Just a small shed dormer provided essential headroom for the staircase that accesses a new owners’ retreat at the top of this home. The second floor now has space for a calm and efficient home office, convenient laundry, and a new front deck along with the children’s rooms. From the third floor and exterior, we dramatically improved energy performance with minimal impact to first and second floor interiors. Changes include continuous exterior insulation, high tech wrap, high-performance windows, rooftop solar, and new Air Source Heat Pumps that condition the upper two floors.

This relatively new home in Quarton Lake Estates had an existing large master bathroom. However, the room was cut up with partitions for toilet, shower, and tub, making it feel small and outdated. Our clients wanted a light bright welcoming bathroom to match the rest of their gorgeous home. The bathroom was gutted back to the studs. Both outside corners of the bathroom have eaves that encroach on the interior of the bathroom ceiling height. Working around the eaves and maintaining headroom with fluid design was a key element for this bathroom remodel.

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

It was important to the homeowner to keep the integrity of this 1948 home — adding headroom and windows to the rooms on the second floor without changing the charm and proportions of the cottage. A dormer in the master bathroom allows for more windows and a vaulted ceiling. The bathroom vanity was designed to provide maximum storage. The second floor is modernized, the floor plan is streamlined, more comfortable and gracious. This project was photographed by Andrea Hansen Interior finishes by Judith Rosenthal

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

This project is a historic renovation. Renovation began by stripping the house down to the beautiful red sandstone blocks that are 18” in depth. All that remains of the original Utah pioneer home are four walls and original window/door openings. The historic presence of the structure is preserved on the exterior, while the first floor interior space is designed in a ‘Contemporary Zen Style’. The first floor consists of a large great room containing the kitchen, living and dining spaces, as well as an adjacent powder room and sunroom. The original dirt floors were deepened to allow for taller ceilings on the first floor and enough headroom on the second floor to create three bedrooms. Dormers were added to allow more space and light. The master bedroom offers spectacular views to the red rock cliffs of the Capitol Reef area. Photographer: Unknown; Copyright © 2015 diamond phillips

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

Views of the Atlantic and Katama Bay from the second floor were a driving force behind the Design of this home built several years ago in Edgartown. The Gambrel roof provides great headroom on the second floor with dormers in critical areas for windows and doors. Subtle curves soften the edges and a mix of materials help to reduce the scale and add interest to the exterior. The Porte Cochere provides access to the pool area as well as an entire wall of storage closets for the trappings of summer. Attention to detail and more than ample natural light make this house a very pleasant experience.

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

The galley kitchen is compact but has plenty of storage. A glass tiled full backsplash makes for a clean sleek look. The refrigerator is clad in the same rift cut white oak making it hidden in the cabinetry. Photo by Kat Alves.

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

It was important to the homeowner to keep the integrity of this 1948 home — adding headroom and windows to the rooms on the second floor without changing the charm and proportions of the cottage. A dormer in the master bathroom allows for more windows and a vaulted ceiling. The bathroom vanity was designed to provide maximum storage. The second floor is modernized, the floor plan is streamlined, more comfortable and gracious. This project was photographed by Andrea Hansen Interior finishes by Judith Rosenthal

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

Wall with beadboard is for future artwork generated by 4 granddaughters. Plenty of headroom in the baking prep center. Jennifer Hayes
Example of a cottage u-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Denver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Ideal for small living space and extra bedding, this cabinet bed is an excellent choice. This Cabinet Bed will give more headroom, while keeping a low easy-to-use top surface. It features a brushed finish on acacia veneer with teak tones, recessed brass hardware and finger-hole drawer. https://www.ba-stores.com/product/arason-creden-zzz-flip-top-cabinet-bed-acacia

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

Create sufficient headroom. For most codes, 7-ft. 6-in. finished ceilings are the minimum. If that’s not what you have, you must either raise the house or lower the basement floor. Either approach is a big undertaking. Lowering the floor typically involves supporting the house, removing an existing slab, excavating, and augmenting or replacing all or part of the foundation and drainage system. Raising a house is a big project, too, but, in general, it’s the better strategy because it creates more height for windows, and thus allows more natural light to enter the space. If you also must replace a failing foundation (which requires supporting the house), then your choice is even clearer: Up she goes