A family decides on two-toned kitchen cabinets and whether wallpaper in the bathroom is a good idea

• Homeowners: Allison, a project manager, and Tim, a professional in the solar industry, posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Kips Bay neighborhood in Manhattan, New York
• Primary renovation: Kitchen and bathroom in their 1960s complex designed by architect I.M. Pei
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “It would have taken us a ton of time vetting contractors on our own if we hadn’t used Sweeten. They made it easier to communicate with the ones who were actually interested in a project my size and provide competitive bids.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure deposits—at no cost to the homeowner.

Written in partnership with homeowner Allison. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg.

A renovation date on the calendar

We live in our 1,200-square-foot condo with my partner, Tim, myself, and our children, Vivienne and Nicholas. After putting any renovations on hold for a couple of years, we couldn’t wait any longer when our master shower started leaking on to our neighbors below. Luckily, this gave us the opportunity to also upgrade our kitchen.

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There were many reasons to overhaul our master bathroom. The shower door leaked constantly and the tile had lost its integrity too. Style-wise, the decor was entirely dated with traditional light fixtures, beige tiles, and mustard color on the walls. In the kitchen, the existing layout completely closed it in as a galley. We saw that the space had much more potential. For example, its builder-grade cabinets were falling apart and ready to be replaced. We wanted to start over and focus on maximizing storage and establishing more functionality. 

Bathroom bonus: Extra storage

We were thrilled that our contractor was able to fit a full-sized closet in the bathroom alongside extra shelves for linens. The floors are marble and for the walls we chose subway tile for the timeless and sophisticated look we wanted. In fact, getting rid of all that ugly beige tile in one day was one of our favorite parts of the renovation. A bonus feature for us: a ledge for shaving and a shampoo niche!

The one hiccup we encountered was with our shower system delivery, which we had ordered with a special modern brass finish. It was backordered and ended up taking eight months to ship. As a result, the plumber had to return months later after the renovation was done to put in the final trim pieces. 

Instagram inspired me to try a bold wallpaper to bring some color and interest to our windowless bathroom and neutral tile. I bought this floral pattern as a peel-and-stick since I wasn’t ready to commit to it. But after a few weeks, the wallpaper would peel away every time I took a shower. By this time, I totally loved the pattern so I invested in the traditional paste version. There’s been no problem with moisture since. 

A kitchen in sage green is the new neutral

The design plan for the kitchen was to give it customized functionality and a mid-century modern aesthetic. We chose white Shaker cabinets for the uppers and a flat panel door in sage green for the lowers. Our Sweeten general contractor also created a special niche in the peninsula for a step stool to slide in and out. My son uses it to cook alongside me and I use it when I need to reach the highest shelves.

We were thrilled that our contractor was able to fit a full-sized closet in the bathroom alongside extra shelves for linens.

I was drawn to the hexagon shape for our cabinet pulls and made it a theme in the kitchen. A medium-sized hex tile on the floor has a nice natural finish. We just love its soft organic feel under bare feet. The pattern continues on the geometric pendants over the island.

All of the materials we chose were subtle enough to add another shape. So, we brought in a mini vertical stacked bond in marble tile for the backsplash. It felt like the right way to tie in the modern mid-century look. We kept the countertop a pure white quartz so it wouldn’t compete. The day the countertop arrived was a complete transformation for the kitchen.

Sweeten contractor with the right connections

Our Sweeten contractor saved the day when we had trouble finding a countertop vendor. Everyone we contacted had a backlog of work. Luckily, he brought in his own subcontractor, who came in the next day to measure and then the following day to install the material. It was a miracle. 

Throughout the project, we worked well with our contractor. It would have taken us a ton of time vetting contractors on our own if we hadn’t used Sweeten. They made it easier to communicate with the ones who were actually interested in a project my size and provide competitive bids.

Now that we’ve gone through the renovation process, we advise being very specific about what you want in the contract. Don’t assume the contractor will understand exactly what you want. If you find an issue with the workmanship, show your contractor what the problem is right away. They’ll be happier to know about it before it’s too late to fix it. In the end, we spent about $45,000 on our project and we’re really proud that we live in such a beautiful space.

Thank you, Allison and Tim, for sharing your new spaces with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Merola Tile porcelain floor tile in Palm Hex Grey: The Home Depot. Bodarp gray green kitchen cabinets: IKEA. Cabinet hardware: CB2. Countertops in pure white quartz: Sourced through contractor. Carrara Bianco marble 1×3 stacked brick mosaic backsplash tile: The Builder Depot. Sink: Kraus. Faucet: Delta.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: MSI Bianco Dolomite marble mosaic floor tile; Ivy Hill Tile Bianco Birmingham 3″ x 12″ ceramic subway shower wall tile: Wayfair. Rifle Paper Co “Garden Party” wallpaper in Rose Multi: York Wallcoverings. Kohler shower fixtures and toilet: Appliances Connection. Elan frameless shower door: Vigo. Ivy Hill Tile shower floor tile: The Home Depot. Sink/vanity: AllModern. Mirror and lighting: West Elm.

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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.

The post A Sage Green Kitchen Remodel in Kips Bay appeared first on Sweeten.

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• Homeowners: When paralegal Michelle decided to move in with her elderly mother, she posted her backyard garage renovation project on Sweeten
• Where: Queens, New York
• Primary renovation: Renovating a 228-square-foot beat-up garage in the backyard to provided the the ultimate “she shed” retreat
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches homeowners with vetted general contractors for residential renovation projects, offering knowledge, support, and up to $50,000 in job-related financial protection—for free.

Guest post by Sweeten homeowner Michelle

Finding the right contractors

My journey down the renovation rabbit hole began when I found myself picturing the dilapidated garage in the backyard as my dream “diva den,” as my best friend calls it. While researching different designs and models, I remembered an article on Sweeten I’d read a few years ago and had always wanted to use their services. It seemed like a no-brainer to have an intermediary help locate vetted contractors. It also solved the huge question of ‘where to begin.

Since this was my first ever renovation project, I had no idea what my renovation would cost.  Sweeten helped me modify my scope of work and nail down a realistic budget. They introduced me to a few contractors who were a good match for my project. I finally felt like I had a team behind me, which is great once you start writing big checks.

The post A Crumbling Garage Turns into a “She Shed” appeared first on Sweeten.

New techniques, ease of use, and if wallpaper can hang in bathrooms

(Above) Wallpaper in Barbra + Sean’s foyer

More and more designers, contractors and homeowners believe that one of the best ways to make a bold design statement is to opt for wallpaper over paint. It provides hundreds of looks and textures that a regular paint job can’t match. And while more expensive than traditional paint,  wallpaper is usually less expensive than hiring a painter to create a decorative surface. 

Sweeten, a free renovation platform that matches homeowners with licensed general contractors and tracks their projects, shows why this covering is gaining in popularity.

Improved techniques

Although wallpaper has been around for years, there are a few reasons for its resurgence in popularity.  For one, people who grew up with it in their homes may have soured on it, but thanks to new printing and manufacturing techniques, manufacturers are producing dozens of new colors, designs, and textures, sparking a renewed appreciation for the product.  “Wallpaper has become much more interesting, ” said Sweeten designer  Tina. “It’s not your grandmother’s wallpaper anymore. Even if you are going for a minimalist look, a textured wallpaper adds so much more than flat paint to a room.”

Homeowners are increasingly asking for wallpaper in their homes. Tina tells how one of her clients already had wallpaper picked out for one of the rooms before they even met to discuss the project. “People are much more receptive than they used to be,” said Tina ” One reason may be that they see so many design ideas on the internet where in the past you could only see ideas in magazines. There was no option to see the world quickly.” 

(Above) Jessica + Alex’s textured wallcovering; Brooke + Sam added floor-to-ceiling patterns to both bathrooms

Some of the types of designs that are getting noticed include 3D papers where the design seems to pop off of the wall, gradient papers where the colors and designs transition from floor to ceiling, metal looks, and geometric shapes. Custom printed options are also available. There are services that allow you to upload a photo or some other design you’ve created and have it turned into wallpaper.

Where to use wallpaper

Most designers use it in the main living areas: living room, dining room, and bedrooms. Some use it on an accent wall to make a bold statement. Others cover all of the walls, some even use it on ceilings. 

The use of wallpaper in bathrooms is a matter of contention among designers and contractors. “I don’t like to use it in full bathrooms because of the moisture problems,” said Sweeten contractor Ilya. “I’ve seen people put it in the shower area. I personally would not do that.” It should be noted that some wallpapers are designed for use in high-moisture areas.

Ilya has used wallpaper in powder rooms. In a recent remodel in Red Hook, the client “chose a bold print wallpaper that brings the whole space to life,” he said. The wallpaper has a white background with a large green floral print. The powder room has matte back accessories. 

Designer Tina does not use it in bathrooms because she prefers to utilize tile that runs up to the ceiling. “But I do like it in powder rooms to create a jewel-box effect,” she said. 

Working with wallpaper

Another reason for the increased popularity is that today’s products are easier to work with than older versions. “It’s still an art form to hang wallpaper correctly,” said Ilya. “But it is easier than it used to be and it is also easier to match patterns.” 

Depending on the product, wallpaper comes prepasted, and soaking the sheets in water activates the adhesive. Another method is to apply adhesive to the paper or directly to the wall. Spreading adhesive on the wall tends to be less messy than brushing it on the back of the paper and then transferring the sheet to the wall.

Many papers are listed as strippable or peelable, meaning it is easy to get them off of the walls when it is time for a change. Ilya says that when you do remove the wallpaper, it is necessary to skim coat the walls before painting. If new wallpaper is called for, you should remove all of the old adhesive and prime the wall. 

Types of wallpaper

Wallpaper is made from a number of materials, but some form of vinyl is the most common. The material is durable, easy to keep clean, and many vinyl papers are easy to remove. There are a number of products that contain vinyl in some way.

• Solid vinyl – This thick paper consists of a solid layer of vinyl laminated to a paper or fabric substrate. This is the most durable of vinyl-containing products.
  
• Vinyl coated fabric – Liquid vinyl coats a fabric base, making the paper breathable.
  
• Vinyl coated paper – A liquid coating is applied to a paper base. These papers are easy to clean and remove, but not as durable as a solid vinyl paper.
  

(Above) Laura + Randy’s entryway, Mitzie + Jenifer’s foyer, Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse powder room, Barbra + Sean’s ceiling, Nazli + Larry’s powder room
Other types include:

• Non-woven paper – This is a combination of natural and synthetic materials similar to those used in making tea bags and coffee filters. It is durable, washable, tear-resistant, and breathable.
  
• Grasscloth – Natural materials like hemp or seagrass are woven with cotton and attached to a natural backing. These papers offer striking designs, but they are difficult to hang and keep clean. Best for low traffic areas.
  
• Flock wallpaper – In this product, a material, such as wool or rayon, is applied to an adhesive backing, creating a raised design. The distinctive designs are difficult to clean and best left to low-traffic areas like bedrooms and formal living rooms.
  
• Metallic wallpaper – These foil products contain aluminum or some other metal added to the surface of the paper. Available in solid metallic colors, such as gold, brass, and copper or in geometric and other designs. Some of these metallic papers require a specialized application.
  

Wallpaper, even a small installation, can go a long way. With its various patterns, colors, and tactile designs, consider it as a decorative accessory that lends a pop of texture. 

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Sweeten founder and CEO weighs in on what to know before renovating a brownstone.

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.

The post Why Wallpaper is Easier Than Ever to Use appeared first on Sweeten.

We’re back again this week with Part 2 of Nazli and Larry’s historic Brooklyn brownstone renovation in Bedford-Stuyvesant. If you missed it—check out Part I where Nazli walked us through their planning process and showed off the foyer and guest suite. Here, she shows off the rest of the parlor floor, including the kitchen, the dining room, and the powder room. Nazli explains the challenge of merging modern and traditional within the confines of a townhouse’s long and narrow configuration. Read on for her thoughts on powder rooms (wackiness is key), decorative mantels (rather pointless), and coming to terms with the budget required to achieve the renovation you want (very tough).

Guest post by Bedford-Stuyvesant homeowner Nazli

Front parlor/foyer entry

I think the biggest challenge to any renovation is…the renovators obviously. There will always be a push and pull between the architect, the contractor, and the owners. And most of the time, that will yield a better product than any single entity could have envisioned (but not always). I think our Sweeten architect was fantastic in coming up with some great solutions to space challenges–especially on the parlor floor, where I insisted we needed a half-bath that was nowhere near the kitchen (because, gross), a hall closet, and a kitchen pantry. She really provided a lot of help in making sure the house was up to code and that the spaces flowed. Our contractor (and my husband’s best friend), did an awesome job of value engineering so we could get the most bang for our buck. The decorating of the spaces was left mostly to me and it was interesting trying to figure out my own taste.

We, like all imperfect clients, wanted this Brooklyn brownstone renovated on a contractor’s-grade budget. Obviously, we were being silly and went way over budget (and right at what our contractor told us it would cost; we were just deeply in denial about the cost of construction in NYC). The mechanicals in a home are so expensive that basically most of the money was gone before we made a single design choice. And for me, I care deeply about the fixtures, finishes, and materials and I wasn’t about to cheap out on the things we had to see and use every day. So just be honest with yourself about what you want and what you’re willing to pay or give up for it.

Standing in front parlor looking through the kitchen into the dining room

I was most excited about the kitchen—if that hasn’t already been made clear. I love throwing huge parties and dinners, and I like to spend my alone time cooking. It’s also a natural gathering spot, so it was exciting to think about getting the most out of the space. Turns out the space configuration of a Brooklyn brownstone made it hard to do that, but it still served us well—I am super happy with a long island (11 feet long!), a BlueStar stove, and the different stations for cooking, eating, making coffee, or baking.

The kitchen is my happy spot and I’ve spent years thinking about what makes a good kitchen. Is this ideal space planning? Nope. Is this my idea of a good time? For sure. The challenge was how to devise an open-plan area that was going to take up so much of the parlor floor without making it feel like a separate room. My solution was to forgo upper cabinets so there’s a clear line of vision from the front of the room all the way to the dining room. This created a storage challenge for me, of course, which we solved with a kitchen pantry. I wanted the pantry to be open so that I could see and access all my ingredients easily, but I also didn’t want a lot of visual clutter. I painted the cabinets and shelves a deep gray (same color as the island cabinets), which makes the whole space disappear once I turn out the light. I found a piece of scrap marble at the stone yard which I used for the kitchen backsplash and the countertops along the back wall closest to the pantry. Marble is expensive and hard to maintain, so my thought was to use it in low-use areas to give the look and feel of the material throughout the kitchen without spending that much. For the island and other countertops, I used poured concrete, which is a material I love. Surprisingly, it’s also pretty delicate, but it’s subtle and earthy and I like how it ages. The kitchen is, again, more traditional than I would have preferred, but I think the concrete and the open shelving give it a more modern touch. Also, I fought to get a second sink in the kitchen and am so happy I won that battle. It’s handy to set up a water station so people can grab water or rinse out cups without interrupting my cooking space.

I can’t say enough about how much I love these herringbone walnut floors. We splurged on these floors and went with the less costly white oak for the upstairs floors because…well, just look at them. My original vision was to have the tile floor in the kitchen, but it made more sense to continue the wood on the whole parlor floor and save the tile for the back extension. We mocked up the island with plywood and adjusted it until I was happy with the dimensions—how it felt to go from sink to stove, or how easy it was to take food out of the fridge and place it on the counter. That kind of stuff is important to me, and this was the first time I really got to design my own kitchen for myself. Everything is a bit taller and it suits me just great.

A note on accessibility: I’ve had friends and families with different mobility and impairment issues—whether wheelchair-bound, deaf, or arthritic—and time spent with them has made me very conscious of what it means to design well for many. A landmarked Brooklyn brownstone is a nightmare for anyone with a wheelchair, a walker, or a stroller, and I also saw firsthand some of the challenges that my design choices presented.

The first set of cabinet pulls in the kitchen were a lovely set of straight, minimalist tab pulls. I loved that they gave the kitchen a more modern look. Cue my mother and mother-in-law coming over all the time and struggling with the pulls. They couldn’t grasp the straight pull with their arthritic fingers. I switched them out right away for pulls with a fully curved handle. Now they can just stick their finger under the pull, and a small motion opens the drawers. People keep talking about their “forever homes,” but really think about how you, your guests, and your children will have to adapt to the spaces as everyone starts to get older.

Dining room/bar

On the other end of our Brooklyn brownstone, and connected to the kitchen, is the dining room and bar. We love this room. We really felt like this room, a back extension added in the 1910s, was the reason we bought this place. Then we sadly rebuilt the entire room, but somehow, it’s still our favorite space in the house. So that was a great surprise—buying a house because of one room and then recreating it and still having that be the best spot in the house. It’s our dining room and bar, but we also have space under the dining bench to store all of Nacho’s gear so that he can draw and play at the table while I am cooking.

From being in other friends’ homes, I knew that extensions were always freezing cold and hard to heat. All I wanted was Moroccan tile for this room (in fact, for the whole house, but we just didn’t have the budget for that). Everyone fought me on adding radiant heating to the subfloor, but it’s by far the warmest room during the winter. Larry and I often come home and lie down on the floor and accidentally fall asleep! During the summer, this is the room we hang out in while kids run in and out of the house to the backyard. The best surprise? That giant Tiffany stained-glass window, which was hidden by a crappy 1970’s bookcase on the inside and vinyl siding on the outside. As soon as we bought the house, we ripped down the bookcase hoping we’d find a window, and lo and behold, we did. It was in near perfect condition. We completely sealed it with clear glass on the outside to avoid damage and heat loss, as we did with all the other stained glass details around the parlor floor.

There was a large fireplace in this room, but I couldn’t figure out how to fit the mantel and Larry’s bar, and after much cajoling, I finally convinced Larry to agree to rip out the fireplace. The mantel has a new home in the living room, where the original had been removed previously. I will say, to the horror of preservationists everywhere, that I wish we didn’t have our mantels—they don’t work, they take up too much space, and they create artificial focal points in every room. Maybe if they were marble, I’d appreciate them more. It’s form without function, which I have no love for.

The powder room was a tough one to figure out. I hate the idea of guests having to go upstairs to use the bathroom, and with a small child, it’s great to have a bathroom on every floor. I think powder rooms should be wacky. This one is tiny, so doing a fun wallpaper or paint color was relatively cheap. I love the electric Cole & Sons Palms wallpaper—it adds a touch of fun to an otherwise formal dining room. I also love the pop of color from the door to the powder room. We hated having the stained glass window facing a dull orange wall because it cast a weird orangey glow into the room. Rather than fight it, though, we decided to paint the door an amped-up version of that wall to tie the colors together in a fun way.

Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous parlor floor spaces with us, Nazli and Larry! Click here for installments Part I and Part III.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinets: custom. Cabinet pulls: Rejuvenation. Knobs: Appliances Connection. Sink: Appliances Connection. Fridge: Appliances Connection. Range: Appliances Connection. Dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Poured concrete countertops: Oso Industries. Marble countertops: PR Stone. Chelsea Gray paint color: Benjamin Moore.

DINING ROOM/BAR RESOURCES: Tiles: Cle Tile. Sconces: Rejuvenation. Abyss trim color: Benjamin Moore.

POWDER ROOM RESOURCES: Sink: Appliances Connection. Faucet, toilet paper holder, hooks, and soap dispenser: Grohe. Wallpaper: Cole & Sons.

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Jerry and Janet gut renovated a historic Brooklyn brownstone with an exterior that was in desperate need of a facelift and a virtually unsalvageable interior. The results are a perfect marriage of modern and traditional.

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 Long Townhouse Sets the Right Flow for Modern Living (Part 2) appeared first on Sweeten.

Nine years seems like a long time, but some things are worth the wait. That’s the case for Barbra, a television producer, and Sean, who purchased their 1,100-square-foot Kensington, Brooklyn, prewar co-op and only recently renovated. They were used to kitchen cabinets too shallow for dinner plates, broken track lighting, and crumbling baseboards. Despite it all, the couple, along with their sons Jack, 11, and Clint, 8, are glad they lived in the space and really understood what they wanted and needed before remodeling. It made it easier when they posted their Kensington co-op renovation project on Sweeten, a free service matching renovators with vetted general contractors. They chose their contractor, who they say was open to their ideas, gave them great tips on where (and where not) to splurge, and helped them stay within budget.

The apartment had a lot of light and great bones, but it was dated and needed a complete overhaul. A slapdash remodel in the 1980s included tile haphazardly layered over older tile in the bathroom and a weird bookshelf installation that covered up a pass-through to the living room—which meant they had to walk around the entire room to get to their dining table. The kitchen area had wrong-height countertops and an unnecessary wall that separated the space.

The previous owners had added a third bedroom, but it was too small to fit anything other than a bed. The goal was to even out those bedrooms so their boys could have their own rooms, without one of them being seriously shortchanged on space. Barbra and Sean’s overall vision was for everything to be simple, functional, clean, updated, and bright. The co-op had a lot of natural light and they really wanted the renovation to show that off.

The couple knew their project was going to be a really big job. They’d renovated a much smaller apartment once before, but it was a simple, cosmetic remodel for resale—nothing like this project. Barbra recalls learning early that she had to do all her research on fixtures, materials, appliances, style, and colors before starting the renovation work to save time and money. “I never knew how many different types of doorknobs there were—or even realized I had strong preferences in doorknobs,” she said, “until I actually had to choose one.”

The renovation started with bringing the electric up to code. There were unusable outlets and fixtures, and old electric and phone cable lines littered the apartment. Having those ripped out and new lines installed behind the walls “made my day,” she said.

As for the walls themselves, despite having been built in 1935, there really weren’t any remarkable moldings. To keep the space modern but classic, baseboards and doors were kept clean and similar to the originals. To brighten everything up, they installed all new lighting. “Seeing the non-working track lighting get pulled out of the living room was incredibly satisfying,” Barbra said. The floors were refinished, which let the original herringbone pattern stand out. “Refinishing made a bigger difference than I would’ve thought,” Barbra said.

They had a mural on the foyer wall that a friend had painted when they moved in. They were sad to see it go but knew a statement wall would work there.  “I love wallpaper but wanted to use it sparingly, so this seemed like the perfect spot for it,” Barbra said.

Opening up the kitchen and adding a new pass-through closer to the dining area made a huge difference. Their light-filled apartment was even brighter and sunnier now. In the kitchen, they brought in more storage by adding cabinets that went to the ceiling. They loved patterns and bold colors, but aside from the kitchen floor tile, the couple opted to save the patterns for easily changeable items like the wallpaper, rugs, pillows, and paint. As for choosing the navy shade on their cabinets, they felt the layout was classic enough that they could easily swap the door panels out for a new look, if they want it, in the future.

Their desk area had always existed in the kitchen, so when planning the new layout, it seemed natural to carve out an area specifically for this use. They found a desk that fit the opening perfectly and used wallpaper left over from the foyer to give it a more finished look.

Storage was important in other rooms, as well. In the master bedroom, their Sweeten contractor suggested combining the two existing small closets into one large one with a custom closet system. A closet was added to the third bedroom, which now had space after moving the wall, as well as a custom system to one of the entry closets. “There’s a lot more functional space now,” Barbra said. “I even have some half-way empty dresser drawers. I wish I had done all the closets. Someday!”

(Above) Hall bathroom

The other spaces that needed serious attention, of course, were the two bathrooms. They were falling apart and together made up one functioning bath: the master bath had a working shower, but the sink was broken and the second bathroom’s shower didn’t work but the sink did. The working shower had mold and a sinking shower pan. In the bathrooms, they focused on clean lines and classic tile in black/white/gray colors.

While researching materials, “Pinterest boards and Instagram were my friends. I started to find patterns with things that I liked and tagged—from tile patterns and blue color tones to exposed bulb fixtures and wood stain colors—which helped me come up with a style (if you can call it that) for the overall space,” she said. “It helped to have a clearer idea of the look I wanted to achieve with inspiration photos to refer to and show my contractor.”

(Above) Master bathroom

They were also open to ideas from their contractor. They liked that their Sweeten contractor wasn’t a “yes-man” and offered more efficient alternatives to some ideas they presented. He gave them tips on what to splurge on (the custom closets and shower doors, tile) and what not to (custom cabinets) to help them stay within budget.

When they encountered a few bumps in the road, such as waste lines and interior pipes that needed replacement, a delayed vanity cabinet, and a broken dishwasher handle “he communicated with us right away and offered immediate solutions,” she said. “Not only was their work stellar, but they were all incredibly nice guys who gave valuable feedback and advice throughout the process. Every element of our home was done with care and with attention to detail.”

Everything now is clean, airy, and bright; it feels homey, Barbra reports. “I never wanted to invest in furniture and art because everything felt so temporary,” she continued. “Now that the space is renovated, I know we’ll live here for many years and can now take the time to invest in pieces that are right for it.”

Thank you, Barbra, Sean, Jack, and Clint, for sharing your renovation story with us! 

LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM RESOURCES: Salem chandelier in Aged Brass (in living room), Cypress 5-Arm chandelier in Brushed Satin (in dining room): Rejuvenation. Paint in Gray Owl: Benjamin Moore.

ENTRY/FOYER RESOURCES: Odyssey 2 Pendant lighting: Schoolhouse. Lines wallpaper in dark blue by Ferm Living: Burke Decor. Paint in Gray Owl: Benjamin Moore. Elfa custom closet: Container Store.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Modulo 20-floor tile by Kerion, subway backsplash tile: Tiles by Kia, Long Island City, New York. Cabinets: Ikea base with Semihandmade doors. Cabinet hardware, Amerock Bars Pulls collection: Amazon. White quartz countertops: sourced by contractor. Havsen apron front sink: Ikea. Delta Trinsic faucet in Champagne Bronze: Build.com. Refrigerator: Appliances Connection. Bosch 300 Series dishwasher: P.C. Richard & Son. Blomberg 30″Pro Gas Range, 30″ over-the-range microwave oven: Appliances Connection. Lighting: Cedar & Moss. Paint in Brilliant White: Benjamin Moore. White lacquer shelves, Blake shelf brackets in aged brass: Rejuvenation. Mid-century mini desk: West Elm.

MASTER BEDROOM RESOURCES: Vega 5 chandelier light, Isaac short arm sconce: Schoolhouse. Paint in Slate Teal: Benjamin Moore. Elfa custom closet: Container Store.

MASTER BATH RESOURCES: Wall and floor tiles: Tiles by Kia, Long Island City, New York. Venus light: Cedar & Moss. Shower: Delta Trinsic via Build.com. Fresca Valencia 24″ wall-hung vanity in dark slate gray: Decor Planet. Toto Aquia toilet: Build.com. Shower door: Custom.

KID’S BEDROOM RESOURCES (GREEN): Cage brass globe pendant light: CB2. Paint in Land of Liberty (triangle) and Spring Valley (walls): Benjamin Moore. Shades: Blinds.com.

KID’S BEDROOM RESOURCES (BLUE/WHITE): Ferris 5 chandelier light: Lucent Lightshop. Paint in Utah Sky and Super White: Benjamin Moore. Shades: Blinds.com.

HALL BATHROOM RESOURCES: Marble herringbone floor tile, subway wall tile: Tiles by Kia, Long Island City, New York. Grohe Europlus shower fixtures, Grohe Essentials Collection hardware, Toto Aquia toilet, 24″ Kohler Verdera medicine cabinet, Kohler Archer soaking tub, Kovacs Saber 2-light fixture: Build.com. Maykke 24” wall-mount Eva vanity sink set: Amazon. Paint in Pure White: Benjamin Moore. Shower door: Custom.

SMALL HALLWAY RESOURCES: Bell white flush-mount light: CB2. Daydream wallpaper in indigo: Hygge & West.

THROUGHOUT APARTMENT RESOURCES: Trim/baseboard/door paint in Super White: Benjamin Moore. Schlage Bowery F Series doorknobs, #F40BWE622 in matte black: Build.com. Floor stain in Weathered Oak: Minwax. Decorative rugs: Rajbespoke.

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Sweeten helped Marie and John with their “aging-in-place” co-op renovation in Kensington, Brooklyn.

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 Full Co-op Renovation In Kensington Gets Organized & Up-to-Date appeared first on Sweeten.

If patterns in the kitchen feel outdated to you, think again. We’ve got proof that they’re making a steady (and stylish!) comeback. From personality-filled wallpaper prints to classic tile patterns, Sweeten homeowners are playing with subtle—and some not-so-subtle—forms of contrast in the kitchen. Read on for five unique takes on pattern play.

Captivated by a Hygge & West design featuring orange birds on a blue background, Mollie used the wallpaper to set the tone for her kitchen’s color scheme. She also chose a playful black-and-white tile to continue the thread of whimsy from the walls to the floor.

Amanda designed her kitchen from the ground up after selecting a Mediterranean-inspired tile for the floor. The rest of the design was chosen to complement the one-of-a-kind flooring.

Rima originally chose white subway tile for her kitchen backsplash, but her friends talked her out of it. A mix of white and gray hex tile create a modern mosaic, providing a hint of contrast without going overboard.

After going with blue-gray cabinets in the kitchen, Ainsley extended the color scheme into the dining room with an abstract blue and white wallpaper that pairs well with the warmth of the wood furniture and flooring.

Looking to preserve the classic design of her prewar kitchen, Emily chose a simple black and white color scheme. For the floor, Spanish tile injects some old-world charm and ties the look together.

While gray cabinets and gold hardware set a sophisticated tone in Holly and Christian’s kitchen, a chevron marble backsplash keeps the space feeling fresh and energized.

With limited square footage, Nancy knew that bold colors would make her kitchen feel cramped. Instead, a fun wallpaper with a dizzying array of black dots across a white backdrop makes a lively addition.

In Kavi’s kitchen, the new backsplash provides plenty of drama. White subway tiles were replaced with a kaleidoscope of black, gray, and white triangular tiles for a look that’s modern and luxe.

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Not ready to commit to a pattern in the kitchen? Consider testing out a bold print in the bathroom.

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 The Art of Patterns in the Kitchen appeared first on Sweeten.

Living room/reception area

Photos: Heidi’s Bridge

A renovation and decor overhaul were naturally in the plan when stylish design magazine Domino sought out a larger office in Midtown Manhattan for their 40-person team. They called on Sweeten for a general contractor who could carve out distinct and creative areas from a light-filled but blank open space, including a reception area, a photo studio, and a kitchen camera-ready for cooking demos. A complete build-out that was outfitted with pops of wallpaper, velvet seating, and decor galore, the result was a comfortable workspace for editors and guests alike.

PROJECT: Domino moved to new offices to accommodate their growing company

LOCATION: Midtown Manhattan

RENOVATION TEAM: Sweeten general contractor

INTERVIEW WITH: Beth Brenner, Chief Revenue Officer

Office lunch spot and frequent photo studio“Phone room” quiet spot

Sweeten: How did you find Sweeten and what made you want to try the service?

Beth Brenner, Domino: A few colleagues were sitting around one afternoon contemplating partners for our new office reno. We were moving into an old sewing factory so we knew that we had walls to build. Our wish list also included a photo studio and studio kitchen where we could create food and entertaining content on an ongoing basis. But what we didn’t know was how to find a contractor to work with nor how to start the project! Our marketing manager asked if I had ever heard of Sweeten and proclaimed, “They are so on-brand for us.” Five minutes later, I sent a blind email to team@sweeten.com and, before the day’s end, Sweeten’s director of communications, Kerry O’Brien, responded. Seems the enthusiasm to work together was completely mutual!

Conference room with magnetic organizational boardWall-to-wall bookshelf

Sweeten: Why did Domino move offices?

Domino: We needed more space for our growing company—the best reason there is!

Sweeten: How does your new space reflect your brand?

Domino: We set out to design a creative oasis that was full of light and energy—a chic space that felt at once casual and elevated, much like the Domino brand. While the furniture itself has a modern feel, the soft pink walls and mix of accessories and art really warm up the rooms. And, for an element of surprise and delight, we installed a Missoni-wallpapered “good vibes” phone room where team members can find a few minutes of peace.

Office deskOffice standing desk

Sweeten: What are the favorite aspects of the new space?

Domino: Because there is only one conference room, it was important that the space be flexible and that distinct areas be carved out for smaller meetings, private phone calls, and visiting guests. Various “nooks” were created where people now gather, the most notable of which are the Anthropologie-infused reception area and, of course, our beautiful new kitchen, which was designed and built by our Sweeten contractor. As in every home, it’s the primary gathering spot!

Flexible workspace/reading areaAcrylic consoles as bar area

Sweeten: What kind of work desks does everyone have?

Domino: The desks themselves are all the same—modern white tables, mint green file cabinets, and cushion-y off-white chairs from our good friends at CB2—but it’s been fun to watch everyone on the team personalize their own space. There were also many requests for standing desks, so we added two adjustable desks from BDI and placed them in a central area so everyone could rotate through.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Grace Serpentine Sectional: Anthropologie. Roller shade with PowerView Motorization in Maison fabric: Hunter Douglas.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Wainscott counter stool: CB2. Ellerbe Sconce: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. 30” electric cooktop and 30” downdraft: Appliances Connection. 24” glass door refrigerator: Appliances Connection. 24” panel-ready dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Calacatta Nuvo Quartz countertop: Caesarstone. Essex Faucet: Appliances Connection. Whitehaven Sink: Appliances Connection. Savoy Subway Tile: Crossville. In the island, steam convection oven and built-in microwave oven: Appliances Connection.

PHONE ROOM RESOURCES: Oriental Garden wallpaper by Missoni Home, #MI10015: York Wallcoverings. Rachel Pink and Pure White Paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams. Pyramid dining armchair by Modway: Domino.

CONFERENCE ROOM RESOURCES: Customized Foster magnetic wallboard and calendar: Visual Magnetics. Lucinda stacking chair and Orbit round chair: CB2.

BOOKSHELVES RESOURCES: Play:5: Sonos. Romance paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams.

OFFICE DESK RESOURCES: Runway white desk, Rue Cambon office chair, TPS file cabinet: CB2. Kronos 6752 Lift Standing Desk: BDi.

FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE/READING AREA RESOURCES: Piazza Sofa: CB2. Moroccan Rug: Heja Home. Extra White Paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams. Roller shade with Dual Roller style in Joie fabric: Hunter Douglas.

BAR AREA RESOURCES: Alissa Acrylic Console, #MS028: Ballard Designs. Romance paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams.

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Want to bring some renovation magic to your workspace? Check out our guide on office remodeling costs.

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 Domino’s New Office is “So Domino” appeared first on Sweeten.

Guest post by Nancy in her Upper East Side studio apartment

Nancy’s first New York City apartment was a long time in the making—35 years to be exact. She searched for a dream home in Manhattan where she could apply the movie set design playing in her mind, but none of the spaces felt right. So Nancy, who works in human resources, took matters into her own hands and purchased a 550-square-foot studio apartment on the Upper East Side that hadn’t been touched since the ’60s. Everything required an overhaul! To bring her vision to life, she made smart sacrifices in her narrow 6-foot-wide kitchen, turned a closet into a walk-in dressing room, and used wallpaper to carve out separate areas. You’ll want to read Nancy’s renovation journey.

I’ve lived in the city my whole life and have spent the last 35 years mentally cataloging my favorite buildings, blocks, and parts of the city. When I decided to buy my first place a few years ago, I was living in Chelsea—and loved it—but knew I need to shift my search further uptown to get more for my budget. I had always gravitated towards the Upper East Side and gone to open houses on and off over the years. If there’s an elevator, doorman building without in-window air conditioning units (my only real deal-breaker) in the East 70s, I’ve probably been there at some point.

The first apartment I saw on my search was in the same line I’m currently living in but on a lower floor. The apartment had been redone in a style that was fine but not my own, and the alcove was turned into a narrow bedroom cut off from heat and air conditioning. 

Fast forward a few months and I’d been turned off by so many similar “I could live with it, I guess” renovations that I was determined to buy a place that would require a lot of work, knowing I might need to sacrifice space for the ability to make my place my own. I had loved the location, building, and low maintenance costs of that first place I’d seen months ago and found a studio apartment on StreetEasy that hadn’t been touched since the ’60s, except for some new appliances–score! An offer was made, and I set out to renovate before moving in. I was excited that EVERYTHING required a refresh. My apartment is a decent-sized alcove studio—about 550 square feet—in a postwar Upper East Side high-rise. Since moving in, I’ve welcomed a fluffy new roommate named Hudson, who enjoys spending his days on the couch. We’re still working on getting him to embrace his dog bed.

I had heard about Sweeten from a few places—New York magazine, Curbed, and even from a colleague who knew the founder—so it was the first place I turned to when looking for a contractor. I met with a few matches and had a ton of questions.

*What would this cost (or rather, can I do all this with what I want to spend)?

*How long would it take? 

*How easy is it to get all my plans approved by my co-op board and the city? 

I’d been dreaming of this project since I first discovered HGTV and had a pretty clear vision of what I had in mind: a light and airy space…a dreamy beach house vibe that a character in a Nancy Meyers movie was tragically forced to squeeze into a tiny New York studio apartment (the “It’s Complicated” kitchen will have to wait). That said, I knew I needed a lot of help executing that vision and managing all of the pieces of a renovation that don’t find their way onto a Pinterest board. My Sweeten contractor was great at figuring out the best way to rewire the space, upgrade the electric panel, add in a ceiling light in the living space, inject new life to the parquet floors, and bring the plumbing up to standard.

My contractor and I spent a ton of time playing with the footprint.

*Should we close off the alcove?  

*Turn the small linen closet into a new entrance for a dressing room/bathroom?  

*Open up the kitchen and wrap the cabinets into the living space?

*Expand both the closets into a small extra room and move the living space to the windows?  

Ultimately, we decided to keep the footprint as-is, but widen the kitchen entrance that led into the living space, reconfigure the walk-in closet to be more user-friendly with french doors, and turn the cramped sleeping area closets into an open dressing room. I was always excited about the storage in the apartment, but now it’s much more efficient. Everything is put away in its own place and the storage blends into the look of the space.  

The other big question was the kitchen layout. I dragged my mom—fresh off two of her own major kitchen renovations—to IKEA on multiple occasions to work out a footprint that would achieve two things in the small space: provide as much drawer storage as possible and add a dishwasher. After one particularly insane mock-up where I had almost convinced myself I could turn the 6-foot-wide space into a galley kitchen with a dishwasher drawer stacked over an oven (must have been Swedish meatball-induced temporary insanity), we realized custom cabinets were the way to go. Surprisingly, Home Depot came through with their Innermost collection where each piece could be semi-customized to bring the cabinets to the ceiling and turn a corner into usable space. I love that I was able to fit a shallow utensil drawer below the induction cooktop. Choosing to forego the standard oven range was probably my most ‘controversial’ decision—I really wanted that dishwasher—but I’ve come to love the induction top that fits into the countertop. The combo microwave/convection oven is perfect for my needs—it cooks just as well as most of the tiny apartment ovens and frees up a ton of space.

The rest of the decisions were mostly a balance between putting my stamp on the place and keeping resale in mind. I decided to go more traditional with the permanent kitchen and bath fixtures, but have more fun with the wallpaper, fabrics, lighting, and other decorative items. Using the Tanzania wallpaper print in the entryway helped define the space and kept with the black-and-white color palette. When I decided to keep the studio apartment as an open plan, I still wanted to keep the bedroom area defined as its own and the wallpaper from Flat Vernacular—which I’m in love with—does that well. It also keeps with the light feeling of the space. My contractor suggested molding with clean profiles—it’s actually just lumber—that works perfectly with the simple baseboards. I love the detail on the new doors that have a simple style but give a bit of interest around the casing, which also helps relieve any warping with time. The floors were sanded down and refinished in a matte gray tone.

The cramped, shallow bathtub was replaced with a large shower, making the space feel more open and so much more functional—perfect for containing Hudson’s bathtime messes. The deep storage cabinet above the toilet was one of the few things I’d probably do differently as it was a gaffe on my part. I ordered the cabinet without paying attention to how far out it would protrude—it’s 10-inches deep—and was installed with tile around it before I realized. It’s not the end of the world, but using a shallow medicine cabinet would have been a better choice.

As with any reno, there were some hiccups along the way with permits taking a long time to come through and building regulations stopping work for any and all holidays. The 60-year-old pipes burst downstairs onto some very understanding neighbors, and then from above onto my freshly renovated space about a week after everything was done!

Sweeten was a great partner along the way. Once I posted my project, they helped me figure out what I could do with my budget and asked the right questions so I could evaluate the bids I received. They were a great sounding board when faced with questions during the process, such as delays and increased costs. I definitely recommend any renovator to use the Sweeten team to understand all the moving pieces throughout the process. Having lived in my space for some time now, I love it, and there isn’t much I would do differently. I am getting the bug to renovate and decorate a new space. So who knows, maybe I’ll be calling Sweeten again soon with a new space to refresh!

Thank you, Nancy, for inviting us into your super chic and beautiful home!

BATH RESOURCES: Basalt 1″ hex floor tile and Kohler white subway wall tile: Bella Tile. Shower fixtures: Grohe. Shower baskets: Appliances Connection. Sink and vanity: Appliances Connection. Toilet: Appliances Connection. Light fixtures: Lighting New York. Paint: Benjamin Moore.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: DuraCeramic floor tiles: Congoleum. Innermost kitchen cabinets: Home Depot. Classico countertops in Organic White: Caesarstone. Pewter Grey backsplash tile: Daltile. Refrigerator and panel-ready dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Induction cooktop: Appliances Connection. Advantium convection microwave/oven: Appliances Connection. Light fixture: Lighting New York. Cabinet hardware: Restoration Hardware. Tanzania wallpaper: Thibaut.

BEDROOM RESOURCES: Wallpaper: Flat Vernacular. Ceiling light fixture: Schoolhouse Electric. Basil flushmount closet chandelier: Visual Comfort. Window treatment and hardware: Restoration Hardware. Closet cabinets: California Closets. Baskets and hangers: Container Store.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Penthouse and Chantilly Lace wall paint: Benjamin Moore. Trillion flush mount ceiling light fixture: Visual Comfort.

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Lauren’s impossibly charming studio gets a stylish makeover with a new kitchen, bathroom, alcove bedroom, and Pinterest-worthy closet in this Brooklyn Heights renovation.

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 Movie Set Comes to Life in a Manhattan Studio Apartment appeared first on Sweeten.

Editor’s Note: Blane’s apartment overhaul is truly unforgettable. The post, originally published in 2016, showcases a mix of high-end materials and appliances paired with budget-friendly cabinets. An accountant by trade, Blane knows when to splurge and when to save, blending stock items with custom pieces throughout his home. Read on for a smart reno and play a fun game of “spot the pup!” in the photos below.

After “countless hours of watching HGTV,” Blane started to have big thoughts about ways he might make the kitchen and bathroom in his Ditmas Park/North Midwood condo better. While neither space was in particularly bad shape, he knew when he moved in that he would be plagued by a lack of light in the kitchen, and the bathroom felt mismatched to modern updates elsewhere in the apartment. With visions of a TV-worthy renovation, he posted his project on Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted contractors, and was introduced to this Sweeten general contractor.

Blane works in accounting at a law firm and is no stranger to budgets, so he was fastidious with his planning, choosing materials and fleshing out a game plan before even meeting with a contractor. With an initial budget of $35K, he planned to brighten the kitchen with cabinets in a lighter hue, substantially increase the limited counter space with an island, add a sliding door to the bedroom to keep the entry transition as efficient as possible, and cultivate a luxurious vibe in the master bath with an oversized walk-in shower and a neutral color scheme in place of its existing minty and slightly medical vibe.

After extensive research and some early attempts at drawing out his own cabinet footprint, he got started with his contractor. First, the team decided to tackle the bathroom. Here, Blane got his inspiration from an unlikely place. “My first purchase was actually the toilet, and things kind of evolved around there,” Blane said. “I’ve never had any sort of fancy toilet like that before. The new toilet has a remote, which I had never heard of. The Japanese are at the forefront of luxury so we’ll trust them.” The Toto toilet was just the beginning of the luxe vibe.

Blane chose a combination of slate and hexagon mosaic tiles for the wall, with a neutral mix of stone and wood for the heated (yes, heated!) floors. Then he pulled out all the stops with a walk-in, double-wide shower with a custom sliding glass door and rain showerhead, plus a double sink vanity, in a bit of long-range planning to make the apartment cohabitation-friendly. The contractor’s team capped the detailed work with a slanted, but sturdy, bench design in the shower and herringbone tile design on the bathroom floor, all in a soothing gray palette.

In the kitchen, Blane chose white upper cabinets with gray base units, giving the space a brightened, more modern effect. After heavy research focused on IKEA, the contractor actually suggested Blane swap his blueprint for a similar cabinet option from Home Depot, which gave him the same lacquered and bright uppers, with a striated gray laminate bottom set. The team removed a wall and moved the oven to the other side of the cabinet line, opening up the kitchen and improving the flow for prep and serving. To give Blane even more space for culinary exploits (and entertaining), the team brought in an island with a durable, waterfall quartz countertop with room for bar seating. Bonus: The island features its own electrical outlets, thanks to the contractor who snuck in a power source under a few floorboards.

In the dining room, Blane purchased a stunning ghost wood table, handmade by Jim at Breukelen Tafel in Carroll Gardens. To highlight the space, he and the team created a wallpapered accent wall to bring together the table, the gray walls, and the white and gray in the kitchen. “I think the wall, even though it was a simple thing, is now one of the best features of the apartment,” Blane said.

Blane admits that the process was mostly painless—despite living in the condo with a dog throughout the renovation. Though he went over his budget by 40 percent, he admits it was because of his decisions to choose more premium materials rather than any runaway labor costs. Even with the bathroom and kitchen in process at the same time, Blane was impressed that living in the rubble could be possible thanks to the team’s efforts to seal up the work zones and keep dust to a minimum. Looking at the finished product, Blane is thrilled. “I’m really happy it worked out,” Blane said. “Especially since I didn’t have a designer and I was relying on my accountant abilities to make good decisions.” Even though the contractor didn’t come from a design and build firm, his decades of experience let Blane lean on him for opinions and advice.

But Blane’s best advice for anyone going into the process is to do as much research as possible and be prepared to adjust as challenges come up. Inconvenient issues can sometimes be opportunities: when a light problem with Blane’s closet or gaps between wall and ceiling tiles were discovered, the contractor came up with elegant solutions that often improved on the original plan. “They take great pride in their work, and even came back to do a touch-up here and there as things settled in the months after the project ended, at no additional cost,” Blane said. “If the final results don’t speak already for themselves, I highly recommend them.”

Now Blane has the space to sprawl in his upgraded condo with one of Brooklyn’s most adorable dogs, his new pup, Harvey. However, he sheepishly admits he’s not always using that kitchen for intense, five-star-worthy fare. “I’m cooking now more than I was, but you get in that sandwich kick and it’s hard to change from that.”

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Martha Stewart Living Lancombe Avenue High Gloss Picket Fence upper cabinets and Martha Stewart Living Weston in Persian Gray lower cabinets: Home Depot. Cabinet knobs: Belwith. Cabinet pulls: Appliances Connection. Undercabinet lighting: Lightkiwi. Faucet and soap dispenser: Appliances Connection. Sink: Kraus. Pendants: ET2 Online. Bellavita Bamboo Planks backsplash: Discount Glass Tile Store. InSinkErator garbage disposal: Amazon. Panasonic microwave and trim kit: Amazon. Cavaliere range hood: Overstock.com. Halo LED ceiling lighting: Amazon. Quartzmasters 1 1/4″ White Arabascato countertops: ATP Services (2729b W 16th St, Brooklyn).

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Stone: ATP Services (2729b W 16th St, Brooklyn). Hansgrohe shower wall bar set, rain shower head, and trim: Decorprice. Wyndham Collection linen tower and vanity: Wayfair. Vanity faucets: ModernBathroom. Gatco towel bar and toilet paper holder: Amazon. Toto toilet: Amazon. Somertile Cliff Hexagon Black accent wall tiles: Amazon. Metro Gris 12 in. x 24 in. wall tiles and Montagna Dapple Gray 6 in. x 24 in. floor tiles: Home Depot. Wooden White and Granite Three Finish Hexagon Mosaic shower floor tiles: Discount Glass Tile Store. Custom glass doors and hardware: Silver Glass & Mirror Brooklyn. George Kovacs Saber Chrome 12-Inch 24 Light LED Bath Lamp sconces: Bellacor. Sliding system: C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. Heated floor system: SunTouch.

DINING ROOM RESOURCES: Nottingham wallpaper in white and gray: Graham & Brown. Sliding door hardware: Barn Door Hardware. Dining room table: Breukelen Tafel.

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The two-tone cabinet effect in Jane’s kitchen—white on top and gray along the bottom—makes the space feel bigger while adding some much-needed contrast.

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 Kitchen and Bath Get Camera-Ready appeared first on Sweeten.