Attic Adapted for Family Living

Designer: Cat Schmidt, Model Remodel

Location: Ballard, Seattle, WA

Scope: Attic, Dormer Addition, Bathroom (Add)

Sustainability: 50%+ recycle rate, low-VOC paint, LED lighting, dimmer light switches, CARB II-compliant cabinetry, GREENGUARD Gold Certified flooring, dual-flush toilet, low-flow water fixtures

A charming Ballard home wasn’t meeting all the needs of a growing family. With four bedrooms, and only one main floor bathroom, the home desperately needed another bathroom and better space planning in the attic. A dormer addition to the back of the home added valuable 2nd floor space to rearrange the attic level altogether.

The attic dormer addition allowed us to create another usable room in the finished attic. A small dormer was already existing, so we expanded that dormer and raised the ceiling height. The bonus room is now a nursery just off the hallway. At the end of the hallway, there is now a spacious primary suite. The original second bedroom of the attic level was converted into a bathroom.

The new primary suite has a vaulted ceiling and new skylight above the bed so the homeowners can rise with the sun. The skylight has remote-controlled blinds, allowing light in only when needed. Off the bedroom is a large walk-in closet with another skylight overhead. It’s glass pocket door allows the extra natural light from the closet to filter into the bedroom, ensuring the main attic bedroom is not too dark.

The bathroom is accessed via the hallway, and therefore usable by both bedrooms. This configuration made the most sense in an attic with multiple bedrooms. Should the nursery ever become a home office or guest bedroom later on, there will be no need to walk through the primary bathroom to access the facilities.

The bathroom is abundant in both beautiful tile and functional storage. A smaller vanity area has a countertop, mirror and cabinets that make it a enviable beauty bar. The larger vanity with dual mirrors has plenty of counterspace and cabinet storage too. The bathroom was even large enough to fit a practical linen closet between the beauty bar and shower, something we always try to work into attic remodels so they don’t feel short on storage space.

This home is now much more practical for the family who lives there. With a bathroom on each floor of the home and a new light-filled primary bedroom with walk-in closet, there’s added value in every corner of this attic remodel.

BEFORE & AFTER

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