From Attic to Awesome Many of the classic Tudor homes in Minneapolis are defined as 1 ½ stories. The ½ story is actually an attic; a space just below the roof and with a rough floor often used for storage and little more. The owners were looking to turn their attic into about 900 sq. ft. of functional living/bedroom space with a big bath, perfect for hosting overnight guests. This was a challenging project, considering the plan called for raising the roof and adding two large shed dormers. A structural engineer was consulted, and the appropriate construction measures were taken to address the support necessary from below, passing the required stringent building codes. The remodeling project took about four months and began with reframing many of the roof support elements and adding closed cell spray foam insulation throughout to make the space warm and watertight during cold Minnesota winters, as well as cool in the summer. You enter the room using a stairway enclosed with a white railing that offers a feeling of openness while providing a high degree of safety. A short hallway leading to the living area features white cabinets with shaker style flat panel doors – a design element repeated in the bath. Four pairs of South facing windows above the cabinets let in lots of South sunlight all year long. The 130 sq. ft. bath features soaking tub and open shower room with floor-to-ceiling 2-inch porcelain tiling. The custom heated floor and one wall is constructed using beautiful natural stone. The shower room floor is also the shower’s drain, giving this room an open feeling while providing the ultimate functionality. The other half of the bath consists of a toilet and pedestal sink flanked by two white shaker style cabinets with Granite countertops. A big skylight over the tub and another north facing window brightens this room and highlights the tiling with a shade of green that’s pleasing to the eye. The rest of the remodeling project is simply a large open living/bedroom space. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the room is the way the roof ties into the ceiling at many angles – a necessity because of the way the home was originally constructed. The before and after photos show how the construction method included the maximum amount of interior space, leaving the room without the “cramped” feeling too often associated with this kind of remodeling project. Another big feature of this space can be found in the use of skylights. A total of six skylights – in addition to eight South-facing windows – make this area warm and bright during the many months of winter when sunlight in Minnesota comes at a premium. The main living area offers several flexible design options, with space that can be used with bedroom and/or living room furniture with cozy areas for reading and entertainment. Recessed lighting on dimmers throughout the space balances daylight with room light for just the right atmosphere. The space is now ready for decorating with original artwork and furnishings. How would you furnish this space?

Gorgeous, natural tones master bathroom with vaulted wood-paneled ceiling and crisp white subway tile that lines the walnut vanity wall
Alcove shower - large 1950s master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile, gray floor, single-sink and wood ceiling alcove shower idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Shower update - The old shower leaked, tore out old shower and rebuilt it to match existing tile. A few other updates were added.
Inspiration for a mid-sized 3/4 black and white tile ceramic tile doorless shower remodel in Minneapolis

Shower update - The old shower leaked, tore out old shower and rebuilt it to match existing tile. A few other updates were added.

Example of a transitional master beige tile and stone tile pebble tile floor doorless shower design in Seattle with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, a hinged shower door and recessed-panel cabinets

This kitchen and bathroom remodel, designed by Kevin Fischer at Alice Design and Charlotte Cooney of Domestic Arts, realizes the homeowners' vision of a clean, simple and utilitarian space. The home remodel features a new kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Photography by Mitchell Snyder.

Mid-sized minimalist master green tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, gray floor, single-sink and vaulted ceiling walk-in shower photo in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a floating vanity

Gorgeous, natural tones master bathroom with vaulted wood-paneled ceiling and crisp white subway tile that lines the walnut vanity wall
Inspiration for a large mid-century modern master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile, gray floor, single-sink and wood ceiling alcove shower remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Gorgeous, natural tones master bathroom with vaulted wood-paneled ceiling and crisp white subway tile that lines the walnut vanity wall
Inspiration for a large 1950s master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile, gray floor, single-sink and wood ceiling alcove shower remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Creating an indoor/outdoor connection was paramount for the master suite. This was to become the owner’s private oasis. A vaulted ceiling and window wall invite the flow of natural light. A fireplace and private exit to the garden house provide the perfect respite after a busy day. The new master bath, flanked by his and her walk-in closets, has a tile shower or soaking tub for bathing. Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore HC 167, Amherst Gray flat. Architectural Design: Sennikoff Architects. Kitchen Design. Architectural Detailing & Photo Staging: Zieba Builders. Photography: Ken Henry.

Valerie used white subway tile in the shower with a hexagonal mosaic for the shower floor. The shower really establishes the vintage country style in the bathroom. For anyone considering a similar project, Valerie recommends doing thorough research and sticking with your ideas. She found that working with a builder who was willing to work with her creativity and had creative ideas of their own was very beneficial. Valerie says that having a contractor on site every day was beneficial, since they kept the site clean and made sure the subcontractors did the same. In the end, Valerie says the project may cost more/ take longer than expected, but the best advice is to go with the flow and have fun with it! To see the full project as well as a complete project sheet, visit the full blog post at http://renovation1500.com/carolina-attic-to-master-bath-renovation/

Example of a cottage white two-story wood gable roof design in Richmond

The bathroom was previously closed in and had a large tub off the door. Making this a glass stand up shower, left the space brighter and more spacious. Other tricks like the wall mount faucet and light finishes add to the open clean feel.

Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a timeless game room remodel in New York

Residential remodel of an attic space added a master bedroom, master bath and nursery as well as much-needed built-in custom storage into the hallway and eave spaces. Light-filled on even the most overcast days, this Portland residence is bright and airy with balance of natural materials playing off a white backdrop. The cedar wood plank walls in the master bedroom and bath give a tactile sense of natural materials and make the rooms glow. All photos: Josh Partee Photography

Hidden storage is the perfect solution in a small bathroom space. Tucked behind the beautiful wainscoting adds a ton of space to store things!
Inspiration for a small transitional white tile and subway tile cement tile floor and white floor walk-in shower remodel in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Joe Everhart
Example of a classic gray tile freestanding bathtub design in Indianapolis with dark wood cabinets, white walls and flat-panel cabinets

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Example of an eclectic beige tile drop-in bathtub design in New York with white walls and brown countertops

Wing Wong/ Memories TTL
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman 3/4 white tile multicolored floor and mosaic tile floor corner shower remodel in New York with medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, granite countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and glass-front cabinets