The post My Sweeten Story: A Fixer-Upper Remodel of a Chicago Condo appeared first on Sweeten.

The post My Sweeten Story: A Mint Bathtub Leads a Vintage Bathroom Remodel appeared first on Sweeten.

The post 7 Reasons All-White Kitchens are Timeless appeared first on Sweeten.

The post My Sweeten Story: A Crown Heights Duo Takes on Their Smallest Spaces appeared first on Sweeten.

Modern bathroom designs can be sleek or warm. (Above) Sweeten homeowner Lexi’s minimalist bathroom renovation.

A fresh version of modern

When you think of a modern classic bathroom, images of white tile accented with contemporary fixtures come to mind. This vision is true but the design palette can also stretch beyond that. Texture, tone, shape, and color all contribute to the look for an updated definition.

Modern can fit in a variety of styles, including traditional, minimalist, or farmhouse. Here, a look at seven different Sweeten renovations proving a modern classic bathroom is in the eye of the beholder. 

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

Tactile finishes deliver a modern bathroom design

Actress Jaime Ray Newman and partner Guy Nattiv worked with two designers and their Sweeten contractor to form a one-of-a-kind look for their remodel. In their master bathroom, they chose multiple unique handmade tiles for the walls and floors. Also, a light wood vanity was a natural material that anchored the whole space. As a result, the couple’s choices proved that light-color tile with texture and shape could bring just the right amount of subtle drama to a modern bathroom. 

Modern bathroom with mixed finishes

Designing their bathroom remodel with floor-to-ceiling white subway tile gave Tina and Andrew a classic base to build on. What they added to it brought personality and dimension. A vintage-style exposed shower fixture shows what’s old is new again. The mixing of finishes—brass and chrome—is a popular trend. For extra storage, a double-wide medicine cabinet extends past the custom blue vanity for some asymmetry. Lastly, a shower curtain textile with a pattern and tassel trim is the final soft touch.

A soft side to modern

Melissa’s 500-square-foot apartment went through clever design changes for her and her partner to live comfortably. Their bathroom, which barely had room to turn around in, borrowed square footage from the bedroom next door. The couple’s design plan demonstrates that a modern vibe can have a softer side. The cool stone-look tile pulls you in with help from natural light streaming in. Also, soft curves in the drop-in sink and fixtures add to the ambiance. Wood tones always bring in warmth when a space needs it. Here’s one more modern idea: a built-in cabinet inside the shower is tucked between a beam and shower wall for covered storage!

A clean—but not overly simple—aesthetic

Sisters Nicole and Missy turned to Sweeten to begin their Arlington bathroom renovation. Nicole originally thought she wanted a simple and clean white bathroom. However, as the project unfolded, she realized she wanted more personality in the design thanks to her Sweeten contractor’s suggestions. The sliding barn shower door and white-washed oak vanity came in to complete this modern bathroom design. 

Black matte finish on a clean canvas

This Manhattan couple went with a minimalist white color scheme for their Greenwich Village modern bathroom design. Their Sweeten contractor installed a sleek vanity characterized by linear silhouettes and a geometric shower niche. A black matte faucet was installed on the wall, which boosts the contemporary factor. 

Gray grout offsets modern gold touches

For Amy and Kevin’s LA bathroom renovation, they, like many other renovators, chose classic subway tile. However, they tweaked the look by using gray grout. (Gray is a great choice as it is both classic and contemporary at the same time.) They also selected a large-format gray tile for the floor, which grounded the room. To pull in a traditional aesthetic, the couple put in a 30-inch vanity in a natural wood tone. 

A modern bathroom design mixes in classic fixtures

Leah and Brian worked with a Sweeten contractor to update their Chicago loft’s bathroom. They went with antique brass for the finishes—as seen in the pendant light, shower head, and faucet—to give it a classic look. To add in a modern vibe, they chose porcelain tile in a gloss finish for the walls. Matte finish tiles laid in a herringbone pattern on the shower floor complete the look.

When you’re ready to get started on your bathroom 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 with Sweeten.

The post Modern Classic Bathroom Round-Up appeared first on Sweeten.

The post 7 Takes On a Dreamy White Subway Tile Bathroom appeared first on Sweeten.

The post Work-From-Home Perfection in a Los Angeles House appeared first on Sweeten.

The post My Sweeten Story: A Family Connects in their Washington Heights Kitchen 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.

—

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: Tina, a fashion designer, and Andrew, a cybersecurity consultant, posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Sunnyside, Queens in New York City
• Primary renovation: A full-apartment renovation in a 1930s co-op building
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “After interviewing nearly ten lackluster contractors, we discovered Sweeten and signed up immediately. Their contractors were a godsend, very professional, and responsive.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Guest blog post by homeowners Tina and Andrew. “After” photos by Pixy Interiors for Sweeten. 

A home search is serendipitous

We were living in a one-bedroom apartment on the third floor for almost a year when an opportunity came knocking. Tina’s father, who used to be the superintendent in the building, heard about this apartment through the grapevine. The two-bedroom, one-bath with an eat-in kitchen on the ground floor had been occupied by the same owner for decades. The apartment hadn’t yet been listed, so we didn’t know what to expect. As we eagerly walked in, it became clear that it needed a lot of TLC.

Its dimensions were a little over 900 square feet. We saw plenty of potential, but the original layout was partitioned and closed-off. The dated 1970s finishes and dark saturated colors throughout made the space feel extremely dark and cavernous. It was certainly a fixer-upper, but we agreed it was worth taking on and jumped in feet first.

A successful general contractor match

Living in the same building, we could easily visit the space for measurements, planning, and the actual renovation. Enter Sweeten. After interviewing nearly ten lackluster contractors, we discovered Sweeten and signed up immediately. Their contractors were a godsend, very professional, and responsive. We got an estimate the same day when others would take days or just ghost us completely. And they took the time to answer all our questions and negotiate prices before they were even hired. Choosing a contractor was probably one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of the renovation process.

Planning a coastal look

Our vision was to make the space airy, bright, and modern while still complementing the building’s prewar style. Tina, a designer by trade, used her skills to sketch layouts, create mood boards, and research finishes. French bistros, Vermont farmhouses, and Hampton beach bungalows were inspirations. The apartment was grounded in light neutrals with navy blue and oak wood accents for a coastal look. We loved the clean lines and texture of the shiplap, board and batten, and exposed brick. Touches of brass and Carrara marble helped warm up and elevate the space.

With limited natural light on the ground floor, some walls were removed to allow light to flow through the space. To brighten the space further, we doused every surface with white paint and installed French doors to all the bedrooms. The carpets were removed to reveal the original 1930s hardwood floors. To our relief, the parquet still had plenty of life left in them. We went with a clear matte finish to give it a natural look and feel.

More natural light in the living room

The windows in the living room and spare room were recessed nearly a foot into the wall which blocked a lot of light from coming in. Exposing the brick on these walls would open things up. Our contractor built beautiful custom window frames to finish the windows off. We used a natural limestone paint to whitewash the brick for an aged look.

Bounce your wildest ideas off of the professionals; that is what they are there for.

A kitchen opens up—partially

We took the plunge and opened up half the kitchen into what would become the living room—the brightest space in the apartment. It also gave back a nice chunk of square footage previously wasted with an awkwardly-curved wall. A small linen closet was removed to fit a large countertop between the kitchen and living room.

As a family that loves to entertain and cook together, we wanted a functional space with a lot of storage. Because kitchens take up a large portion of a renovation budget, we tried to be clever and save where we could. Instead of custom cabinets, we went with Ikea but purchased the cabinet doors from a company that specializes in stylish and modern cabinetry for Ikea kitchen systems.

We love the look of marble, so we used it on the backsplash instead of the countertop. Marble tiles are more affordable than a marble slab (and a lot less maintenance). All of our state-of-the-art appliances were purchased at an outlet in Long Island where appliances were like-new floor samples. If you have the time and patience to hunt for deals, it can really save you a lot in the long run. We did splurge on the “jewelry” of the kitchen—the faucet and cabinet hardware. These little details make a huge difference.

Details make a difference

The bedroom with two large closets became the master bedroom. Two closets were combined into one big walk-in closet. We painted the room white and added board and batten paneling on one wall for dimension. The double french doors our contractor installed (also in the spare room) were our favorite part of the room. It gave the space a grand look and let so much natural light come through.

The bathroom was on the smaller side and didn’t see a need to sacrifice any space to expand it. We included some fun touches, like a brass light fixture (plus dimmer switch) and a vintage-style exposed shower body. The extra-wide medicine cabinet and custom-built vanity helped make efficient use of limited storage.

Experiencing the renovation process

Our contractor and his team deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and patience with us. Everybody should know that these jobs are never simple. Scheduling can get tricky.

Being detail-oriented and working with a contractor you can communicate with were really important to us. Our Sweeten contractor had no problem emailing back and forth about even the smallest detail. Bounce your wildest ideas off of the professionals; that is what they are there for.

One thing we would caution is the amount of work, if any, you decide to take on yourself. To keep the budget under control we decided to paint and do some other finishes ourselves. We saved thousands of dollars but doing all that work when we both have full-time jobs was exhausting.

Our new home really feels like a dream come true, and we feel very fortunate to call it our own. It was no cakewalk, but we had a blast every step of the way. Coming after work and seeing the progress made was so exciting. The hope and promise of creating a space all your own, to us, is what renovations are all about. We hope our fellow renovators find it as rewarding of an experience as we did.

Thank you, Tina and Andrew, for sharing how your new home came together!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Kitchen cabinets: Super matte shaker cabinets in white and light grey: Semihandmade. Massey cabinet pulls: Rejuvenation. Classic 1 ¼” pulls: House of Antique Hardware. Honed quartz in Smithtown: CitiQuartz. Carrara Venato marbled honed subway tiles 4”x8”: The Builder Depot. Rohl C-sput bridge faucet with sidespray in Polished Nickel: Appliances Connection. Fireclay sink: Alfi. KitchenAid refrigerator and stove: Appliances Connection. Bosch dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Thomas O’Brien Eugene pendant lighting: Circa Lighting. Bar stools: Vintage.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: 3” Carrara hexagon marble floor; 3”x6” subway tile walls: Home Depot. Vanity hardware: Rejuvenation. Oxford thermostatic shower fixtures: Signature Hardware. Vanity/sink: Custom. Vanity paint in Hale Navy #HC-154: Benjamin Moore. Faucet: Barber Wilsons. Kohler Corbelle toilet: Appliances Connection. Thomas O’Brien Vendome triple scone in Antique Brass and Sienna small-flush mount overhead light in Chrome: Circa Lighting. Cerridale medicine cabinet: Wayfair.  

LIVING AND DINING ROOM RESOURCES: Leighton pendant light fixture: Room and Board. Wall paint in Chantilly Lace, #OC-65: Benjamin Moore. Brick limewash interior/exterior paint in Avorio White: Romabio. Olde Bricke Lighting glass dome sconces in Matte Brass: Etsy. 

MASTER BEDROOM RESOURCES: Mia faceted crystal pendant overhead light: Pottery Barn. Cylinder accent table lamp and Imbrie articulating sconce: Rejuvenation. Wall paint in Chantilly Lace, #OC-65: Benjamin Moore. Shade: The Shade Store.  Ceiling light pendant (outside in hallway): West Elm.

SPARE ROOM RESOURCES: Overhead light: Luna pendant rod in Natural Brass: Schoolhouse. Desk light: West Elm. Wall paint in Chantilly Lace, #OC-65: Benjamin Moore. Brick limewash interior/exterior paint in Avorio White: Romabio.

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.

—

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 A Ground Floor Co-op in Sunnyside Finds Its Light appeared first on Sweeten.

Modernize. Ditch a clunky layout. Add a kitchen island. And do it before the baby arrives. Those were Tara and Brian’s four main renovation goals after they bought a two-bedroom co-op (with a small office space) in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The prewar apartment was an upgrade in space and number of bedrooms from their previous rental as the couple prepared to start a family.

It’s a shallow pantry, but it is enormously useful.

However, it was outdated. Oak cabinets in the kitchen and patterned tiles in the bathroom, all from the ’90s, made the room feel old. A kitchen peninsula awkwardly dissected the eating area and living room. The fridge took up prime real estate, blocking light from the apartment’s rear. “The previous owners had lived there for eight years and hadn’t really updated it,” Tara said. They decided to post their project to Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted contractors, and chose a general contractor.

The couple decided to do most of the renovation before moving in so Tara, who was pregnant at the time, wouldn’t inhale any dust. Once the water was connected and the messy work complete, Brian and Tara took up residence while their contractor worked around them.

For Tara, adding that kitchen island was non-negotiable and it turned out to be one of the crowning glories of the renovation. Their contractor had a reclaimed wood supplier in Pennsylvania and the couple picked out a big slab of walnut. They went for a rustic look, leaving two sides with a live edge and enhanced the wood’s cherry red tone with a lacquer. “I remember when I was a kid, the kitchen island was the center of existence,” she said, adding that now when they have friends over, that still proves true.

Their contractor suggested a workaround for the refrigerator. The area already had three big clunky closets across from the main kitchen. Why not match those closets to the new cabinets in the kitchen and hide the fridge in there? It turned into a perfect solution that helped the flow of space between the living room, kitchen and the back of the apartment.

Hiding the fridge wasn’t the only incognito idea the Sweeten contractor had. The new kitchen layout had a few feet of wall space that wasn’t serving any purpose other than be covered in the white subway tiles Brian and Tara picked for their backsplash. The contractor saw the potential for a small pantry. When it’s shut, it looks like a tiled wall. But pop the magnetic doors open, and a 10-inch deep cabinet is revealed. “It’s a shallow pantry, but it is enormously useful,” said Tara. “Our friends think it is so cool.”

To create a sense of openness in the kitchen, Tara and Brian ditched the cabinets above the counter in favor of open shelving. Their contractor used the walnut from the new kitchen island to create the shelving. The red proved the perfect accent of color and texture to the couple’s color palette of black and white.

Sticking closely to that color scheme, Tara wanted a darker stain with a matte finish on the wood floors. Brian thought it needed more gloss. “We spent a lot of time figuring out what stain to use,” Tara said. “My husband eventually came around.”

The couple had different visions in other areas, too. Of everything in the renovation, making a decision on what bathroom faucets to install took the most time. Tara wanted something modern and functional. Brian had a strong view that it should have one handle instead of two. In the end, they found something “that we both didn’t hate,” Tara said.

She also felt strongly in favor of a glass partition rather than a shower curtain, “to make the space look bigger.” Brian pointed out the difficulties of maneuvering around a partial glass barrier when bathing their soon-to-arrive infant. To get on the same page on the glass, Tara volunteered to take the lead on baby bathing responsibilities. “At the moment she is still getting washed in the kitchen sink because it is so big,” she said.

If we thought creatively, we could make the most of all the space that would otherwise have gone unused.

The renovation hit a snag when their general contractor uncovered some serious water damage to the bathroom flooring. The couple had planned on keeping the original bathtub since they thought it was in pretty good shape. This new discovery meant they needed a new one. On the bright side, it gave Tara the chance to cross something off her “want” list: a bath with a tiled side.  “Our contractor was very upfront with what was needed and what the cost would be,” Tara said, of the mid-project pivot. “He gave us options of what to do about it.”

The walnut wood turned into the gift that kept giving. After completing the kitchen, their contractor used the remainder to create three small shelves in the bathroom. With some wood still unused, he carved up more shelves for the office.

The renovation took three months to complete. During the project, Brian and Tara communicated often with their Sweeten contractor via text message and in person. “He was so great because we would text with him and he would keep us up-to-date even on minor details,” Tara said.

The couple also learned the art of compromise during the process. “Brian had to remind me of what was practical even if I really wanted something,” Tara said. But at the same time, don’t be afraid to get creative, she advised. The secret pantry behind a tiled wall and walnut shelving in the bathroom are two examples of making inspired decisions on the go. “We realized if we thought creatively,” said Tara, “we could make the most of all the space that would otherwise have gone unused.”

Thank you, Tara, Brian, and baby Elenor, for sharing your wonderful apartment with us!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinets: Empire Cabinets. Cabinet hardware: Blueman Hardware. Countertops: Empire. Merola glossy subway tile backsplash, #1001484480: Home Depot. Refrigerator: Fisher & Paykel. Dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Stove: Appliances Connection. West Ninth Vintage Industrial 6-light kitchen island pendant, #WNVT1028: Wayfair.  Emerald-line wall paint in matte finished Decorators White: Sherwin Williams.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Merola Tile Hexatile bathroom floor, #1000955197; Merola glossy subway wall tile, #1001484480: Home Depot. Hardware: Nameek. Juno black wall-mounted shower head and hose, #JS9944: Juno Showers. 32″ free-standing vanity with reinforced acrylic sink: Moreno. Toilet: Icera. Fixtures near mirrors: KhalimaLights.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Reef branch chandelier: Dutton Brown.

—

Here are the costs to renovate per square foot 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 The Co-op That Walnut Built appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Create a cohesive and minimalist kitchen

Before: After moving from an apartment in Kensington, Brooklyn, to a brownstone in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn, Christina and Aaron were ready to renovate their “new” kitchen. Located in a 2,600-square-foot brownstone originally built in 1901, the cook space was definitely showing its age. The multi-color cabinets and floors were falling apart and the appliances were also outdated. Aaron, a director of child programming, and Christina, a registered nurse, wanted a clean and contemporary kitchen better suited for their family of three (including their son Maverick). The couple posted their project to Sweeten and were matched with a general contractor.

After: Before getting started on the demolition and build, they worked with a close friend and interior architect, Gabrielle Gilbert, who was involved in the early planning and design stages of the process and brought their vision to paper. “When it came time to explain our vision to the contractor, we were able to show those plans, which made everything extremely clear,” Aaron said.

The couple chose ceiling-high custom cabinets, with the bottom units painted in a rich navy and the uppers in white. Aside from the refrigerator and cabinets above, they left one wall open to include a small table and two chairs next to a big window. Just outside the kitchen and right off their separate dining room, they converted part of the hallway into an extra pantry area. The floating shelves match the ones used in the far end of the kitchen built from reclaimed wood from Big Reuse.

Throughout the project, their Sweeten contractor ensured they had frequent meetings and progress updates. From the beginning, he provided a detailed plan outlining the timeline, a list of needed materials, and recommended businesses and suppliers. Sweeten Client Services also checked in on the project status and contractor performance to ensure the couple was happy with the progress.

“The biggest challenges we faced with this project were the unexpected discoveries that would often add on to the workload and adjust the timeline of the project, such as the discovery that the floor needed to be re-leveled before tiling,” Aaron said. The electrical also needed to be updated to power the new appliances and the ceiling height had to be adjusted due to pre-existing damage. If you’re renovating an older home, Aaron strongly advises leaving plenty of room wiggle room in your budget because during demolition, issues that weren’t noticeable before can come to the surface.

Through it all, the trio couldn’t be happier with their kitchen. “The new space feels amazing, the whole vibe of the house has changed and we love to spend time in the kitchen together as a family,” Aaron said.

Bonus: Cooking has become so much easier and enjoyable thanks to their new counter space and the bigger stove.

Style finds: Cabinets: Custom. Bottom cabinet paint in Old Navy; upper cabinet paint in Misty Gray; walls in Simply White: Benjamin Moore. Cabinet hardware in Champagne: Amerock. Quartz countertops in White Attica: Caesarstone. Farmhouse sink: LaToscana. Faucet in black with matte finish: Appliances Connection. Refrigerator and dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Stove and microwave: Appliances Connection. Circular pendant light: Vonn. Floating shelves made from reclaimed wood: Big Reuse. Patika 2 ivory natural stone floor tile and white subway tile: Galactic Tile.

—

Bellamy and Zak renovated their brownstone in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

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

The post A Bright Brownstone Kitchen appeared first on Sweeten.

• Homeowners: Sonali and Shalaj posted their Financial District renovation on Sweeten
• Where: the Financial District in Manhattan
• Primary renovation: Gut renovating a 1970’s-era 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

(Above) Sonali and Shalaj with Tyson and dog-sitting his girlfriend, Izzy

Falling for a new Manhattan neighborhood

Sonali, a consultant, and Shalaj, an investment banker, were initially unsure about their move to the Financial District in Manhattan, but soon found themselves falling in love with the neighborhood. “We enjoy going on long walks along the river and just exploring the shops and restaurants in the area,” Sonali said. One night, while walking their cocker spaniel, Tyson, the couple discovered the Southbridge Towers complex, which had recently been privatized. Although they hadn’t considered buying before, the building piqued their curiosity. They started going to open houses and putting in their bids but were outbid several times before finally being accepted for a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom co-op. “Truth be told, we were not expecting our offer to get accepted!” Sonali said.

As the two settled into their new roles as homeowners, they said, “reality hit” and they realized the apartment (with its original ’70s design) would need a complete overhaul: a gut renovation. “We had no idea where to start,” Sonali said. Luckily, that’s when they found Sweeten and decided to post their Financial District renovation.

“We needed to renovate the entire apartment, including the removal of the original popcorn ceiling. We wanted a contractor who would not only handle all aspects of the renovation but also fit within our tight budget and schedule,” she said. The project would also include knocking down walls, which required permits from both their building and the city. They were matched with a general contractor who was comfortable with their project scope and timeline.

Expanding the kitchen, and compromising along the way

Sonali and Shalaj agreed that the most important change to tackle would be opening up the kitchen. “We both enjoy cooking and having friends over, so we knew we would be spending a lot of time in there,” Sonali said. They decided to remove a kitchen wall to open the space into the living room and make the whole apartment feel less cramped. They went with a white-on-white design, with white cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, and white quartz countertops throughout (which Sonali called “exquisite”).

Instead of installing a microwave over the gas range, they opted for a drawer-style instead. “It reminded Shalaj of years of renting!” Sonali said. Another item they really wanted was a Wolf gas range. “It was way beyond our stove budget, but when our contractor told us about a discounted floor model, we decided to splurge on it,” she said.

An unexpected delight in the kitchen was the under-cabinet LED lights with dimmers, suggested by the contractor, which both added charm and accentuated the white subway tile backsplash.

During the process, the couple found they had to compromise on certain elements. For example, because of the location of the gas line, they couldn’t move the stove away from the peninsula as originally planned. Sonali found the silver lining, though: “We like that the stove is in the peninsula now because it allows us to cook and interact with guests when we have them over!” They spent most of their effort and money on the kitchen. “We have not regretted any of our decisions yet,” she said.

Adding closet space to the co-op

The next renovation priority was to double the closet space in the master bedroom by taking the adjacent guest bedroom’s closet; the second bedroom got a new one of its own built. “In our last rental, Shalaj was relegated to the living room closet, so having enough storage space in the master bedroom was pretty high on his list of priorities,” Sonali explained. Shalaj wanted to install lights in their custom closets, but once they realized this addition would add thousands of dollars to their renovation costs, they decided to buy battery-operated lights instead.

A bathroom refresh & pet-friendly wooden flooring

The couple decided to close up the living room closet and have it open inside the bathroom. This change added storage to the bathroom and got rid of wasted space in the hallway. Like the kitchen, the bathroom was also mostly white. To add contrast and character, they installed black hexagonal floor tile. “We get complimented on it a lot!” Sonali said.

Throughout the rest of the apartment, the contractor installed wide-plank, oak hardwood floors. Sonali described the color as “not too dark, not too light” and loves that it blends with Tyson’s fur—something relatable to any pet owner.

In terms of choosing materials, Sonali said that the couple had no idea how many choices there would be or how much it could end up costing. That’s where their contractor came in: “To help us work through our sticker shock, our contractor had carefully built a list of items in three categories (budget, standard, and high-end) and supplied samples, to the extent possible. From there, our job was mostly to choose one of the three options provided, which made life so much easier for us,” she said.

Lessons learned from the Financial District renovation

The most stressful moment of the renovation came a week before the couple was supposed to move into their new apartment. None of the appliances had been installed, there was paper all over the floor, and the electrical work had not yet been started. Since they were unable to stay in their old apartment, they worried they might not have anywhere to go. The Sweeten contractor reassured them the process wasn’t very far behind schedule, and sure enough, they were able to move in on time.

“Our contractor took great control of the project, from getting building approval to ensuring that we could meet the move-in deadline.” She added, “We had heard horror stories about how long renovations can take, but working with an experienced and responsible contractor makes the process much smoother.”

The couple’s advice to new renovators? “A friend of ours had advised us to set aside a 30% buffer on top of our budget. The advice came in handy as that was almost exactly the amount we went over by.” Extra costs included a few items outside the original scope such as replacing the AC unit and also spending more on kitchen materials than had been initially planned.

Sonali said, “We love our new space and feel lucky to find a home in our favorite neighborhood and to add our personal touch to the layout and materials.”

Thank you, Sonali and Shalaj, for sharing your new home with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Pinnacle Plantation Hamptons 8″ wide oak floors, #PLT808: DWF. Kitchen cabinets: Custom by Sweeten contractor. Atlas Hardware Successi cabinet pulls, A832-MC: Build.com. Statuario Nuvo countertops, 511: Caesarstone. Whisper White backsplash tile, 3″ x 6″: The Builder Depot. Sink and faucet: Kraus. French-door 17″ cubic foot refrigerator,#RF170ADX4_N: Appliances Connection. 500 Series dishwasher, #SHP865WD5N: Appliances Connection.  30″ gas range, GR304: Appliances Connection. 24″ built-in microwave drawer, #SMD2480CS: P.C. Richard. Glossy range hood, #33GLAS30SS300-B: Appliances Connection. Barstools: Wayfair.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Mode Hex porcelain bathroom floor tile, 11.8″ x 13.6″: Ottimo Ceramics. Rittenhouse Square bathroom wall tile: Daltile. Grohe Parkfield sink faucet: Appliances Connection. Delta Vero shower fixtures in Brilliant Stainless, #T17253-SS: Wayfair. Santa Rosa 1.28 gpf toilet and Verdera medicine cabinet, 40″ x 30″: Kohler.

BEDROOM RESOURCES: Accent wall paint in Hale Navy, other walls in Chantilly Lace: Benjamin Moore.

—

Elizabeth updated her Financial District half-bath to become a full-bathroom meets utility space.

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 New Neighborhood Wins Over a Couple appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: A rip-and-replace bathroom in Yorkville, Manhattan

Before: Deborah purchased this 1-bed, 1-bath co-op apartment and within a year, she could no longer live with the old, grimy tiles and outdated look, so she turned to Sweeten. Her Sweeten design-build firm went to work freshening up the space (she redid her kitchen as well; see results here). The goal was to modernize the small space with new fixtures and finishes while retaining the original footprint. “I wasn’t allowed to expand the existing footprint,” says Deborah, “because my co-op wouldn’t allow a ‘wet space-over-dry-space’ rule.”

When they went to demo the bathroom, the contractor discovered that the waste lines were all sunk into the floor, rather than the walls, where they are usually found. They had to redo them all, which added an additional week to the project for inspections and approvals and an extra cost.

After: A calm color palette provides a serene spot to get ready for the day. White subway tile and a subtle gray paint on the walls are paired with a modern white floating vanity with custom pull-out drawers, which provides more accessible and usable space than traditional doors. The vanity, with ample storage, was a suggestion by her contractor and “meant I didn’t need a bulky medicine cabinet,” said Deborah.

A metal grille cover was created for the radiator. A combination of white-plank open shelving and a glass shelf above the toilet provide plenty of display space for small toiletries. The Sweeten contractor also came up with the idea to add the paneling on the side of the bathtub for a classic look, as well as framing the window in white Thassos marble molding. Topped off with a frameless shower enclosure, the space is functional and beautiful, a major improvement from its predecessor. “My contractor was excellent with design,” she said. “I am thrilled with my new bathroom.”

Bonus: Everyone loves a window in the bathroom, and the Sweeten contractor was sure to frame this one with a waterproof application that would keep the space watertight for years to come.

Style finds: White Thassos Mosaic floor tile and Abecks ceramic wall tile: Complete Tile. Brushed nickel shower fixtures and sink: Appliances Connection. Faucet: Signature Hardware. White floating vanity: Plain and Fancy. Toilet: Appliances Connection.

See Deborah’s full kitchen transformation here!

—

Mary Ann and Frank designed a calmer, less cluttered space for their master bath.

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 Grimy Bathroom Cleans Up Nicely appeared first on Sweeten.

For a dozen years, Tara and Mike lived in a tiny studio apartment on the Upper West Side. A move uptown, to the Grand Concourse Historic District of the Bronx, landed them in a much larger home in a 1930s co-op building. In 2015, they moved in and up against no deadlines to renovate, carefully thought through the changes they wanted to make and assembled photos and information that a contractor could use to bring their visions to life. Read on for the full story of how they gutted two full baths, enlarged closets (one of which now fits three bikes!), and lived to tell the tale of not one, but two, plumbing disasters.

Guest post by Bronx homeowner Tara

We purchased this apartment a few years ago, after living in a 250-square-foot apartment on the West Side for about 12 years. Going from a studio apartment to a 3-bed, 2-bath was a big leap. The kitchen had already been renovated by the previous owners, so we only had to deal with the outdated bathrooms. Leaky toilets, hot water surges, and ugly yellow tile were just a few of the things we needed to remedy.

We took our time in the beginning, even before posting our project to Sweeten, to lay out exactly what we wanted room by room. We had a document with photos ready to hand to any contractor who we contacted. This made it easy for us and the contractor to make sure we were all on the same page from the start. We were also never in a rush to start the work. We started looking for a contractor at least four months before we were even ready to think about putting any money down. This gave us the luxury of taking our time to choose the firm that was right for us.

(Before) Master bath
(Above) Master bath

We ended up going with this Sweeten design-build firm. We wanted a design-build firm from the start so that someone would take charge of sourcing and delivery of all the various components of our job. Our budget included line items for everything we could possibly need, and we were free to select the fixtures that fit within the budget. When something we wanted was out of range, we either decided to find an alternative or paid the difference upfront. We also needed someone who could handle all of the Department of Buildings permits, as well as our co-op’s application process.

We had a specific vision for this renovation. We planned to gut the bathrooms and add ceiling fans in all of the bedrooms and living room, new radiator covers in the bedrooms, and lighting and doors throughout. The bathroom in the master was very narrow, and we wanted to move the tub out of the guest bath and into the master. Moving the location of the tub, and expanding the bathroom by about two feet, solved the narrowness issue.

(During) Master bath ceiling reveals a waste line wrapped in duct tapeWe really were excited to pick out all the new fixtures and tiles for the bathrooms. Our contractor offered several options within our budget. We wanted to see and touch the cabinets and faucets before committing to them. Our thinking was if we’re going to be living with these things for years to come, we needed to like how they felt, and more importantly, wanted to see the quality.

We visited several showrooms in the NYC area to see the Kohler line of cabinets and the Brizo faucets that we ultimately chose. We liked the Fantini sink faucet and shape of the handles for the guest bath; it also matched the black finish of the Brizo line used in the shower. To keep the ordering simple, we used the same family of fixtures and cabinets in both bathrooms, with different finishes for each.

We chose a fun feature as an accent in the shower: a round tile in shades of white, blue, and green from a company called Clayhaus in Oregon. Our biggest challenge was timing the special order and delivery around the completion of the first bathroom. The tiles took about six weeks to fabricate, and we ended up being about two weeks off. Luckily, the crew had other projects around our apartment to complete while waiting for the tile to arrive.

(Before) Guest bath
(After) Guest bath

When our master bath ceiling was opened up during demolition, the contractor found that the waste line from the toilet above had been wrapped in duct tape during a prior renovation. We immediately reported this to building management, who arranged to have the pipe replaced. Their plumber worked with our contractor to gain access, and within a day the situation was resolved.

Enlarging the master bath with extra square footage resulted in an added benefit, giving us space in our bedroom to accommodate a large dresser next to the newly combined closets.
In the guest room, we widened the closet to make it suitable for bike storage. We can now get three bikes in there with room for other gear along the sides and floor.

(Before) Master bedroom closets

During the renovation, we had no options for moving off-site, but having a contractor who understood our needs, and the fact that we would be living on site the entire time, made the process bearable. The first few weeks of disruption were the hardest, but we settled into a routine and focused on the outcome. And because we were dealing with two bathrooms, we could only start the second one when the first was completed.

While our own renovation went smoothly, with all pipes and fittings replaced and brought up to code, it was an external problem that delayed the final weeks of work. Nearing what would have been the end of the project, we came home to water pouring down from a bathtub located in the apartment two floors above us. An older pipe leading from the tub drain had eroded completely and detached from the waste line. Bath water had been spilling down for hours while we were at work. Our crew was not on site that day, and the unit above ours was vacant. With no one to report the leak, it was ours to deal with.

That was the most devastating moment because we were so close to completion but now had to deal with the clean-up and dry-out of brand new walls and flooring. We put in a claim with our insurance carrier to cover the cost of the repairs, and wanted our team to do the work, since they were still on site, knew our building and our home. We could trust them to work unsupervised. They were willing to stick around and do this repair, but it was at least three months and multiple visits by an insurance adjuster before we could agree on a scope of work and monetary settlement. Luckily, both bathrooms were still usable and we made sure there was no mold growing between the walls. When all was said and done, both spaces were finished about ten months after the start date.

Prior to the start of the renovation, our biggest question was whether we would be able to find a reliable contractor. We would be trusting them with our home, our valuables, and our dog, for several months, day in and day out, while we were at work. We wondered if they would do the best job they were capable of, or would they cut corners? Would they stand by their work?

I’m happy to say that they went above and beyond our expectations, standing by us when we had a major leak that damaged a significant portion of their work. They also took excellent care of our home. Sweeten was a great resource, and knowing that they were there to assist us was valuable when going into a major renovation. I don’t think we would have had as easy of a time finding a solid and reliable contractor if we had not used Sweeten from the start.

Thanks, Tara and Mike, for sharing your renovation story! 

MASTER BATH RESOURCES: Basketweave floor tile; gray subway wall tile: Classic Tile. Assorted Circle accent tiles: Clayhaus. Jason Wu shower/bath fixtures: Brizo. Jute sink/vanity: Appliances Connection. Verdera medicine cabinet: Appliances Connection. Toilet: Appliances Connection.

GUEST BATH RESOURCES: Basketweave floor tile; white subway wall tile: Classic Tile. Assorted Circle accent tiles: Clayhaus. Jason Wu shower/bath fixtures: Brizo.  Verdera medicine cabinet: Appliances Connection. Sink/vanity: Fantini. Toilet: Appliances Connection.

OTHER RESOURCES: Interior Doors: Dykes Lumber. Haiku ceiling fans: Big Ass Fans.

—

What’s the difference between design-build firms and build-only firms? Read all about design-build firms, which combine design and construction under one roof, in our guide.

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 Two New Baths Top Off a Remodel Odyssey appeared first on Sweeten.

British expat Sam and her American husband, Sean, had been living in Park Slope for several years when they made the decision to find a place to buy. While they casually searched in Park Slope and its surrounding neighborhoods, they also prepared their finances and readied themselves for when it came time to make an offer. A fortuitous series of events led them to bid on—and win!—the first apartment they visited.

Sweeten shares their (enviably easy) search and how they transformed a long-empty, rundown apartment into a beautiful home for a growing family.

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

Having heard horror stories from friends who suffered through multiple failed bids, Sam and Sean anticipated a difficult process. They imagined that they might also face rejection, so they jumped into the process with an offer after their first open house visit in the nearby Clinton Hill neighborhood.

They realized that the space was old and hadn’t been lived in for quite some time, but were able to see past the grimy kitchen and bath, as well as the worn floors and peeling paint in this two-bedroom apartment in the famed Clinton Hill Co-ops (we’re big fans, as you know). The large bedrooms were a big plus, while the generous common area could open up even further by removing walls separating the kitchen from the dining and living rooms. Otherwise, the size and layout were exactly right for their family of four, and they would remain within commuting distance to their daycare. The listed price also left room in their budget for the renovation the apartment so desperately needed.

When the discussion came around to renovation at the Open House, the listing agent, Tom Stuart (who coincidentally also lived in the CHCs), mentioned that Sweeten would be an option for their project, given the ever-growing list of Sweeten alumni in the complex. So as they went into contract, Sam posted the project and requested bids from contractors. A Sweeten contractor fit the bill, and they got to work updating the apartment after a slight delay in obtaining approval from the board and managing agent.

To create a feeling of spaciousness, walls were knocked down to open sight lines between all of the common areas. (With two kids under five, this was especially important.) Sam wanted the kitchen to feel as large as possible by New York City standards, since the couple cooks frequently. The contractor closed off one of the openings between the hallway and the kitchen, so that a pantry and refrigerator could be installed in that space.

On the opposite side of the kitchen, in place of the old walls framing the dining area, a peninsula was installed for additional counter space and storage. The sink was moved out of a cramped corner, and placed alongside the dishwasher for ease of access. Sam chose to go with stock cabinets for the affordability factor. (Also, by this point, they learned that Sam was pregnant with their third child, meaning that this was unlikely to be their forever home!)

When considering the palette, soothing neutrals provided a subtle backdrop to the inevitable and colorful chaos that always accompanies kids and their toys. In terms of storage, the full-length pantry was outfitted with pull-out drawers for maximum accessibility. Drawers were also installed in the peninsula instead of shelves. The kitchen design also included a Lazy Susan in the upper corner, so that hard-to-reach items in the back wouldn’t be a problem. Lastly, an integrated garbage bin kept the trash out of sight.

Deciding early on they did not want the hassle of obtaining plumbing permits, the couple left the fixtures in their original locations and instead focused on finding brighter, cleaner replacement options. They carried the same neutral look in the small bathroom, installing open shelving, a large mirror, and a metal-legged console sink to reduce the feeling of clutter. Behind the mirror is a spacious medicine cabinet for toiletries. And although a console sink meant no storage underneath—a brave choice for a family bathroom!—Sam reports that they’ve had no problems on that front, given the large hallway closet right outside the bath. For tile, a classic white subway tile on the walls and a subtly-patterned cement tile on the floor set a tranquil feel, while Pottery Barn lighting rounded out the space.

In the rest of the apartment, the couple’s Sweeten contractor also refinished the floors and installed carpet over the hardwood in the bedrooms. Sam confides that it was Sean’s preference and she was initially unswayed, knowing it would be a controversial choice. But having lived with it now for a few months, they love the softness underfoot, especially for playing with their kids. (Plus, the wood remains intact and an option for restoration in the future.)

Additionally, the two closets in the master bedroom were combined into one, and the entire apartment was skim-coated and repainted. One thing that Sam wished they had done—and are now in the process of doing—was to paint and finish the undersides of the cabinets.

Throughout the process, the duo attempted to visit the work site regularly. In fact, this is her tip to future renovators: “Go to the apartment every week, at the very least. At first, we only visited on the weekends, when we had time. But the contractors weren’t working then. We realized that checking in at some point during working hours was a huge help, and that things went more smoothly when we did that, even though it was a pain. We could discuss issues as they came up, and see what they were talking about.” The renovation was completed within four months, allowing them to turn their attention to their next major project, a new baby!

Thanks to Sam, Sean, Ellie, Ernie, and baby Alice, for sharing your home! We hope that you’ll make some great memories in that gorgeous space. (Special thanks to Sam for sending over the list of resources on her due date!)

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Strada Rain floor tiles; Atom Eggshell backsplash: Nemo Tile. Greyloft KraftMaid cabinets: Lowe’s. Colonial Bronze bin pull and cabinet knob: Homeclick. Frosty Carrina countertops: Caesarstone. Whitehaven sink: Appliances Connection. Cassidy faucet: Delta. Refrigerator; stove: Appliances Connection. Dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Ceiling lighting: Pottery Barn. Cedar & Moss Sconce: Rejuvenation.

BATH RESOURCES: Cement floor tile: Overstock (no longer available). White Subway wall tile: Lowes. Hardware; Mercer Double Horizontal sconce; Vintage Recessed medicine cabinet: Pottery Barn. Bancroft shower fixtures, Highline toilet: Appliances Connection. Console sink: Signature Hardware. Industrial pipe shelf: Etsy.

—

Love the mix of tile and hardwood in Sam and Sean’s kitchen? Check out our guide on how to choose the best kitchen floor for your family for a rundown on materials and options.

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 An Apartment for a Party of Four, Then Five 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.

—

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.

When a long apartment search finally ended, Victoria’s Secret designer Christine Yao returned to one of the first listings already crossed off her list. It was the one she ultimately closed on, and she was happy with her new home—except for her bathroom which felt like showering in a dark closet. An internet search led her to Sweeten and a match with a general contractor, who would help transform the space to echo the layout and feel of the baths she’d been pinning on Pinterest for months. With smart space reconfigurations (including a vintage sliding door) and good project management, he made it happen. In her own words, Christine tells the story, from how the thought of renovating scared her to the completion of her relaxing new dwelling.

Guest post by East Village homeowner Christine Yao

I had been living on the Lower East Side for about five years when I started looking for a place to own. My weekends became a routine, waking up and planning errands around my StreetEasy open house schedule and any listings my real estate agent sent me. The beginning was packed, usually a few on Saturday and also Sundays when I walked all over downtown and viewed up to six apartments. You quickly realize that when you are focused on staying in a specific area—for me that was roughly LES/Chinatown/East Village—there are a limited number of places to see. At first, it seemed like there were hundreds of apartments for sale, and maybe 50 you can afford. You feel like half of the 50 may not even be worth seeing from the photos but you go see them anyway. A friend who had gone through the home-buying process made a comparison to online dating—one can only tell so much from the photos, you just have to go and see it in person to really know! A few months in, I had lost out on two places, and felt a little hopeless.

“No place is going to be everything you want it to be, so why not budget some remodeling in and make it what you want?”

Then, finally, six months after I started looking, I had an accepted offer and closed on a co-op in the East Village. I had actually seen this apartment at the very beginnings of my search. My brother was in town on a Sunday when I dragged him from one open house to another. We thought the apartment was in an awesome location, and was a nice size. It needed some cosmetic work, but both agreed the bathroom was terrible. It had a wall right in the middle of it with the bathtub half concealed, so it felt like you were showering in a dark closet. It was cramped, with an awkward layout, and was just in bad shape. So I crossed it off the list. The idea of a bathroom renovation was overwhelming to me, on top of buying my first home. Then six months of searching made me re-think—maybe I could. No place is going to be everything you want it to be, so why not budget some remodeling in and make it what you want?

So now, I had a bathroom to renovate, a living space that needed a refresh, and no idea where to start. The internet brought me to Sweeten. I liked how simple and straightforward it made finding a contractor: you post your project and general contractors are matched for your job. I decided to go with our Sweeten contractor—his work was most similar to the aesthetic I was going for and he had completed a project on Sweeten with a great review.

My plan for the entire apartment’s look was minimalist. I love a clean space that still feels warm and cozy. Greek cave hotels and Moroccan riads are a big inspiration for me. I did have a vision of wanting the apartment to feel like a vacation…somewhere tropical and feels relaxing when you are there. The kitchen, main living area, and two bedrooms just needed a redesign. But I couldn’t imagine my day-to-day in the previous bathroom—the door opening awkwardly, the dark shower, and not being able to enjoy a bath.

I was hoping the middle wall obstruction could be partially removed but we wouldn’t know if it was structural until the demo. Turns out the wall had all the building plumbing running through it, so needless to say, it had to stay. However, we found serious leaks happening on the floors above and below me (I am on the third floor of a five-story building), which the building would have to fix before we could move forward. Since pipes had to be replaced, the plumbing could be re-routed, allowing us to swap tub and toilet positioning. This worked out for the best: the toilet in a “nook,” and the bathtub by the window.

I had so many images on my desktop saved for ideas and realized they all had the common thread of black tile floors and clean, white walls with modern fixtures. I was getting a lot of inspiration from restaurant and hotel restrooms. I definitely wanted recessed lighting above the toilet (dimmers are a must for all lighting—mood!) and exposed plumbing under the sink for more leg room.

I ended up ordering almost everything on Wayfair, which has phenomenal customer service by the way. I must have looked at hundreds of sinks. We realized it had to be a corner sink or you wouldn’t have enough space to get on and off the toilet. Then the toilet had to be an appropriate size. Measured twice, measure one more time, then cross my fingers when it came in. It all fit into this Tetris game of a bathroom! I wanted a sliding door that would let light through and found an old office door at Big Reuse in Gowanus, Brooklyn. My contractor cut it down to fit the doorway and painted it.

The renovation was running a couple months late due to waiting on permits, so taking things like a toilet and subway tile from Home Depot that were in stock was a priority. My Sweeten contractor was so easy to work with and made things stress-free on everything from dealing with the unexpected delays and permits to coordinating a time to receive a bathtub delivery. I also trusted his aesthetic and opinion on any design or materials questions I had.

As far as the rest of the apartment, it’s amazing what fresh paint and swapping out things like lighting, doorknobs, and some cabinet doors can do. He did a fantastic painting job and the white floors are my favorite feature of my home. My original budget was $25,000 for renovating the bathroom and repainting the apartment. I ended up going $4,500 overbudget because I live in a co-op. The process of getting permits and running into unforeseen issues with plumbing in-between the floors increased the costs and timeline. A six-week planned renovation turned into three months. I think it was really just me underestimating the cost of labor and materials, especially living here in New York City.

The bathroom turned out better than I could have hoped and I am so thankful for the successful renovation I had with my contractor through Sweeten. Now that I’ve experienced the process, the advice I can offer is to be prepared for it to take longer than you think. And add another month. Be prepared to spend a good chunk of time every day on it—coordinating with your contractor, arranging delivery times, looking for fixtures, going to check on things, etc. Be ready to laugh when things go wrong. And go wrong again. It’ll be worth it when you are enjoying your renovated place, I promise.

Oh, I almost forgot about the kitchen—with all of my budget going to the bathroom and painting, I just took down the cabinet doors myself and painted. That’s a move I’ve done in many apartments I’ve lived in as a renter. It’s functional for now but I can’t wait to renovate this space next!

Thank you Christine, for sharing your story as a first-time homeowner and renovator! You proved that a few renovating ideas can make a big impact, and we love your fresh style.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: EliteTile black matte hexagon floor tile, Caracalla ‘Ceramica’ corner sink, Design House ‘Concord’ medicine cabinet, bathtub, Kohler ‘Purist’ sink faucet, Kohler ‘Purist’ shower fixtures: all from Wayfair. Daltile ‘Rittenhouse Square’ subway tile, Kohler ‘Cimarron’ toilet, sliding door hardware: The Home Depot. Vintage sliding door: Big Reuse. Dimond Home ‘Barrel’ pendant light (above sink): New York Lighting.

APARTMENT RESOURCES: Paint (doors and trim) in Decorator’s White, paint (walls) in White Opulence: Benjamin Moore. Paint (floor) in Decorator White in porch/patio finish: Behr. Progress Lighting ‘Opal’ globe pendant lights: Wayfair. Dimmers throughout: Lutron.

—

Love being surrounded by white bath subway tile? Here’s how first-time renovator Rima injected modern cool into hers.

Sweeten wasn’t the only one who loved what Christine did to her apartment, domino also shared her minimalist chic renovation.

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

The post A Fashion Designer Renovates to Match Her Style appeared first on Sweeten.

A six month-long search resulted in the purchase of a 435-square-foot studio apartment in an understated 1940s building on the Upper West Side. It was a prewar apartment but also a condo, a rare combination that suited Emily’s criteria. Although it was a studio, it had distinctly separate spaces: an entryway, dressing area, kitchen, bath, and main living space, which Emily liked. Unfortunately, having been used as a longtime rental property, the apartment had been stripped of most of its original ornamentation. Instead, there was paint a dozen layers thick and worn flooring throughout the studio. In the narrow galley kitchen, there were sticky off-white cabinets, peeling vinyl floors, and almost no counter space at all. The very peachy-yellow bathroom sported tiles that didn’t match in spots where they had once been replaced, and a tank-less, industrial toilet gave the small space an unpleasantly institutional vibe. To the left of the front door, two shallow closets took up valuable floor space, which Emily felt would be better utilized as an office nook.

Emily envisioned a restoration of sorts: she wanted to add paneling and crown molding to the walls of the main living space, and to create a simple bath with a vintage black-and-white theme. The kitchen would be modern but befitting the age of the building. And although the discrete spaces of the apartment were a major selling point, Emily felt that the narrow kitchen would be much improved if it could be opened up to the main living area. Pinterest provided ample inspiration, and she set out to source the materials herself, relying heavily on Wayfair and other online stores.

Having developed a concrete plan for the renovation, Emily and her dad, John, posted the project to Sweeten. John had had substantial experience with construction and renovation in the past, and with his input, Emily settled on a Sweeten contractor. The crew quickly went to work realizing Emily’s vision, and also provided helpful suggestions and additions along the way. For example, unprompted, the contractor stripped a half-century of paint from the front door, revealing the beautiful metal patina underneath.

Based on Emily’s direction, he created a pass-through from the galley kitchen to the living area, extending the counter through the opening to create a breakfast perch with stools. Open shelving made of marble and brass took the place of upper cabinets, creating more room to breathe in the narrow space. The appliances and sink were lined up on the left, given that the counters and base cabinets on the right were a mere nine inches deep. (The entire kitchen was just about six feet wide!) An under-counter refrigerator, paneled to blend in with the cabinets, preserved the new airiness of the space. Sadly, there was no room for a dishwasher, but a 24-inch gas range fit perfectly at the end of the counter. Finishes were consistent with those found in older buildings, featuring white subway tile, marble counters, brass detailing, charcoal gray lower cabinets, and blackened metal light fixtures with a retro feel. For the floor, Emily chose a fun Spanish tile in black and white.

In the original dressing area, the floor space was expanded once the closets were removed. Custom shelving and a desk were cut to fit inside the nook perfectly, creating a cozy home office away from the main sleeping area. In the main room of the studio, her Sweeten contractor added small details that restored elegance to the apartment. Marble ledges on the windows, as well as wall paneling, crown molding, and new baseboards transformed the space in subtle but distinct ways. The bathroom received a similarly unpretentious and classic treatment: white subway tile with a beveled edge and black trim, matched to a matte black towel rack. To prevent an accidental burn and to disguise an unsightly floor-to-ceiling radiator pipe, he suggested that they wrap it with rope.

Interestingly, unlike many of Sweeten’s renovating homeowners, Emily and John managed the project from afar—they were in California while her contractor and his team worked on her apartment. They arranged for check-ins via FaceTime or Skype, and he provided photos and updates on the work on a regular basis. Despite the 2,500 miles between them, there were remarkably few hiccups on this Sweeten project. Emily and John attributed this to good communication with the contractor and his team, but also to the fact that they went into the process with a firm plan, and sourced the materials for arrival prior to the start of the job. Emily’s advice to future renovators: “There is a lot that can go wrong when you’re renovating, but it helps to start with a good idea of what you want. And if you source the materials yourself, you can cut down on some of the variables that might delay the project.”

Thanks so much, Emily, and we hope you’re enjoying your lovely new-old studio!

Resource Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Floors: Express Brooklyn Tile. Charcoal Gray Somerset cabinets: Hanssem. Cabinet pulls: Cynthia Rowley. Cabinet knobs: Anthropologie. U-Line 24″ undercounter refrigerator: Appliances Connection. Bertazzoni 24″ gas range: Appliances Connection. Ventana 15″ stone bar prep sink by Native Trails sink: Wayfair. Countertops: white Carrara marble countertop and backsplash tile: Express Brooklyn Tile.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Floor tile: Express Brooklyn Tile. Toto Drake toilet: Appliances Connection. Delta Arzo faucet and showerhead: Wayfair. Wall tile: Express Brooklyn Tile.

—

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

The post A Longtime Rental Studio Gets A Prewar Restoration appeared first on Sweeten.

Claudia first readied herself with a straightforward list of tasks she wanted to accomplish. Sure, the place hadn’t been updated anywhere in three decades, so finishes throughout were more than dated. But she also craved more space, and after seeing neighboring units without the built-ins and boxy windows that had been added in a mid-80s renovation, she realized she might be able to reclaim some hidden square footage (and long-missing electrical outlets) in her own unit. The kitchen and bathroom needed a complete treatment, and the living room and bedroom required diametrically opposed designs: out with chunky built-ins on multiple walls in the living room, and in with a thoughtful and multi-functional built-in for the windowed bedroom wall.

Wishlist near complete, Claudia decided to post her project on Sweeten and was matched with a Sweeten contractor, who specializes in creating architecture and interior design solutions.

Upon meeting with Frederick and his team, Claudia made an overarching goal clear: She wasn’t interested in solely installing modern finishes over the old. The original bones were just as important as the final coat of paint. That pristine 1929 appeal needed to show through and reveal itself via new design details. With extensive renovations planned in every room, Claudia moved out of the apartment temporarily to allow for Frederick and his crew to get started.

Claudia believed that original parquet floors were hiding underneath all the carpeting, and she was right. Frederick had the wood floors sanded and refinished, bringing them back to life without introducing any new materials. With extra sheetrock walls encroaching in multiple directions, the team chipped away at the wall of boxed windows, disposing of an 18 inch layer of brick and wood.

Avert your eyes if you live in a typical NYC co-op, because you will probably NEVER experience this, but somehow Claudia nearly doubled the size of her living room windows by combining them, flooding the space with lovely natural light. All of the windows were replaced with double-paned versions, up to code with the building and boasting the required heat, freeze and UV protections.

On the opposite end of the room, the crew stripped away the ever-so-slightly-asymmetrical built-in shelving and cabinetry to reveal an open, wood-burning hearth. Claudia turned to a local Italian couple who specialize in old world mantels for an understated limestone facade, and Frederick brought in a specialist to design and install crown moldings along the doorways, windows, ceiling and floor boards throughout the apartment. Claudia’s mother helped source the final touch: an accent wall in a serene, neutral palette is an elegant and stylish addition to an inviting new living room.

In the kitchen, Claudia knew she wanted a white kitchen and was unsentimental about getting rid of the “horrible” gray linoleum floors. Cosmetic features aside, she wanted more storage space and a way to install an exhaust fan over a new cooktop. In an attempt to carve out some casual eating space, the previous owners had put some very limited cabinetry along the left-side of the galley, and appliances took up most of the storage and prep space on the right side.

Claudia chose a small pearlescent stone tile in a melange of pebble hues to take the place of the severely dated synthetic floor she’d grown to detest. High-impact cabinet changes were custom fit into the small space. Claudia worked with an Italian purveyor specializing in hidden compartments for the fridge and hood, and managed to conceal all of the major stainless steel appliances except for the striking new Bertazzoni range, because, Bertazzoni! The laminate countertops were removed and replaced with a white Caesarstone slab and corresponding backsplash, and an undermount stainless sink–supplied by the same producer as the cabinets–was installed.

Claudia knew she didn’t need to change the footprint of her bathroom to incorporate the many features she wanted here. The tub needed two shower curtains to keep water in, the full surround of blue-gray tile muted natural light, and the bulky vanity was topped with a throwback plastic ball faucet.

Claudia went with a floor tile pick that is complementary but different to those used in the kitchen, and with Frederick’s help, incorporated extra pieces into a design detail border along the wall of freshly installed white subway tiles. The tub came out and was replaced with a slightly larger and more modern German piece to coincide with new spa accessories: a rainwater shower head plus a handheld option for added luxe. The fixed shower rod was taken down to make way for a glass partition and hinged glass door that swings out for maximum function and style. Claudia chose a pedestal sink for extra floor and knee space, opting to place storage behind hidden cabinets in the wall instead. Almost all of the bathroom features were handpicked from local design shop Elegance in Hardware, including the polished nickel door knobs, which are exclusive to the outlet.  

In the bedroom, Claudia and her design-build team pursued the opposite approach. Instead of doing away with built-ins, they found areas where custom additions would have a meaningful impact on space use.

They added a custom closet in the hallway, outfitted  by California Closets, just outside the bath before entering the living room and introduced this same custom storage concept in the bedroom, behind a mirrored closet wall—one of the only major features that remained.

Once the carpet was torn out in the bedroom, Claudia approached Frederick with her hopes of incorporating a window seat before new wall treatment and molding went in. The designer re-enlisted his subcontractor to fashion a custom wooden seat built right into the new shelving set. The homeowner would just need an upholstered cushion and good book to make it complete.

Claudia revealed to us that upon visiting her apartment, after the renovations were complete and the dust had nearly cleared, she stood and looked around the empty rooms and was filled with the sense that nothing had changed. It was as if she were apartment shopping in 1929, which, she explained, is exactly what she wanted.

Living room selects >> wallpaper: Gracie / fireplace: A & R Asta, Ltd / lighting: Foundry Lighting / windows (throughout): Panorama / table: Goliath

Kitchen selects >> Floor tiles: Daltile Chenille White/Silver Screen / cabinets: GD Cucine / counters: Caesarstone / sink: GD Cucine / oven range: Appliances Connection / fridge: Appliances Connection / dishwasher: Appliances Connection

Bathroom selects >> floor tiles: Daltile Marble Panaro Blend / showerhead: Samuel Heath – Style Moderne via Elegance in Hardware / mirror and remaining hardware: Elegance in Hardware / lighting: Foundry Lighting / hallway closet: California Closets

Bedroom selects >> window: Panorama / window seat: custom / closet storage: California Closets /  lighting: Foundry Lighting

—

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 Uncovering a 1929 Upper East Side Gem – Claudia’s Sweeten Renovation appeared first on Sweeten.