Photo courtesy of The Cleary Company
The Keefer family knew something needed to change. As a family with four teenagers, they needed an additional bathroom. The goal was to convert an already existing attic space into a new full bathroom.
But it couldn’t be any old bathroom. This bathroom required simple finishes to make it easier to clean for teenagers and the family hoped to create a contemporary space filled with grays and whites. The tiles used were a little larger meaning fewer grout lines – a much simpler clean for teenagers.
“The homeowners were debating on which kids would have access to this bathroom, so they decided to make it very gender neutral,” says Laura Watson, design manager at The Cleary Company. “Nothing too feminine or masculine. They really liked the clean and minimal look.”
Throughout the design process, special attention was taken with the finishes and the lighting to brighten up space, which had zero windows.
“Because of the space and roof limitations, we tried to use the space in the most efficient way possible,” homeowner Peggy Keefer says. “We would have liked natural light, whether that had been a window or skylight, but it didn’t end up happening because of space and budget issues.”
Photo courtesy of The Cleary Company
Hidden Features
Throughout the project, it was important to maintain easy access to the remaining attic space and allow the family to utilize the walk-in closet. Although it meant a smaller closet, the Cleary team was able to successfully relocate the entrance to the hallway.
Recessed cabinets offered additional storage in the room without taking up valuable floor space. A new hidden door led to the attic space, which was perfect for storing the Keefers’ holiday decorations and luggage.
When the Keefers first moved to Columbus in 2011, it was difficult to find products and designers who understood exactly what Peggy wanted.
“I have modern tastes. Laura at The Cleary Company immediately understood my tastes and found a lot of options to fit our budget,” Keefer says. “This was my first time using painted cabinets in a remodeling project and I really like how it turned out.”
Rocco Falleti is an editor. Feedback welcome at rfalleti@cityscenecolumbus.com
