The Saunders Family Loft Conversion

Introduction to the Project

At LMB Group, we love seeing just how much potential can be unlocked in a home by making use of the loft. The Saunders family’s property in Guildford was no exception. When they approached us, they made it clear they didn’t want “just a bedroom” in their new loft conversion. They wanted a versatile space — somewhere to sleep, relax, enjoy hobbies, and spend time together.

They also wanted the conversion to include a stylish bathroom that would feel luxurious and modern, almost like something you might see in a high-end hotel. For us, this was an exciting challenge. It was about creating a space that was functional, comfortable, and beautiful in equal measure.

The result was a loft that completely changed the way the Saunders family used their home. It gave them not just more space, but a new lifestyle.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

From the very first consultation, it was clear that the Saunders family were thinking beyond the usual approach to a loft conversion. They wanted their new space to serve multiple purposes and adapt to their needs throughout the day.

At its heart, the new loft would be a spacious bedroom. But it would also have a relaxing seating area for reading and watching films, a dedicated spot for working on hobbies, and an open feel that made it easy to spend time in. The room needed to feel cosy in the evenings yet bright and energising during the day.

Equally important was the bathroom. The Saunders family wanted this to be more than just functional — they wanted a luxurious, aesthetic space that felt indulgent to use. It had to be modern and sleek, with the kind of finish that instantly says quality.

Choosing the Right Loft Conversion

After surveying the property and assessing the available roof space, we determined that a dormer loft conversion would be the ideal choice. This would allow us to create a large, open bedroom with enough floor space to include multiple zones for sleeping, relaxing, and hobbies, while still leaving plenty of room for the bathroom.

A dormer extension to the rear of the property would maximise head height across the whole room and bring in lots of natural light through wide windows. By combining this with strategically placed roof lights, we could ensure the new space felt bright and airy, even on cloudier days.

Planning and Design

The design stage began with mapping out the space in a way that balanced practicality with aesthetics. We knew that zoning the room would be key to achieving the Saunders’ vision. The sleeping area was positioned in the quietest part of the loft, with the bed facing a large window to make the most of natural light in the mornings.

The relaxation zone was placed on the opposite side, with enough space for a comfortable sofa and a small media unit. This allowed the Saunders family to enjoy films or simply unwind without leaving the bedroom.

The hobby area was carefully integrated along one wall, with a built-in desk and shelving for storage. This kept tools, materials, and books organised while still feeling part of the overall design.

The bathroom was positioned adjacent to the bedroom area, with enough space for a generous walk-in shower, sleek vanity unit, and contemporary tiling. By choosing a layout that made use of the dormer’s height, we ensured the bathroom felt spacious and open.

Structural Work and Build Process

With the plans finalised, we began the build by strengthening the loft floor. This is a crucial step in any loft conversion, ensuring the new floor is capable of supporting the extra weight of furniture, fixtures, and daily use.

Next, the dormer structure was built, extending out from the rear roofline. This not only provided more usable floor area but also allowed for the large windows that would define the look and feel of the room. The dormer walls and roof were fully insulated, both for warmth and to reduce noise, ensuring the new floor would be comfortable year-round.

The staircase was positioned directly above the existing one to maintain a natural flow between floors. We matched the finish of the new stairs to the home’s existing woodwork, ensuring the loft felt like it had always been part of the house.

Interior Finishes – The Bedroom

The Saunders family wanted the bedroom to feel modern and stylish but also inviting. We worked with them to choose a neutral, calming colour palette for the walls and flooring, allowing them to add personality through furniture and décor.

The sleeping area featured built-in bedside storage, discreet wall lighting, and enough space around the bed for ease of movement. The relaxation zone included a comfortable sofa, positioned to take advantage of both the view and the natural light.

The hobby area was fitted with a custom desk and shelves, designed to make the most of the available wall space without crowding the room. This area was placed near one of the roof lights to ensure it had plenty of daylight for detailed work.

Throughout the bedroom, we installed recessed LED lighting for a clean, uncluttered look. These could be dimmed to create the right atmosphere for different times of day, from bright mornings to cosy evenings.

Interior Finishes – The Bathroom

The bathroom was a standout feature of the conversion. The walk-in shower was fitted with a frameless glass screen to give a sleek, uninterrupted look. The walls were finished with large-format tiles in a soft, modern shade, making the space feel calm and luxurious.

The vanity unit was wall-mounted to keep the floor area open, with a stylish countertop basin and modern mixer tap. A large mirror was fitted above the vanity to reflect light and make the space feel even bigger.

Underfloor heating was installed for comfort, and carefully positioned lighting provided both practical illumination and softer mood lighting for a spa-like feel. The result was a bathroom that felt indulgent but also highly functional for everyday use.

Storage Solutions

Because the Saunders family wanted their loft to serve multiple purposes, keeping it tidy was essential. We incorporated built-in storage into the eaves, ensuring that less frequently used items could be kept out of sight.

The hobby area also included cupboards and drawers to store materials neatly, while the bedroom had built-in wardrobes designed to match the overall look of the room.

Challenges and Solutions

One challenge in this project was ensuring that the multiple zones in the bedroom felt connected yet distinct. We achieved this by using subtle differences in layout and furniture placement, along with careful lighting design.

Another challenge was fitting a spacious bathroom without compromising the size of the bedroom. By taking advantage of the extra height and floor area created by the dormer, we were able to give the bathroom generous proportions while keeping the bedroom exactly as the Saunders family envisioned.

The Final Result

The transformation was remarkable. The Saunders family’s loft went from being an unused attic to becoming one of the most versatile and beautiful parts of their home. The bedroom offered plenty of space for sleeping, relaxing, and hobbies, while the bathroom added a touch of everyday luxury.

From the outside, the dormer blended seamlessly with the rest of the property, while inside, the new floor felt light, airy, and perfectly suited to the family’s needs.

Client Feedback

The Saunders family told us the loft had exceeded their expectations. They loved how the bedroom felt spacious yet cosy, and how the different zones worked so well together. The bathroom was a particular favourite — they described it as “exactly what we imagined, but better.”

They also appreciated how smoothly the process ran, from the initial design discussions through to the final touches.

Conclusion

This Guildford loft conversion for the Saunders family is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can create a multi-functional space that enhances everyday life. By combining a bedroom, relaxation area, hobby workspace, and a sleek bathroom, we delivered a floor that works for the family at all times of day.

For the Saunders family, it’s more than just extra space — it’s a part of their home they truly enjoy spending time in. And for us at LMB Group, it’s another project that demonstrates the value of listening to our clients and delivering exactly what they’ve dreamed of.