Magic makeovers: An empty loft transformed into a stylish studio

A once wasted space was given a new lease of life and turned into a guest suite - by Anna McCooe

Gorta Yuuki

Lovingly referred to as the five-star chateau, this old junk room above the garage of a Melbourne home is now a chic pied-a-terre that is - as the guidebooks would say - luxuriously appointed with spaces to cook, eat, chill out and sleep.

The conversion had its challenges. For one thing, homeowners had to find space for a bathroom – not easy in a 6m x 7m room – so they enlisted interior designer Dominique Hunter of Hunter & Richards. She spotted the opportunity to replace the existing long staircase from the garage with a shorter, wider flight of stairs that steps around a landing, with the reclaimed corner utilised as the bathroom and everything else just slotted in around it.

Gorta Yuuki

Gorta Yuuki

The room also needed insulation, an internet connection and hot running water. During the project, everything – even the appliances and benchtops – had to be carried up the stairs, around the landing and through a hole in the unfinished wall. Once the plasterboard went in and the walls were painted, that access point was closed off and only flat-packed furniture could fit. It took six months to complete the contemporary space; now, the couple’s guests aren’t the only ones who love to visit. Homeowners themselves, and their kids love to sneak in here.

Gorta Yuuki

Gorta Yuuki

Gorta Yuuki

Budget breakdown

Flooring: Spotted gum 85mm select-grade timber boards, $85/sqm, Tait, taitflooring.com.au.
Furniture: ‘Karlstad’ sofa with chaise, $1078, ‘Malm’
bed frame, $289/queen, ‘Besta’ storage
modules & entertainment unit, approx $1000, all
Ikea, ikea.com.au. Replica Eames ‘Eiffel’ wood leg
table, from $269, replica Eames ‘DAW’ armchairs,
$109 each, all Sokol, sokol.com.au.
Paint: Wash & Wear 101 Barrier Technology in Natural White, $41.45/1L, Dulux, dulux.com.au.
Windows: Retrofit double glazing, $1200,
Magnetite, magnetite.com.au.

This beautiful renovation story was featured in our Before & After book on sale now. There are over 50 amazing makeovers to kickstart your own room rescue.