9 Minneapolis Attics Reimagined As Cozy Bedrooms
Minneapolis homes are known for their charming architecture, and many feature untapped potential hiding just above our heads. Transforming an attic into a dreamy bedroom creates valuable living space while preserving the unique character of these historic properties. I’ve spent years helping homeowners unlock the magic of these forgotten spaces, and today I’m sharing my favorite Minneapolis attic transformations that will inspire your own renovation dreams!
1. Scandinavian Simplicity in Seward
You wouldn’t believe what we found lurking in this 1920s Craftsman home! Beneath layers of dusty insulation was a gem waiting to be polished; gorgeous original roof beams that now crown this Nordic-inspired retreat. White shiplap walls and pale pine flooring create an airy canvas, while strategic skylights flood the space with Minnesota’s golden hour glow. The owner’s grandmother’s handwoven textiles add the perfect personal touch against all that minimalist magic.
2. Bookworm’s Paradise in Prospect Park
Holy moly, this space makes my literary heart skip beats! We transformed a cramped, forgotten attic into a bibliophile’s dream by incorporating floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along the eaves. The centerpiece? A sumptuous window seat nestled into the dormer where you can curl up with your favorite novel while watching snow blanket the Mississippi River. Clever hidden storage drawers beneath the custom mattress keep extra blankets handy for those notorious Minnesota winter reading sessions.
3. Industrial Chic in North Loop
Talk about a jaw-dropping before-and-after! This former warehouse attic space maintains its urban edge while embracing bedroom comfort. We kept the exposed brick walls and metal ductwork as rugged backdrops to softer elements. My favorite touch? The sliding barn door we salvaged from a demolished grain elevator near St. Anthony Falls. It separates the sleeping area from a compact but luxurious bathroom. Edison bulb fixtures dangle from original timber beams, casting the perfect moody glow for this hip downtown nest.
4. Lakeside Luxury in Linden Hills
Good gracious, the views from this attic will make your heart soar! We knocked out the entire lakeside wall and replaced it with floor-to-ceiling windows framing Lake Harriet like a living painting. The bed faces this spectacular panorama, creating the ultimate wake-up call. Custom window treatments can be controlled from your phone; perfect for those summer mornings when the sun rises at an ungodly hour. Weathered oak floors and nautical accents honor the lake setting without veering into cheesy territory.
5. Victorian Glamour in Whittier
Clutch your pearls, folks; this attic transformation honors its 1890s roots while delivering modern luxury! We preserved the original stained glass window that had been hidden behind storage boxes for decades, making it the room’s dazzling focal point. Rich jewel tones and velvet upholstery create a cocoon of opulence. My clever trick was installing a crystal chandelier on a pulley system that allows it to hang at the perfect height despite the sloped ceiling. Victorian-era antiques mix with contemporary pieces for a timeless escape.
6. Eco-Friendly Oasis in Longfellow
Mother Nature would high-five this green dream! Every element in this sustainable sanctuary was thoughtfully sourced; from the reclaimed barn wood headboard to the organic cotton bedding dyed with plants from the owner’s garden. We installed triple-pane skylights that open remotely for natural cooling during Minneapolis’ muggy summers. The bamboo flooring feels heavenly underfoot while maintaining a minimal carbon footprint. My favorite feature? The living wall of air-purifying plants that thrives in the natural light and adds oxygen while you snooze.
7. Artist’s Retreat in Northeast
Creative souls, prepare to swoon! This former attic storage dump now serves double duty as both bedroom and art studio for a local painter. We maximized the northern exposure by installing an enormous skylight that bathes the space in consistent, shadow-free natural light. One side houses a comfy sleeping nook tucked under the eaves, while the other provides ample workspace complete with built-in storage for canvases and supplies. The paint-splattered floor wasn’t planned; it happened organically during the first month after completion!
8. Tiny House Inspiration in Powderhorn
Size definitely doesn’t matter in this pint-sized powerhouse of clever design! At just 200 square feet, this attic bedroom borrows every trick from the tiny house movement to maximize function without sacrificing style. The platform bed sits atop custom drawers and pulls out to reveal additional storage underneath. A mini reading nook occupies the dormer window, complete with flip-down desk for working from home. My ingenious solution for the sloped ceiling? Wallpaper that creates the illusion of height through vertical stripes in soothing shades of blue.
9. Mid-Century Modern in Bryn Mawr
Great Scott, this time-capsule treasure makes me weak in the knees! The homeowners had purchased a pristine 1958 rambler and wanted their attic bedroom to honor that architectural heritage. We installed authentic period walnut paneling on the feature wall and sourced vintage starburst light fixtures that cast the most magical patterns across the ceiling. The custom bed frame echoes iconic mid-century silhouettes with its tapered legs and clean lines. A sunburst mirror and abstract area rug complete this Mad Men-worthy retreat that Don Draper would totally approve of.
