This is beautiful! Great idea and greatly implemented.

That is the coolest way to use one of those weird high ceiling spaces I have ever seen! Fantastic idea!!

Great idea, and will definitely raise your unit's value.

Very clever use of space!

Very, very ingenious! The lofted space above entryways always seemed odd to me - difficult to decorate and a general waste of space. This is so much nicer!

Incredible!!!

Wow. That looks amazing.

Brilliant idea and beautiful execution, it looks like the house just came that way.

Awesome use of what is typically wasted space!

wow, just wow!!!

This is amazing! What does the ceiling look like from the entry way? Did you show the wood beams?

Yes! This is great! Like @RK, I'd like to see what the view downstairs is now.

So cool! Congrats on this great idea!

I think this looks great. Much better use of the space than a two-story foyer!

Excellent use of space!

Fantastic!

It looks so much better, almost like the space was intended to be like this.

Beautiful! What did you use for the desk top?

such an awesome use of that space. whoda thunk!

Wow, this is really inspiring. I live in a vertically-oriented townhouse myself, so now I'm getting ideas. How much did it cost? How long did it take?

Great post!

Could readers get more details, like time, cost and advice on getting townhouse permission? Thanks!

Perfect use of space.

I love it! What an awesome use of that wasted space. I really love the flooring.

I too love it. I have wasted space in my livingroom due to sloped ceilings. I always thought it would be a cool 're-treat' within my home but not sure the cost would be worth it but Angie's upgrade will definitly bring her home an upgrade in value as well as much needed space.
Excellent job!!

Love this! I know those two story foyers are supposed to look grand and luxurious, but those like the one pictured here always looked rather pointless and charmless to me. This is a fabulous, attractive, useful change. Great work!

What a fantastic use of awkward and wasted space. Well done! Love the flooring too.

I agree with everyone -- BRILLIANT! Those two-story foyers are nuts, and this is so much more intelligent! Good work!

I agree with the majority who have always disliked two-story foyers; they're cold and weird and, yes, a huge waste of space. This is an ingenious solution, wonderfully executed.

Well done! I bet this time it will be easier to clean those windows, hehe!

Whenever I see "before and afters" of living areas, I long to see at least one "after" photo that takes in the exact same spot (at the same angle) as was the "before" picture.

Great and Wonderful! Did you integrate lighting into the *new* entry roof? Agreed that pictures from the ground floor would be a great addition to this post.

Does it darken the entry at all? What did you do to compensate for the loss of light?

Amazing vision and execution. Weird, unused spaces like 2 story foyers are a personal pet peeve...fine if they are a primary source of light for your home or they are the only open space in an otherwise tight abode--but I really rather have usable space. This is a practical solution which is also cute. A win-win.

I'm afraid I'm in the minority. Architecture is about volumes of space. Folks fill in atria of Eichler homes all the time to get square footage. If you've got a large inspiring space, I would say don't give into the temptation of filling it in. There's a reason a cathedral ceiling and double storied vaulted spaces are inspiring. Something intensely visual could have been done here but instead . . . square footage. A "remuddle" IMHO.

I would normally agree, janet, but this wasn't an inspiring space. It was kind of like an imitation of a vaulted foyer. The space is too narrow, I think, to pull it off.

I love what they did here. I think the beautiful flooring really helps, too.

Please add me to the chorus of "show us the view from downstairs."

Great job!

Oh wow, that is fantastic. I know it not only gave them a new room, but I bet it also made the entrance a much nicer experience.

I do agree that high vaulted space make a grand entrance, but it also must be fitting with the rest of the structure. In this case, the entrance is maybe 7ft wide and without much to look at without craning your neck, and the first thing you'll see as you look up is the 2nd floor railing. This entrance is dark and narrow and reminds me of a chimney. And almost inevitably, they builders put in a hanging light that's too high to reach with an 8ft ladder. Why, why, why do they do that?

Nice! Why can't anyone I'm related to do anything like this?

Simply amazing! Such a great idea to actually utilize wasted space!

Great job. Those waste-space, intended-to-impress, conspicuous-consumption spaces in spec-built houses usually wind up looking like the bottom of a mineshaft, since they're usually too tall for their width. I think the space looks better balanced as well as much more useful.

Wow really great idea. Curious of the cost of a project like this. Imagine the kiddos are older as you'd have to be careful regarding safety issues with the banister and stairs.

i saw something like this somewhere, but instead the play 'floor' was made from a trampoline or boat bimini. if you did that, the bookshelves would have to be wall mounted. but would be fun and loungy. and yes, if mounted properly it'd be sturdy enough for the whole family.

Love this! For those wondering about the light on the ground floor, there's a window next to the door, so there's some natural light. A good light fixture and I don't think there'd be a problem with darkness.

Nice job! A neighbor did a similar project but turned the area into a "crawl-in" bedroom for his 3 yr old son when a new sibling came along. The house was a zero-lot line, so was attached and had a very small yard -- going up or re-assessing space inside were the only choices we had in that neighborhood when more space was needed.

What does it look like from the front door now? Did you install lighting in the "new" entryway? Changing out the front builder-grade door to partial glass that's stained or frosted might increase the light but preserve privacy there if that side window shade is always closed.

Love it.

A most impressive 'after'! That's setting the bar (and floor) high!

Angie, can I hire your husband and father-in-law to do something similar for me here in Bay area. Seriously, I will pay for the airfare.

"If you've got a large inspiring space, I would say don't give into the temptation of filling it in."

Yes, Janet, but this was hardly a "large inspiring space." As others have pointed out, it was too narrow and uninteresting in its original form. It didn't even make "sense" the way the windows were positioned. This is not a grand foyer being repurposed. It's a builder's grade townhouse that was not working for the owners. I think it is a massive improvement in terms of utility, and I imagine the foyer is a lot cozier now too.

WOW!

Thats amazing,well done!

Fantastic. What a dream come true.

I think it was an amazing idea and looks like it works well for them, but I personally preferred the before. Without seeing pictures, I can't tell, but I feel as though the entryway would be dark and quite small now. It wasn't a very wide space to begin with and the vertical space added a lot of openness.

Love! I know people like those big open entryways, but it does seem like a lot of wasted space to me. This seems like a great idea!

I agree, it looks amazing. But is anyone else a little nervous about the mechanical engineering of this sort of project? It seems like anchoring a new floor like that to the walls would introduce lateral stress on the existing structure. Plus I'd always worry about sufficient support underneath the floor-- thought I do see you haven't placed a piano in the loft.

I totally love this! Great use of space!

Skdavids,

I would imagine they had that checked out to ensure it was OK. My guess is, the wall where the stairs are is probably the outside structural wall,the opposite wall is probably a load bearing wall of some sort, and I would think they put joists 16" on center in the frame to secure everything. The permimeter beams look substantial, and are lag bolted into the existing structure, and my uess is, they went with the sill plate that divides the floors, as I bet they were extended around the foyer at floor level for consistency, so when they built the upper floor, the foyer too can be put into place easily at the same time.

I also would not be surprised if one of them knows all about home construction, judging by the tool belt worn.

I, too agree, in this case, the execution of a vaulted foyer isn't working, it's too narrow, long, and uninviting with 2 windows, and was probably done strictly to balance out the exterior, nothing more.

I would venture to guess there is a bedroom to the left of the photograph, and the exterior wall to the photo's right.

Now, if the vaulted had extended to one side, say to the photo's left, and had a more open foyer into say, a living room, then yes, it'd have worked, but as it was here, not so much. It's just a tall, rectangular box, simply to accompany stairs and the upstairs landing.

Now I do agree that showing how it looks below would've been nice too, so we can see how the addition of the loft space is below when you enter the space.

Even if they didn't put up an overhead fixture, I would not be surprised if a wall sconce, or small lamp was put to bring in light at night to the entryway.

I agree that vaulted ceilings and open foyers can add interest. However, many homes built in the past 20 years are poorly done versions that detract from the overall feel of the home. This addition is fabulous. I admire the creative improvement shown here.

I think there's a pretty good shot in the second picture (the close up of the flooring installation) where you can see there's still PLENTY of light in the entryway.

Stunning -- and a million times better! Adds such warmth, character, and function to something that used to look like a fake version of something else. Really gorgeous.

Love it!

this is fantastic!

Great use of the space! It's nice to have handy people in your life! And for anyone concerned about the light in the foyer, those guys look like they know what they're doing. It's not THAT hard to install a new overhead light!

The only other thing to do with that foyer would have been to put rock climbing gym holds on that wall and set up a top-rope! But that's not for everyone... ;)

Fabulous! Gotta talk my kids into doing this with their DC rowhouse! Especially with another one on the way!

These builder grade foyers were great when heating and cooling costs were lower 10 years ago, but now when I see one all I think of is the additional costs.

Great job!

I'm sure there are some grand two story foyers where this would be a bad idea, but I think the owner of this town house has gained much more than they lost with this one. The after looks like it was always that way - at least upstairs. Agree with others, I'd like to see at least one after below, though!

imagining the hgtv show where they come in and tear it down because the entryway was too dark to make a favorable impression on home buyers...

agreed this is an improvement space-wise and probably more architecturally-appropriate for the colonial-style dwelling — and a huge gain on usable space. if done correctly, there is electrical run in the new floor and an entry light scheme in place (tracks, cans, overhead fixtures, etc... or sconces at least) to compensate for the loss of light.

however, i'm going to assume it's a condo-townhome with the structure (studs) are owned by the HOA*. i'm left wondering what sorts of permits and/or HOA involvement happened here.

if angie-b is reading this, could you chime in on the overall process insofar as construction and permits/permissions?

(*the reason the HOA cares is that this is likely a shared wall and stress on the structure could impact other units.)

I like this too, though I'd like a more modern interpretation...not a fan of that railing.

Love Love Love. Well done for a great use of wasted space. Hats off to hubby and father-in-law, the finish looks top notch. I also love the IKEA Expedit/Desk combo.

Amazing!!!

This makes me so nervous, I didn't catch your child's age but the low railing with the desk and chair and climbable toys right there makes me so anxious.

Great Job! We have almost the same layout in our home, but with a 3 story lofted entry. I would have never thought this could work, but it looks great.

We have been wondering how in the world we could have a playroom...

Absolutely love this - great idea and execution.

You did a really nice job with that!

This is a great solution; one that looks as though the owners just 'finished the job' the builders started, with windows perfectly placed for a loft. (IMO, those narrow townhouse foyers rarely look regal even with the openness, just sort of cold.) While the owner may have solved one problem most impressively, she might have created a wee temporary one with the more enclosed foyer (and which may explain why there are no photos of the foyer). Nevertheless, all the posts about the lack of light seem odd to me, since there is clearly a window right beside the door. I have a nice bright foyer and I don't have the luxury of a window, so I'm sure this owner will be able to figure out something splendid there as well.

I cannot look at one of those foyers in the before picture without thinking "how do you clean those windows?"

I LOVE this change. Based on the window next to the door, I highly doubt the "new" foyer is all dark and dungeon-like and even if it was, so what? How much time do you spend in your foyer? It's a great use of otherwise wasted space.

When ever iveseen these massive spaces this thought has crossed my mind. It's great to see someone utilized that area. The floor looks awesome! Fantastic play space! This looks awesome!

Do you have a blog with pictures of the entry way afterwards?

awesome addition, i agree with previous post about builder grade foyers...
also, idk anything about construction, but i do know that computers need power to run, so im sure they thought about lighting when they added electrical outlets.
thanks for sharing your great idea, my baby is too big for a play room, but it would make a lovely reading nook. :)

My sister did this in her house, too. She made her an enclosed laundry room - much better use of space!

Thank you so much for featuring our loft transformation. Thank you also for all the lovely comments I have tried to answer as many as I can in this one comment.

I tried to look for a picture I had of the under side of the loft (we no longer live there) – it is actually my favorite part! It is all exposed beams and for lighting we used exposed conduit and large glass industrial light as well as a large window. The entry is warm and welcoming.

We used 4x12 rough sawn lumber as the main frame with exposed counter sunk lags and 2x6 spruce blind nailed for the deck. My husband hand dyed the wood using a grey transparent stain from sherwin Williams and 2 coats of clear to protect it. We had an electrician put in one power source for the computer. There were already existing can lights.

For the desk, we cut the exact size we needed of wood and painted it a glossy white, then added brackets to the ikea structure and lay it across the other 4 cube ikea structure.

We went with the railing opposed to a drywall pony wall to allow light and air through. Adding the loft when the homes were being built was an add on option. We disliked the style and manner in which they were doing these and opted out. With the drywall ponywall it made the small area too confined. My husband ensured the rails were close enough to where a foot or limb could no fit through and high enough that at times not even high flung balls got over.

All materials ran us about $1500 and of course labor was provided free for me by Bruno Construction (hubby and pops) It took four days from start to finish.

@modern_love yes! They are available for hire if you are interested :-)

For the permissions questions. The town homes were originally built with the infrastructure allowing loft support as an add on feature. As mentioned above we opted out at that stage because we did not like the builders execution, look and feel. Therefor HOA had no issue with our add on. Permits required a sketch and we didn’t need fire permits because of the existing sprinkler location.

Angie, thank you for all the info. My husband and I are looking into adding a bedroom above our living room... The way the space is, the upstairs has a curved railing, looking down on the living room. Basically that would be made straight, and then would be the entry spot for the doorway.
The staircase is right below that spot, and then there is an open space (the stair has "turns" so its like a U shape with an open space), I started thinking we could add a walk in closet accessed from the new room, but then realized it would go over the bottom 3 or 4 steps. That space has 18 foot ceilings, perhaps yours were higher...I'm just wondering how the space was for you when you're on the stairs? Was there still a full 8 feet clearance, or was there less?
Sorry if my comment is confusing!

The space in the living area is 20 feet, not 18, sorry. 9 Foot walls with 2feet in between floors.

Very nice, but when I suggested my mother use the loft in the new home my parents are building as a playspace for the (future) grandkids, she said no way due to the risk of falling down the stairs.

But maybe not all kids are klutzy terrors like my brothers and I were.

Amazing use of space! I like the continuity with the original railing, sometimes you just have to work with what you have! Great ingenuity.

Wow, I can't imagine why a loft wasn't part of the original floor plan. Great job.

I LOVE this!! Amazing! I'd like to see the underside tho! Looking up from the front door!

amazing job, and yes, HUGE waste of space!

It looks like it was always supposed to be there. Bravo!

Yes there was plenty of space. I worried when we moved out I wouldn't be able to get my over sized furniture down the stairs and under the loft but there was more than enough room. I dont remember the exact dimensions though and we have since moved.

@ladykatey My flight of stairs were very steep and although I had a very mellow toddler she was still a toddler. Not only did we have a retractable baby gate across the top of the stairs but the railing bars was constructed to be close together that no limb could fit through and too high to climb.

It bothers me that this is seen as new and innovative, when if you walk into a farm house built before vaulted-ceilings and empty space became symbols of wealth...this use of space was very common. It is very pretty and I'm glad to see that some of the older ways of using space are seeing light again.

What an awesome way of using this wasted space to create a whole new living area! I would LOVE that space as a little tucked away office. So cute.

Angie,
Where are your husband and father-in-law located? I was considering doing the same project and am looking for someone to do it. I am located in New Jersey.

Lisa F.

Gorgeous. I especially love the wood floors.

Wow, this is amazing!!

It looks great. I hope it is safe. Im no structural engineer but it looks like the beams are attached with the sheetrock still in place. I would imagine the chalky interior of the sheetrock would compress and shift over time, making the floor framing less stable. I am also wondering if it is supported from the bottom. The walls it is attached to may not have the support to hold that up over the years without it. Sure, its current use it is probably going to be fine, but 10-15 years from now if someone decides to put something heavy in that space such as a library, piano or simply a large adult or two using it daily, and i worry about its structural integrity.

Sorry to sound negative, it is a great use of space and looks great, but it was on my head that i should warn others about how they install one of these.

This is a great idea !!! However, same as Frogmama said, I'm a bit concerned about the structural integrity in the future.

Brilliant! I find cavernous entryways are very difficult to work with, so I'm sure your front hall is now a friendlier and warmer welcome to your guests.

Angie, do you by chance have any photos of what the entryway looked like before and after from ground level? We are thinking of doing the exact same thing, but I can't visualize what the entryway will look like with a ceiling above it afterwards. Thanks.

I didn't read all the comments above...
The idea in this blog is a great start, but needs to be more practical for when it's time to move or buy new furniture. We live in a 3 story townhome that has very limited space in the stairwells...especially from 2nd to 3rd floor. We've had to use our balcony to get bigger furniture, ie headboard, mattress, box spring, big ladders, etc to the third floor. From the look of the placement of this particular space, it takes away a lot of hight.

So totally amazing and awesome!

I only saw an unfinished space in the before. At least the after looks complete, and put to good use.

bright, practical, visually stunning - what moreto wish for.

Perfect,

great !

a great change and smart ideas.

I would love to see the entry and ceiling of what it looks like finished!

I would be interested to see photos from the 1st floor looking up. Did you expose the wood members or do a finished drywall ceiling? Either way, smart use of space.

I hope that you folks will be careful about the weight placed on this new floor. It really is a terrific-looking way to get more space and eliminate a not particularly inspiring foyer.

What a brilliant idea and the perfect way to make use of empty space. Anytime I find myself in an organizational quandry, I try and remember to 'build up rather than out' and it always helps me to make more space. Clearly you had the same thought - well done!

Awesome!!! I'm curious about the ceiling in the entry way too. Love this idea. What a great way to create space.

So clever. The space looked so odd before, no it makes sense and looks better.

Such a smart idea. Great job.

It looks great and should really work well as an office.

But somehow, I can't really see the kids playing up there?

Really great idea, wonderfully executed!

Really great idea, wonderfully executed!

Really great idea, wonderfully executed!

Really great idea, wonderfully executed!

A tip from a homeowner/once an apt. dweller. If you are in the process of viewing various new builds with an eye to purchasing please do not be influenced by the gorgeous "vaulted" ceiling in entry ways. I think it is a architect's posture in an attempt to make a new build look more palatial than it truly is. It is wasted space that you end up heating and cooling and in the end if you want to remain where you are living you may end up seriously considering what these individuals have done with that space. Note to builders - bookmark this page so when you have a couple that does request a vaulted ceiling you can have them take a look at this and then suggest to them some alternatives.

I like so big and great changes you made, brighter and warmer. really good job, I think.