflaging spills, it also harbored unknowns from the previous owners’ dogs and our own cat. We opted to replace it by doing our own installation of hardwood floors, which turned to be a very large project.
After Photos: Upstairs Family Space Transformation
Our main goal here was to make it a comfortable spot where kids naturally want to spend time. We wanted it to be cozy, not just in appearance but in the way it makes you feel. It’s not just a room; it’s a space where our family can relax and connect, where memories are made, and where our family’s personality shines through.
Second Floor Loft Space Transition Up Staircase
As you make your way up the stairs, you’ll spot some family photos on the walls. These snapshots give you a glimpse into our lives and set the tone as you head into the loft. Our aim with this space wasn’t just about making it look good but also about creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and lived-in, like a place where a family genuinely hangs out.
The shift from our herringbone staircase carpet seamlessly leads to a wood floor end cap, providing a natural transition into our second living room loft area. As you step into the space, your eyes will be drawn to the enormous family wall photo, a cleverly crafted sticker that adds a personal touch to the room.
Related Post: Giant Family Wall Photo DIY
For added comfort, we decided to layer two carpets atop the beautiful hardwood floors, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites you to relax and unwind.
To ensure our loft is kid-friendly and easy to maintain, we opted for a slipcover sofa, making it a breeze to clean up any unexpected messes. To infuse some personality into the room, we adorned the walls with carefully chosen decor pieces from Hobby Lobby, adding that extra touch of charm to our inviting loft space.
Related Posts: Slipcovered Sofa with Kids
The coffee table was upcycled from Facebook Marketplace for $50. I used my chalk painting method for that rustic, matte chalk look on it.
This photo is a sticker that I glued onto styrofoam, making a very lightweight picture frame.
Balancing Wall Decor in Your Second Floor Loft
When it comes to transforming your second-floor loft into a family-friendly space, wall decor plays a crucial role in setting the tone and reflecting your family’s unique personality. We believe in the power of creating a well-balanced collage of decor pieces that speak to who we are as a family. Whether it’s family photos, art pieces, or sentimental items, each element contributes to the overall ambiance of our family loft space.
Decorating your loft doesn’t have to happen all at once. In fact, it’s more of a journey than a destination. Collecting decor over time allows you to curate a space that truly feels like home. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, as you can invest in pieces that resonate with you and your family, rather than rushing to fill the space with items that don’t hold sentimental value. So, take your time, let your loft evolve, and watch it gradually transform into a reflection of your family’s unique style and personality.
Comfortable Seating for Your Modern Farmhouse Loft
When it comes to designing a family room in your family loft space, having ample seating is key to creating an inviting space. You want a room where everyone can gather comfortably, whether it’s for movie nights, game sessions, or simply hanging out.
While traditional sofas and chairs are excellent options, consider incorporating stylish bean bags into the mix. Today’s bean bags come in a variety of comfy designs, materials, and colors that can complement your decor while providing a casual and cozy seating alternative. They’re not just for kids anymore; adults can sink into these plush seats as well. So, whether it’s a combination of sofas, chairs, and bean bags, or solely a well-curated collection of stylish seating, ensure you have enough room for your family to relax and enjoy quality time together in your modern farmhouse loft.
Cozy Pillows
Pillows are the unsung heroes of any family room, offering not only a touch of style but also a significant dose of comfort. In your modern farmhouse loft, where creating an inviting atmosphere is paramount, well-chosen pillows can work wonders. They provide that extra layer of coziness to your seating, making movie nights and relaxation even more enjoyable.
Beyond their practicality, pillows also offer an opportunity to infuse your unique design aesthetic into the space. With a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns to choose from, you can easily tie them into the overall decor scheme of your family room. Whether it’s plush throw pillows on a sofa or a few strategically placed accents, pillows play a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming ambiance in your modern farmhouse loft.
Related Posts: Best Sources for Grain Sack Pillows Under $25
Floor Lamps and Plants
In your mission to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere in your second-floor loft space, consider the strategic inclusion of faux plants and floor lamps. Faux plants bring a touch of nature to your modern farmhouse loft without the need for maintenance, adding a refreshing element to the space and contributing to the overall sense of comfort and tranquility. Additionally, a well-placed floor lamp can create a welcoming atmosphere, providing both functional lighting and a stylish focal point. By incorporating these decor elements, you can effortlessly transform your second-floor loft into a haven that radiates comfort, style, and the unmistakable charm of a modern farmhouse retreat.
Displaying Photos on Your Loft Room Walls
As a former family photographer, I know firsthand the importance of having cherished family photos displayed in your second-floor loft space. It’s not just about adding decor; it’s about weaving your family’s unique story into the very fabric of the room. The transformation from digital files on a hard drive to tangible wall photos is important as it’s an opportunity to witness how your family has grown and evolved over time, a heartwarming reminder of how fast your kids can grow up. These wall photos infuse your modern farmhouse loft with a sense of history and nostalgia, making it a space have a feeling of togetherness.
While it might seem counterintuitive to have invested in transitioning from carpet to hardwood floors in our second-story loft, only to layer it with rugs, the decision was driven by practicality, particularly with young kids in mind in our family room.
The benefits of using a rug on fresh hardwood floors are undeniable. It not only adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth but also serves as a protective barrier against potential scratches and wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. With our family’s daily activities and playtime in mind, having a rug in place not only cushions our little ones’ steps but also ensures that our newly installed flooring remains in top-notch condition for years to come.
Sofa Options for Family Spaces
If you are looking to buy a family friendly sofa, here’s a post on my decision on whether to buy an expensive Pottery Barn sofa versus buying the Ikea Ektorp sofa. I also have a post on if the slipcovers can be interchanged between the two brands!
Shop My Living Room
If you’re interested in shopping for items similar to what I’ve used in my second-story living room loft, here’s a list of the exact products I used or alternatives that closely match, in case the original product isn’t currently available.
Final Thoughts
As we come to the end of our tour through the changes we’ve made in our second-story living room loft, I’d like to share the essence behind these updates. The combination of seating, pillows, decor accents, faux plants, and floor lamps has come together to shape a comfortable space for our family. The inclusion of family wall photos adds a personal touch and connects us to treasured memories. And, of course, the choice to use a rug over our hardwood floors serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into our loft makeover and found some inspiration for your own second-story living area. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space where family bonds and cherished moments can flourish.
Pin the image below for farmhouse style inspiration on your next renovation! And if you are looking for another renovation project that is a little easier, check out our Hollywood carpet stairs that made an amazing impact on our staircase leading to the second level of our home. I also wrote about our wall color for Benjamin Moore’s Simply Irresistible here. You might also check out the DIY sliding barn door that we did a tutorial on as well!
