We love a good before-and-after story, and this one is a new favorite. This Overland Park home had a rarely used attic space and a tiny laundry room, but our clients saw potential. They wanted to create a dream walk-in closet with an integrated laundry area, and we were excited to bring that vision to life. This project was a true testament to the power of thoughtful remodeling and strategic design.
The Before
The inspiration for this project came from a very practical challenge. The clients' existing laundry was tucked away in a small closet just off the primary bathroom. However, just behind that closet wall was a large section of dead attic space—completely unused, dusty, and full of potential.
The Vision
Our team of Kelly Summers and Lindsay Brungardt saw an opportunity to not only solve a storage problem but to create a truly luxurious and functional space. By pushing into that dormant area, we knew we would be able to design a dream closet that gives both him and her dedicated space while seamlessly integrating the laundry area, making daily routines easier and more elegant. Knowing our clients’ preference for contemporary and sleek design, we wanted to infuse the space with an element of drama and glamour. We would achieve this through strategic design choices, like the decision to paint the walls a rich, moody gray. This dark backdrop would make the clean lines of the custom California Closets cabinetry pop, creating a gallery-like effect. The final touches—elegant light fixtures, refined quartz countertops, and the sleek glass top on the accessory station—were chosen to add a sense of luxury and sophistication, elevating the space far beyond a simple closet.
Floor Plans
"Before" or as built floor plans showing unused attic space.
"After" new floor plans expanding the closet into the previously unused attic space.
The Transformation Process
This was a full-scale structural and design project. We began by tackling the structural and electrical work, which is often the most critical part of a transformation like this. Our team handled the electrical demolition in the garage attic to reroute wiring and prepare for new lighting and switches. We reworked electrical and plumbing lines to accommodate for where the washer and dryer would now go and for the HVAC mini split along with the lights and switches.
We framed the walls, ridge beam, and roof of the new closet addition.
To bring in natural light, we even framed in two new skylights.
Next, we seamlessly integrated a new roofline to match the home's existing structure.
Then came insulating the new exterior walls to help regulate temperature in the new closet space.
After insulation it was time for drywall. This turned a dusty attic space into a real room.
We also added blocking for a mini-split HVAC system, ensuring the new space would be comfortable year-round, just like the rest of the home. Next, we installed LVT flooring in the area under and around the washer and dryer. The rest of the closet will soon get a contemporary grey textured carpet.
We painted the ceiling a bright white and rest of the walls a deep moody gray to add some dimension to the space.
We hooked up the washer and dryer and HVAC mini split. Finally, we could install the light fixture. Look at how great the space is looking with that carpet!
Finally, we installed the California Closet cabinetry system in the finishes Grigio and Shadow Black. Paired with contemporary gold hardware, it's sleek as can be. While partnering with California Closets, our clients were able to fine-tune every unique storage solution, from the dedicated his-and-hers sides to the seated getting-ready nook with accessory storage.
We topped the surfaces with a Black Mamba quartz to tie it all together.
Cohesive Home Design: The Fireplace Refresh
While the new closet was a perfect fit for the client's sleek and contemporary style, the main living room's original fireplace was more traditional and dated. The fireplace wall felt out of place with their already modern kitchen and décor. Our team's goal was to bring the entire home into a cohesive design language.
We achieved this with a complete fireplace refresh. We framed around the existing structure and went in with concrete board to prepare it for a new textured plaster finish, giving it the clean, minimalist lines and subtle texture that our clients love.
To complement this, we installed custom floating shelves and integrated lighting on the media wall. The result is a stunning focal point that not only provides practical display space but also perfectly aligns with the home's contemporary aesthetic, tying the whole project together.
The Results: Form Meets Function in this Sleek Closet
This project perfectly showcases how we can unlock the hidden potential in your home. By combining smart design with expert craftsmanship, we turned an underutilized space into a beautiful and functional part of the home.
Ready to create your own dream closet? Contact us to learn more about our process and see how we can make your home a space you truly love to live in!
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