A journey

Stairs are more than just a means of getting to different levels of a building. They represent a journey, we’re not just going up or down, but we’re transitioning from one environment to another. Going upstairs can mean retreating to a more private, intimate space, while going downstairs can mean entering a more social, communal area. The stairs become a bridge between these two worlds.

Going up into a loft is a special experience in and of itself. Lofts are often tucked away in quiet corners of a building, and climbing up a set of stairs to reach one can feel like we’re entering a secret hideaway. Once we’re up there, we have a sense of privacy and seclusion that can be hard to find in other parts of the building. We can read a book, listen to music, or just enjoy the view from our special perch.

More than just Stairs

Climbing stairs is often seen in poetry and literature as a metaphor for personal growth or progress, as each step brings us closer to our destination. This sentiment is captured in the poem “Stairs” by Margaret Atwood, which describes the act of climbing stairs as a metaphor for the journey of life:

“The stairs are endless; we climb them constantly,

all of us, in the dark or in the light, with or without

company, at a jog or a crawl, each with our own reasons

for ascending or descending, our own stories to tell.”

Atwood’s poem highlights the idea that each person’s journey up and down the stairs is unique and deeply personal, with its own challenges and rewards.

Your personalised loft conversion stairs

At Jon Pritchard we take the position and design of your loft conversion stairs very seriously. What do you want it to feel like? Will there be a window, decorative or sculptural lighting? How about art? A book shelf?

The stairs to your loft are as much a part of the project as the loft conversion space itself. The experience of climbing those stairs up to your new sanctuary, or watching your teens retreat to their happy hideaway leaving you the rest of house, can be very special!

For many people, that act of climbing up to a loft floor represents a sense of adventure and exploration, as they move to what lies beyond the usual confines of their living space.

A VELUX window and vertical window bring lots of light into the newly extended stairwell.

This sentiment is captured in the novel “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, which describes the experience of climbing up to a rooftop loft:

“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart; I am, I am, I am.”

The act of climbing up to the rooftop loft represents a pivotal moment in the protagonist’s journey in Plath’s book, as she asserts her independence and explores the world beyond the confines of her own mind.

So let your imagination create a beautiful loft conversion and a gorgeous stairway to ascend to it. An experience that you’ll cherish every time you walk up and down. And ask Jon Pritchard to help make your dreams come true!