Tiffany and Chad's two-tone blue and white kitchen cabinets are home—thanks to their contractor

• Homeowners: Tiffany and Chad, both in pharmaceutical advertising, posted their kitchen remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Park Slope, in Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A new layout for a kitchen stretches along a single wall in an 895-square-foot condo
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner quote: “We were able to bid [our project] out and compare estimates across multiple options. [Sweeten] made a tedious process seamless and easy.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—at no cost to the homeowner.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Tiffany. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten.

From a rental to home, sweet, home

Chad and I love Brooklyn, particularly Park Slope. When our relationship became serious and each of us knew we’d be together for the long haul, we purchased our one-bedroom condo. Interest rates were super low due to the pandemic, so it was a good time to buy. (We just got married in this apartment earlier this year!) We share our home with our two pups, Freddie and Georgie Weasley. 

Prior to moving in, the space had been rented to many tenants since 2006. As a result, the kitchen and bathroom felt grimy. I am a super clean freak and just wanted to design something we loved for our first home together.

The original kitchen was tucked in the corner. We would open it up to the living space but also elongate it across one wall. Chad and I like different styles so we chose to mix them—traditional/country with a Brooklyn/industrial accent. It has a ton of personality.

Two-tone blue and white kitchen cabinets glow in Brooklyn

In an effort to save money, we decided to be the project managers for our own renovation. We found our designer, cabinet supplier, and general contractor each separately—and we were the go-betweens for each one. 

"Our contractor helped us source new cabinets and the results were amazing."

Our renovation would be a simple rip-and-replace. Only a small portion of the wall was removed. We broke up the monotone with dual-color cabinets to give the space some character. They really pop, especially against the herringbone backsplash. The floating shelves are reclaimed for that country and industrial touch. The wood pieces are unfinished so it has that raw look we were looking for.  

A hurdle with a happy solution

Hands down, our biggest challenge involved the purchase of our kitchen cabinets. We spent $10,000 on cabinets based on the beautiful showroom pieces we saw in person. After four months, the delivery arrived with the cabinets in terrible shape that were unrepairable. Paint and pieces of wood were breaking off. The materials felt much lighter than what we saw in the showroom.

Our Sweeten contractor advised us not to move forward with installing them. He predicted the cabinets would need to be replaced between six months to a year. His team helped us source new cabinets and the results were amazing.

Our renovation team—supportive all the way

As first-time renovators, we didn’t know what the first steps were or what was required for a kitchen renovation. Our contractor and his wife were the absolute best. They proved to be professional and trustworthy. Furthermore, they were super committed to doing the best work and making their clients happy. They left the space very clean; the post-construction cleanup wasn’t as intense as I had expected it to be. 

We found our contractor through Sweeten. We were able to bid this out and compare estimates across multiple options. They made a tedious process seamless and easy. Another integral part of the team was our designer, Keith Spears, who guided us step by step. He helped to create drawings, choose materials, and identify where to purchase the product.

We love absolutely everything about our new kitchen. It lights up the entire apartment. The quartz countertop and black and gold accents are my favorites but the farmhouse sink is a showstopper. We also feel lucky to have ample countertop space; a luxury living in NYC. The decision to revamp our space was the right one. Our first apartment feels so much more like home.

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Kitchen cabinets: Sourced through contractor. Kitchen designer: Keith Spears. Fonce Collection cabinet hardware in matte black and satin brass: Schaub. Ceramic white subway backsplash tile: Floor & Décor. Lordear white farmhouse sink, 30″x20″x10″: Wayfair. Delta Trinsic faucet in matte black: Amazon. Undercabinet lighting: Flexfire LEDs.

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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 My Sweeten Story: A Blue and White Kitchen with a Modern Farmhouse Look appeared first on Sweeten.

Less material at eye-level is an appealing way to open up a cook space

Reallocating storage for shelving

There are few instances where a kitchen doesn’t require more storage. The more the better as the mantra states. However, there are some scenarios where a kitchen without upper cabinets is just what the aesthetic calls for. Without the bulk directly at eye level, the space opens up, feels larger, and brings a calm minimalist quality.

Some kitchens may have just enough storage in the lower cabinets to fulfill a cook’s needs. In addition, a closet or pantry nearby may take on storage duties. Below, Sweeten homeowners show how their small-space to mid-sized renovated kitchens function easily with fewer or no uppers.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Lower cabinets made-to-order

As first-time renovators, Chrissy and Matt tackled their initial questions of finding a general contractor and managing bid negotiations. The result was hiring a Sweeten contractor who they felt was in sync with their vision for a new kitchen.

The couple balanced a variety of materials with a tight budget and specifically designed their kitchen without upper cabinets. The driving factor was to save money even though they were concerned about dust on open shelves.  In the end, they moved forward with the plan. It turned out to be the right choice while keeping the look simple yet unique.

Chrissy and Matt were meticulous during the planning and maximized to the inch for all of the lower cabinets. Since the plywood cabinets were custom, they measured every kitchenware they used most often. From the coffee grinder to the pitcher, they planned the exact drawers they would be stored in.

A pantry: the key to gaining an open shelf design

After 14 years of living in her co-op, Melissa finally decided to renovate the kitchen and remove two walls enclosing it. The visual impact was immediate. Natural light streaming in from multiple living room windows now reached the kitchen. Floating shelves would make the most of the open concept layout as a decorative display. A vertical pantry provides the necessary storage for small appliances and dry goods. Without upper cabinets, Melissa was able to install a full wall of square tiles for the modern ‘70s Italian look she was after.

Modern design idea: a kitchen without upper cabinets

An NYC couple found a relaxing weekend escape in their Amagansett home. The kitchen in the 2,000-square-foot house is washed in natural light with such a calm airiness. Simple white open shelves blend in with the white wall behind them and take the place of upper cabinets. Lower drawers and cabinets in Douglas fir run around the perimeter.

Best of both worlds

When Jeremy and Chris closed up one of two entrances in their co-op’s kitchen, it allowed the length of the cabinetry to be extended on one side of the room. The extra space also doubled the counter space and created enough room for a pantry and wine fridge. With additional storage in place, extra-long open shelves lined the opposite wall for a more open feel. It looks like having half-upper cabinets and half-open shelves is a compromise that works just right.

When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, discuss with your Sweeten contractor if designing a kitchen without upper cabinets is possible in your space. 

A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days.

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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 Kitchen Without Upper Cabinets Feels Serene appeared first on Sweeten.

Keeping the same layout, a fresh slate of materials adds a personal touch

• Homeowners: First-time homeowner Abby posted her project on Sweeten
• Where: Crown Heights in Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A newly-built condo gets a fresh sage green kitchen re-do
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “I had also heard a lot of renovation horror stories about delays, misinformation, and cost overruns. Sweeten was a great resource in making me feel comfortable to undertake the project.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—at no cost to the homeowner.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Abby. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten.

Good timing for a renovation

I made my first home purchase during COVID in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. My condo is located in a building built in 2020 and is steps away from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum. I was renting in the Flatbush area and my lease wasn’t ending immediately. So, it allowed me to do the renovation before I moved in.

Inspired by a country feel and green kitchens

Although it was new construction, the kitchen felt very dark to me and had a kind of ‘80s vibe. The backsplash had square tiles and dark grout; it reminded me of graph paper. 

I also wasn’t a huge fan of the cabinets. Although I like color, I preferred a more airy green kitchen color instead of the existing darker cabinets. The kitchen design I wanted was a farmhouse feel, and choosing Shaker-style cabinets would get me there. The open layout of the existing kitchen worked well functionally, so the renovation would be surface only.

As a first-time renovator, I posted my project on Sweeten. They were a great resource for researching contractors, renovation cost guides, and budgets. Starting a conversation with contractors can definitely be intimidating if you haven’t done it before. I would have been pretty lost in terms of finding a reputable professional who I felt was trustworthy.

"We would schedule check-ins every few weeks where I could see the progress on-site, check out samples, and get any questions answered."

Spotlight on sage green kitchen cabinets

Our general contractor custom-made the cabinets. At first we were thinking of just ordering cabinets and painting them, but I think the end result came out really well. I had been thinking about green kitchen cabinets for a long time. Sage green kitchen cabinets have color but is a tone that isn’t overwhelming.

The fixtures would be black to complement the sink which I was planning to keep. I chose a clean white subway tile for the backsplash to maintain a calm and bright look. I think it came out beautifully.

We replaced the old floating shelves with walnut. These would be wall-hung and flushed to the wall, which were more streamlined than the previous ones. Luckily, the existing wood floor was a neutral tone, so no changes were needed for the flooring. 

I wasn’t living in the space yet but the renovation went smoothly. I lucked out! The only hiccup was when the entire range hood had to be moved to replace the backsplash which was time-consuming.

The right contractor delivers a dream kitchen

Before the project started, I was mostly concerned with making sure the condo would be done before my lease was up. I had also heard a lot of horror stories about delays, misinformation, and cost overruns. Sweeten was a great renovation resource in making me feel comfortable undertaking the project.

My Sweeten contractor was great to work with. He was very communicative and patient with me as a first-time homeowner and renovator! We would schedule check-ins every few weeks where I could see the progress on-site, check out samples, and get any questions answered.

I love how bright, airy, and clean the new kitchen feels. I also really like the floating shelves. It’s a nice way to display my pottery and glassware that would usually be hidden in a cabinet somewhere.

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Kitchen cabinets: Custom millwork by general contractor. Black hardware: Wayfair. Cabinet paint in Saybrook Sage: Benjamin Moore. Flooring, countertops, sink/faucet, appliances, and lighting: Existing.

A note on fixtures and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days.

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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, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

The post A Sage Green Kitchen Has a Country Vibe appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

• Homeowner: Lauren posted her Brooklyn Heights kitchen remodel on Sweeten to create a multi-functional space
• Where: Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A kitchen in a 700-square-foot co-op that sweetens the living space too
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Lauren DeMattia

Renovation plan: living in the space

To say I won the real estate lottery might feel like an overstatement, but after a short hunt, I found a Brooklyn Heights co-op in a 1920s building. It had everything I had been looking for—two bedrooms, a corner unit, lots of windows, high ceilings, and a single block from multiple subway stations. The only drawback was that the place needed a lot of work.

Before moving in I did some things that really needed doing: putting in new hardwood floors, fully gutting the original bathroom, and installing updated electrical and lighting. At the time, the idea of touching the kitchen was out of the question—and budget. But it was, thankfully, the newest portion of the apartment and didn’t necessarily need work yet. It also had a weird layout that didn’t exactly scream a clear solution.

I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I had a plan for my remodel. The key was living in the apartment long enough to come up with the right solution before demolition started.

Planning the new kitchen layout

Ultimately, I knew I wanted a kitchen that felt open to the living room with lots of storage (this is NYC). I also wanted a new layout that still provided some sort of entryway and coat closet.

As soon as I moved in, I began thinking about and talking about my most recent, “brilliant” plan for the kitchen layout to friends and family. First, I was set on an island, then a peninsula, and then I thought about moving the plumbing. I realized that I had to narrow down what was (and wasn’t) working for the kitchen.

They created a sleek bookshelf that also hides my radiator and air conditioner units…

The layout technically had a lot of counter prep space, but it was in two separate areas, so I often had my back to my guests while I cooked. I loved the giant coat closet within the “entry,” but keeping it meant my options were limited. The appliances were in decent shape, though oversized for the space. A weird drop ceiling over part of the kitchen made it feel disconnected from the rest of the living room. This ceiling, coupled with a half-height wall that separated the front door from the kitchen, made the kitchen feel smaller than it actually was.

Adding a drop ceiling

Five years and probably quite a few exasperated friends and co-workers later, I settled on a plan for the kitchen. There would be no island and no peninsula. Everything was out from floor-to-ceiling. The huge coat closet was partially removed to make room for custom cabinets, panel-ready appliances, and a new drop ceiling that mirrored the curve of the floor transition from new tile to my existing hardwood floors.

With the coat closet gone, I decided to expand the closet in my bedroom to make up for the lost space. Aesthetically, I’ve always loved blue cabinets and knew that I wanted to do darker kitchen cabinets with a lighter floor and a whiter countertop with some wood accents.

I chose a separate cooktop and oven because the space I had for the stove was much deeper than a traditional countertop and I wanted to take full advantage of the space I had. I also wanted the appliances to look seamless and fully integrated. Plus, I hate the weird space that always happens between a stove and the cabinet where dirt and food collects.

Two prep zones

To get more workable counter space, I moved the stove to another wall. The original location of the refrigerator was a perfect spot. The sink remained on its original wall and was centered in order to get counter space on either side and keep it close to the cooktop/oven. By doing this, I created two zones for prep on each side of the sink.

Once I made the decision about the sink and cooktop/oven, I knew that the old coat closet had to be downsized to make room for the refrigerator. I opted for a panel-ready refrigerator because I felt like opening the front door and having a seamless wall of cabinetry would help mitigate the fact that you were walking right into the kitchen. Functionally, I was also trying to create a triangle between my sink, cooktop/oven, and the refrigerator.

Just to the left of the refrigerator happened to be the perfect location for a pantry. I had some built-in, pull-out drawers earmarked for my pots and pans and a simple pull-out wire drawer (it was super easy to install!) for my pantry items. With storage, food, and the refrigerator covered, I used the remaining space to the right of the refrigerator to create a new coat closet.

Seamless transition between kitchen and living area

Based on the way my apartment “boundaries” were, there was a funny niche on the TV wall into which a counter and cabinets were installed. With the new design, there’s storage below where my microwave and toaster oven live and “open” storage above to display my pretty kitchen items. The glass doors open and can be tucked away so the countertop can be used as a bar top for parties.

I also wanted to have a place to eat. By pushing my living room furniture closer to the window, I made room for a new dining table and chairs. I had the pendant lights installed over the table. Extra work had to be done to build out the beam in the ceiling to hide the electrical boxes.

Much like the kitchen design, the idea of a built-in at the window had been on my mind since I bought the apartment. With a millworker already doing custom cabinets, I figured the built-in should be done as well. A sleek bookshelf was created that also hides my radiator and air conditioner units that were always annoyingly off-centered from the windows. I selected a “piano” finish on the top of the bookshelf for easy cleanup. I’m looking forward to exercising my hopefully-green thumb.

Consider all possibilities

I optimistically planned for a “quick” two-month renovation, during which I lived in the second bedroom with all my possessions and a microwave. Of course, it took almost three months before I could move back into my own bedroom, and another two months before the project finished.

My advice for anyone preparing for a renovation: take your time. Do your research; debate all the possibilities. It was better to wait and mull over all my plans (for years!) before making the investment. Using Sweeten helped with the process of finding a contractor. I appreciated being able to read references and see photos of previous projects, which helped me see the quality of each contractor’s work.

Brighter and more functional home

Renovating my own space as an architect was good and bad: good because I knew what I wanted and how to articulate it to the contractor. But also bad, or rather tricky, because I knew exactly what I wanted and expected a specific level of quality and detail.

The final result was worth the discomfort and occasional tears. I’m incredibly happy with my new space. The kitchen is so bright and open,  and the layout is functional with tons of storage. Bonus: I was even able to make space for a proper dining table! Now, instead of talking to my friends about renovating, we talk about about the next time they’re coming for dinner.

Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your Brooklyn Heights kitchen remodel story with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinets: Custom. Cabinet knobs: Simon’s Hardware & Bath. Quartzite “macaubas” countertops and backsplash: European Granite & Marble. Bosch appliances: Appliances Connection. Floor tile: Mosaic House. Floating Shelf: Custom. Dining table and pendants: Room & Board. Dining chairs: Overstock.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Sofa: Crate & Barrel. Rug: Rugs USA. Table: DIY by the homeowner.

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Hiding the fridge is a great design trick for elevating the look and feel of your kitchen.

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 “5-Year-Planned” Kitchen Remodel in Brooklyn Heights appeared first on Sweeten.

The post An L-Shaped Kitchen Checks Every Wish-List Box appeared first on Sweeten.

Is your bedroom a peaceful retreat, or does the vibe remind you of a college dorm room—or worse? Whether you’re dealing with lack of storage, an unsightly radiator, or discolored and uneven walls, don’t stress! From clever disguises (what radiator?) to secret storage, these remodeling tips from Sweeten homeowners help you get closer to the bedroom of your dreams.

Custom radiator cover

Terri and Brett’s master bedroom in their Prospect Heights home

If you have a radiator in your space, your design goal will be to disguise the unit and let it fade into the background. Homeowners (and architects) Terri and Brett did just that, designing a custom radiator cover that would blend in with their minimalist decor. Their millworker brought their plans to life and installed clips along the slatted fronts, making them removable for easy access.

Built-in shelving

The guest bedroom in AJ and Ray’s Sunset Park brownstone

When a bed takes up most of the floor space, it might be hard to find room for additional furniture like a dresser or bookcase. AJ and Ray found a way to add storage to their guest bedroom in the form of built-in shelving, taking advantage of a nook between the closet and entrance that was too narrow for anything else.

Window seat with storage

Matthew’s bedroom in his Hell’s Kitchen apartment

Another option for dealing with a lack of dresser space in the bedroom: install a built-in cabinet that’s raised a couple inches off the ground. Carving out a window seat allowed Matthew to extend the height of his bedroom storage above the sill without blocking any sunlight.

Skim coating

The master bedroom in Marsha and Adam’s Bed-Stuy brownstone

While fresh paint is capable of reviving just about any space, it won’t do much in the way of hiding scratches and dents. Enter skim coating, a process that smooths and fills in imperfections before painting. The clean, skim-coated backdrop in Marsha and Adam’s bedroom allows their mid-century modern furnishings to shine.

Color blocking

One of Marsha and Adam’s daughter’s bedrooms in their Brooklyn home

If you do decide to paint, consider bringing in some personality with color blocking. In the bedroom above, a burst of pink warms up the nearly all-white space while adding a fun twist.

Custom headboard

Bellamy and Zak’s guest bedroom in their Bed-Stuy brownstone

The original set of doors in the foyer of Bellamy and Zak’s home had lots of character but blocked the flow of light through the first floor. They decided to remove the doors, but instead of getting rid of them, Bellamy repurposed them to create a striking headboard in the guest bedroom.

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Banish the clutter monster from under (and around) your bed. Read Bedrooms With Style and Storage to Spare.

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 6 Bedroom Ideas to Wake up Your Space appeared first on Sweeten.

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Project: Reimagine a woefully insufficient kitchen for a busy Manhattan family in Morningside Heights

Before: With only a single lonely cabinet under the sink, a rolling island from Ikea serving as extra counterspace, and two white-painted shelves, homeowner Janna resorted to stacking her family’s dry and preserved foods on freestanding shelving. “We joked that it looked like a corner deli,” she recalls. With an inadequately small refrigerator and two stove burners that needed to be lit by match, Janna was ready to reimagine her storage situation along with smart space planning for new appliances.

After: The main hurdle was designing a plan more unique than a galley-style kitchen. Janna and her husband Jeremy credit their Sweeten contractor for being an enormous help in creating a usable space. A large new archway to the living room lets the cook keep tabs on family and guests while also making the kitchen look bigger. Removing an abandoned dumbwaiter contributed precious extra square feet, in which a generous walk-in pantry closet with a red door now sits. “Sometimes I just stand inside and admire it,“ Janna admits. A side benefit was that the extra storage allowed her to comfortably skip upper cabinets in favor of display shelves with integrated lighting for an airy vibe.

New walnut lower cabinets run below the exterior window, flanking the 24-inch Italian range. Not concerned with resale, they chose a teal-colored backsplash for a bold statement. Turning the corner, the L-shape ColorQuartz countertop serves as a pass-through and doubles as a laundry center thanks to a new washer beneath. Janna skipped an electric dryer to save space, preferring instead to hang-dry clothes. Also under the counter is a smaller dishwasher since their previous full-sized one was never fully utilized.

Bonus: Though a splurge, the Elica pendant range hood increases air circulation without requiring wall-mounting like a traditional hood, which would have blocked the kitchen window.

Style finds: Ikea farmhouse sink; Appliances Connection faucet; Benjamin Moore paint; Appliances Connection washing machine and dishwasher; Appliances Connection refrigerator/freezer; Appliances Connection range; floor tile and Portuguese floral backsplash from Artistic Tile; ColorQuartz countertop; WNL Lighting ceiling fan; Appliances Connection pendant range hood.

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Feeling trapped in a half-galley kitchen, this fashion illustrator felt herself drawn to a colorful and creative renovation.

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

The post A Kitchen Sheds Its Deli-Style Quality appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: A contemporary kitchen update in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Before: To refresh this open 100-square-foot kitchen, the homeowner chose a Sweeten contractor who would make some key changes, including replacing harsh gloss black counters, which showed dirt. She wanted a new sink, a pale marble backsplash, and a stainless range hood to punch up minimalist replacement cabinets.

After: Nothing juices property values like natural light. A once-blocked window jumped back into full view when frosted glass-front cabinets came down from in front, thus brightening new open shelving installed against the adjacent wall. Existing wood-finish base cabinets got swapped for efficient white Swedish cabinetry from IKEA, upgraded with a Lazy Susan in the corner and lighting inside.

The post A Greenpoint Kitchen Basks in a New Light appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Renovate my kitchen in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Before: This tired kitchen was sorely out-of-step for an active family with two young children. Floors, cabinets, backsplashes, countertops, and appliances all begged to be updated. “The structural issues included gaping holes in walls behind the cabinets and outdated electrical,” notes owner Cybele Malone.

After: Job one for Cybele’s Sweeten general contractor was removing the existing penny tile floor, a cleaning nightmare thanks to plentiful grouting. Mud was applied to level the surface, in preparation for durable faux wood ceramic planks that butt together with minimal grout, like real timber flooring (read: low maintenance!).

Gutting walls around the room gained a sliver of extra space for counters. Slightly deeper new countertops are white quartz, to bounce light around. Adding a dishwasher cost storage space below the counter, so to compensate for the loss, much taller upper cabinets go right to the ceiling, where oversized crown molding is painted to match the Shaker-inspired doors featuring soft-close.

A drafty-in-winter exhaust fan got nixed to make room for a stainless shelf and compact microwave. Muddy brown backsplashes are replaced with bold teal 1940’s-inspired tile laid like bricks, their white grout highlighting a graphic running-bond layout.

Bonus: In a previously overlooked corner, cantilevered shelves offer a hands-off high perch for colorful accessory display. Someday, more shelves will be added below, to increase capacity when the family’s young kids get older.

Style finds: Porcelain floor planks, subway-style wall tiles, Appliances Connection range, Appliances Connection refrigerator and dishwasher, Waypoint cabinets, synthetic quartz countertops, and a stainless steel sink.

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Have a galley kitchen that needs function and major “pick-me-up”? This renovation did just that.

Here’s a guideline on the difference between pre-fabricated, custom and built-to-order kitchen cabinets—including stock from Ikea.

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

The post A Kitchen Goes Low Maintenance appeared first on Sweeten.