A renovation in Westchester County, NY reenergizes with black cabinet paint and a new mudroom

• Homeowners: A family, after closing on their 1930 Colonial-style home, posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Westchester County, New York
• Primary renovation: In addition to gut remodeling the kitchen, the owners wanted to transform a breakfast area into a mud- and laundry room
• Sweeten Westchester general contractor
• Homeowner quote: “We’d heard so many horror stories of half-finished projects and contractors who dropped off the face of the earth, but ours was responsive and took our concerns seriously.”
• Our role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free. 

Written in partnership with homeowners Jennifer and Nick. “After” photos by Michael Hnatov Photography.

Surveying a new home purchase

Years of working in small apartment kitchens taught us that if you know what you’re doing, you can cook in any space. So we knew that our new kitchen’s 10’x12’ footprint was sufficient. 

The kitchen wasn’t decrepit, but it had been built for another time. It was closed off from the dining room by a narrow swinging door. Its cabinets were cramped. And the stove was crammed into a corner—you could not fit four pots on it, despite its having that many burners.

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The awkward layout also led to limited counter space. But we wanted to be able to roll out pie dough or chop vegetables without clearing things out of the way. It was the kind of situation we’d worked around in various apartments, but with 2,700 square feet, there was no reason to sacrifice in a house with plenty of space. 

We are Jennifer and Nick, and we have two children under the age of 6. Our jobs are Manhattan-based and we’d lived in New York City apartments for 15 years, but as our kids grew, we needed space. Reluctantly, we decided to leave the city in pursuit of square footage.

A project plan materializes

Our budget allowed us to make a one-time large expenditure on renovations, so we looked for a fixer-upper that would have an affordable mortgage payment. We found it, eventually, in Westchester, and of course, it came with that closed-off, dated kitchen.

Even if the 12’x10’ size was workable, there was a flow problem. The home’s back door was in the center of the kitchen’s rear wall, so kids with dirty feet would tromp right through the main workspace. We envisioned not only reworking the kitchen, but moving the exterior egress to an adjacent eating area. It would make a great mud- and laundry room.

The contractor search begins

We posted our project on Sweeten, including the current floorplan and our proposed one. The plan was to gut-renovate the kitchen and replace cabinets and appliances. The gas range would be swapped out for an induction model and relocate across the room.

We explained in our request for bids that we wanted to wall-off the back door and install windows. Our scope would include new plumbing and electrical lines and a new wood floor in the kitchen. With Sweeten, we had the ability to access multiple general contractors in Westchester County, NY with one query, and that was invaluable.

Identifying a look we loved

When our GC was chosen, we got serious about an aesthetic. We loved the English country kitchen trend. We were aiming for a warm, sophisticated space with a focus on subtly feminine details that would look great in 20 years. The walls would be a soft neutral to keep the kitchen grounded in that old-fashioned country feeling.

"It was the kind of situation we’d worked around in various apartments, but with 2,700 square feet, there was no reason to sacrifice in a house with plenty of space."

Black cabinet paint inspired by art

Jen was inspired by a photo of the supermodel Carmen Dell’Orefice—her bone structure while dressed in black and a pair of statement earrings. We researched black pre-fab cabinets but also realized that dark uppers would take away from the airy feeling we wanted. Open shelving on top was a better decision, but that meant we needed to wring every last inch out of the lower storage. Custom cabinets would maximize all usable space where pre-fabs would not. Our Sweeten contractor’s cabinetmaker mocked up several plans to consider. At the end, we applied a black cabinet paint called Black Beauty.

The maple butcher block countertops were customized with an ogee edge for softness. We used an elongated hexagon tile for the backsplash that could be found at any tile shop but it was the dark grout that made it a feature that we loved. 

Removing the back door freed up the wall, and we put a long stretch of counter space there. For the lower storage, we chose drawers over cabinets—we wanted to see our things, not have to stoop or reach for them. We inventoried and measured every kitchen item we had so everything had a place.

A tip in expanding a space

We didn’t want to fully demolish the wall between the kitchen and dining room because that would have gone against the style of the house. However, we did remove the tiny doorway and widened the pass-through so the two rooms can share light. People keep asking if we enlarged the room. The simple answer: it’s just the broadened sightline through the new doorway that makes it look huge.

With every change, we considered function. In the new utility room, we originally intended to have our laundry space out in the open, but our GC suggested hiding it behind doors. We designed the laundry closet with an area for storage and folding. The area looks so sleek now.

Living with a renovation

Living with kids and without a kitchen during the renovation was a feat. We sprang for an induction cook plate and a convection toaster oven and were able to maintain a fairly normal dinner routine. But, hauling dishes up and down stairs and washing them in the bathroom was miserable. Our kids got used to seeing workers around. Post-job, our two-year-old came downstairs one morning, threw her hands in the air and said, “Where’s the man?”

An English country kitchen comes alive

The most magical moment of the renovation was after the black cabinet paint was applied and the walls were painted beige with golden undertones. That was when the electrician put in the sconce light fixtures. Until that moment, none of us were sure how it would turn out. With the crew and the GC standing there with us, all at once, it became a room. The group got quiet. Then Jen said, “It looks mad good.” Everyone agreed!

Sincere contractor gratitude

Our Sweeten contractor told us from the beginning that he was available 24/7, and he meant it. We’d heard so many horror stories of half-finished projects and contractors who dropped off the face of the earth, but ours was responsive and took our concerns seriously. We received well-timed emails and phone check-ins from Sweeten, and felt supported in our project.

Intensive planning helped us avoid major snafus. We had collected inspiration photos and sample materials, and priced out and selected appliances. Many of our early decisions changed in small ways from the beginning to the end of the project. But when we had to pivot, we were never starting from scratch. 

In the end, the cost of our renovation surprised us. It was not a budget project. But we invested in architectural changes that improved the functionality of the home, and we are so proud of our result.

Thank you, Jennifer and Nick, for sharing your home with us!

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When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors in Westchester County.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES:

• Lady Finger paint on walls; White Dove paint on trim; Black Beauty paint on cabinets: Benjamin Moore 
• Custom kitchen cabinets; custom white maple countertops; and white oak flooring: Sourced through contractor.
• Backsplash tile: Floor & Decor 
• Sink and faucet: Kraus 
• Refrigerator: Appliances Connection 
• Dishwasher: Appliances Connection 
• Stove: Appliances Connection 
• Sconce lighting, cabinet hardware: Rejuvenation 

The post A Country-style Kitchen With Rustic Modern Looks appeared first on Sweeten.

Kitchen countertop material has a big impact on your space’s style and functionality. Not to mention, your budget. Luckily, butcher block delivers on all three. It has a natural look many homeowners love, along with durability and affordability. (Per square foot, wood starts at about $35, compared to $60 for granite and $100+ for marble.) Part of its appeal is the development of patina over time, though butcher block does require sanding and oiling to keep it in shape. See how these Sweeten homeowners incorporated wood countertops in their kitchens.

1. Butcher Block Countertops

Even with the tight layout of their galley kitchen, Kate and Daniel wanted a chef-worthy space. That’s why they chose butcher block countertops. Aside from the white quartz around the sink area (to prevent water stains on the wood), they made every surface prep-ready with cherry butcher block. The wood provides a nice contrast between the black cabinets and white subway tiled walls. Helping the couple strike the right balance of warm and cool tones.

2. Built-In Prep Station

A big focus of Janet and Jerry’s home renovation? The kitchen. They designed the space to be the most efficient space possible for cooking. First, they maximized storage with IKEA cabinetry and open shelves. Then, they went with two different countertop options: a mixed-material, sleek white surface and butcher block. The wood surface serves as the perfect chopping and prep station.

3. Butcher Block Bar

Since the kitchen in Kelly’s studio apartment would always be a focal point, she “needed it to rock.” Along with her Sweeten designer Courtney, they transformed the space. They extended the cabinetry, replaced appliances, and updated finishes. Plus, a butcher block countertop adorned the new bar. This update met Kelly’s price point and brought in a natural element to her otherwise cool-toned kitchen.

4. Wooden Central Island

Kate and Graham decided on a mostly white kitchen with hidden appliances. They wanted to make the kitchen feel integrated with the rest of their prewar home. Envisioning a room for family gathering, they added a central island—a perfect place for doing homework and preparing meals. More importantly, the island’s butcher block countertops tie-in nicely with the original (but newly sanded and stained) parquet floors.

5. Warm, Neutral Accents

When Amanda and her husband purchased their two-bedroom apartment, they knew the dark and closed-off kitchen would need an update. She envisioned a clean, bright space that didn’t feel too modern or sterile. The result: a harmonious mix of color and texture. Achieved thanks to butcher block counters, patterned tile floor, and white cabinets.

6. Natural Wood

Sam and Sean’s kitchen went from closed-off to open and sophisticated. The couple knocked-down walls and added refreshing design details. Specifically, the new island which connects their kitchen and living room. The island’s wooden countertops complement the other natural wood textures throughout the space.

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Love to entertain? See how other renovators overhauled their kitchens to be the ultimate space for hosting friends and family.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope. Additionally, our contractors help you until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

The post 6 Butcher Block Kitchens That Go With the Grain appeared first on Sweeten.

The homeowners bought their 1940s, two-bedroom co-op—their first as a couple—in Brooklyn a year before they set off on their renovation journey. It had lovely natural light from generous windows and the elevation made for spectacular views of the city, but with a dark, dreary decor and inefficient layout, it wasn’t putting its best foot forward. Although 1,100 square feet is a decent amount of space by NYC standards, the apartment didn’t feel very open, in part due to a cabinet area and wall separating the kitchen from the living room. The small bathroom, with dull tiles that clashed with baby blue walls, also needed a makeover.

Throughout that year of feeling out the space, the couple began to dream of the possibilities. They paid special attention to how others in their building had renovated their apartments. Pinterest, Instagram, and the Sweeten blog also provided endless inspiration. When they were ready to jump into the project, they posted on Sweeten, a free service connecting homeowners with vetted general contractors, and landed on a contractor who was able to counsel them through their many options, eventually identifying what mattered most to them in a home. Ultimately, they wanted an open space conducive to both cooking and hanging out in, with extra storage for books.

Both of them grew up with a kitchen island and saw it as a design element that people always gravitate toward. “The island makes cooking together more fun. There’s more space for meal prep and now we can admire the city skyline view while we pull dinner together,” she says. Not to be bound by convention, the homeowners decided to separate the range and the oven. The range—replaced by a cooktop—remained in the same place, but an electric oven moved to the island. The new layout created a work triangle of range, sink, and island for a better workflow. The toe kick space-saver idea was inspired by Martha Stewart. “As with most things, it turns out Martha was right!” said the homeowner.

The couple, who both work in the art world, harnessed their creativity for the project. When they spotted the deep green shade of color on a tile website, they were hooked. Once the backsplash tile was paired with Ikea’s butcher block and simple white cabinets, the whole look came together. “The watercolor tile catches the light beautifully and actually feels like it changes color depending on the time of day,” says the homeowner. The open shelves played a big role: they held cooking essentials, making cooking easier; unloading the dishwasher was more convenient; bowls in bright colors and plants were displayed adding to the pop of hue; and what better way to show off the green tile?

Another bonus was creating drawers under the cooktop to conveniently store pots and pans. Their previous cabinets were shallow at 11.5″, causing the chipping of many plates when shutting the doors. Deep cabinets were a must.

The bathroom was a typical size: small but functional, with a shower/bath combo. There was a debate over whether the tub should stay. Thinking back to previous apartments and realizing neither had ever used the bath was the deciding factor—the tub was out. They used subway tile in a pattern to give the walls some texture. Dramatic gold hardware quickly became a favorite design choice. Their former bathrooms had always had chrome or silver features, but their bold choice of gold paid off.

To keep up with an ever-growing collection of books, the couple lined their hallway with built-in bookshelves based on an idea they saw on the Sweeten blog that their own contractor had done. This triggered sacrifices elsewhere; specifically, it meant widening the hallway by about ten inches, which had to come off of the kitchen square footage. The advantage was the hallway also extended past the fridge, giving back a bit more shelf and counter space. With open shelving for the books, the couple installed lights on the top shelf, which more than compensate for the lost light in the hallway from extending the kitchen wall.

The couple was in constant contact with their Sweeten contractor throughout the project, talking several times a week and stopping by often to see the progress. It was a little nerve-racking to be spending so much money on something that wasn’t always 100 percent guaranteed to work, like the green backsplash tiles or the gold features in the bathroom. Other final touches, such as “getting the vent hood in exactly the right spot” and positioning the towel hangers correctly, were stressful. Their patient contractor, however, coached them through the process and deadlines and if something went awry, helped to get the project back on track. They were very happy with how the renovation turned out.

One last piece of advice from the homeowners: “Measure all your cookware, and then use those measurements to design your kitchen cabinets. It made us feel a little OCD to do this, but it really paid off.”

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Kitchen cabinets: Custom-made by their contractor. Cabinet hardware: Schoolhouse. Countertops: Ikea. Backsplash: Artistic Tile. Domsjo sink: Ikea. Faucet: Rubinet. Summit refrigerator: Home Depot. Bosch 500 dishwasher. Bosch 500 electric wall oven: AJ Madison. Verona 24″ gas cooktop: Amazon. Broan vent hood: Home Depot. Lighting over island: Wayfair. Lighting under cabinet: Home Depot. Caden lighting overhead: Restoration Hardware.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Floor tiles: Artistic Tile. Wall tile: Home Depot. Purist hardware and shower fixtures: Appliances Connection. Vanity mirror: Wayfair. Kraus vessel sink: Build.com. Vanity: Ikea. Vanity door fronts: Semihandmade. Toto toilet: Wayfair. Lighting: Cedar & Moss. Shelves and towel hooks: Schoolhouse. Mirror: CB2.

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A work triangle improves the flow in any size space, including this food editor’s smart galley kitchen.

Refer your renovating friends to Sweeten and you’ll both receive a $250 Visa gift card when they sign a contract with a Sweeten general contractor.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

The post A Work Triangle Sets off a Renovation appeared first on Sweeten.