An Elevated Attic Primary Suite in Macalester–Groveland
In a modest-sized home, space matters—and every square foot needs to earn its keep. The attic had potential, but it wasn’t living up to it. Dark and disconnected from daily life, it felt more like an afterthought than a meaningful part of the home.
Today, it’s something entirely different. By reworking the layout, opening up light, and designing with comfort in mind, the attic became a bright, cozy, and surprisingly spacious primary suite—a place that feels calm, personal, and fully claimed.
Before & After
Move the slider to see the transformation.
Unlocking the Attic’s Potential
Dark, compartmentalized, and underused, it lacked the warmth and everyday livability the homeowners were craving. By vaulting the ceiling and thoughtfully adding closet storage, the attic was converted into a primary bedroom that feels bright, airy, and calm, with convenient, easy-to-access clothing storage designed for everyday life.
Down to the Bones
Outdated plywood paneling and acoustical ceiling tiles masked underlying issues. Stripping the attic back to its structure revealed several issues that needed to be addressed before moving forward:
- The existing floor was out of level
- Insulation and air sealing were insufficient for year-round comfort
- The roof structure showed sagging, limiting insulation depth
- Routing HVAC through the tight attic footprint required careful planning
To resolve this, we added to the existing rafters to flatten the sagging roof and create the depth needed for proper insulation. Addressing these challenges allowed us to correct the structure, significantly improve comfort, and create a primary suite that feels just as good to live in as it looks.
Turning Structure into Design
Replacing the low, flat ceiling with a vaulted roofline and wood-wrapped collar ties turned the structure itself into a design feature. Integrated uplighting softens the angles and enhances the room’s openness.
The Realities of an Attic Remodel
Remodeling an attic comes with unique challenges—including how materials get upstairs. With limited access, drywall was brought in through the window, allowing the work to move forward efficiently without disrupting the rest of the home. T
Thinking about transforming an underused attic? Learn more about our approach to attic remodeling.
Explore the Rest of the Home:
Serene Retreat
This green tile bathroom design pairs rich tile, a curbless shower, and in-floor heat with warm wood tones.
Quietly Efficient
A highly functional kitchen remodel in a 1942 Macalester–Groveland home, thoughtfully designed to fit the scale of the house.
