When a growing family in a classic Cape-style home learned they were expecting a new baby, they knew it was time to reimagine their living space. They turned to Gallagher Remodeling to help them transform their entire second floor into a warm, functional, and family-friendly retreat that would grow with them for years to come.
Creating Space and Light with Gable Dormers
The first step was expanding the living space. Our team added two new gable dormers to the front of the home, opening up the bedrooms and flooding them with natural light. These dormers didn’t just boost curb appeal—they also brought valuable headroom and floor space to what had been cramped areas beneath the sloped Cape roofline.
Before: The original primary bedroom.
After: Today, a built-in dresser and armoire take advantage of the extra space added by the gabled dormer and maximize function within the angles of the room.
A Calm and Comfortable Primary Suite
With more space to work with, the team tuned a simple bedroom into a relaxing new primary suite. Part of the enlarged bedroom was converted into a stylish en suite bathroom featuring a large walk-in shower wrapped in calming green tile. The color evokes the tranquility of a lush garden or serene spa—perfect for a peaceful retreat at the end of a busy day.
After: The new primary bathroom boasts a large single sink for two and a spacious shower.
After: With two little children in the house, mom and dad needed something that felt like it was just for them. Their love of plants shines through in this garden-inspired shower.
Making Room for Two
To accommodate their young daughter and their newborn son, the homeowners needed to find a way to create an extra bedroom. The large second bedroom was thoughtfully divided into two cozy and functional rooms. Each room received its own whimsical custom wallpaper, bringing out each child’s unique personality, while keeping a cohesive design aesthetic throughout the second level.
Before The original bedroom was the full width of the home. The half of the bedroom pictured above was converted into the nursery below.
After The new nursery is just the right size for everything a baby needs, with room for the future “big boy bed.”
After: The larger portion of the original bedroomstill feels spacious with the addition of the gabled dormer, and it features a window seat for reading and play.
A Family Bathroom That Grows with the Kids
The shared family bathroom also got a thoughtful update. The design included a tiled tub and shower combo—ideal for young children today, but spacious and stylish enough to suit teenagers down the road. It’s a smart blend of beauty and practicality, tailored to the family’s changing needs.
Before The original upstairs bathroom was used by parents and children alike.
After Today mom and dad have their own en suite bathroom, and this bathroom was fully renewed for the children.While the fixtures remained in the same locations, the addition of another single sink for two ensures the bathroom will grow with the children.
Built for Today—and Tomorrow
This second-floor remodel is a great example of how smart design and quality craftsmanship can transform a traditional Cape-style home into a flexible space for modern family life. By maximizing space, and functionality, Gallagher Remodeling helped these homeowners prepare for their newest arrival—and many happy years to come.
To see more pictures of this remodeling project click here.