Kitchen materials are adapting to how homeowners want to use their space

Smarter design is on the rise

Today, kitchens are being built to require less maintenance while prioritizing the eco kitchen. That’s why easy-to-clean flooring and sanitary countertops are in demand, according to National Kitchen & Bath Association‘s annual report.

The report draws on insight from over 700 designers, architects, contractors, and showroom managers. With the help of new materials and clever design, Sweeten highlights what’s trending to make it a reality. 

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

Low-maintenance material and design

Flooring such as engineered wood and ceramic tiles are popular easy-clean options. Vinyl is a low-cost alternative. These materials are also durable. They can withstand dropped knives and the splatter of hot liquid for years. 

When it comes to low-maintenance countertops, choosing something non-porous is crucial. Quartz is in demand because it is durable and non-porous, so there’s no place for bacteria to gather. Laminate countertops are an economical option for a minimal maintenance kitchen.

Clever design that hides mess and disorganization is another way homeowners are reducing their cleaning time. A working pantry is key. Almost 70 percent of homeowners are using pantries to store and operate small appliances leaving the main kitchen mess-free and organized. 

Millennials push the eco kitchen trend

Millennial homeowners are driving trends towards the use of 100 percent LED lighting. Energy-efficient appliances are also reducing carbon footprints (and energy bills) as are low-e doors and windows, which keep internal temperatures mild.

Recycled materials like glass and plastic are finding a second life in countertops. A dedicated space in kitchen design for sorting and storing recycling further demonstrates the importance of conservation.

New homeowners are reducing their exposure to dangerous chemicals by incorporating non-toxic materials like VOC-free paint (VOCs or volatile organic compounds are chemicals found in common products). It’s good for us and the planet. 

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.

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The post A Yellow Moroccan Tile Backsplash in a NYC Kitchen 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.

An open plan home in the Hamptons, with child-friendly stairs and new baths

• Homeowners: Alex and Jennifer Figueroa, the parents of two young boys, posted their East Hampton renovation project on Sweeten
• Where: Long Island, New York
• Primary renovation: A gut renovation of a 2,500-square-foot, 1979 house to create a family-friendly home (and rental)
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “Our Sweeten contractor was a reliable asset. He found a solution to every snag and never said no to a request.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

Guest blog post by homeowner Alex. “After” photos by Lena Yaremenko for Sweeten.

A complete redo begins with an East Hampton renovation

We purchased a cedar-shingled house in East Hampton and started renovating immediately. With two young kids, we were anxious to get this dream beach house going. Jennifer, a speech-language pathologist, and I, a banker, also knew it would make an excellent Airbnb.

The house, which was built in 1979, had five bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. It needed a refresh. We wanted to give it an open, modern beach house feel. The first floor would reconfigure to an open-plan concept. This meant not only knocking down a wall but removing essential load-bearing beams.

The staircase needed work; it looked dated and was not up to code. It had a railing but was essentially open. So, a kid could literally duck under it and fall through. We also knew that we’d have to gut remodel the kitchen and bathrooms, which had never been renovated.

Removing interior walls for an open-concept plan

We started on the first floor. Our Sweeten contractor had warned us that revising the floor plan would be the biggest part of the project. And it was. The kitchen, which was nestled in the house’s center, had a wall that contained a support beam. That essential wall, which separated it from the foyer, was the one we wanted to do away with. It took removing multiple load-bearing beams but that wall came down. From our contractor’s suggestion, we lowered the ceiling a few inches to conceal the perimeter beams. As a result, the ceiling was entirely flush and seamless throughout.

The space that was once three separate rooms—the kitchen, dining room, and den—is now a continuous area. The change gives the home a much more open and airy feeling, letting the light filter through.

We felt so pleased with the openness that we reinforced the look in other ways. For example, we chose not to replace the dated kitchen floor tile with the large faux-concrete slabs we had purchased. Instead, hardwood flooring was installed on the entire ground floor to unify the entire space. Our contractor urged us to consider this to give the downstairs a cohesive look. We’re glad we listened, as it looks sleek and seamless.

“Our contractor urged us to consider [continuous hardwood flooring] to give the downstairs a cohesive look. We’re glad we listened, as it looks sleek and seamless.”

A custom look for Ikea kitchen cabinets

We felt especially excited about the kitchen. Our design included a large island that would be for gathering and favorite activities like cooking and entertaining. In addition, we splurged on a wine fridge, quartz countertops, and an integrated refrigerator.

Our Sweeten contractor customized Ikea cabinets with walnut panel doors. Another panel ran along the ceiling for a more high-end look. The big island was outfitted with counter seating and a five-zone induction cooktop. The install day for that island was really an exciting milestone. Finally, our open plan now had a center!

The successful reconfiguration of the downstairs led us to the next big task: the staircase remodel. We had a good idea of how we wanted to approach it. Safety was the primary concern, but given that the stairs are a focal point as you enter the home, looks also mattered. Therefore, we decided on wood-trimmed glass panels placed vertically to create a transparent enclosure. Stair safety was achieved while staying true to the goal of light and openness.

With the stairs under control, we moved on to the bathrooms. All three had a different look: minimal white in the master bath, ocean-blue cabinetry and hex tile in the guest bath, and a white console sink in the first-floor powder room. Black marble was used for contrast. We’re thrilled with the large-format porcelain slabs in the master bath shower. The expansive, smooth surfaces with minimal grout lines give the room a clean look and easy cleaning. We love the result.

A good partner with an East Hampton general contractor

Fortunately, throughout the renovation process, our Sweeten contractor was a reliable asset and didn’t need Sweeten for help. He found a solution to every snag and never said no to a request. He was always available to answer questions and we felt at every step that his goal was to make us happy.

For us, the biggest challenge was distance. East Hampton is a two-hour drive from our home in Long Island City, so we had to manage our project from afar. On many weekends, we made same-day round-trips to check in on the work. The payoff came when the finishes went in and months of planning materialized. The space came out exactly as we hoped it would and we are happy with the decisions we made.

Thank you, Alex and Jennifer, for sharing your East Hampton renovation with us!

Renovation Materials:

LIVING SPACE RESOURCES: Wall paint in Bakery Box, #BL-W9: Behr. Fireplace mantle tile in Realta II: Cement Tile Shop. Custom glass doors: Crystalia Glass. Living room built-in cabinetry: custom millwork by Sweeten contractor. 

ENTRANCE/HALLWAY RESOURCES: Rhye wallpaper in hand foil: Custhom. Montara 28 .5” mirror: Serena & Lily.  Console: West Elm.  Closet Dove shelves in brushed chrome finish: California Closets.

STAIRCASE RESOURCES: STUDIOC WOW drop tiles on risers: Crossville Studios. 

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinets customized by contractor: IKEA. Walnut panels: Semihandmade. Pental quartz countertops and backsplash: Avenza. Fisher & Paykel refrigerator/ freezer: Appliances Connection. KitchenAid wine refrigerator, KitchenAid dishwasher, KitchenAid microwave/oven: Appliances Connection. Samsung induction 5 burner cooktop: Appliances Connection.  Meurice Chandelier: Jonathan Adler. Carlisle Metal counter stools: Threshold.

MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES: 4” Hexagon Fosso marble floor tile: Nemo Tile. Stone Calacatta black smooth porcelain wall tile: Florim. Kallista hardware: Build.com. GrohFlex Essence dual function thermostatic trim shower fixtures with control module: Grohe.  Crystalia glass shower doors: Custom by contractor.  Mason Apothecary single sink vanity: Pottery Barn.  Infinity rectangular wall mirror: CB2. 

GUEST BATHROOM RESOURCES: 4” hexagon Griglio Cielo marble floor tiles: Nemo Tile. Stone black smooth porcelain wall tile: Florim. Kallista hardware: Build.com. GrohFlex Essence dual function thermostatic trim shower fixtures with control module: Grohe. 60” Kendall blue bathroom vanity: Houzz. Infinity rectangular wall mirror: CB2.

SECOND FLOOR LANDING RESOURCES: 30-light chandelier: Lumens.

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

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 on Sweeten.

The post An East Hampton Beach House Opens and Brightens appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Renovation of a Flushing kitchen for accessibility and openness 

Before: After years of living with roommates, the renters saved up to buy a place of their own: a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Flushing, Queens. As new homeowners who finally had the option to make their mark on a space, they decided to renovate the kitchen. It was cramped and inefficient for cooking, with unusable corner cabinets and appliances that were too close together. The couple hired an architect, Jumi Song, who sketched out a few ideas based on their planned use of the space. “They also had a Pinterest page of design items they liked, and I used that as a reference for how to select finishes—they wanted a modern feel with a muted palette,” Jumi shared. She posted the project to Sweeten on behalf of her clients and was matched with a general contractor to bring the plans to life.

After: The architect planned to turn the U-shaped kitchen into an L-shaped cook space with an island. To gain more space and give more separation between the master bedroom and kitchen, the contractor built a two-foot extension wall. The stove and sink stayed in their original location, but the refrigerator and dishwasher moved to an adjacent wall, directly across from the island, to establish a more efficient flow.

The renovators chose a mix of neutrals, from light wood-grain cabinets to a black quartz countertop. The cabinetry bases are all from Ikea and outfitted with doors from Semihandmade for a more customized result.

Their architect worked directly with the Sweeten contractor and was onsite to answer any questions or concerns that cropped up. Plus, they had weekly progress meetings to ensure the project was moving along smoothly and per the design the architect put together.

The first-time renovators and homeowners biggest concern overall was about budget, but they stayed on track and the final number was within their price range.

“The space is much more open and inviting. I’ve never been one to hang out in the kitchen, but now I want to spend more time here,” one homeowner shared. 

Bonus: The renovators’ advice: “Know when to stand your ground regarding your vision, and when to compromise due to unforeseen conditions or budget restraints.”

Style finds: Floor in Veranda Solids porcelain tile in Fog; Quartz slab countertops in Broadway Black; Glass mosaic tile in Green Parade: Daltile. Base cabinets and undercabinet lighting: Ikea. Impression Slabs in Sonoma finish and black stainless steel round cabinet pulls: Semihandmade. Sink: Zuhne. Faucet: Appliances Connection. Refrigerator: Appliances Connection. Dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Stove: Appliances Connection. Williston Forge pendant lighting: AllModern.

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Get the lowdown on kitchen renovation costs in New York City.

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 on Sweeten. 

The post Converting a U-Shaped Kitchen into an L-Shape appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Give a functional kitchen a small facelift in the Upper West Side

Before: Melissa bought her Upper West Side 650-square-feet condo in 2015 from a family of four, who utilized the space differently than she does as a single homeowner. A big plus of the purchase was that the space only needed some “finishing touches rather than a major reconfiguration.”

While the kitchen was serviceable, she felt some of the cost-cutting measures made in a prior renovation just didn’t measure up. “I loved the open-concept of my kitchen and how it flowed out to the rest of the space,” she said, “but it was clear they skimped on the details.”

Melissa hated the existing countertops (“the counter was cheap dark wood with many seams!”), and the cabinets without a toe-kick accumulated a ton of food debris, creating a cleaning nightmare. The bar needed tweaking; it was two different pieces with different depths. The space was much darker than she wanted, getting only morning sunlight, and the wood countertops didn’t help. “They swallowed the room whole!” she noted.

To make it her own, she posted her project to Sweeten, a free service that connects homeowners with vetted general contractors, and selected this Sweeten contractor.

After: Smart, small changes transformed Melissa’s blah kitchen into a place she’s proud to call home. She replaced the dark wood countertops with quartz (“so easy to clean and visually opened up my space!”). The bar was not standard height, and so it required custom carpentry to finish it off properly. Adding a white subway tile backsplash and switching out the existing hardware for a larger size instantly improved the space. “I selected modern handles and knobs that accented the tall cabinets and gave the space more function as well as a polished look,” she explained. “I saw many examples on Sweeten’s blog, which gave me the confidence to go for it!”

But her favorite swap? Her single huge basin sink, that came with various add-ons, has been the game-changer. “It has a removable dish rack that inserts into the sink, which I use every day because it frees up counter space; perfect for small spaces!”

Melissa said, “I used Sweeten’s Client Services to vet unfamiliar questions that popped up, such as buying a counter through a wholesaler so I could resolve my questions quickly.” Her contractor completed the project on time and on budget. Now, she’s thrilled with the final result. “I love the new bright look and functionality!”

Bonus: Melissa finished her renovation on a tight budget and armed with her helpful dad. They painted the space to make it brighter and replaced the floors themselves, which saved money. “Let’s just say it was an adventure and I’m glad I didn’t get evicted,” she said, “but a little paint and nicer floors went a long way!”

Thanks for sharing your kitchen renovation story with us, Melissa!

Style finds: Kitchen cabinets: Ikea. Cabinet hardware: My Knobs. Countertops: Home Depot. Backsplash: Tile Bar. Prolific sink: Appliances Connection. Lighting: Home Depot.

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An Upper West Side kitchen turned up the brightness with glossy finishes and under-cabinet LED lighting.

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

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

The post A Kitchen Shines with Some TLC appeared first on Sweeten.

Guest post by Carroll Gardens homeowner Kim Solop 

After ten years of living in our Carroll Gardens condo, we really needed a change. We contemplated a move to the suburbs or upgrading to a bigger place in a less popular Brooklyn neighborhood. After almost a year of looking and being priced out in our current neighborhood, we decided to renovate our current place, a two-bed, two-bath, 1,200 square-foot condo that we bought in 2006. We loved our current neighborhood with its proximity to our workplaces, lots of cute restaurants, shops, and our two sons’ schools. The problems were in the apartment itself: I was unhappy with the dark kitchen—I always had been. I love taking baths but hated the jet tub that was installed over a decade ago. Lastly, our laundry closet had a lot of wasted space and I wanted to add a walk-in pantry!

As a big fan of home decor blogs, I had been stalking the Sweeten site for a while, and really loved seeing the transformations that the contractors could do with space. I was excited for the chance to post our renovation. I met with a couple of them, and decided on this Sweeten contractor. I really clicked with the project managers and could see that we would have a good partnership.

My main objective for the kitchen was to brighten it up and eliminate the space between the cabinets and the ceiling. I hated how this wasted space looked and the amount of dust it collected. After a few weeks of sourcing materials, we were ready to go! I knew from the get-go that I wanted a white kitchen, as well as shaker-style cabinets with quartz countertops that were marble look-alikes. Other than that, I was pretty open to ideas. Our contractor came over with a wealth of ideas for how we could open the kitchen up to maximize light. (Unfortunately, there are no windows in the kitchen, so there was only so much we could do.) I debated another set of cabinets on top of the current ones, but eventually decided against it. I switched gears a bit on the white color palette, choosing instead a dual-tone kitchen with white uppers and gray lower cabinets. After living with long pulls, I decided to go with smaller handles on all the cabinetry. Quartz countertops were also a must, for the durability factor! With two kids and a husband who are not always the neatest, I knew that we needed a tough work surface. I was adamant about getting a wine fridge. As members of a few wine clubs, we struggled to find space to keep our wine at the right temperatures.

Our microwave above the range was replaced with a microwave drawer, and a hood was installed above the stovetop instead. With the new wine fridge taking up precious cabinet space, I did lose a place for pots and pans. Our contractor was able to give me deep drawers in the pantry to make up for this lost storage. My other kitchen must-haves were a deep, white porcelain sink, and an under-counter pull-out garbage can.

Across the kitchen was a room that held just the washer and dryer with inaccessible space that was wasted. When we extended the wall, there was room for a customized pantry with countertops, shelving, and cabinetry that matched the kitchen. After not having a pantry for so long, it’s amazing to have one, and the additional space has really been a lifesaver. I had envisioned barn doors, but there was not enough wall space for it. The double doors we ended up hanging looked so plain and boring. I had some wallpaper left over from the hallway–so I went for it and covered the doors too. I think it turned out nicely.

For the bathroom, I wanted a totally new look that was modern and clean. We went with dark floors, a deep soaking tub, and a floating vanity. Our contractor showed me a picture of another bathroom he did, and I loved it so much, we copied it almost exactly. It came out perfectly and I am fighting my older son almost daily for baths! The tub is divine.

We actually lived in the space during the whole renovation, which lasted about seven weeks. It was definitely challenging and required a lot of patience. The contractor and his crew were great about cleaning up, however, and we made the best of it with lots of takeout dinners.

After reading the Sweeten blog for so many years, it was exciting to embark on my own renovation. I realized that renovating is messy and dirty, and almost always takes longer than you had originally anticipated. You learn to roll with the punches, and realize that things happen. We had a few hiccups along the way, such as wanting the barn door on the pantry that wasn’t going to work, so I learned to compromise.

I enjoyed working with our Sweeten contractor,  who made himself available at all hours. He was in constant communication and has remained a friend to this day. We love our new kitchen and other improvements, and are planning on staying to enjoy them for many years to come!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Grey and white shaker cabinets: Waypoint. Knobs and pulls hardware: Appliances Connection  and Berenson Pulls. Quartz countertops: Silestone. White subway tile backsplash: Wayfair. White porcelain deep farm sink: Appliances Connection. Faucet: Grohe. Refrigerator: GE Monogram. Microwave: Appliances Connection. Wine fridge: Appliances Connection. Range: Appliances Connection (original). Range hood: Appliances Connection.

BATHROOM RESOURCES. Black hex floor tile: Wayfair. White subway wall tile: Wayfair. Herringbone marble mosaic wall tile: Builder Depot. Sink fixture: Grohe. Rain shower fixture: Hansgrohe. Sink/vanity: Fresca. Toilet: Appliances Connection. White Underscore tub: Appliances Connection. Medicine cabinet: Fresca. Lighting: Rejuvenation.

LAUNDRY RESOURCES. Washer/dryer: Appliances Connection. Cabinets: Waypoint. Petal Pusher wallpaper: Hygge & West.

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If you want to add pantry space to your kitchen but don’t have a closet that can be repurposed, go for a custom built-in that frames your fridge like this one in Fabio and Melina’s kitchen.

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

The post Renovating to Stay in a Well-loved Neighborhood appeared first on Sweeten.

Guest post by Ketrina, Clinton Hill homeowner

I purchased a one-bedroom co-op apartment in Clinton Hill almost five years ago after selling the condo I owned in New Jersey. With a tenant living in my NJ home, I’d been renting a place in Bed-Stuy for more than two years and I figured it was time to try to fulfill my goal of owning in Brooklyn. My new place was a sponsor unit on a high floor with expansive east-facing views. The kitchen had (what seemed at the time) pretty good upgrades: black granite counters, black tile flooring, and new stainless steel appliances. The cabinets, though not my favorite style, were perfectly fine. My friends were pretty impressed with my new digs.

I did have the chance to take down the zig-zagging wall partition that separated the kitchen from the living room during contract negotiations, but I was too indecisive and stressed from the purchasing process to pull the trigger. At the time, most of my efforts in the kitchen involved making toast and coffee, so being a little cramped didn’t seem like an issue. But after closing, I sank into a brief period of buyer’s remorse. Those cabinets, which had seemed just fine, were actually pretty shabbily installed: nothing was level, the hinges had paper stuffed into them to make them close properly, and the fridge was jammed in between the counter and the kitchen wall. When I opened the fridge doors, they would hit the doorway and chip away at the door frame. I was totally bummed. Hoping for a quick fix, I contacted the folks who’d done the work to re-do the entryway and replace the refrigerator, but I wasn’t any happier with how it all looked after that second try.

A few months in, I started to see a recurring water leak from the neighbors upstairs – more than once, water poured down through my cabinets, causing the kitchen walls and cabinet surfaces to bow and fade. By this point, I was pretty down on the kitchen. I’d already removed some of the damaged cabinetry from the wall and had lived for a year with an entire section missing. I knew I wanted to renovate, but I hesitated with the potential cost and the fear of another flood.

I learned that some of my neighbors had gone through Sweeten to find contractors for their renovations and I was surprised and encouraged by the variety of configurations available for what felt like a pretty limited space. So I finally posted my project on Sweeten, envisioning a grown-up kitchen with an island/peninsula, fully open to the living room. I didn’t really have a vision for what I wanted besides something that would play well with the living room décor. I like warm colors, oranges and browns, and I specified that I needed experts who could handle both the design and build of the space. Sweeten introduced me to Sweeten Experts Paulina and Albert, and I liked them immediately. Paulina has a great attitude and personality, plus she’s a trained architect with design ideas that make so much sense. She seemed as excited about designing it as I was, so it was an easy decision to move forward with the team.

During our first design meeting, we talked color scheme and finishes. What blew my mind was that the very next night, Paulina sent me sketches that basically represented what the kitchen looks like now that it is completed. I’d read references from other clients about Paulina on Sweeten that talked about how she was very reliable and would take care of everything. And that’s absolutely true. As someone who had never done a major home project, I was freaking out a little bit over how overwhelming it all seemed.  But after visiting Paulina and Albert’s shop in Queens, I was so encouraged and relieved, knowing I was working with real professionals. At that meeting, we picked the cabinetry style and she gave me two samples for countertop material and two options for cabinet lacquer color, totally respecting my wish to not be deluged with choices. She also talked me out of unnecessarily changing the kitchen floor, one of the best cost- and time-saving decisions of the reno.

Once work started, everything seemed to happen very fast. Paulina’s designs pulled in my color scheme across the custom solid wood cabinets, painted to color-match Benjamin Moore’s Early Morning Mist. Albert created a walnut veneer, open corner cabinet above the sink, and continued the walnut accents with a soffit, floor to ceiling pipe cover, and dining peninsula. I found the recycled glass penny tile backsplash at Complete Tile in Manhattan – exactly what I was looking for – and I also chose the quartzite counters in Madreperola/Mother of Pearl. The stone is my favorite thing about the new space – it’s like having a piece of fine art right in my kitchen.

I chose a simple metallic bronze knob for the cabinets from myknobs.com and I picked up door handles for the storage under the dining peninsula from Overstock. Paulina recommended some very cool pendant lights from Restoration Hardware and I found a budget-friendly alternative from Brooklyn Bulb Co. To solve a space issue, I decided to replace my dishwasher with an 18-inch Appliances Connection model, allowing Paulina and Albert to create two full lines of base cabinets along the kitchen’s back wall. The dividing wall came down (you can see my boyfriend’s little farewell graffiti from the night before the demo!), the cabinet bases went in, the soffit and pipe cover were installed, and the next thing I knew, the counters were brought in and we were just about done.

I never thought I could or would have such a funky kitchen. I would say I’m most appreciative toward Sweeten and Paulina and Albert for making this process, for the most part, worry-free. Paulina and Albert stuck to my budget and managed to keep the project on schedule despite my kitchen’s persistent attempts to put us behind with some unhelpful wall crookedness. The craftsmanship of the kitchen is fantastic and apparent, from the way the floor was seamlessly patched to the super cool way the cabinets are finished underneath with LED lights, to the bonus upper and lower cabinets next to the stove (which also cleverly hide pipes). I love the wee pull-out spice cabinet! I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s like a minor miracle happened with this project.

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Bravo, Ketrina! All that stone and walnut is absolutely beautiful. We’re so glad to see this project come together and are here to help other New Yorkers create spaces they love. Post your renovation project on Sweeten and we’ll introduce you to contractors who are hand-picked for your project’s neighborhood, budget, scope, and style. 

The post Ketrina’s Sweetened Clinton Hill Kitchen – Homeowner Guest Post appeared first on Sweeten.