Whether you're looking to create a guest bedroom, give your teenager a room of his or her own or accommodate a relative who needs a place to call home, converting your house's attic into a living space (above renovation by Gardner/Fox) can be a great way to repurpose an area that might have otherwise been wasted. Much like finishing a basement, redesigning your attic requires some special structural and decorative considerations to make it look and feel like home. If such a project appeals to you and your family, here are some design tips to get started.

Maximize light
Considering that most attics are typically used for storing boxes of holiday decorations and old family heirlooms, you shouldn't expect to discover much available illumination beyond a single pendant fixture light and maybe a small window. Because of this, illuminating this space should be one of your top priorities. Consider building in some new windows along the walls of the attic to let natural light inside and make the room feel more open. If you're short on space, implementing skylights can be a good substitute for regular windows. For nighttime, a combination of decorative table lamps and overhead illumination will keep the bedroom feeling cozy.

Insulation
While you might be under the impression that the attic will be naturally warmer than the rest of your home – considering that warm air rises to the upper reaches of a building – this often isn't the case. The insulation at the top of a house is often thinner and less effective than downstairs walls and windows, making this space particularly cold. If you expect anyone to be comfortable living in the attic, make sure you have the insulation thoroughly inspected and replaced if necessary.

Adaptive furniture
Many attics feature sloping ceilings and tight corners as a result of being located directly under the house's roof. Because of this, you'll need to find a furniture arrangement that adapts to this unusually shaped space. Try to arrange your bedroom furnishings and storage in a way that builds away from the sloping angles and toward the center for maximum head room and comfort.