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When embarking on his Brooklyn loft remodel, this interior designer stayed flexible

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Sue and Alex posted their loft remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A full-unit Brooklyn loft remodel aiming to add storage and functionality while preserving the apartment’s “80s loft” aesthetic
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches renovating homeowners with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.
  

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Alex 

Elevating the best aspects of home

We have been living in this apartment in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, since 2015. It was the first place we lived together, and it felt like a real 1980s loft, which Sue and I liked a lot. The previous owner was crafty—he’d installed his own kitchen cabinets, and the spirit of the place was very DIY. Sue works in Fin-tech and I am in interior design. We didn’t do much work when we first moved in, thinking it made sense to let the apartment evolve.

The apartment comprises approximately 900 square feet. It had many vantage points, which our cat, who recently passed, really enjoyed. The neighborhood seems to have a lot of building conversions—a church here, a school there, made into residential apartments. Our building belongs to the latter group, and was converted more than 30 years ago. Visitors are often amazed at how wide the hallways are. That sort of space is not something you often encounter in NYC.

Honing in on the shared lifestyle

Looking to build on the apartment’s openness, we made a few changes early on. One was removing a spiral staircase and replacing it with an industrial-use stair; it remains in the same location in the current iteration. Another was taking out an idiosyncratic shelving system that the previous owner had installed. We are both utilitarian, and that aspect of our personalities influences our aesthetic.

We also like this word that the Dutch have, Gezellig, which translates to something like coziness. It’s not a style, per se, but achieving it was a driving force for our renovation. We didn’t want an overly designed space, but rather one that felt considered.

Practical launch pad to renovate

We planned our renovation to coincide with the water boiler warranty expiration. Each unit has its own boiler, and you always hear about these things failing shortly after their warranty goes. We figured we would try to avoid becoming a statistic. The apartment was also in desperate need of an electrical panel upgrade. We wanted to add an in-unit washer and dryer and a shower to our powder room. In addition, the apartment lacked, and desperately needed, built-in storage. 

We posted our project, and Sweeten was a great help in providing a list of relevant contractors. Since I work in this field, I did not utilize other services the company provides. I wanted to complete the renovation within an allotted time frame, and keep within a firm budget. Our Sweeten contractors were great to work with; we had a few conversations before the renovation, and they were very accommodating. 

In the end, we were able to salvage the work and it turned out nicely. It felt serendipitous.

Design tricks-of-the-trade

It is always exciting to see a project on paper come to life, but it is especially interesting when you have an experimental client—in this case, ha!, ourselves. Our contractor convinced me that we should open up the entry foyer, which I wasn’t sure of. But in the end I think sacrificing the extra storage was worth it to expand the passageway. We also separated the passthrough between the dining and living space with an oversized barn door, which disappears when retracted.

We employed other tricks as well. Take the painting and color scheme, for example. We applied a World War I ship-camouflage technique known as Dazzle—which was a way of masking the volume and shape of military ships using geometric patterns—to try to make walls and objects more or less vanish into the space. We used black behind the TV to have it blend into the space. It is also a nod to the blackboard that would have hung on the wall in this former classroom.

We stayed with a pretty strict material palette just because it is easier to manage and is also a fun challenge to stretch the limit of the material. For example, the black countertop and black backsplash is actually a paper-based product that is extremely durable. I also used it as treads for the stairs.

Being flexible during the process

No matter how simple you aim to keep it, in any construction project, there will be challenges to overcome. We moved out of the apartment during the renovation, but I went to the job site every other day to make sure we were moving forward. During one visit, I noticed that the contracting team had framed one of the walls in the wrong location. Instead of losing time having the contractor demolish the framing and restart, however, I decided to redesign that portion of the space. I did it overnight. In the end, we were able to salvage the work and it turned out nicely. It felt serendipitous. 

Paying attention to and working within the process always helps, and given my work, I am familiar with the arc a job follows. Our favorite part of the renovation was the end.  

Working from home for the past year, we were able to enjoy the apartment’s ample flow of sunlight throughout the day. It is great to have a space that works so well and feels not just in sync with the building we live in, but with our entire lifestyle. 

Thanks for sharing your Brooklyn loft remodel with us, Sue and Alex!

Materials Guide

LIVING AREA RESOURCES: Paint in Simply White and Black Forest Green: Benjamin Moore. Industrial staircase: Grainger. 

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Paint in Simply White: Benjamin Moore. Kitchen cabinets and hardware: Ikea. Countertops and backsplash (white material from Krion; black material from Richlite; Elkay sink and AXOR faucet: Porcelanosa. Refrigerator: Appliances Connection. Dishwasher and stove: Appliances Connection.

BATHROOM RESOURCES:  Porcelain wall & floor tile; Vanity and sink: Porcelanosa. Shower fixtures and hardware: Hansgrohe. Toilet: American Standard.

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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 Cozy Loft in a Converted School Building appeared first on Sweeten.

This family’s 2-unit renovation was worth the wait

“After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Isis and Stephano moved into their pre-war home and posted their Brooklyn brownstone bathroom project on Sweeten
• Where: Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Expansion, reconfiguration, and renovation of the Brooklyn brownstone’s fourth-floor bathroom, which does double-duty as a laundry room
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches residential renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering know-how, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowners Isis and Stephano

Purchasing the right Brooklyn brownstone

Isis, a brand and experiential marketing specialist, and Stephano, a nurse anesthetist, closed on their brownstone home at the end of 2018. It was a fixer-upper, with four floors comprising of a 3-story apartment for the family and a garden-level rental unit. Renovating the bathroom topped their priority list at first, but had to be postponed. “We’d gutted it but weren’t able to immediately redo it,” Isis said, “because we had to prioritize repairs to the roof and work on the downstairs unit.” With two kids and a third on the way, they were not excited about putting off the bathroom—a job that included expanding it to accommodate their growing family and a new laundry space.

How much, and how long?

During the nearly two years that followed, the family muddled through. “We had everyone sharing one bathroom,” Stephano said—including, at times, Isis’s dad. When they finally had the time and resources to take on the bathroom project, they posted it on Sweeten, and were quickly introduced to several qualified contractors.

“The biggest questions we had were how much and how long,” Isis recalled, explaining that they’d heard horror stories of inflamed budgets and endless timeline extensions. They also tried to ascertain how well each of the candidates could communicate. “We hoped to work with a team that could convey all key info that might affect the timeline,” Isis said, “so that we could collaborate on workarounds.”

Isis was relieved that Sweeten could smooth the process. “The company helped us gut-check our initial budget based on the market for our area,” she said. “They presented solid contractors for us to meet, and then checked in to make sure we felt pleased with our selection. I felt good about the consultant who supported us and the insights she shared.”

Measure twice, cut once

Once they had made their contractor choice, the project began—haltingly. Isis and Stephano had hired an independent designer, and brought the resulting plans to the table when discussing the project with their contractor. “The designer had measured, provided renderings, and even put us in touch with vendors,” Stephano said. They ordered many of the materials for the bathroom, included a barn door for the washer/dryer, a vanity, and stone for the two-sink top. Then—a hard stop. “Our contractor realized that many of the measurements didn’t jibe,” Stephano said.

 

Finding a creative way to fit them in, Stephano said, “took amazing Tetris skills” on the part of their contractor.

The original washer and dryer, left behind by the previous owners, wouldn’t fit in the space the designer had planned for it. The vanity size was also off, and the door from the recommended vendor was too heavy to be installed as intended. “It wasn’t the best experience,” Isis said. But the couple persisted, fueled by their vision: a  functional space for laundry, and a shower lit by the morning sun through a skylight. And their Sweeten contractor found solutions to each of the problems created by the ill-chosen designer. Stephano offered his own solution to the barn door problem: he’d use his skills to build his own custom design, and worked with the contractor to incorporate it.

Borrowing space to get a bigger bathroom

To accommodate the whole family, and the laundry area, they knocked down an adjacent wall and annexed a pair of closets. They rebuilt one of the closets to house the stacking washer and dryer—a sleek new pair of 24-inch units to replace the original ones that didn’t match the designer’s drawings. Finding a creative way to fit them in, Stephano said, “took amazing Tetris skills” on the part of their contractor. The enlarged space helped with other layout and storage challenges. “The shower is spacious! We added a custom cabinet that can hold all of our toiletry needs and were able to obtain a larger, double-sink vanity,” Isis said.

For finishes they chose a combination of black, white, and natural wood, with contrasting hex tiles and subway tiles. “Subway tile felt very NYC to us, so we led with that, but also liked hexagon tile for the floor,” Isis said. “In the shower, we opted for all black, which we totally love, and we’re happy with the custom walnut shelving, too.”

Their general contractor was a great fit

Both partners feel proud of the outcome. “We took what we’d learned from other projects,” Isis said, “and used that knowledge to work really well with our Sweeten contractor and his team.” Stephano appreciated that their contractor was always available, “and was invested in both getting the work done and making sure we were satisfied.”

“I love the design, and how functional it is for all of our needs, including storage,” Isis said. “Thanks to the skylight, the bathroom has great natural light. She added, “I love the custom door Stephano made for us!” Perfectly weighted, and smooth-rolling.

Thanks for sharing your Brooklyn brownstone bathroom story with us, Isis and Stephano!

Renovation Materials:

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Geometrics 2” hex matte white wall tile; Silhouette black polished 2”x10” shower wall tile; Geometrics 2” hex glazed black shower floor tile; Geometrics two-inch hex glazed black floor tile; and Quartz Jet Black saddles: Brooklyn Tile & Design. Awaken and Purist X Handles shower fixtures and hardware, Adair toilet: Appliances Connection. Matte black rolling shower door: VIGO. Custom-built double vanity cabinet with Urbania door panels in Mariposa: Tafisa. Nicoli matte black faucet: Delta. Carbon Loft Cornwall Metal Beveled Venetian wall mirror: Overstock. Keenan two-light wall sconce: ALLMODERN. Barn door: Custom hand-made by Sweeten homeowner Stephano. SmartStandard Barn door hardware: Amazon. 24” washer and dryer: Appliances Connection.  

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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.

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“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.

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten. Styled by Jennifer Condon.

• Homeowner: Finding nerve to renovate after nearly 26 years in his apartment, Mickey Heller posted his accessible kitchen and bath remodel on Sweeten 
• Where: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Gut remodels of the 1,000-square-foot co-op’s kitchen and bathroom with the future in mind
• 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 Mickey

Renovation hesitations

The prewar co-op, sits across the street from the Brooklyn Public Library and a short walk from the Brooklyn Museum. When it was built in 1926, it boasted the highest elevation in Brooklyn. I purchased my apartment a few years after graduating law school—a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,000-square-foot unit with six windows facing Underhill Avenue. In the more than 26 years since I moved in, I’ve maintained the apartment in its mostly original state due to the fear the daunting task of renovating sparked in me. 

This year when, looking to the future and my retirement, I decided it was time for the redo. I live by myself and my vision had evolved for a long time. I wanted a contemporary but classical look for the kitchen and bathroom, sleek, bright, and cohesive. In the galley kitchen, I wanted to increase cupboard and counter space, and install a washer/dryer and dishwasher. In the small bathroom, I wanted to remove the large bathtub and install a walk-in shower.

Comparing multiple bids for the remodel

Ready to roll on the job, I posted my project. This was a massive undertaking and I had concerns about reconfiguring my bathroom plumbing and adding infrastructure to support a washer, dryer, and dishwasher to the kitchen. Sweeten patiently listened to my fears and concerns, sent multiple contractors, and offered to help me with bid leveling. I finally made my choice.

In our first meeting, my Sweeten contractor and I discussed my vision. We then met at the tile store, where he helped me select floor and wall coverings, and different grout. When I asked for space and time to seek out materials and fixtures on my own, the contractor was patient and kind. I found the kitchen sink and the lighting fixtures online, and my toilet while attending a Sweeten event at Manhattan’s Kohler Experience Center.

This year when, looking to the future and my retirement, I decided it was time for the redo.

Bathroom remodel for accessibility

The walk-in shower was the basis for the entire renovation. I focused on it and its functionality, first. I had back surgery in 2005, followed by hip replacements in 2011 and 2013. A doctor friend recommended replacing the high-walled bathtub with a step-in shower as I look towards retirement and future possible physical limitations. The co-op required board approval and I consulted with master plumbers, but my Sweeten contractor took care of the paperwork.

Washer and dryer in the kitchen

My kitchen priorities were not typical. Having a washer and dryer in my apartment had been my dream for years. I wanted apartment-size units on pedestals, so I wouldn’t have to bend too far down when loading and unloading, and a counter above for a folding area.

I desperately wanted working counterspace, since the only existing work surface was a 12”x10” pull-out shelf. My research revealed quartz countertops to be a durable, low-maintenance choice—spills do not soak into the non-porous material. White subway tile with a dark grout brightened the narrow room and made the walls stand out.

Most kitchen base cabinets come 24” deep, but I found a 15” option that worked for the slim kitchen’s non-appliance side. I was going to do all white fronts, but decided on dark gray for the bottoms and white for the uppers, keeping it light, yet providing contrast. The upper cabinets go up to the 10’ ceiling so that dust doesn’t get trapped—serving platters are stored in the extra space. The under-cabinet dimmable lights I found were a wonderful surprise.

Staying home during the renovation

The construction crew couldn’t finish fast enough. Renting another space had felt like an excessive expense, so I’d decided to stay in the apartment. I spent the time, against my contractor’s advice, living in the apartment’s second bedroom with no kitchen or bathroom for nine weeks. I purchased a $100 mini-fridge, used the staff bathroom in the building’s basement, and showered at my sister’s Brooklyn home, since Covid-19 shut down my gym. After that experience, the new shower became my escape, my solitude.

Over budget, but increasing home value

As renovators go, I was a fearful first-timer. I am an HGTV addict, but this is New York City—rooms are smaller and costs are higher. Originally, I budgeted $85,000 for the two rooms, not including appliances. After hearing bids, I upped it to $100,000, but permit costs and other extras brought me to $107,000, and when I added high-end appliances, I was up to $120,000. I traded in American Express and Citibank points for a total of almost $5,000! Was I upset? No, I deserve this renovation, and I have increased my home’s value.

Every time I walk into either room, I’m filled with joy. The laundry space, and not having to lug my clothes to the basement, makes me smile. My bathroom appreciation grows one step (into the shower ) at a time! For years, when I went to other people’s homes, I wished I could have spaces like these. Now I do. I am so very grateful.

We’re glad to see this accessible kitchen and bath remodel come to life. Thanks for sharing your home’s transformation, Mickey! 

Renovation materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Basic White paint: Custom by contractor. Axstad kitchen cabinets; Frosty Carina quartz countertops: Ikea. 5” center-to-center pull handle cabinet hardware, #MCPPZ005FB10: Miseno. 3”x6” ceramic white tile backsplash; French Grey grout; floor tile: Classic Tile & Marble. Kore Workstation Stainless Steel under-mount sink, #KWU111-23: Krauss. Trinsic pull-down faucet: Delta. Stainless steel refrigerator #B36CL80ENS; dishwasher #SHEM78Z55N; stove #HGI8056UC; microwave #HMV8053U: Appliances Connection W1 washer and T1 dryer with “Plinths” (14” platforms): Appliances Connection. Two Sparks 4-Light bath bars on dimmers: AllModern.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Basic White paint: Custom by contractor. Hex mosaic floor tile and Silver Bullet grout: Classic Tile & Marble. Matte black 18” grab bar in shower; 24” towel bar; toilet paper holder #CSIYBO; robe hooks: Appliances Connection. Pivotal Thermostatic Shower System; Pivotal faucet #599-BLMPU-DST: Delta. Model 15S 1/2” clear polished tempered shower glass doors: E. K. Silversmith. Bathroom vanity, #036 24 0110″: Dowell. Reach Up 1-PC compact elongated dual-flush toilet, #K-23188-0; Veranda Collection 20” x 30” vanity mirror/medicine cabinet #K-99002-NA: Appliances Connection. Sparks 2-Light and 3-Light bath bars: AllModern. 

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Depending on your scope, here are the pros and cons of staying or moving out during a renovation.

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 An Accessible Kitchen and Bath Remodel Make Good Sense appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Courtney + Jim gave their home one more chance and posted their full home renovation in Clinton Hill on Sweeten
• Where: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Reconfiguring, more storage, and even a peninsula made 800 square feet work better
• 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 Courtney

Wrestling with the idea of renovating

We moved to Clinton Hill over ten years ago, and always loved the neighborhood with its history of housing for returning servicemen who worked in the Navy Yard. On a total whim, we went to an open house in the Clinton Hill Co-ops and made an offer on the first apartment we saw: an 800-square-foot, one-bedroom that had been converted into a junior two-bedroom.

Finding our general contractor

We headed straight to Sweeten, were matched with three general contractors right away, and within a week picked our contractor. He was incredibly responsive and patient with us as we walked through our apartment over and over again, thinking about the best way to open our kitchen, update the bathroom, reconfigure our bedroom, shore up our pockmarked walls and ceiling, refinish our floors, and add storage everywhere.

We were absolutely giddy with the concept of overhead lighting! We were wired for several fixtures in the living room and kitchen, as well as recessed lights in the hallways and bathroom. Because our apartment had been dark and crowded for so long, we gravitated toward a simple, minimalist design with white and gray paint to brighten the space and give it a clean look.

Personalizing the kitchen

Jim grew up with visions of a kitchen island where everyone could gather to eat and socialize–that became our only non-negotiable. It helped us focus our planning on the kitchen first. We knew we wanted custom cabinets, so our contractor brought in his cabinet maker to meet with us and walk through the layout.

Within a week, they had sent us a 3D rendering of our new kitchen, with Jim’s dream island, plus an extended butcher block counter ideal for our boys to sit and finish homework while we cook. Our contractor suggested the chalkboard paint—now a huge hit with the kids. He created a lot of extra storage under the island, including drawers for our pots and pans, plus a pantry along the extended counter. We have a dishwasher for the first time ever and love the kitchen tile.

Storage reimagined

Our Sweeten contractor had the genius idea to extend our bedroom two feet into the living room, which allowed him to build a closet (we used to store our clothes in the boys’ room). It was worth the minimal loss of space to gain more storage. We also hired a closet company to build a shoe closet for us. Since our room has two windows, we decided on an opaque glass door to maintain some privacy, but also take advantage of the natural light.

Our contractor came through on the extra storage front and found a way to build a second closet in their room…

For the boys’ bedroom, our only directive was storage, storage, storage. We wanted to find a way to keep all of their things in the bedroom, instead of spilling out into our common living areas. Once again, our contractor came through on the extra storage front and found a way to build a second closet in their room, ensuring we lost very little floor space. We’re not falling all over stuff anymore!

In the bathroom, we needed to keep a bathtub because we have young boys, and I insisted on a large piece of custom glass as our partial shower door. He warned me it might be difficult to reach around for the water control, but I insisted. It looks lovely, but he was right—it’s a bit of a struggle to help with bathtime.

Moving out during the renovation

Our biggest challenge was realizing that, because we were renovating the entire space, we would have to move out for an extended period of time. We didn’t initially budget to live somewhere else, so the added cost was a bit of a shock. After three months, we were scheduled to move back in and had left the rental, when our contractor told us he was about a week behind. Much of this delay was due to some delayed deliveries of things I had ordered.

We had no place to go and had to live in the apartment while there were still tools and supplies everywhere, with no appliances or kitchen counters. It was a bit uncomfortable, but not unmanageable. In hindsight, we probably should have just booked the rental for an extra week as insurance.

Working with Sweeten made us wonder what we had waited for. We were matched so quickly with a contractor, we were able to use the website to see examples of his work, we could reach out with questions and concerns. Another upside was the Sweeten blog, a huge source of inspiration! Our new apartment is exactly what we had hoped for: simple, comfortable, bright, and uncluttered. It feels like home.

Thank you, Jim and Courtney for sharing your Clinton Hill full home renovation with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Floor tiles and backsplash: Tiles by Kia. Kitchen cabinets: Custom by Sweeten contractor. Upper cabinet paint in Simply White and lower cabinet paint in Gull Wing Gray: Benjamin Moore. Wayfair Basics cabinet hardware, pendant lighting: Wayfair. Countertops: Custom by Sweeten contractor. Sink and faucet: Build.com. 36″ 800 Series, #B21CL81SNS refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove: Appliances Connection. 24″ wine fridge, #CWB1760FD: Edgestar. Mobile chandelier: West Elm. Chalkboard paint: Benjamin Moore. Vapor acrylic bar stools: CB2.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Bathroom floor and wall tiles: Tiles by Kia. Shower fixtures: Grohe. Sink, vanity, lighting, mirror: Build.com. Toto toilet: Appliances Connection. Acrylic storage shelf: CB2.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Sphere + Stem 3-light brass chandelier: West Elm.

MASTER BEDROOM RESOURCES: Closets: Smart Closet Solutions. Flooring: Build.com. Böja ceiling light fixture: Ikea. Wall paint in Smoke Embers: Benjamin Moore. Sinnerlig light fixture by Ilse Crawford: Ikea.

KIDS’ BEDROOM RESOURCES: Wall paint in Amherst Gray: Benjamin Moore. Closets: Smart Closet Solutions.

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Read up on the pros and cons of staying home or moving out during a 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 Clinton Hill Full Home Renovation Scores Storage & Style appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

• Who: Samantha and Jameson, seeking a kid-friendly apartment renovation, posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A kid-friendly, gut apartment renovation of the 1,000-square-foot layout to become ideal for entertaining guests of all ages
• 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, Samantha

We bought what was essentially a flip and closed on it the month before our oldest daughter, now almost seven, arrived. We finished the buildout that became her bedroom the night before her birth. The apartment’s finishes weren’t our favorite, but we had our own place, and were a family. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom (with a creative-industry résumé); Jameson is a partner and the digital director at Athletics, a Brooklyn-based creative studio.

Outgrowing a home they love

After having our second daughter nearly four years ago, we knew the apartment needed to change. We loved its location in the Clinton Hill Co-Ops and our hope was to extend our time in this place and the neighborhood. Our growing daughters needed room more than ever, and we wanted to overhaul our kitchen and bathroom. It was time to make this home more liveable for our family.

We posted our project on Sweeten and began our search for a design-build firm. We wanted someone who could help make our space bright and modern, nodding to both Midcentury and California design. Time was tight—we were looking to renovate during our kids’ summer break and move back in before school resumed—and when we weren’t excited about any of the contractors we were initially matched with, Sweeten quickly presented more options, including some who’d worked in our co-ops. That sold us. 

The kitchen kicks off the apartment renovation

I’m a big cook, and it was top-of-the-list for me that our kitchen renovation was as functional as possible. Secondary, but non-negotiable: We wanted the whole apartment to be social, conducive to entertaining, and hanging out. We realized that opening the kitchen to the living room could help us achieve both goals, letting me see my family in the living room while I’m in the kitchen cooking.

The dining area, previously over by the window, flip-flopped with the living room sofa, to make the table easily reachable. We also added a breakfast counter within the cutout, letting me interact with the girls while they eat breakfast or do homework and unload about the day. 

The new kitchen is a pleasure to work in. We chose top-of-the-line appliances and built in the refrigerator, creating a giant cabinet above it. There was other storage, too, to house the accessories I’d collected. Wide, shallow drawers installed by our contractor in the cabinet kickplates give me an awesome place to store my serving pieces and cast-iron pans. Our color palette was basic with matte white and rift-oak cabinetry and black accents. 

This choice, and the whole process, taught me that I shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what I wanted.

Kid-friendly soundproofing for bedroom doors

Previously, our daughters’ shared bedroom had French doors opening to the living and dining room; they weren’t soundproof, so when the kids went to bed at 8pm, Jameson and I felt like we had to retire to our bedroom. With the new layout and the kitchen opening to the bedrooms, we installed a sound-blocking pocket door for the girls’ room. Now we can have company over or stay up late watching television or listening to music, never worrying we’ll wake them. 

Flooring idea: Terrazzo

Another high-quality splurge was on the eco-friendly terrazzo flooring for the kitchen. I’ve always loved the style as a component of Midcentury modernism. This choice, and the whole process, taught me that I shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what I wanted. We still came in under budget for both renovation and furniture.

A bath refresh in navy and brass

While we decided against a full reno of our bathroom, some improvements were made, adding style and storage without gutting it. The room was done in basic black and white, so when I found the navy blue and brass vanity cabinet, I thought it would add visual interest. The old, space-wasting pedestal sink was replaced with a smaller basin and the drawered unit. The black light fixture and shower-curtain rod match hardware in other rooms—we updated the doorknobs and fixtures throughout the place, and it made a huge visual impact.

Sweeten contractor completes punch list

My favorite part of the project was moving back in. Our new home is a joy! We had all of the art we’ve collected over the years professionally framed and hung. We achieved our objective of making our home feel worldly, warm, and timeless. After the project wrapped, our contractor even came back a few times to complete punch-list items and handle touch-ups. I love all of the finished elements. It makes me happy to come home, and we all love spending time here, comfortable, at ease, just hanging out in a place we truly love. 

Thank you for sharing your amazing (and kid-friendly) apartment renovation story, Samantha and Jameson!

Renovation materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Terrazzo Renata floor tiles in Brulle; Context 2×6 Matte White backsplash: Ann Sacks. Kitchen cabinets: Custom by contractor.  Countertops in Fresh Concrete: Caesarstone. Sink, #KHU101-21: Kraus. Align one-handle 7555BL faucet: Appliances Connection. Refrigerator, stove, and microwave/convection oven: Appliances Connection. Panel-front dishwasher:Appliances Connection. Traditional Schoolhouse Shade in Black Stripe with Norfolk Base in Black light fixture: Schoolhouse. Perimeter pendants in Ochre: Blu Dot. Cabinet hardware: Top Knobs. Bar stools: Crate and Barrel. Counter-height stool in black: Delta. 

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Fowlkes 24” sink/vanity set by Modern Rustic Interiors: Wayfair. Dia single-handle bathroom faucet in Brushed Bronze: Symmons. Nel brass medicine cabinet/mirror: CB2. Lighting: Illuminate vintage handmade Midcentury cone-cover sconce: Amazon. 

LIVING AREA RESOURCES: Reserve Collection doorknobs in satin black/modern square trim: Appliances Connection. Otis light fixture: One Forty Three. Young House Love Bubble hallway sconce: Shades of Light. Shelving: Vitsoe.

KIDS’ BEDROOM RESOURCES: Co-Dempsey fan light fixtures in Fresh White: Hunter Fan. Square Passage pocket-door hardware in matte black: Kwikset. 

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Changing the layout of your New York co-op or condo? Here’s what you’ll need to know first.

ADUs or accessory dwelling units can transform into home offices, living space for family or as a rental, or a retreat.

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 Soundproofing & An Open Kitchen Complete a Kid-Friendly Apartment Renovation appeared first on Sweeten.

A designer transforms her dank downstairs into a gleaming creative zone with renovation help from Sweeten

• Homeowners: Interior designer Danielle Fennoy posted her modern basement remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A basement turns into a designer’s home office (including laundry and storage) with gallery looks
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “Through Sweeten, I met some experienced general contractors. We chose a contractor who seemed most capable and most excited about the job. The cherry on top: He was insanely easy to work with.”
• 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 Danielle. “After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten.

An unwelcoming basement

Proud. Calm. Organized. It was hard to imagine a trip down to our cellar—a dark, dank space that I never wanted to set foot in—summoning these feelings. But renovating this space into a fully functioning basement gave us a dedicated workspace for my business while adding an entire floor of living space to our home. It also satisfied some serious storage needs and gave us an occasional guest room for family visits.

We live in a three-family Brooklyn brownstone built in the early 1900s. We’ve owned it for three-and-a-half years. I am Danielle, owner of Revamp Interior Design; Jevaun is my husband and a design director; Zidane is our son and Katara is our dog. We occupy the parlor, garden, and cellar levels of the building, and the top floors are rental units. 

Since we bought the place, we have been redoing it one section at a time, and this was the last of the major projects. We wanted to do a renovation in the basement, which the previous owner had never refinished after a flood years ago. It wasn’t in great shape: the drywall had been ripped out to prevent mold, and the room had no ventilation or natural light. Junk was accumulating down there. The laundry area was way in the back, and we (I) had to walk through hell to do a load. It was sad.

Organization for a basement remodel

The space needed to become a beautiful workhorse of an office. But it had to function, too, as a standard basement and store our family’s things in an organized way. We needed places for coats, tools, luggage, and linens. I came up with this gallery idea with a modern, open look, and we posted our basement remodel project on Sweeten. I wanted one wall to retain the exposed masonry, for texture and grit. For the floors, I planned to pour an epoxy layer over the existing concrete. My running joke: If I could walk through the basement barefoot, mission accomplished! 

Finding new general contractors

I work in the renovation business, so I initially bid out the job with contractors I’ve worked with. But they were all tied up with projects. I didn’t want to have competing deadlines. Through Sweeten, I met some experienced general contractors. We chose a contractor who seemed most capable and most excited about the job. The cherry on top: He was insanely easy to work with. 

My running joke: If I could walk through the basement barefoot, mission accomplished! 

Lighting takes centerstage

The goal was to make it bright and spacious. When we moved in, our vision included a den and guest bedroom in the basement. Then I started having this recurring (and prescient!) dream in which I was working from home, and the conversion plan shifted: I wanted to turn it into a design gallery and studio. I needed a workspace with a big, open surface to work with materials and review large drawings. Because of this, lighting would be key. Color is a big part of what I do and it felt critical to have a bright, blank canvas as the backdrop for my work.

I knew that lighting was the aspect of the redo that would have the most impact. We put in 18 recessed LED ceiling lights; there was not a dark corner in the room. Susan Chan, a specialist at Feng Shui Creative and a friend, recommended I add “uplighting”—fixtures that direct the light upwards—to lift the room’s energy. I thought she was crazy and couldn’t think how to make that work—the ceilings are barely eight feet high. But boy, was she right! The gorgeous pendant fixture I chose made a huge difference in the space, adding both diversity to the light and focus over the island.

Epoxy floors for a chic basement remodel

After we cleared out the stuff, the team sheetrocked the walls and poured the epoxy floor. The exposed masonry wall didn’t turn out as naturally beautiful as we’d hoped it would, but we went with it. The contractors built out closets under the stairs, installed a storage island for a work surface, and hung lots of open shelving. We painted the walls, floors, and stairs in a perfect white—not too cool, not too warm. The furniture plan was the toughest part. I find a “bonus room”—an everything space with 10,000 functions—the hardest to get right for my clients, and it was no different for me. I created a wide-open room and didn’t want the things I put in it to make it feel cramped.

Getting to the finish line

As the room came together, our contractor stopped by often, checking on progress and clarifying details. He gave me a six-week project schedule. The basement remodel was finished the day he promised. The usual setbacks occurred—construction delays, order lags—and our project had surprises, but the crew kept pace and we didn’t go over budget. Sweeten also offered support throughout the project, if needed. 

Looking at the finished project, I have so many favorite bits, beginning with the added space. Each floor of the building is about 900 square feet, so we increased usable space by 50 percent—we now have 2,700 square feet. The very best reward downstairs: the perfect lighting. I can work around the clock and never know what time it is. I jokingly call it Vegas!

Thank you for sharing your modern basement renovation story with us, Danielle, Jevaun, and Zidane!  

Resource Materials:

BASEMENT RESOURCES: Simply White paint: Benjamin Moore. Epoxy flooring: Sourced by general contractor. Recessed Lights: WAC Lighting. Tracer Loop pendant: Luke Light Co. BL Pole shelving system: Rakks.

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 Modern Basement Remodel Becomes a Sleek Office and More appeared first on Sweeten.

Photos courtesy of Sweeten general contractor

• Who: Brooklyn homeowner Michele posted her COVID lockdown project on Sweeten  
• Where: Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Overhauling a bathroom, and installing a new dishwasher that turns into a gutted kitchen
• 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 Michele

Getting excited to renovate

I lead a digital product design team for a large San Francisco-based company. I’ve lived in this apartment for a little over a decade, and I had been meaning to renovate my bathroom since I moved in, but I always found a reason not to. The bath hadn’t had an upgrade since the building’s 1980s conversion to co-op! The pedestal sink wasn’t fully attached to the wall, the tub tiles were loosening, and the glass tile floor, which a previous owner had painted, was flaking.

My apartment is on the top floor of a 1910s five-story building, and it suffered damage during a co-op-sponsored roof renovation a couple of years back. When the building’s contractor completed the repairs, I got excited about renovating. My recently acquired work-from-home job gave me more incentive. I’d updated my home office to suit the remote role, but experiencing my out-of-date bathroom all day, every day, prompted me to get planning.

Finding inspiration from other renovators

I spent so much time on Sweeten, reading this blog, and looking at other people’s projects! It was a tremendous help seeing what other people had done. I had strong ideas about how I wanted to proceed, but I needed help turning them into particular products, finishes, and colors. Sweeten provided me with a range of contractors and design-build firms who gave me numerous options. I chose my Sweeten contractor because his ideas matched mine.

I’d done advance planning for the bathroom and had a clear idea of what I wanted: a floating vanity, a drop-in tub, oversized subway tile, and dramatic tile flooring. I was attracted to images of gray kitchens and bathrooms with boldly patterned floors. I envisioned something that was calm and streamlined, to make the space feel bigger and take advantage of the high ceiling. My apartment is modern and open. I wanted the bath and kitchen to feel integrated, rather than set apart from the rest of the space.

The contractors were great at explaining problems long-distance: I’ll never forget the crew piling on a conference call about my formerly crooked bathroom wall…

A new dishwasher becomes a full kitchen remodel

In the kitchen, my plan had been to simply install a new dishwasher. Then it was suggested that a pantry could be added in the then-unused space at the kitchen’s entrance. The original kitchen plan I had posted to Sweeten was of a smaller scope, but after meeting them, I asked the contractors to submit follow-up bids for a full kitchen remodel.

In the kitchen, I worked with my contractor to come up with a plan. I put together the light and dark gray cabinets with chrome handles and found a quartz countertop flecked with both colors. I picked the same flooring that the designer had used in their showroom.

Transforming the bathroom wasn’t so hard. I saw a tile floor I liked in the sale listing of another apartment in my building and tracked it down. Finding a bathtub that would fit the small space was a challenge, but we did. (The white tub looked yellow next to the tile, so we had it reglazed.) Because of pipes in the wall, we couldn’t create storage niches in the shower, so the team extended the interior windowsill with a white quartz surface material—a shampoo perch. The floating sink is mounted a bit higher than standard because I’m tall.

A timely business trip

The project’s biggest challenge was also something of a stroke of luck: My boss asked me to travel from New York to San Francisco, starting the day demolition began. I stayed for almost three weeks. While I was away, the Sweeten construction team kept me posted and sent pictures daily. The contractor was great at explaining problems long-distance: I’ll never forget the crew piling on a conference call about my formerly crooked bathroom wall while I waited outside an executive office at work!

Instead of hiring a project manager, I worked as my own. I had spreadsheets for how much had been spent versus budgeted. I tracked what had been ordered, shipped, and delivered. I’m not that organized, but I turned into a full-on spreadsheet ninja. It kept me from panicking.

Finishing the bathroom and kitchen renovation during COVID-19

By the time COVID-19 hit and the lockdown was ordered, we were 95 percent done. We had to wait for the lockdown to lift and for my building to let the crew return, clearly articulating when they would arrive, and wearing masks as required.

Eventually, we finished. After expanding my renovation’s scope, I spent significantly more than I originally intended to—close to $100,000 all told, but that includes fully updated plumbing and new floors in both rooms. 

I have enough storage space in the kitchen and bathroom that nothing falls out when I open a cabinet! I love cooking; I’ve got a lot of ingredients and equipment, and it’s so nice not to feel like I’m overstuffing every corner. Having a floor-to-ceiling pantry is a fantastic luxury in a smallish apartment! I’m also enjoying the dishwasher. I love the way the kitchen tile feels under my feet, and how the rooms are designed for me, with my interests and needs—even my career—in mind. That customization is the greatest luxury of the whole thing.

Thank you, Michele, for sharing your bathroom and kitchen renovation tale with us!

Materials Guide

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Rodano Acero floor tiles: Porcelanosa. Kitchen cabinets: Hanssem. Cabinet hardware: Häfele. Countertops and backsplash in Frozen Terra: Caesarstone. Kohler sink: Appliances Connection. Faucet: Grohe. Jennair refrigerator/dishwasher/stove: Appliances Connection. Bosch 500 series dishwasher, 800 series range, and microwave: Appliances Connection. Robert Sonneman ceiling light: Ylighting. Paint in White Dove: Benjamin Moore.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Bathroom floor tile: Moroccan Mosaic & Tile House. White 8×16 polished ceramic wall tile; 6” polished white bull tile: TileBar. Pfister deckard hardware and shower fixtures: Appliances Connection. Shower glass doors: Mirage Shower Doors Corp. Andrea tub series: MTI. Ambra sink/vanity: Wayfair. 48” medicine cabinet: Appliances Connection. Toto Drake toilet: Appliances Connection. Aston ceiling lighting and Vega Minor light (above vanity mirror): Kuzco. Aura Bath and Spa paint in White: Benjamin Moore.

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Before you purchase tile, here’s how to measure your bathroom correctly for the right amount and type of tile.

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 Renovating a Bathroom & Kitchen to Make Home a Happier Workplace appeared first on Sweeten.

• Homeowners: Laura and Walter posted their Park Slope gut renovation project on Sweeten
• Where: Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A 700-square-foot co-op reveals built-in cabinets in each room including the living room, den, dining area, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and bathroom
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “My best tip for future renovators is to have all the fixtures with long lead times and finishes ordered before the work begins.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure deposits—for free

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

Changing the entire floor plan

Our apartment, which was built in 1912, had almost all of the original details still intact. It was important for us to keep this character while adding a more usable kitchen and bathroom. The first objective was to get rid of the long hallway, which was tying up roughly 10% of the apartment. An added bonus: opening up the floor plan would bring more light in.

A new angle for the kitchen

Next, we wanted to expand the footprint of the kitchen. ­The existing layout was not working: it was impossible to open the oven door without running into the sink. It was also difficult for more than one person to be in the space at a time. Everyone wound up standing in the doorway to the kitchen. We posted our Park Slope apartment gut renovation on Sweeten and got to work with our contractor.

Above the foyer, we dropped the ceiling by 18” for built-in cabinets. The result is nearly 30 square feet of additional storage space.

First, the original kitchen and center bedroom were swapped. The apartment layout included a small angled section of wall in the center bedroom—now our kitchen. Enter our Sweeten contractor, who had this idea when he came to our apartment for the initial meeting. It was one of the primary reasons we decided to work with him. His instinct was to embrace this angle and open up the new kitchen more than the traditional 90-degree corner would allow. We lost a bit of floor space in our bedroom as a result, but the tradeoff was worth it.

We were able to include both a peninsula and a dining nook in the new spacious layout. A bookshelf fits at the end of the peninsula closest to the living room.

Custom built-in cabinets are key

Given that we wanted to squeeze five rooms and a bathroom out of our apartment, it was important that every room was laid out as efficiently as possible. The various built­-ins we added allowed us to accomplish just that.

The built-in cabinets around the dining nook and drawers under the seating bench hide a ton of additional storage. Coming from our narrow galley kitchen, we were really excited to have a space big enough for us and our friends to hang out and cook in.

Above the foyer, we dropped the ceiling by 18” for built-in cabinets. The result is nearly 30 square feet of additional storage space. Lowering the ceiling had the added benefit of the apartment drawing you in. It made the rest of the apartment feel spacious by comparison—a design trick inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The den’s millwork could fit a full-size bed for the future. In our bedroom, the closets around the bed double as nightstands with­ the upper drawers on each side containing a hidden outlet.

Choosing materials

The footprint of our bathroom couldn’t be enlarged because of the location of the windows and the building plumbing. In order to maximize the space, we opted for a shorter tub to fit under the window, a wall-mounted toilet to free up floor space, and a wall-mounted faucet, which gives more counters space around the sink.

Our goal was to use natural materials as much as possible. The oak floors were a tribute to the original parquet floors (we tried to save them, but they were too thin for another sanding). We designed and cast our own concrete sink (in a small rented workshop in Industry City) to fit perfectly. The subway tiles in the kitchen and bathroom were handmade, as were the dining nook pendants—all adding subtle character and texture to the spaces. We opted for a marbled quartz countertop and think it will last much better than the real thing.

Renovation tip: Order materials early

A lot of unexpected situations arose: an old dumbwaiter shaft ran through our proposed kitchen, the floor joists needed replacing, and the gas pipe had to be re­run from the basement passing through three other apartments. In retrospect, none of these things should have been surprising in an old building. Our Sweeten contractor was with us every step of the way to modify our plans to deal with the unexpected.

My best tip for future renovators is to have all the fixtures with long lead times and finishes ordered before the work begins. Nothing pushes back a project deadline like waiting for materials or having all work stop because the tiles are still on the truck.

In the end, we were able to keep the things we loved most about our original apartment while making significant improvements to our home for now and in the future. There are so many things we can enjoy now. The kitchen has become the center of our apartment, with friends able to hang out in the dining nook or living room while still being part of the conversation.

The glass partition helps bring a ton of light into the apartment. The bathroom has gone from tight-for­-one to comfortable-­for­-two. We were very lucky to find a partner in our Sweeten contractor. After living in the completed apartment, we’ve yet to find anything we’d change.

Thanks for sharing your Park Slope gut renovation story with us, Laura and Walter!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinet hardware: Emtek. Paint color in Lucerne on cabinets: Benjamin Moore. Countertops: Silestone. Backsplash: Country Floors. Kohler faucet: Appliances Connection. Elkay sink: Appliances Connection. Sub-Zero refrigerator and stove: Appliances Connection. Miele dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Lighting: AspectLED.

KITCHEN/DINING NOOK RESOURCES: Pendant lights: Kaufmann Mercantile. Built-ins/cabinetry: Custom by Sweeten contractor.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Carrara Venato bathroom floor tile: The Builder Depot. Bathroom wall tile: Country Floors. Moen Weymouth faucet: Appliances Connection. Toto toilet: Appliances Connection. Kohler Seaforth tub: Appliances Connection. Lighting: Pottery Barn. Paint color in Raccoon Fur: Benjamin Moore.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Glass Partition: Serett. Paint colors: Benjamin Moore.

DEN RESOURCES: Built-­ins/cabinetry and wall paint color in Gray Owl: Benjamin Moore.

BEDROOM: Parisian pendant ceiling light: Restoration Hardware. Built-­ins/cabinets: Custom by Sweeten contractor.

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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 Park Slope Gut Renovation Moves the Kitchen, Bets on Built-Ins appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Sweeten homeowner Jen posted her updated kitchen renovation on Sweeten. 
• Where: Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A complete modern update of their kitchen to create a warmer and more welcoming feel
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home-renovation experts with vetted general contractors, offering input, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free

Update a kitchen with low-grade materials

Jen rented in neighborhoods across Brooklyn for 10 years before she bought her first apartment in a 1937 Crown Heights co-op building. She fell in love with how open the space was—with the exception of the tight, closed-in kitchen. The kitchen was recently renovated, but with cheaper, run-of-the-mill materials that didn’t quite match Jen’s style.

“I’m a huge fan of the simple, Scandinavian vibe,” she said. (Think: neutral calming colors, simple design, and warm touches for that hygge life). Jen purchased the 950-square-foot apartment with the intention to renovate but decided to wait to get a better sense of how’d she use it.

Opening up the space

“I had a pretty clear vision of the aesthetics and giving myself that extra year solidified those design decisions. My sofa faces the kitchen, so I’d spend more hours than I’d like to admit looking at it and imagining what I’d do,” Jen said.

Though the kitchen had an opening to the living room, it still felt closed off to the rest of the apartment because its working surfaces were behind a wall. “A weird empty space in the left part of the kitchen was supposed to be an eat-in area, but I was never going to use it for that,” she said.

Adding a peninsula

The contractors removed a wall came down and replaced it with a peninsula to connect the kitchen and living room. Instead of building out full upper cabinets, Jen opted for open shelving for an airy feel. She also took advantage of the extra space on the left side of the kitchen to add more base cabinetry. “Though I heard my share of conflicting opinions about open shelving, I’m so glad I stuck to my guns,” she said.

The old flooring was replaced with wood to match the living area. An integrated dishwasher and counter-depth fridge were installed for that European vibe. Jen did wind up compromising on a built-in gas cooktop and wall oven due to electrical restrictions. However, she ultimately attained the Scandinavian-minimal look she was aiming for.

Finding tips and tricks for a renovation

With her Crown Heights kitchen renovation behind her, Jen offers a few words of wisdom. For one, start putting together a materials list before you even hire a contractor. Jen assembled a spreadsheet with everything from appliances to light fixtures to track items she loved, and see if they went on sale. (Tip: Jen browsed Sweeten reno posts and their detailed source lists to find items!)

She loved the transformation so much, choosing a favorite element was nearly impossible. “Is it cheating if I say the entire kitchen [is my favorite?] I’m still stunned by how transformed the space is with the wall gone.” She added, “Frankly, I never want to leave my apartment.”

Bonus: Jen recommends adding drawers to base cabinets for easier access to dishes. “I’m a shorty, so having all my dishes in drawers, instead of having to reach for them on my tippy toes, has been awesome,” she said.

Renovation materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinet pulls, #1060-4055-P: Berenson. Countertops: Caesarstone. Paint in Chantilly Lace: Benjamin Moore. Blanco sink in Anthracite Granite: Appliances Connection. Faucet, #4159-BL-DST: Delta Faucet. Lighting, #P3203-30: Progress Lighting. Dishwasher, stove, vent, cabinet fronts, open shelves: Ikea.

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When you post your project with Sweeten, we’ll help you level your bids—even with non-Sweeten contractors.

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 Galley Kitchen Gets a Scandinavian Look appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

Before: Renovate an outdated Brooklyn kitchen

Longtime renters Marc and Steve dreamed of having a place of their own. Their search for a one-bedroom in Brooklyn eventually led them to an unexpected choice: a co-op or house? The townhouse, they discovered, was a short commute (only two express train stops) from Manhattan. It would provide more space than a one-bedroom apartment and not have the maintenance fees that go with living in a co-op. After purchasing their new home, they lived in it for seven months before turning their attention to the kitchen.

“It was perhaps the most outdated room and we knew it needed a major renovation,” Marc said. The existing cabinets were grimy and had broken doors. Some were so high up that they were almost unusable. The countertops had seen better days. The too-big appliances—combined with a low drop ceiling—made it feel like the walls were closing in on the already small space.

Slideshow:

After: Creating the “must-haves” list and choosing the contractor

With a list of must-haves that included a full-size dishwasher and additional storage space, Marc and Steve set out to plan a renovation. “Before Sweeten, we weren’t sure how to find a contractor we could trust,” Marc said. Posting his project on Sweeten led him to his general contractor. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

After reading through great reviews and discussing the contractor’s past work with Sweeten, he felt confident he was making the right choice and accepted his contractor’s bid.

Fans of the classic, black-and-white New York kitchen, the couple aimed to create a bright space with a clean look, layering plenty of white to make the space feel bigger. “The kitchen needed to be truly functional and not just pretty,” Marc said. As for the design, “we landed on something like ‘a traditional white kitchen goes modern.’” With a contractor on board, they were finally on their way to the modern black and white kitchen renovation of their dreams.

Planning and ordering kitchen cabinets

The need to demo the entire space meant that measuring would have to wait and the new cabinets—which usually require some lead time—couldn’t be ordered before work began. The couple decided on IKEA cabinets and Semihandmade doors because they would arrive sooner than a fully customized set (although Marc noted that the cabinet door delivery took longer than planned). He also mentioned taking advantage of running the cabinets from top to bottom on two walls to get as much storage as possible.

With cabinets of varying sizes, they chose flat-panel doors to streamline the look rather than the Shaker-style that was initially under consideration. The couple opted for full-size appliances (they got their dishwasher!) since they cook and bake on a daily basis, while a counter-depth fridge was installed to save some space and make room for a pantry cabinet. For unity between the backsplash and countertop, marble-looking quartz was selected for both surfaces. To let in more light, their contractor also widened the window over the sink to give a clear view of the garden.

Slideshow:

Marc + Steve’s renovation tips

Overall, the renovation took closer to three months—“a month or so longer than we hoped,” Marc shared. “But it was worth it!” While waiting on cabinet doors, his contractor tackled smaller projects, adding new baseboards and trim to the main living area, hanging pendants over the dining table, and removing the drop ceiling that continued throughout the rest of the ground floor. Marc tells us that working with his contractor was a great experience. “We are perfectionists, so we’d come home to see the work done each day and have a bunch of questions. He always answered patiently and quickly, or fixed things as soon as he could.”

The couple’s advice to future renovators: “Check return policies on everything. We ordered a range hood online that wasn’t what we thought it was. They wouldn’t let us return it because you have to reject it immediately at delivery.” Another tip: Dust is going to get everywhere, even with a contractor who’s careful, so be prepared for some clean-up after the work is done.

Why they love their new Sweeten kitchen

The new space feels light and airy—and much bigger than before. “We can both stand in the kitchen at the same time and it’s not overly crowded,” Marc said. “Design-wise, it’s the kitchen we always wanted and I don’t think we have any regrets about the choices we made (and there were so many choices!).”

Bonus: Marc and Steve were most excited for the new kitchen floor and the “wow” moment they achieved with patterned black-and-white tile.

Thank you, Marc and Steve, for sharing your modern black and white kitchen renovation with us! 

Ready to start planning your own dream kitchen renovation?

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Coptic black-and-white porcelain and marble floor tiles: Tilebar. Sektion kitchen cabinets: Ikea. Supermatte kitchen cabinet doors: Semihandmade. Vauxhall hardware: Restoration Hardware. Countertops and backsplash in Bianco Cristal, #CQ853: Colorquartz. Delta Trinsic faucet, #9159-AR-DST: Home Depot. Kohler Strive sink, #K-5286-NA: Home Depot. 24″ refrigerator, #CS1321: Appliances Connection. Whirlpool 30″ range, #WEG515S0FS: Home Depot. Bosch 24″ dishwasher: P.C. Richard & Son. Whirlpool 30″ hood: Best Buy. Princeton Short sconce and Fuller dining room pendant light: Schoolhouse. Paint in kitchen, Pure White, #SW7005; in dining room, Icicle, #SW6238: Sherwin Williams. Baseboards, casings, and plinth: New Mouldings.

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A rip-and-replace turned Deborah’s Upper East Side galley kitchen into another classic yet modern black-and-white New York kitchen.

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

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

The post A Modern Black and White Kitchen, Sized Just Right appeared first on Sweeten.

Photos courtesy of White Arrow

• Designing partners Keren and Thomas Richter of Brooklyn’s White Arrow posted their project on Sweeten on behalf of client Jared S.
• Where: South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Top-to-bottom upgrades took the existing finishes in a grayed-out-modern, 668-square-foot studio from stark to a luxe-chic state of relaxed
• Notable: The remodel brought needed storage and stretch-out room to the narrow condo.
• Result: A home towering with sleek touches and rich tones, and offering space for everything
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

It’s hard to say anything but yes to the job next door. “This project, right around the corner from our home and office, was the most convenient project we’ve done,” said Keren Richter, principal designer and founder, with husband and partner Thomas Richter, of White Arrow. But that wasn’t the only aspect of the condo, part of a historic 19th-century building conversion in South Williamsburg, that drew them to the remodel. The lofted duplex, with its 19-foot ceilings and armspan-width, was unique in its shipping-tube configuration. And then there was the owner. Jared had stayed all over and sought to bring an alluring boutique-hotel vibe to the place.

“I’d been bouncing around between cities for a while—Amsterdam, San Francisco, back to New York City,” Jared said. “I wanted a place to call home, that would really be a sanctuary. I spoke with the design team about the aesthetics of spaces I loved, like SoHo Farmhouse, the Bowery Hotel, the Maritime in Chelsea, Brooklyn’s Wythe Hotel, the Freehold, the Clover Club, and the Walter.” The White Arrow duo was reeled in.

“We agreed we wanted to give the home the trappings of a sophisticated urban hotel,” Keren said. “It needed to be great for entertaining, hosting guests, relaxing and working,” which Jared, a digital agency founder, had been doing from home for years. The apartment, despite its high ceilings, was extremely narrow, with a ground-floor kitchen and living room that pushed the boundaries of its small footprint.

“Our goal was to make the home feel spacious and accentuate the positive,” Keren said. The walls, she explained, were a “disjointed arrangement of extrusions and unflattering angles,” including an inset stretch of exposed antique brick and a boxed-in, underutilized loft-bedroom platform. “We streamlined everything, reconsidering odd bumps as opportunities for storage and display,” she added.

“Every square foot had to be well utilized,” Jared said. He wanted to add nooks and niches to put his things, and make the place truly feel like his own.

We streamlined everything, reconsidering odd bumps as opportunities for storage and display

The designers and their client also agreed that, instead of demolishing the place, they would elevate the existing finishes and fixtures. “We set out to minimize the rustic details the developer had selected during the conversion, and bring the home to a quiet level of cohesiveness with a new color palette,” Keren said.

Following White Arrow’s plan, their Sweeten general contractor streamlined the place’s odd juts and angles, and adding custom integrated display shelving in the kitchen as well as the home office-niche. Workers refinished the white-oak flooring with a more neutral, beige color tone and painted the dark exposed brick. “I knew I wanted lighter floors for a more Scandinavian aesthetic, but was wary of bleaching them,” Jared recalls. He trusted the team and has no regrets. Similarly, whitewashing the brick felt risky when the designers suggested it—but it “totally opened the room,” Jared said.

“Our client took some creative leaps,” Keren recalled. Repainting the gray kitchen cabinetry in a vivid green was a biggie. “The color is a total showstopper, and we are so glad he was game!” Keren remarked. Their Sweeten contractor retiled the kitchen backsplash with marble penny tile and changed all door hardware and plumbing fittings in the kitchen, as well as the two bathrooms, which got new grout and caulk, toilets, vanities, medicine cabinets, and fixtures.

Throughout the place, the contractors added new lighting locations and dimmer switches and swapped in new fixtures. “We added dramatic chandeliers and sconces that draw the eye up to take in the dramatic, high ceilings,” Keren said. “Living finishes” such as an unlacquered brass kitchen faucet, bring warmth and texture. A home-media specialist integrated a sound system and a wall-mounted TV.

It was with the furnishings that the designers really connected with the hotel aesthetic they strove for. “We chose distinctive, contemporary pieces in rich materials and jewel tones,” Keren said. Both Keren and Thomas were excited to shop and showcase an unusual mix of international designers, including Muller Van Severin, Gio Ponti, Atelier Areti, Harto, Maison Sarah Lavoine, Slash Objects, and Trnk. “We sought out furnishings that would do ‘double duty’ to maximize small spaces,” Keren said—sophisticated sofa beds, the secretary desk that Jared describes as “an ingenious space-saver.”

“Every piece,” Keren said, “is of the right proportion and scale,” including the king-size bed that Jared considered a must-have in the loft bedroom. The designers searched endlessly to find the furniture pieces that would allow every room to feel both luxurious and functional. To mellow the mood of the bedroom, Keren said, they added “a floor-to-ceiling, emerald-green velvet drapery to hide the formerly visible ensuite bath.”

The project had a fast turnaround, thanks to Sweeten’s vetting and follow-up during the project, Keren said. “The contractor was easy to work with and accommodating as the scope grew.”

As for the owner—Jared has been pleased to have his own digs to hunker down in during uncertain times. “The designs are super smart and well executed,” he says. “The living-room nook is discrete and conducive to relaxation. I am really happy.”

Thank you, Keren and Thomas of White Arrow, and Jared, for sharing the results of an inspired collaboration!

SHOPPING GUIDE

KITCHEN: Wood flooring and matte white-washed finish stain from Bona Traffic: Bona. Kitchen cabinets: Existing cabinets  refinished with oil paint in custom emerald green: Fine Paints of Europe. Cabinet hardware: House of Antique Hardware. Countertops: Caesarstone. Bianco Carrara 1” penny rounds backsplash: Builder Depot. Sink: Existing. Unlacquered brass faucet: Studio Ore.

LIVING ROOM: Aura paint in Cloud White: Benjamin Moore. Blue-velvet sofa: Clad Home. Leather chair: Trnk. Side table: Slash Objects. Ceiling light fixture: Atelier Areti. Coffee table: Sonder Living. Rug by The Rug Company: Farrow and Ball. Desk: HARTÔ. Borge Mogensen desk chair reissue: Fredericia. Sconce: Muller van Severin for Valeire Objects. Sound system: Sonos.

DINING AREA: Table: &Tradition. Borge Mogensen desk chair reissue: Fredericia.

BEDROOM: Vintage Harvey Probber Danish Mid-Century modern walnut headboard: 1stDibs. Lamp: Maison Sarah Lavoine. Dresser: Vintage. Sconces: Cedar & Moss. Nightstand: West Elm.

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ADUs or accessory dwelling units can transform into home offices, living space for family or as a rental, or a retreat.

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 Williamsburg Studio Goes Boutique Hotel-Chic appeared first on Sweeten.

• Homeowners: Bellamy, an executive at The GAP, and Zak, a senior environmental scientist, posted their brownstone renovation on Sweeten
• Where: Bedford Stuyvesant, New York
• Primary renovation: A 2,400-square foot Brooklyn brownstone renovation transformed the owners’ duplex and garden rental
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “The budget was our major obstacle, but our Sweeten contractor was great at working with us to determine where we could splurge and where we could save.”
• 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 Bellamy. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten.

Finding their circa 1900 Brooklyn brownstone home

After a grueling year-long search, countless open houses, and one house lost in a bidding war, we found our home. Remarkably, it had everything we wanted: it was a two-family home in the heart of “brownstone” Brooklyn, with original hardwood floors. Most of the houses in the neighborhood were built circa 1900. Many we viewed did not stand the test of time, but this home had been in the same family for years and did not show the usual wear-and-tear of a 100-year-old home. We were lucky, but it did need an old home renovation.

I was thankful to stumble upon Sweeten early in my general contractor search. While I had owned a home before, this was our first time doing a large-scale Brooklyn brownstone renovation that would require more than our DIY skills could handle.

The layout of the house and our budget did not afford us a ton of options, so the renovation was straightforward. We focused on structural changes to change the flow and use of the house. Thankfully, when we moved in, we were able to live in the garden floor apartment while we renovated the upper two floors where we would eventually live.

Salvaging and repurposing

We removed the original entry doors as you come into the entry foyer, but left the structural wall intact. This allowed the area to feel more open as you continue into the living area; it also gave back more livable space to work with. However, I loved the original details of the doors. Luckily, they just fit the ceiling clearance on the second floor and they found new life as the guest room headboard.

In the living room and through to the kitchen, we tore down two walls and exposed a long expanse of brick wall. The former owner had repointed the brick in the front room with black mortar, which was a real eyesore. When we exposed the whole length of the house, we were left with two walls that didn’t match. Limited by our budget, we repointed the half that was previously covered and experimented with painting techniques to blend the two together.

An overhaul for the kitchen

I wanted the kitchen to be the focus of the home. There were three main obstacles: adding a door for backyard access, the ceiling height, and a must-have double oven. I initially wanted to enlarge the back window above the sink to make it a focal point and let in more natural light. Not far along into the process, I had to abandon that idea since we were concerned with what the enlarged opening would do to the structural integrity of the home, given its age. It was also a huge expense so we chose to use those dollars elsewhere.

In the end, we actually made the window above the sink slightly smaller to allow for a proper backsplash. We replaced the second window with a door and added a small landing and stairs for easy backyard access.

Finding the right appliances

The next question was how to vent the hood with 11-foot-high ceilings and open shelving left nowhere to hide. Ultimately, the ducting was kept exposed and vented directly through the wall outside. I love the industrial element it adds to the newly renovated space.

Lastly, where to fit the double oven? At first, I was concerned I would be giving up valuable pantry space, but the layout worked out perfectly and there was room for everything we wanted, even the custom built-in beverage taps. We are home-brewing enthusiasts and wanted a unique feature in our kitchen to showcase that.

Splurging and saving

The first-floor bath was an easy update. The layout was already functional, so we kept it as-is with a direct replacement—aka rip-and-replace—of all the fixtures. We were able to salvage the original door and reuse the existing tub. We later put our DIY skills to the test and added fun wallpaper and wainscoting.

My favorite splurge on the top floor was a heated bathroom floor—worth every penny in the winter.

The top floor previously served as a separate apartment complete with its own kitchen. We wanted to have a master bedroom, master closet, master bathroom, guest bedroom, and laundry room. The tricky part was figuring out where to put everything. The pre-existing kitchen allowed us to easily add a washer and dryer without a huge expense. Once that was decided, everything else fell into place.

The master bedroom closet is a dream spot that had been a small room that our contractor converted. My favorite splurge on the top floor was a heated bathroom floor—worth every penny in the winter.

Throughout the house, we did some major upgrades that elevate the whole space: we put up fresh drywall throughout the second floor, refinished the original floors in a dark walnut color, and replaced all the windows in the house.

Brooklyn brownstone renovation: budget and process

While I would not necessarily recommend living in a renovation (so much dust), it did allow us to check on the progress and be more involved in day-to-day decisions such as outlet locations and doorknob height. We optimistically thought the renovation would take three months, but we did add on some significant projects that stretched the timeline. Overall, the project took about five months to complete the top two floors with some minor updates in the garden apartment.

The budget was our major obstacle, but our Sweeten general contractor was great at working with us to determine where we could splurge and save. Once our contractor realized we were quite handy, we were able to figure out what we could do ourselves versus what we should leave to the professionals. For example, we chose to take on all the painting, which was a huge undertaking. I’m talking all ceilings, all walls, all trim, and multiple coats! I don’t think we understood what a huge task it was—and that in certain spaces, the contractor was unable to move forward until we completed painting. I’m glad we did it, but it was a grueling several months and I’m pretty sure I gave myself carpal tunnel.

Switching the brownstone layout

The biggest change in terms of the function of the home was separating the garden floor apartment from the upper two floors. In dividing the two, we were able to gain a coat closet in the apartment and additional storage space for us before the basement level. The ground floor is now available as its own standalone rental unit, while we live on the two floors above. Now that the house is done, I am so thankful we splurged on what we wanted—replacing the windows, skim-coating, and repointing the brick; those are some of my favorite things in the house.

Thanks, Bellamy and Zak, for sharing your Brooklyn brownstone renovation story with us! Here’s how they renovated their new garden rental apartment on a budget. Post your project on Sweeten and work with the best contractors. 

Renovation materials

FOYER RESOURCES:

• Floor tile: Merola

GROUND FLOOR BATH RESOURCES:

• Foundations Collection shower fixtures: Delta
• Hex black floor tile: Merola
• Fresh White wall tile: Jeffrey Court
• Opalhouse Speckled Dot peel-and-stick wallpaper: Target
• Godmorgon/Odensvik vanity and sink; ENSEN faucet: IKEA
• Vanity light from Ainsley Collection, 56552PN: Hinkley Lighting

KITCHEN RESOURCES:

• Kenmore refrigerator and slide-in gas cooktop: Kenmore
• Bosch dishwasher, SHVM78W53N: Appliances Connection
• Whirlpool self-cleaning double electric wall oven, WOD51EC0AS: Appliances Connection
• Floor tile, FRC8TWED: Merola
• Kitchen cabinets: Custom by contractor.
• Omnia cabinet knobs, 9153/18.3: Omnia
• Quartz countertops, 1141: Caesarstone
• Fresh White backsplash tile, 96012: Jeffrey Court
• Olde London apron-front farmhouse fireclay sink: Empire Industries

MASTER BATH RESOURCES:

• Porter shower fixtures, 142984C-BN-A: Delta
• Carrara marble hex mosaic floor tile, C33XH: MarbleOnline.com
• Retro Octagon White Dot shower floor tile, 96025; Fresh White wall tile, 96012: Jeffrey Court
• Godmorgon/Odensvik sink and vanity, 291.852.39: IKEA
• Vanity cabinet fronts: Semihandmade
• Vanity light from Ainsley Collection, 56552PN: Hinkley Lighting

PAINT RESOURCES:

• Trim paint in Totally Black, HDC-MD-04; Wall paint in Pure White, PPU18-06: Behr

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.

Popular questions asked

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 Brooklyn Brownstone Renovation “Flips” for the Better appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Dara + Mauricio posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York City
• Primary renovation: An 1,800-square-foot full apartment renovation to increase function and storage
• Notable: Giving the kitchen more space and flow by moving the refrigerator out of the space
• Result: A larger kitchen and better flow throughout
• Sweeten general contractor
• Our role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free. Learn more about how Sweeten works.

Guest blog post by Sweeten homeowner Dara

Figuring out the best layout for the apartment

Our building was originally constructed in 1930, possibly for officers of the Navy Yard located several blocks north. Like many buildings in NYC, it turned into a co-op in the ’80s. The overall layout of the apartment was great, with a lot of natural light, but the configuration of the space in both bathrooms, as well as the kitchen, was awkward.

Mauricio, an architect, and I wanted to open up the kitchen so that all four of us, including our 5-year-old twins, could move around it comfortably while adding counter space and enlarging the existing island. But solving that problem was really challenging. We must have gone through at least ten different layouts.

We discussed everything from a standard galley kitchen layout, to relocating the gas line and stove, but nothing felt quite right. Then we said, “What if we extend the kitchen by taking a bit of space away from the adjacent dining room?” Ultimately, we realized that by moving the fridge and aligning it with an enlarged island, we could seamlessly expand the kitchen without sacrificing room for our dining table.

The kitchen remodel worked, and now we have a much bigger kitchen with a lot more storage and prep space. We even have huge cabinets underneath our island. Most importantly, our dining room is still perfectly roomy.

Renovation tip to help save time

We planned for minimal construction and maximum impact.  The access point to the washer and dryer was moved from the master bedroom to the third bedroom by easily rotating it in its existing space, rather than relocating it. That way, you don’t need to walk through the master to do a load of laundry. It also allowed us a larger shower.

We opened up the “den” off the living room by removing built-ins along three walls to create a more flexible space as a TV room and an office. We saved money and time tailoring modular closets to our needs rather than building out new closets. Non-layout items we needed to address included fixing the electric panel and installing new hardwood floors since the original wood was as thin as the veneer.

Throughout the process, we kept in mind our 3 R’s mantra: Things needed to be easily repairable, replaceable, or recyclable. Most of our purchases were made from local stores that had minimum to no lead time. We chose not to do anything custom until our kids stopped sharing a bedroom when they get older; we might need to rethink some of the spaces.

Compromising on style

In terms of style, we tried to reach a middle ground between our preferences. I chose a more eclectic style in the second bathroom: gray-and-blue patterned tiles on the floor and shower wall mixed with large white subway tiles. In the master bathroom, Mauricio preferred a more streamlined and minimalist look with grays and whites with a floating white glossy vanity.

We had a lot of opinions and ideas, and we were thankful that our contractor took the time to talk things through.

For the kitchen cabinets, we went with Ikea, that we could upgrade to semi-custom later on. We wanted solid hardwood that was reminiscent in the color of the original floor, but more modern looking. We chose a white oak in wide planks.

A good-working Sweeten reno team

Our Sweeten contractor and his dad made a great team. He was very easy to talk to, and his dad was quite resourceful, with many solutions for various problems we encountered along the way. We had a lot of opinions and ideas, and we were thankful that our contractor took the time to talk things through. We could debate different ideas with him, but he was never pushy or non-communicative.

Avoiding subcontractor issues

One thing we would do differently is to put all of the renovation items (except finishes) under the contractor umbrella. We bought our countertop slabs from a local store, which encouraged us to use their fabricator rather than using our contractor to oversee the subcontractors. At installation, there were problems with sizing and fit. The fabricator blamed the contractor for moving the kitchen cabinets. Meanwhile, the contractor blamed the fabricator for cutting a countertop that didn’t fit. If the fabricator had been a subcontractor of our contractor, and under his supervision, that would have all been avoided.

Finally, we’re extremely happy with our home. After the full renovation of our apartment, all four of us can have breakfast at the kitchen island with room to spare. Plus, with all of the closets plus the kitchen storage, we finally have enough space to store everything. It all makes us happy on a daily basis. Now we are gearing up for renovating our rooftop, to create an outdoor space for our family that rivals the interior.

Thank you, Dara + Mauricio, for sharing your full apartment renovation with us!

Shopping Guide

KITCHEN: Cabinets and hardware: Ikea. Countertops: Quartzmaster. Sink: Appliances Connection. Faucet: Grohe. Fridge, dishwasher, and stove: Appliances Connection. Lighting: West Elm. Paint in Decorator White (eggshell finish on walls and semi-gloss doors): Benjamin Moore. 

MASTER BATHROOM: Medicine cabinets: Wyndham Collection. Toilet and sink: Appliances Connection. Accessories: Delta. Slate floor and wall tiles: Galactic Tiles. Paint in Ultra White: Benjamin Moore.

SECOND BATHROOM: Medicine cabinets: Appliances Connection. Toilet and bathtub: Appliances Connection. Accessories: Delta. Faucet: Appliances Connection. Floor tiles: Vintage and purchased locally. Paint in Ultra White: Benjamin Moore.

LIVING SPACES: Prefinished white oak flooring and base molding: Lumber Liquidators. Shaker-style doors throughout: Brooklyn Windows & Doors. Paint and Plaster in Ultra White: Benjamin Moore.

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Plan ahead and read up on how long it takes to renovate a whole apartment.

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 Full Apartment Renovation Smooths a Family’s Traffic Flow appeared first on Sweeten.