Alan Wycheck Photography

Paul Bartell

© 10-2007 John Robledo Foto.

Michael Terrell

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?

A great update was given to this hall bathroom. With their grand child in mind, the standard tub was replaced with a whirlpool tub for extra bubbles! A hand held shower and grab bars were also added for universal needs of any person who should plan to use the guest bathroom. The vanity and countertop remained the same, but a new faucet, mirror, and light fixture were added to compliment the new design, tile, fixtures, and paint colors.

Master Bath in Log Home

Powder room turned guest bath. Borrowed 2 1/2 feet from adjacent room to make space for a 72" soaker tub, new furniture vanity with golden travertine top and custom designed backsplash. Oval mirror flanked by bohemian style lights, a luster stone wall finish and precious stones placed in metal accents make this one of our favorite spaces!

This guest bathroom remodel drastically changed this old, bland, compact bathroom into a rustic paradise. The use of slate in the shower as well as the floor tile really sets this bathroom off as unique. Now guests beg to use this handsome bathroom when they visit! Tabitha Stephens

Bathroom designed with custom fir doors with eco resin door panels to allow light flow. Custom shower niche with limestone tile and slabs.

Владимир Чучадаев

Steve Ryan Photography

Jim Wright Smith

Myles Beeson, Photographer

Photography by Mark Becker Kivland Architects, Inc.