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GMC Forum _ CHILL OUT _ Redecorating My Attic Storage Room...
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2014, 03:59 PM
I was up in my attic storage space the other day and got the idea of rearranging it for a place to practice, where I wouldn't get distracted by internet, TV and so on. I have a sofa up there along with a table already, but...it's not too cozy and it's a bit scary since there's not much light during the evenings!
I'm terrible at things like this, but I want to make it more cozy and comfortable, so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Here it is in its current state:
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 13 2014, 05:01 PM
this could make a KILLER mini studio / practice space. You may think about using some sort of audio treatment partially just to make it feel more like a music space. This would not of course be a perfect audio centric solution, but as it's a confined space it might make sense.
You could purchase an accoustic foam kit and put it up on the walls/corners and it would look/feel much more studio like. You've got plenty of hard surfacaces so it shouldn't feel to "dead".
For example here is a room kit.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RoomDST36C?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=recording&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CJil2OLwj70CFeJF7AodNEgAMg
I'm terrible at things like this, but I want to make it more cozy and comfortable, so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Here it is in its current state:
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2014, 05:03 PM
There's a slight problem though, which I kinda forgot to mention and which makes a proper studio room not work. There's no electricity up there and there's no way I could bring any electricity up there (I live on the 1st floor, space is at the 5th floor). So my lamp is rechargable and I'll bring my laptop up there or my battery run PX4D.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 13 2014, 05:45 PM
hehehe the famous Attic! Please remember to avoid the cat going there if you want to play without distractions! 
I would decorate it to make it look as a place that makes you feel inspired. Try to think on places that makes you feel well, motivated and make it look like that. I think that choosing colors, posters, decoration items, the table, everything can help to make you feel better and more inspired there.
Here you will find a cool article about what things you need to have in mind to decorate a meditation room. Playing guitar is some kind of meditation so I think that you will get good ideas from it.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/home-garden/Decorate-your-meditation-room/articleshow/11363911.cms
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2014, 05:54 PM
I'm thinking about putting some photos up that I just cut out of some science magazine. Photos of animals, space etc. Then also some origami cranes maybe from the ceiling.
Posted by: Palacios Mar 13 2014, 08:02 PM
No electricity is a huge problem, They don't have any lights or wall plugs close by you can tap off of?
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2014, 08:12 PM
Unfortunately not. Been looking all over the place. It's not THAT big a deal as I can just use my laptop. It has about 6 hours of battery life, or my PX4D which also runs on batteries. Both will provide good enough time for a nice practice session.
Main problem is still that the place is a bit scary and that I'm a sissy
Posted by: AK Rich Mar 13 2014, 08:36 PM
One thing to keep in mind about attic spaces is that they are usually cold and dry during the winter, and hot and humid during the summer, things that we know can have a negative impact on stringed instruments. The humidity can be kept down though if it is well ventilated with ridge vents with eve vents , gable vents, or even fans in conjunction with a humidistat. It appears to be a cold roof since I see no insulation between the rafters. It also looks like there is some insulation on the gable wall but I am not sure if that is to the outside or just a separating partition wall between rooms. Is it cooler up there in the winter than it is in your apartment, or hotter up there in the summer? I hope it works out for you, it looks like a real cozy place to practice. 
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2014, 08:42 PM
Yeah, I'm not sure about insulation, think you're right about that. I never did a thorough check, but I think you're right. It's pretty well ventilated though from what I can see. There are quite a lot of vents, which you can't see on the photo. So I reckon it might get a bit cold up there during the winter. It's pretty nice up there at the moment.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 13 2014, 09:41 PM
Hmm. Yeah, that is gonna be a bit of an issue However!!!!! You can don't need electricity if you use the proper gear! In this case that would be...
1.)A laptop running a daw and a guitar sim
2.)a quarter inch to usb cable instead of an interface.
3.)A pair of heaphones.
That way you can practice all you want without disturbing anyone Otherwise you are looking at just practicing accoustic or playing electric with perhaps no amp or maybe a battery powered amp.
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2014, 09:52 PM
However!!!!! You can don't need electricity if you use the proper gear! In this case that would be...1.)A laptop running a daw and a guitar sim
2.)a quarter inch to usb cable instead of an interface.
3.)A pair of heaphones.
That way you can practice all you want without disturbing anyone
Otherwise you are looking at just practicing accoustic or playing electric with perhaps no amp or maybe a battery powered amp.Yeah, I was looking to practice with headphones like you mention. And for that it's just fine, can't make it a home studio though unfortunately. I do have some issues with my audio card (Steinberg CI2) though when I use it with my laptop. It cuts out every now and then when used with my laptop, which is quite annoying, but it works perfectly on my desktop. I have tried reinstalling the drivers, but no luck.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 15 2014, 11:38 AM
Thank you Gabi for the meditation room link That will spark a few ideas for me as well 
Now, Ben I would try covering the attic walls with a layer of steel wool, that will be covered by a layer of thick material - white or egg colored. Over that I would place a framework of thin wooden strips which would resemble squares for instance.
That should create good insulation and a cozy atmosphere. Also, getting electric current up there would be important. Are there any possibilities?
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 15 2014, 12:01 PM
That will spark a few ideas for me as well Now, Ben
I would try covering the attic walls with a layer of steel wool, that will be covered by a layer of thick material - white or egg colored. Over that I would place a framework of thin wooden strips which would resemble squares for instance. That should create good insulation and a cozy atmosphere. Also, getting electric current up there would be important. Are there any possibilities?
The first thing I will be doing, as I don't have any money at the moment is to cover the walls with some old light blue sheets I have. I have also put up some pictures and some origami birds.
Unfortunately there's no way of getting electricity up there. I live on the first floor and the room is at the fifth floor and there's no way of running anything all the way up there. But I think I can live with bringing my laptop up there. I'm trying to get it set up so I just have everything I need on it - Cubase, Guitar Rig, Superior Drummer etc. It has pretty good battery life of around 4-5 hours (used to be 6...). So that should have me covered alright.
Posted by: jstcrsn Mar 15 2014, 12:04 PM
for a quick fix put headphones out of a distortion box, it ain't the best , but it will do
Posted by: Palacios Mar 15 2014, 03:18 PM
It's too bad I don't live in Copenhagen. I guarantee I could get you power up there; even if I had to steal it from the neighbors. That could be a great place to turn your amp up, and get crazy loud.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 15 2014, 03:28 PM
Unfortunately there's no way of getting electricity up there. I live on the first floor and the room is at the fifth floor and there's no way of running anything all the way up there. But I think I can live with bringing my laptop up there. I'm trying to get it set up so I just have everything I need on it - Cubase, Guitar Rig, Superior Drummer etc. It has pretty good battery life of around 4-5 hours (used to be 6...). So that should have me covered alright.
One step at a time, but, to do it Romanian style
You could order an EXTRA long cable and bring electricity upstairs from the closest possible source I know people in here who did that
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 15 2014, 03:41 PM
You could order an EXTRA long cable and bring electricity upstairs from the closest possible source I know people in here who did that That's one way to do it, but it would mean I would have to throw the cable out the window in the attic get it in my window or something like that.
Naeh, unfortunately it's not gonna work, but my laptop on its own should work just fine.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 16 2014, 08:50 AM
Naeh, unfortunately it's not gonna work, but my laptop on its own should work just fine.
It feels a bit frustrating for me
Because I am trying to come up with a solution and I see none looming ahead ... Well, if you say you can do it without the electricity, then go ahead mate! Keep us updated about the decorations
Posted by: Palacios Mar 16 2014, 10:04 AM
What is that grey box in the background? Is it an electric heater? If so you might be in business. 
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 16 2014, 11:56 AM
If only it was. Well, it is, but I took it down from my kitchen and placed it up there
Because I am trying to come up with a solution and I see none looming ahead ... Well, if you say you can do it without the electricity, then go ahead mate! Keep us updated about the decorations Well, as said, my laptop will be okay, I reckon, and my audio card is a usb card. So that should be fine.
On another note I spent 1½ hour up there yesterday practicing. Much better place to practice than here in my apartment. Much easier to concentrate.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 16 2014, 12:12 PM
Well, as said, my laptop will be okay, I reckon, and my audio card is a usb card. So that should be fine.
On another note I spent 1½ hour up there yesterday practicing. Much better place to practice than here in my apartment. Much easier to concentrate.
Very good! It seems like it's already offering you the needed support for your mind to work without any outside distractions, so it's a great step!
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 16 2014, 03:24 PM
Absolutely. I need to get it more cozy up there, but it's coming along
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 17 2014, 08:32 AM
Step by step mate
I for one bought 2-3 floor lamps that are giving way a cozy dim light which is perfect for evening practice. They add a lot to the atmosphere and they are very cheap - about 20 EUR a piece:
I know there's the electricity issue, but you need to think of what sort of decorations would make you feel good about being there and then apply, if possible
Posted by: Darius Wave Mar 19 2014, 02:50 PM
Hard task You have there Ben...Without electricity it's hard to supply anything with higher power consumption - like guitar amp or regular monitors. Unless You're planning to purchase an oil power supply
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 19 2014, 04:34 PM
I've got my laptop working now and I can use that for practicing and recording, so it's all good
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 20 2014, 08:34 AM
I will be watching this thread, because I am very curious about the moment in which you will say: 'Man, I thought long and hard and I will take Cosmin's advice on pulling a cable out the window, because as Darius suggested, I need my speakers and a guitar amp'
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 20 2014, 09:28 AM
I found out that they will be redoing a lot of the pipes come August. They will also be working in my apartment from 7 to 5 each day for a month, so I will have to find somewhere else to stay, maybe with my girlfriend or parents. I'm hoping they forget a plug up there which I can use. Or that they put electricity up there while they're at it.
Posted by: Darius Wave Mar 20 2014, 02:59 PM
Save some money and rent a room at Your parents house I suppose they have electricity for sure 
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 20 2014, 03:45 PM
Maaan, even the thought of staying with my parents for a longer time scares me! I appreciate them, but I've just spent like 5 days with my mom living in my apartment. I'm about to go crazy with constatnly having to entertain her and talk to her. I'm used to silence!
Posted by: Darius Wave Mar 20 2014, 04:35 PM
Oh yeah...they do talk...talk and talk and talk in the breaks from talking :PAnd the worst...talk about the same all over again
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 21 2014, 08:49 AM
Ben - maybe you can convince the workers to pull up some electricity Raise some money and pay them something to do it - is that how it works there too?
Let's not get into the parent zone, shall we?
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 21 2014, 09:41 AM
Raise some money and pay them something to do it - is that how it works there too? Let's not get into the parent zone, shall we?
I don't think it works like that here unfortunately, and if anyone (like the owners of the apartment block) found out I'd be in big trouble, I think.
It's annoying, cause I've heard that lots of people in other blocks have electricity in their attic storage or basement storages. Just not here. But as said, I've now got a rechargable lamp and my laptop seems to be working as it should, so it's all good!
I'm finally free to play guitar in about 20 minutes
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 21 2014, 10:18 AM
It's annoying, cause I've heard that lots of people in other blocks have electricity in their attic storage or basement storages. Just not here. But as said, I've now got a rechargable lamp and my laptop seems to be working as it should, so it's all good!
I'm finally free to play guitar in about 20 minutes
But have you thought about talking to the owner and explaining your needs?
Posted by: wrk Mar 21 2014, 10:45 AM
... thats way we love them so much
It's annoying, cause I've heard that lots of people in other blocks have electricity in their attic storage or basement storages. Just not here. But as said, I've now got a rechargable lamp and my laptop seems to be working as it should, so it's all good!
I'm finally free to play guitar in about 20 minutes
Man, why you do not simply practice in your apartment? ..
I understand you all too well being a really nervous character myself .. always searching for a quite and cosy place in the house in believe to be finally calm there. Moving things back and forth, but at the end it will not change anything as it's again just something which distract you from what you actually want or need to do. Just saying .. move things temporarily out which distract you the most (TV, games, ...) .. you might be bored at some point and will return more regular to the guitar up to you find a routine and get easier "in the practice zone"
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 21 2014, 10:49 AM
Man, why you do not simply practice in your apartment? ..
I understand you all too well being a really nervous character myself .. always searching for a quite and cosy place in the house in believe to be finally calm there. Moving things back and forth, but at the end it will not change anything as it's again just something which distract you from what you actually want or need to do. Just saying .. move things temporarily out which distract you the most (TV, games, ...) .. you might be bored at some point and will return more regular to the guitar up to you find a routine and get easier "in the practice zone"
I know what you mean, but I just find this a more peaceful solution. I'm easily distracted by the computer, TV, my cat, food or anything else really. And it'd be more of a hassle taking a 50" TV four floors up than just taking the guitar up.
I like the focus I can gain when away from all these things.
Posted by: wrk Mar 21 2014, 11:11 AM
I like the focus I can gain when away from all these things.
I don't want to interfere with your plans, but i hear myself talking with your arguments
You suppose to have an peaceful environment at home .. thats why you call it “home” actually.
No need to move the TV, just hide away the electricity plug … everywhere else but at home ofc
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 21 2014, 11:15 AM
You suppose to have an peaceful environment at home .. thats why you call it “home” actually.
No need to move the TV, just hide away the electricity plug … everywhere else but at home ofc
I like my home, but it's very easy to get distracted here. That's what it feels like anyway. I know from back in the day when I went to a school where you live for a year and play music that it was a lot easier to concentrate without the possibility of TV, computers or what not. We weren't allowed to bring computers or anything, but they had 8 really nice practice/rehearsal rooms fully equipped. So I'd go there for a few hours every other day or so and just sit fully focused and concentrated. That's 10 years back and from where I got the technique I have today as I haven't really practiced properly since then.
I'm not sure what else to say really. I hear what you say, and it could obviously also be a question of having the right mindset.
Posted by: wrk Mar 21 2014, 11:22 AM
Yep, then maybe the attic will work for you to bring your mindset back in practice order and then move back to the apartment
… good luck !
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 22 2014, 03:16 PM
I'm not sure what else to say really. I hear what you say, and it could obviously also be a question of having the right mindset.
Of course, the environment can help, but the true factor is you
If you have the right mindset, you can practice ANYWHERE and I mean that. Not in a burning building of course, but for instance, in a hotel room, if you are always on the road.
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 22 2014, 03:44 PM
If you have the right mindset, you can practice ANYWHERE and I mean that. Not in a burning building of course, but for instance, in a hotel room, if you are always on the road.I'd probably find it a lot easier practicing in a hotel room with little else to do.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 23 2014, 09:40 AM
Mate, this is clearly a battle with yourself
As I said, it's important to create a practice friendly environment, but keep in mind that you have to develop the power to control your mind.
When practicing, establish a 2 hr time slab in which:
- the phone goes silent and is kept in the other room
- the internet is switched off
- the TV goes out the socket
- no radio
It's you, the laptop, your practice materials and guitar
If two hours in one shot is a bit too much, start with less. Practicing is active meditation Sometimes it's not that easy to focus on a big slab from the beginning so give it time. Start with little and increase along with the focus power!
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 27 2014, 07:17 PM
So...with a 4 day warning I get told that I am to clear my attic storage room, as they're gonna start working on the building and the pipes up there and that the finishing work up there won't be done till in half a year. That's just great, I only just made it nice and cozy up there... The documents we originally got about the building project didn't include anything about the attic, then the next set did, but mentioned that it would be done over the summer, and now it's from April 1st till October... what the hell, man.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 28 2014, 04:37 PM
It is a test
Some superior forces wish for you to become able to be focused in any environment. Take it as it is and make the best of it mate. Making a big fuss over it won't change anything, so clear the mind and get to work!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 29 2014, 02:29 AM
Wise words from COS in this thread!!! Crazy as it sounds, the universe is trying to speak to you and help you work on your focus. We are always being brought things that we need to fix/work on/make better, and too often we find ways not to. The universe is patient and will just keep trying
Focus begets focus, so in addition to picking drills, I suggest FOCUS DRILLs.
(Start by SHUTTING EVERYTHING OFF FOR TWO HOURS OF PRACTICE)
Then
1.)Sit down with the TV on, radio going and and laptop set to facebook
2.)Set a timer/stop watch for 1 minute.
3.)Ignore everything but your guitar.
Then try 2 minutes. And so on
I've gotten it to where I can practice to the point of exhaustion and not even hear the phone ring. Later, I check my messages and people are asking where the heck I was, I just say "practicing"
Todd
Some superior forces wish for you to become able to be focused in any environment. Take it as it is and make the best of it mate. Making a big fuss over it won't change anything, so clear the mind and get to work!Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 29 2014, 08:46 AM
Great suggestion by Todd I kind of told you the same things before. When you practice, you need to give 110% of your attention to what you are doing. Don't find excuses. Start small. 30 minutes of practicing with no phone, internet, TV or radio. I don't even own a TV... and I stopped watching TV in 2002 I may sound like a crazy hermit, but I'm really not one.
Will you tell us how it goes? And to make things more interesting, practice in the same room with the TV, radio and internet. Just don't switch them on
Posted by: Palacios Mar 29 2014, 02:43 PM
This might be your golden heaven sent opportunity to get power up there. Talk to the workers, and find out who the electrician is. Get him a good bottle of American Whiskey, and see if he can "accidentally" put a power receptacle up there for you. Tell him you'll even buy the parts. It could be the best 30euros you've ever spent.
Posted by: Spock Mar 29 2014, 02:47 PM
As I said, it's important to create a practice friendly environment, but keep in mind that you have to develop the power to control your mind.
When practicing, establish a 2 hr time slab in which:
- the phone goes silent and is kept in the other room
- the internet is switched off
- the TV goes out the socket
- no radio
It's you, the laptop, your practice materials and guitar
If two hours in one shot is a bit too much, start with less. Practicing is active meditation
Sometimes it's not that easy to focus on a big slab from the beginning so give it time. Start with little and increase along with the focus power!You are Buddha!
Posted by: Palacios Mar 29 2014, 02:50 PM
I kind of told you the same things before. When you practice, you need to give 110% of your attention to what you are doing. Don't find excuses. Start small. 30 minutes of practicing with no phone, internet, TV or radio. I don't even own a TV... and I stopped watching TV in 2002 I may sound like a crazy hermit, but I'm really not one.Will you tell us how it goes? And to make things more interesting, practice in the same room with the TV, radio and internet. Just don't switch them on
I agree. I work around noise all day; it's so nice to have silence at home. I honestly don't watch TV either; because there's absolutely nothing on that's not insulting to your intelligence.
Posted by: Spock Mar 29 2014, 02:59 PM
Main problem is still that the place is a bit scary and that I'm a sissy
2 words - "Drop Cord". Don't know where you live but I bet it can get cold up there and you will need heat. So a space heater and you laptop off a 25 foot drop cord coming in through the window will power you up.
You have a nice little space to get your "chi" on. If there power within 25 meters of that room, you can get a drop cord to accommodate that. Then, little by little, get things to put up there to inspire you. Like candles, an afghan rug, posters, a freaking lava lamp - something that makes the area dedicated in your mind for the purpose.
Good luck man.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 30 2014, 08:41 PM
That is how this job is done
Ben, listen to our friend John Eh, if I were Buddha, there would be a whole army of people praying around my house
All I see is an empty street, now that I raised my glance up to the window
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 31 2014, 07:46 AM
Great minds think alike!! Start small and work up, just like scales/chords/etc. Being able to focus is yet another skill that really helps in your journey to Shredorama Heaven. It benefits other areas of life as well so it's worth working on
I kind of told you the same things before. When you practice, you need to give 110% of your attention to what you are doing. Don't find excuses. Start small. 30 minutes of practicing with no phone, internet, TV or radio. I don't even own a TV... and I stopped watching TV in 2002 I may sound like a crazy hermit, but I'm really not one.Will you tell us how it goes? And to make things more interesting, practice in the same room with the TV, radio and internet. Just don't switch them on
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 31 2014, 02:44 PM
Start small and work up, just like scales/chords/etc. Being able to focus is yet another skill that really helps in your journey to Shredorama Heaven. It benefits other areas of life as well so it's worth working on It benefits EVERY area of life and it has become an art in itself, because of the times we live in. Nowadays, there's literally SWARMS of information and noise going on around you ALL THE TIME. You can be spared if you live in a forest
The majority of people can't do too much valuable stuff with themselves because they can't focus too much and feel like everything is a burden. Then, watch some TV instead and time goes out the window It's a tough one, but IT CAN BE GRASPED!The first step is to realize what you want and see what keeps you grounded for real
For some the question can be reduced to: Is it the fact that I work or the fact that I procrastinate? In your situation, we are talking about something else, but you CAN beat it
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