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When it comes to the many types of renovations, Sweeten has seen it all! Whether a single-room remodel or adding square footage to a house, Sweeten helps homeowners envision their dream spaces—and then turns them into reality. 

Sweeten contractors are skilled in many areas of construction. We check their licenses, insurance, quality of work, and customer service skills—all so we can ensure your remodel goes smoothly and you get connected with the right team for your project. 

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support— for free. Here are some types of projects Sweeten contractors have completed. 

Entire Homes

Whether an apartment, brownstone, or standalone house, Sweeten contractors can take any space and make it uniquely your own. Sandra and Nelson wanted to update their Brooklyn home to fit their new needs. Their kids were grown, so they wanted to focus on the house. They wanted a more convenient living space. With the help of their contractor, they remodeled the kitchen, dining, and living room. Plus, they turned a small office into a beautiful sunroom. 

Sweeten also transforms apartments for open-concept living or more personal space with walls or partitions. Sweeten homeowners Mitzie and Jenifer (below). created a seamless flow from one living space to another.

Kitchens & Baths

Kitchens and baths are the sweet spots for our contractors. No matter the square footage, each space comes with its own unique set of requirements. Bathrooms and kitchens can be rip-and-replace projects, where the floor plan is not altered or they can be of a larger scope. These types of projects can entail reworking/upgrading electrical and plumbing like was necessary for two smaller baths combined as one (below) or Carol and Jon’s Sweeten kitchen renovation (above).  For these changes, an experienced contractor will call in the right pros to help.

Living Spaces

Kitchens and baths are the most popular spaces to renovate, but don’t forget about the rest of the home! From functional closets, bedrooms, and home offices to extra living space in the basement, the spaces that get you through the day can change the way you live in your home.

Garage Conversions / ADUs

Commonly known as ADUs (accessory dwelling units), these converted spaces have become more and more popular. They are a great way to add valuable square footage to your home and create additional, functional spaces. Sweeten contractors converted Michelle’s garage (above) and turned Jaime’s garage into a studio office (below). Each includes bathrooms and kitchenettes.

Exteriors and Additions

When you have a big project, such as updating the exterior of your home or putting on an addition, having the right renovation team is key. Alicia’s Sweeten contractor added 1,000 square feet to the back of her house (above). Rosaire turned her garage into a living room with a pantry (below).

Molding and Built-ins

Sometimes a room needs a small decorative touch such as trim and millwork. Built-ins are an investment that offers a finished look and functional storage as in Laura and Walter’s den (above). Trim and molding also set a polished look for every room. A ’60s house receives elegant millwork in the Sweeten renovation below.

Ready to find your own vetted contractor? Post your project on Sweeten!

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Taking on a gut reno? Prepare for potential challenges to set a path for a smoother renovation.

For even more examples of the types of renovations Sweeten does, check out Before & After stories!

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 What Types of Renovations Does Sweeten Do? appeared first on Sweeten.

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

Guest post by Bedford-Stuyvesant homeowner Nazli

Front parlor/foyer entry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dining room/bar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in seeing thousands of renovations, it’s not the size of the remodel that matters; it’s how closely you pay attention to the details. Thoughtful and careful consideration of the materials and finishes used in a space can have a huge impact. Read on for three Sweeten homeowners who took their small spaces to the next level.

Project: Revive a tired bathroom

Location: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Before: When the sink cracked in this homeowner’s outdated bathroom, it got her thinking about the rest of the space. She posted her project on Sweeten and was matched with this general contractor. Planning on keeping the plumbing intact, her to-do list included swapping out the tile, wallpaper, vanity, and lighting fixtures, in addition to reglazing the tub.

After:White subway tile paired with a marble hex floor tile increased the brightness tenfold. A brand new sink (free of cracks) and simple white vanity replace the old set while mid-century modern sconces flank the mirror. This clean and crisp makeover makes it hard for us to believe that we’re looking at the same bathroom from the “before” photos!

Project: A rip-and-replace opens up a kitchen

Location: Murray Hill, Manhattan

Before: This homeowner’s newly purchased apartment was in great condition but the kitchen needed some work, so he posted his project on Sweeten and was matched with this general contractor. Aiming to create an open kitchen with clean lines, the focus was placed on knocking down walls, redoing cabinets and countertops, installing new appliances, and replacing the flooring.

After: Glossy white upper cabinets are balanced by espresso wood-grain cabinets along the bottom, providing a sharp (and welcome!) contrast to the bland wood tone cabinets from before. Under-cabinet lighting boosts the overall brightness, reflecting off the bright white backsplash and countertops. The muted walls—painted in an almost buttercream shade—and blonde hardwood floors add just the right amount of warmth.

Project: Upgrade an outdated bathroom

Location: Washington Heights, Manhattan

Before: This postwar apartment had good bones but was borderline decrepit when the homeowner purchased it. Ready to gut-renovate, she posted her project on Sweeten and found this Sweeten architect. One of the rooms that needed a complete overhaul was the bathroom. Her plan: combine clean lines and useful storage with touches of vintage modern style (which may sound like an oxymoron but happens to be a real thing—it’s a combo of old-school style meets modern simplicity).

After: New fixtures and a double-wide medicine cabinet bring a much-needed functional upgrade. The slim profile of a pedestal sink takes up little floor space, allowing the opposite wall to take on extra storage in the form of open shelves and a spot for a hamper. A glass shower partition—as opposed to a shower curtain—improves the flow of light and helps make the space feel bigger. White square tiles lend a twist to the classic subway variety.

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Take a tour of the Upper West Side and see some of our favorite remodeling projects in the neighborhood.

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 Reno Round-Up: Details Make the Difference appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Renovate a master bathroom in Pelham, New York

Before: In advance of moving into their newly purchased Pelham home, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom in Westchester, Alexy and her husband decided to get some necessary renovations out of the way. The couple had a five-year-old and were pregnant with their second child. They were still living in Brooklyn, which made this reno project one that would be done from afar.

The house only had showers, which aren’t ideal for bathing infants. They decided to add a tub to the second-floor bathroom, which had already undergone a renovation by the previous owner that had stolen some space from the neighboring bedroom. “The bedroom closet was just a few inches deep with some shelves,” Alexy said. There was also the absence of a linen closet on the second floor. They posted their project on Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted general contractors.

After: Alexy was familiar with Sweeten from the service’s many renovations in Brooklyn, but didn’t know any general contractors in Westchester. She needed to find one she could trust since the house would be empty. They tried to get to Pelham on weekends to check on the work even though Alexy was nine months pregnant.

The general contractor they chose took space from the hallway to add a large linen closet to the bathroom. “It holds a lot, and that is exactly what I wanted,” said Alexy. The redistributed hallway space also provided the extra room needed to add a tub to the shower area. Alexy’s husband originally wanted a double vanity, but there just wasn’t enough room. After much soul-searching, he decided what he really wanted was adequate counter space. The vanity they went with had a counter that stretched to the wall while adding more storage underneath.

Bonus: The project was finished pretty much on time except for the vanity, which took a long time to be delivered, but their Sweeten contractor stuck to the budget and they encountered no surprises.

Style finds: Bathtub: Bellweather. Faucet: Purist. Toilet: San Souci. Towel racks: Porto. Vanity: Vanico Maronyx.

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Plan your dream home with our guide on Westchester renovation costs.

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

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

The post A New Master Bath (and Tub!) for the Suburbs appeared first on Sweeten.

If your home only has one bathroom, then you’ve probably fantasized about moving to a bigger place just to get a second one. Maybe you don’t have to move to accomplish your goal! These five Sweeten homeowners repurposed existing square footage in their homes—adjusting layouts and converting closets, alcoves, and unused rooms—in order to add another bathroom. Whether it’s a powder room, master or guest bath, home just got a little more comfortable.

To make it easier to accommodate guests in their home in Riverhead, NY, Nate and Michelle added an ensuite bath to their second bedroom. “Our main question was really just how difficult would it be to add a bathroom where one hadn’t existed before,” said Nate. The couple found the perfect location: an alcove that was located next to the guest bedroom and right above the downstairs bath.

When it came time to update the rental-grade bathroom in Felix’s condo, she decided to add a powder room as well. The 1,500-square-foot apartment had plenty of room for guests and potential for a third bedroom in the future, but only one bathroom. The new addition brings a whole new level of comfort to the home.

Rather than renovating the existing upstairs bath in her Brooklyn brownstone, Meredith started from scratch and ripped out the second-floor kitchen. She transformed the space into a closet and master bathroom with a huge shower. “The new shower is about the size of the studio I lived in during grad school,” said Meredith.

Working with their Sweeten general contractor, Aimee and B came up with a plan to add a second bathroom to their 3-bed, 1-bath apartment. Reconfiguring the layout mean taking down a wall between two of the bedrooms so that the master bedroom lined up next to a large walk-in closet. That spot became the master bath and a new closet was built for the couple’s clothing.

Terri and Brett’s primary objective during their renovation was to add a second bathroom as a guest bath, which they achieved by relocating the bedroom doors and reducing the size of the hallway closets. “Our families come over frequently now and we love that we were able to add a second bathroom. It really helps make ‘our’ space feel more private,” Brett said.

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Thinking of adding another bathroom to your home? Check out our guide on bath renovation costs.

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

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

The post 5 Renovations for +1 Bathroom appeared first on Sweeten.

In 2016, Brooklyn homeowner Lauren embarked on her first Sweeten renovation. The result: a beautiful alcove studio that was featured in a New York Times story on organizing small spaces. In 2017, she moved to Connecticut to join her fiancé and upgraded to a 3,000-square-foot condo in Stamford.

Space was no longer an issue, but the home appeared to be stuck in the early ‘80s. There was also a suspiciously damp smell from the accumulation of several leaks during the previous owners’ time there. Given her positive past experience with Sweeten, Lauren returned to post her latest project to find the best contracting team. (Luckily, Sweeten had recently expanded its free service, matching homeowners with vetted general contractors, to Fairfield County.) Read on for her take on renovating with Sweeten outside of New York City!

Guest post by Stamford homeowner Lauren

This is now my second Sweeten renovation and my first time renovating with my fiancé, Austin. After remodeling my Brooklyn Heights co-op, I ended up moving to Stamford, Connecticut, the following year and started looking for a condo to buy with Austin. The search didn’t take long and we found a 3-bed, 2.5-bath townhouse that was in need of some updating before we moved in. The unit had lots of potential, but it was dated and hadn’t really been touched since it was first built over 30 years ago: orange oak kitchen cabinets, vinyl flooring, wall-to-wall carpeting, mirrored walls—you get the idea.

Once we had a vision for the space, and given how smoothly my first renovation experience had gone, it was only natural that we turned to Sweeten again to help us find our contractor. The Sweeten contractor we chose was incredibly organized, professional, and had a very detailed quote, which we appreciated. Some contractors struck us as too hopeful with regard to project scope, while others were “doom-and-gloom” purveyors, finding calamity behind every piece of drywall. Our contractor tempered our enthusiasm by identifying challenges we didn’t see coming but never told us something couldn’t be done. He was attentive and imaginative.

Since I was leaving my recently renovated apartment to start our life together in Stamford, we needed to bring some of the modern city elements to the suburbs. One of the challenges was the large amount of space to be updated without having a huge budget. Since we had plans to grow into the space over time, we decided to focus on the areas we’d use the most—the first two floors and the master bathroom. We wanted the unit to feel current with our own choices but without ripping everything out.

Austin and I worked really well together and collaborated on elements that were important to us. He pushed for the recessed lighting in the kitchen and dining room, whereas I was excited about the engineered floor and spent weeks reviewing my selection. Believe it or not, I found the flooring company on a deep-dive on Instagram. There were no local distributors or showrooms, but I was able to track down a salesperson in Texas who helped me select the material remotely. When it arrived, I knew it was the best decision; it really transformed the space.

From the start, we knew the wall-to-wall carpet on the first two floors would be replaced with engineered hardwood. The kitchen cabinets would be repainted and new appliances added. We increased the kitchen storage and functionality by adding the Simple Human under-sink trash and recycling bins. Roll-out chrome baskets held strainers and cleaning supplies and pot lids sat on racks.

Adding a bill-paying station/drop zone just outside the kitchen made a big difference. It used to be an extra kitchen cabinet. But in order to make the space work for us, I knew we needed a work area that wasn’t the dining room table.

In the master bedroom, we added California Closets to maximize the space. The closets had an odd layout, so a custom system enabled us to design it to fit our needs. The master bath was refreshed with new tile and fixtures.

An entryway on the lower level from the garage leads you to our gym. Our Sweeten contractor worked incredibly hard on these stairs after the carpeting was removed. He showed his skills laying down the plank, nosing, and risers, especially with the corners and angles.

A home gym/multipurpose room was created on the lower level. Our contractor covered the concrete floor with a specific floor paint as a moisture barrier and then laid down interlocking foam floor tiles. They were more cost-effective and functional than continuing the engineered wood into this space.

Every renovation has its ups and downs. In this one, we kept discovering water damage! When we bought the condo, it had a musty smell, so we knew we were going to find some sort of water issue, but I don’t think we realized how much. The previous owners just covered up rotten subfloor with new carpeting in multiple places. And when they decided the lower level needed a closet, they just framed it out right on top of the shag! So it proved comical when we tried to remove the old carpet and found ourselves using pliers to get every last bit of remnant out.

Our Sweeten contractor and his team worked late into the evenings and on many weekends to keep up with our scheduled move-in date. Unfortunately, our flooring got delayed, and that held him up, but he was proactive and able to work on other projects in the apartment.

Now that the renovation is complete, we learned it will always take longer than you had hoped, but in the end, it’s all worth it. Make all of your design selections in advance of starting construction. You can cut down on costs by taking on some of the work yourself, but there’s a reason why professional contractors stay in business. They quickly finished what would have been gargantuan tasks to amateurs like us.

Austin and I love our new space. Friends and family come over and are so impressed with the transformation. My second Sweeten renovation went as well as my first, and I think it speaks to the company and the quality contractors that are in the Sweeten network.

Lauren and Austin, thanks for showing us your updated townhouse—and for being repeat customers! We love “serial renovators”!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Newport Collection Monterrey oak floor: Garrison Collection. Kitchen cabinets: Original. Smoke Embers paint color, #1466: Benjamin Moore. Martha Stewart Collection cabinet hardware: Home Depot. Kraus sink/faucet: Home Depot. Samsung range, Samsung microwave, and Bosch dishwasher: Lowe’s.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Festival Metro White Matte Hexagon Porcelain Mosaic floor tile, #100139260: Floor & Decor. Bright Tender Gray Subway Ceramic Tile wall tile, #914109413: Floor & Decor. Purist towel bar, shower fixtures, and toilet paper holder: Appliances Connection. Sink/vanity: Lowe’s. Kohler toilet: Home Depot. Lighting: Destination Lighting. Sink mirror: Lowe’s. Vanity mirror: Pottery Barn.

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When it came time to move into a larger space, Chong and Adam upgraded from a small apartment in Jersey City to a condo in Fort Lee and renovated the kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms.

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 Second Homecoming—from City to Suburb appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Update an inefficient bathroom in Queens

Before: Kate and her husband, Daniel, had lived in their two-bedroom co-op in Jackson Heights, Queens, for four years. Redoing the bathroom and kitchen were always on the table, but since Daniel is a food writer who needed to experiment with recipes, he went to Sweeten for the kitchen renovation first. “We didn’t have the funds to do them both at the same time,” explained Daniel. Fast forward a few years and a baby on the way “really forced our hand with the bathroom renovation,” he said. “We are either doing it now or never.”

Adding a bathtub was just the immediate necessity. There was also an issue with the water temperature; the shower would either freeze or scald you. The radiator was installed on a wall above head height, which Daniel thought was odd. (“Doesn’t hot air rise?”  he asked.) The bathroom looked like it had been revamped in the ’70s with plenty of drab beige tiles decorated with floral prints. The couple wanted to bring the lagging aesthetic in-line with the prewar design of the building.

After: One of the most important aspects of the renovation was the timeline. They came back to Sweeten, a free service that connects homeowners with vetted contractors, and found their general contractor. “We have this baby coming. Please, please don’t let there be construction going on when we have a baby,” Daniel recalled saying. Their Sweeten contractor understood the tight timeframe and kept the project moving, finishing a month before baby Adrian arrived.

The radiator dilemma was a key feature that Kate and Daniel’s Sweeten contractor helped to resolve. At one point, there was a complicated plan to rerun the steam pipe so the radiator could be installed on the floor. However, the contractor guided them toward removing the radiator altogether. The risky decision was a winner, with the rest of the apartment generating enough heat to keep the bathroom warm.

Fixing the water temperature issue was another unknown. The problem could have been in the wall of the bathroom or elsewhere in the building. Thankfully, it turned out to be inside the wall. “Our water temperature control is so beautiful, I feel like I am in a hotel,” said Daniel.

As for the aesthetic, the couple spent a lot of time on Pinterest. They went with classic subway tile for the walls and hexagonal tile in a royal blue colorway for the floor. Salvaged redwood planks along the bathtub added some warmth. The gold fixtures were an effort to mimic the brass found throughout the rest of the apartment.

Bonus: While on a trip to Puebla, Mexico, a few years ago, the couple bought a box of hand-painted tiles with no real purpose in mind. When Kate and Daniel’s Sweeten contractor proposed a nook in the shower for soap, they were able to incorporate some of the tiles into the design.

Style finds: Floor tile: American Restoration Tile. Wall tile: Daltile. Shower fixtures and toilet: Appliances Connection. Charlottesville 42″ vanity in light gray: Fairmont Designs. Salvaged wood planks: Sawkill Lumber. Mirror: Restoration Hardware. Brass towel bars and train rack: Rejuvenation. Lighting and coat hooks: Schoolhouse Electric.

Check out Kate and Daniel’s Sweeten kitchen renovation here!

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A bright blue waterfall of penny tile sets the tone in Rachel and Michael’s prewar, Jackson Heights 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 Return for a Royal Blue Bath 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!

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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.

• Homeowners: Homeowners, and architects, Terri and Brett posted their 1,000-square-foot co-op renovation on Sweeten
• Where: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Gutting and remodeling a rundown two-bedroom, one-bathroom co-op apartment to fit their wants and needs
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in financial protection—for free

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Brett

In need of something bigger

With a baby on the way and an energetic dog named Alfie, Terri Lee and Brett Appel needed a larger apartment. The couple had a design advantage from the start: Brett runs his own custom residential architecture practice and Terri works for one of the largest architecture firms in New York. They wanted to find something that they could gut renovate and design to their own specifications.

A completely gutted remodel

The 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath apartment was in an 82-unit co-op in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. It was in terrible condition, which made it easier to rip everything out and redesign the apartment exactly the way they wanted. They found their contractor after talking with friends (one of whom is also an architect) who had used Sweeten.

When Terri and Brett posted their project on Sweeten, they were upfront about the existing conditions and scope of work. They wanted a contractor who would tell them whether the work could be done within their budget, or if they needed to scale back. “Fortunately, we found the right contractor who was very happy to work with us so we could get everything we wanted,” Brett said.

Making the space look bigger

The couple’s design vision was to combine shades of gray with natural wood to make the home seem as bright and large as possible without being too monotone. “We also didn’t want the renovated space to compete with our brightly colored furniture,” Brett said. Their primary objective in terms of gaining space was to add a second bathroom, which they achieved by rearranging the bedroom doors and reducing the size of the hallway closets.

Challenges in the foyer

The entry foyer was a bit of a challenge. It’s two steps above the living room and contains the dining space, which was small. They relocated the steps down to the living room from the center to the side and replaced the guardrails with a continuous double-sided built-in bookcase custom-designed by the contractor’s millworker. The raised platform was extended to create a larger dining space, while the closet expanded for more stroller storage. New wide-plank European oak engineered flooring was installed throughout.

Rearranging the walls

When they found the apartment, the existing walls were plaster—probably at least 60 years old and poorly done. “One of the walls in the living room was so uneven and bumpy, it looked like it was made out of pillowcases,” Brett recalled. They ultimately decided to fur out the walls–a process to construct a new wall in front of the old one. “We attached 1x3s to the existing wall and then put new sheetrock on those. We lost a little space (about 1 1/2″ per wall), but this saved us about $6,000,” Brett said. The other option to straighten crooked walls would have been “demolishing the plaster and lathe, placing new studs, and then new sheetrock,” which would have been more expensive and time-consuming.

Covering the radiator

The master bedroom closet was reframed to function as a walk-in. Other details included the custom radiator covers in the bedroom and living room, crafted by the millworker; leftover stone from the kitchen counters was used for the radiator sills.

Terri and Brett designed these covers together. The existing radiators had an old painted steel cover that had not weathered very well. The millworker made the slatted fronts on removable clips so the radiator could be accessed for maintenance. The new millwork needed a top/windowsill but the couple decided that painted MDF would not last very long. Brett had to purchase two slabs of stone for the kitchen to cover the countertops and backsplash. There was a lot of leftover stone that easily fit the sills.

An ADA-compliant layout

“We didn’t have a lot of flexibility designing the kitchen and bathroom layouts. It had to be ADA-compliant since we rearranged everything,” Brett explained. They focused on finishes. In the kitchen, they imagined the countertops and backsplash as the “feature” elements with everything else as the background, “which is why the floors and cabinets are all different shades of gray,” he said. The couple loves unique, natural stones and found that quartzites have the most movement and veining, which worked well with their gray cabinets.

(Above) Master bath

Both bathrooms were made to seem bigger and brighter by making the walls white and using marble tile in the master and subway tile in the guest. In the master bath, Brett said, he “had some fun connecting the shower niche with the existing windowsill.” Terri scoured the Internet to find an aquatic-themed wallpaper for the guest bathroom. Wood shelves were incorporated in each to provide a little warmth.

Brett was most excited about the new rain shower in the added bathroom. “All of my previous apartments—for basically my entire life—only had a bathtub, so it feels very luxurious to shower in a large glass box,” he said.

A recommendation for clients

Before the renovation, Brett had wanted to test out Sweeten’s service to see if he would recommend it to his own clients. After this experience, he said he would. “We didn’t need much assistance from Sweeten because I have experience managing projects like these professionally, but I felt reassured knowing that Sweeten would be able to assist if any serious problems came up. Luckily, our contractor was great and we didn’t have any issues,” Brett said.

“Terri and I are perpetually impressed that we were able to design the apartment exactly to our needs,” says Brett. “Our families come over frequently now and we love that we were able to add a second bathroom. It really helps make ‘our’ space feel more private.” As an architect couple, they worked well together. “It helps to come up with a central concept or theme at the beginning,” Brett said. “There will always be disagreements but we could then ask ourselves ‘does this fit our initial vision’ and make a decision together.”

Thank you, Terri and Brett, for sharing your renovation journey with us!

Renovation materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Porcelain floor tiles: Price Stone. Custom cabinets: Interiors Palace. Base cabinets in Cement Gray: Benjamin Moore. Upper cabinets in American White: Benjamin Moore. Cabinet hardware: Atlas Homewares. Quartzite countertops and backsplash: SMC Stone. Franke sink: Appliances Connection. Faucet: Grohe. Fisher & Paykel refrigerator: Fisher & Paykel. Bosch dishwasher: Appliances Connection. Samsung range: Appliances Connection. Dioscuri ceiling light: Artemide.

MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES: Porcelain floor tile, marble wall tile: Price Stone. Shower fixtures and faucet: Grohe. Vanity: Miseno. Toto toilet: Appliances Connection. Theo 6″ wall sconce lighting: Cedar and Moss. Kohler medicine cabinet: Appliances Connection.

SECOND BATHROOM RESOURCES: Porcelain floor tile, matte subway wall tile: Price Stone. Shower fixtures and faucet: Grohe. Vanity: Miseno. Duravit toilet: Appliances Connection. Theo 6″ wall sconce lighting: Cedar and Moss. Medicine cabinet: Kohler Experience Center. Wallpaper, People’s Underwater World in Graphite pattern: Hygge & West.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Flooring: PID Floors. IC/Air 3 ceiling fan: The Modern Fan Co.

MASTER BEDROOM RESOURCES: Classic Gray paint color: Benjamin Moore.

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These architects designed and renovated their own homes with the help of Sweeten.

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 When Pros Design Their Family Home appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Turning a leaky bathroom into a modern space in Harlem

Before: The condo Jen and Luke purchased two years ago was in move-in condition. It had everything they needed, including the extras—central air, washer and dryer, dishwasher, ice maker, and garbage disposal. But, as it turned out, it also had a poorly laid-out bathroom that caused them nightmares. They had an interior architect friend who helped with the design, but they posted their project on Sweeten to find their contractor.

For a decade, Jen, a senior managing director of a residential real estate firm in Manhattan, and Luke, who works in IT for a women’s fashion and accessory house, had been subletting an apartment. When the owner decided to sell, they searched close to their neighborhood and found a 948-square-foot apartment in an 1892 factory building that had been converted to condos.

The master bathroom was the one dark spot on their otherwise sunny horizon. Apparently, there was a leak in the shower pan, which was causing the light gray marble floor to turn brown, yellow, and pink. “When we purchased the apartment, we didn’t realize that the shower was previously repaired for a leak,” Luke said. “But the repair hadn’t addressed the cause of the leak, which was the shower pan itself. We took this as a sign to renovate our bathroom.”

After: They contacted their friend and interior architect Irene Kang. “We could not have done this without her help,” Luke said. Kang suggested a minimalist design “with cool colors that maximized the space and had a lot of storage.” As a real estate professional, Jen used her expertise as well. “Bathrooms are personal,” she said. “Sometimes apartments don’t sell due to bathrooms since they are one of the most expensive rooms to renovate.”

They decided to go with neutral colors and plan to hang art to make the space personal. Aside from the shower pan issue, they needed more storage space. Irene suggested large cabinets inset into a wall shared with the master bedroom closet. “I knew that there were approximately four to five inches of space on the interior of the drywall,” Luke said. “Knowing this and the depth of the cabinets, I was able to figure out that they would stick out only four to five inches into the bathroom itself, which would not get in the way.”

At first, they weren’t sure where they could find something that would meet their needs. They found themselves at the Kohler Experience Center in Manhattan. “We described our idea, and Caroline [Hughes, their sales rep] suggested looking at the Robern line of cabinets,” Luke said. “We did, and that was it.” Now two cabinets measuring 70” tall x 15” wide and 8” deep sit side by side. “They were expensive, but worth it,” he said. In the end, their Sweeten contractor just had to frame it out and cut out a wall stud. “It was simple,” Luke said. To add to the storage, the contractor created a shower niche, while the size of the vanity increased from 36” to 60” wide.

Between Irene, the Sweeten contractor, and Caroline, “we had lots of help with design decisions,” Luke said. “We made all of our selections, including tiles and fixtures, in one afternoon.” Jen adds, “The prices were reasonable and they can help you get non-Kohler items too. They made it super easy.” Their favorite finds are the medicine cabinet above the sink and the LED mirrors.

The biggest challenge was living in their apartment during the renovation. “We have a one-bedroom, two-bath space and the master bath was undergoing the renovation,” Luke said. “We were subject to mold, mildew, and construction dust, despite the best efforts of the contractor to keep everything clean. He did a superb job of keeping our space livable, but some things you cannot escape unless you have a ventilation system.”

Their contractor focused on small details too, such as selecting the threshold saddle for the shower and hiding the tile edges with aluminum molding. “He helped with the design and function every step of the way,” said Luke. “Sweeten was in constant contact in case we needed help,” said Jen. “Since Luke has project management experience and has worked in furniture factories, we didn’t require the attention that others might. But it was comforting to know they were there when needed.”

All the support is what gave them the bathroom that they envisioned. “You’ve really got to listen to your designers, the store people, and your contractor,” Jen said. “Don’t be afraid to tell people what you want, but if they offer an opinion, listen. The client is always right and they will do what you want, but they know what will look good in years to come.”

Style finds: Floor and wall tile: Sourced by general contractor. Hardware, all shower fixtures, sink/vanity, vanity mirror, Robern storage cabinets: Kohler Experience Center. Shower fixture: Hansgrohe. Super White paint: Benjamin Moore.

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Built-in cabinets add a wall of storage in this Morningside Heights bathroom.

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

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

The post A Team Effort on a Bathroom appeared first on Sweeten.

For the uninitiated, renovating seems like a big deal; the many steps involved in a kitchen or bathroom remodel can make even the most excited homeowner hesitate. But a well-executed project can make both a positive impact on your day-to-day life and your home’s resale value. Plus, you don’t have to face it alone! Below, these first-time renovators took the plunge with Sweeten by their side.

The kitchen in Sophia and Leon’s newly purchased 3-bedroom unit needed to be gutted, but the couple had concerns about staying on budget…a gut reno sounded expensive! Their Sweeten general contractor guided the newbie renovators in making budget-friendly decisions, advising on what to keep (appliances that were in working condition) and what to replace (farewell, dated cabinets). Although the prospect of a gut renovation was daunting, Sophia was delighted with the results AND the money they were able to save, and said: “This was a great first-time renovating experience and we’re so happy in our new home!”

The idea of buying her first home and remodeling the bathroom felt overwhelming to Christine. But a long search for the right space changed her mind. “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?” Christine said. She posted her project on Sweeten and was matched with a general contractor whose past work had a similar aesthetic to the look she hoped to achieve: minimalism with a warm and cozy vibe. “My Sweeten contractor was so easy to work with and made things stress-free.” Her advice to first-time renovators? “Be ready to laugh when things go wrong. And go wrong again. It’ll be worth it when you are enjoying your renovated space, I promise.”

When it came time to choose a general contractor for her kitchen renovation, Amanda wasn’t sure how to decide between bids. A phone call with her Sweeten client services contact helped her compare bids, considering the pros and cons of each contractor and how they stacked up as a potential fit for her project. The guidance gave Amanda the confidence she needed to make the right decision, getting her renovation off to a great start. Her contractor’s close attention to detail allowed him to quickly resolve issues, enabling them to finish the job within the one-month timeframe. Amanda’s advice to other first-time renovators is simple. “Trust the contractor! He knows what he’s doing and how long it’ll take to do it.”

When Felix decided to add a powder room to her apartment and renovate the existing bathroom, a Google search led her to Sweeten. New to the idea of renovating, Felix kept changing and updating her project for about a year before she was ready to start her renovation. Her Sweeten general contractor was patient and willing to jump in whenever she needed him. “That was really why I went with him,” Felix said. “He stuck with me through the procrastination!” From that point onward, everything was smooth sailing. In the end, Felix described the overall renovation process as “surprisingly easy.”

After being stuck in a “contractor no-man’s-land,” receiving bids from handymen whose skills didn’t meet the requirements of the job and contractors who were only interested in larger projects, Anne and Michael came to Sweeten. “We posted the project and the budget and got serious responses from contractors specifically interested in a project of our size,” Anne said. “Our contractor helped us source appliances, counters, and backsplash tile, which we found really helpful as first-timers.” Their advice: “It’s such a cliche, but it’s going to take longer than you think.”

Matt purchased his first home, a 360-square-foot apartment in Park Slope, in July 2013. Over the next few years, he saved up to renovate the bathroom. “I wanted a complete bathroom renovation not only to feel better about the space, but also as an investment,” he said. Matt found Sweeten and posted his project, working with the client services team to guide his decision-making. He remodeled his bath, creating a clean and refreshed space with plenty of storage. “Because this was my first renovation,” he said, “I was a complete novice to the process. I’m grateful to Sweeten because they gave me the confidence I needed to get started.”

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Read about five couples who moved in with their partners and renovated for the first time.

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 First-Time Renovators Share Their Stories appeared first on Sweeten.

Ten years ago, Saul and his brother won the lottery. The housing lottery, that is! The prize: a one-bedroom apartment with a terrace in one of New York City’s famed Mitchell-Lama apartments near Manhattan’s South Street Seaport. (As an affordable housing program started in the mid 20th century, Mitchell-Lama housing ensures that many New Yorkers are able to remain in the city on moderate to middle incomes.)

At first, Saul and his now wife, Kate, lived in the apartment. When the couple left New York, Saul’s brother moved into the apartment with his family. Initially, they didn’t do much to the space, making only cosmetic improvements, updating the carpets, adding some window blinds, and changing out some bath fixtures. Fast forward a decade and the apartment had seen a lot of wear and tear.

When Kate and Saul discovered last year that they would be returning to New York for their jobs—Saul works for a political consulting firm and Kate in international development—they realized that a full renovation was in order before they could live in the apartment again. Saul’s brother, who now has two kids, had long outgrown the space. The kitchen cabinets were falling off their hinges, and the carpets and blinds had not aged well. The bathroom also needed a thorough update. The floors and walls needed to be refreshed. They were also thinking ahead to the eventual resale.

In the period since Saul and his brother obtained the apartment, the building’s residents had voted to privatize the corporation. Existing residents were given the option of putting in some additional funding in order to buy into the now market-rate, privatized co-op building. This meant that homeowners would eventually be able to sell the apartment on the open market, and when they went to do that, it would be important to have a renovation that could facilitate resale.

With all of this in mind, Kate and Saul posted their project on Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with contractors, at the suggestion of a co-worker after they experienced a false start with another contractor who did not understand how to navigate co-op board approvals. Kate admits that they were “not at all good at creative endeavors…it’s hard for us to even hang a photo!” So they knew that they needed some guidance.

Getting to work with their Sweeten contractor, they decided on a clean, subtle palette for the apartment. Kate loves color and pattern and had wanted to incorporate a lot of both, but after talking it through with their contractor, and with resale in mind, she decided that color could be added in less permanent ways. Changing the plumbing locations or adding too much electrical weight to the apartment weren’t options, given its age and their construction timeline. However, good visual flow from room to room was important, and more than anything, the couple wanted a simple, comfortable space for friends and family to hang out.

As they began, a few hiccups slowed their progress. The building’s strict requirements meant jumping through multiple hoops for approval, which took months, but their contractor was key in getting them through this process. Next, as they embarked on demolition, workers uncovered asbestos in the floor tiles of the living room, which then had to undergo a full remediation that took two months. The Sweeten contractor addressed these issues as quickly as possible and got them back on track.

In October 2017, the couple moved back to New York and into the apartment. The renovation was not quite done: they didn’t have a door on the bathroom and the kitchen was not yet finished. Their only working sink was in the bathroom. But the contractor worked to complete the kitchen 10 days after they moved back in.

The wait was well worth it: Kate loves the look of the custom cabinets and was thrilled with the useful storage solutions. They not only have a built-in silverware drawer, but also a corner Lazy Susan and a pull-out spice rack! The contractor made some minor adjustments to the footprint of the kitchen, removing an old broom closet opposite the refrigerator to make room for a new dishwasher. The other appliances, swapped out for new models, remained in the same spots as their predecessors.

In the bathroom, a gray vanity is set against white subway tile with black accent tiles and a patterned floor. The look is simple but very New York, befitting a downtown apartment. In the rest of the apartment, a light-colored hardwood replaced gray carpeting and subtle colors provide a calming backdrop for an escape from the city streets. All of the closets received makeovers, courtesy of the Sweeten contractor’s father, who happened to be a millworker and walked through the apartment with Kate to sketch out her vision of how the closets could be made more practical. Last but not least, they removed the popcorn ceiling and applied three coats of skim coating and painting. The walls also received basic sanding prior to painting. “The ceiling was really a miraculous transformation,” Kate reports. “It totally changed the look of the apartment.”

Looking back on the process, Kate shares that she had no experience with design and no background in home improvement, so she was not at all prepared for the work and time it required on a daily basis. She also realized that, as a homeowner, you need to be prepared to explain exactly what you want so that the contractor and his team can execute it: “They aren’t mind-readers!” She met with them each day during the construction to discuss options and make decisions.

Now that the interior of the apartment is done, they are ready to turn their attention to their coveted outdoor terrace in the city! When that time comes, Sweeten is ready to help them “sweeten” their outdoors, too.

Thank you, Kate and Saul, for sharing your special New York City homecoming story with us!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Heritage Mills Vintage Hickory engineered flooring in natural: Home Depot. Custom Shaker-style cabinets: E-Wood Cabinetry. Chantilly Lace cabinet paint color: Benjamin Moore. Cabinet hardware: Home Depot. Quartz countertops: Royal Stone Cabinet & Tile (Flushing, Queens). Fusion Random Strip Ice backsplash tiles: Tiles Direct. Under-mount 30-inch sink: Kraus. Essa Collection kitchen faucet: Delta. KitchenAid microwave hood combination: P.C. Richards. KitchenAid range: P.C. Richards. KitchenAid refrigerator: P.C. Richards. KitchenAid dishwasher: P.C. Richards. Lighting: New Generation Lighting.

BATH RESOURCES: Merola Tile Osaka glossy white floor tile: Home Depot. Jeffrey Court Fresh White 3×6″ Ceramic Field wall tile (and the corresponding black tile): Home Depot. Delta Silverton Collection towel racks, sink faucet, toilet paper holder, shower fixtures: Home Depot. Kohler Tresham Mohair Grey vanity: Home Depot. Kohler Tresham vanity top: Home Depot. American Standard Cadet toilet: Home Depot. Lighting: NY Lighting (Bowery, Manhattan). Kohler flat edge 15-inch recessed medicine cabinet: Home Depot.

LIVING SPACE RESOURCES: Heritage Mills Vintage Hickory engineered flooring in natural: Home Depot. Mobile Chandelier in dining room: West Elm. Closet shelving and doors: Custom by Sweeten contractor.

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Thinking of relocating in the future, Heather and Doug renovated their South Slope condo with resale in mind, focusing on their kitchen and 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 An Affordable Housing Co-op Hits a Reno Lottery appeared first on Sweeten.

Subway tile: A go-to classic design

(Above) Nikki and Chris’ bathroom remodel

Sweeten homeowners Nikki and Chris aimed for a prewar look. Iconic of old New York, white subway tile lined the shower and halfway up the bathroom walls. The white tile was the right background for their decorative black-and-gold pineapple wallpaper. 

Cost of subway tile

Standard ceramic subway tile costs around $2 – $3 per square foot. The cost increases with marble around $6 – $9 per square foot.

Subway tile variation

(From top) Katy’s beach house bathroom; and Steve and Lewis’ brownstone half bath

A longer subway tile has been growing in popularity. It has just enough variation to give off a contemporary vibe. Sweeten homeowner Katy’s master bathroom mixes a glossy subway tile with a patterned hex in black and white. Steve and Lewis went with a tumbled, handmade slimmer variation in cerulean blue for a small niche half bathroom.

Cost of elongated subway tile

For an elegant variation on the subway tile, a 3″ x 12″ tile in polished ceramic spans a price range between $4 – $16 per square foot.

Penny tile

(From top) Alicia and Ed’s bath floor tile; and Rachel and Michael’s walk-in shower

Penny tile is a classic option that gives off major vintage vibes. It works as floor tile in Alicia and Ed’s retro-inspired bath and transforms into a waterfall mosaic in Rachel and Michael’s shower.

Cost for penny tile

This kind of bathroom tile can range from $2 per square foot for porcelain to $10 or more for colorful mosaics.

Basketweave tile

(From top) Tina and Fletcher’s master bath; and Cory and Andrew’s bath

Basketweave is truly old-school, but it’s been making a steady comeback. It feels surprisingly modern as part of the minimalist design in Tina and Fletcher’s master bathroom. A variety of tile patterns coexist in Cory and Andrew’s bathroom. For the couple, the basketweave design complemented the penny tile and herringbone shapes. 

Cost for basketweave tile

Bathroom tile costs for lower-end options, like porcelain, cost around $4 per square foot. Expect high-quality marble to begin at $15 per square foot.

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

Popular Questions Asked

The post 5 Popular Bath Tiles and How Much They Cost appeared first on Sweeten.

Olivia and Greg were expecting their first child when they began the remodel on their 1,300-square-foot co-op in a classic Upper West Side prewar building. Olivia, a journalist, and Greg, a lawyer, thought the neighborhood would be perfect for kids with its beautiful parks, play areas, and museums. The apartment had great details—large windows, plenty of light, built-in bookshelves, and nice moldings—but needed a serious refresh.

They posted their project on Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted contractors, and found the right contractor to create the contemporary look they were after. They wanted to update the kitchen and a bathroom—which later became both bathrooms—with new tiles and fixtures, plus enlarge the master bathroom. In the master bedroom, they needed a brand new built-in closet. But the pressure to finish before their baby’s birth added an extra layer of stress and it all came down to the wire.

Their previous kitchen in the West Village was small and they were excited to trade up to the larger space in their new home. Pipes in the walls made it difficult to move anything, so to keep costs down, they kept the same footprint. The existing kitchen cabinets were a mismatched black-and-white assortment, and Olivia imagined her dream space as a modern, all-white kitchen. They decided to reface most of the cabinets, painting them white with new hardware. The cabinets above the sink didn’t correctly fit the space, so custom cabinetry was crafted for the uppers as well as the lower cabinetry in the midsection of the kitchen, where pots and pans used to hang. There, another piece was designed to fit the space better with more storage built above, featuring glass doors to display their wedding china and glassware.

The shower was so tiny, Olivia said, By the middle of my pregnancy, I could barely fit in it!

Since the couple loves to cook and are big cookbook collectors, they created a nook to display some of their favorites. They kept the appliances, which were brand new. For the floors, porcelain tile resembling dark wood that was more durable and stain-resistant replaced the old red tile. “Definitely a plus with a new baby,” Olivia said. Now, the wood look matched the rest of the apartment.

(Above) Before of the master bathroom

Both bathrooms were outdated. In the master bath, the shower was so tiny, Olivia said, “By the middle of my pregnancy, I could barely fit in it!” The fixtures were old and the shower floor was plastic rather than tile. They really wanted a larger, more luxurious master bath and their dream was to have double vanities. To achieve this, they took space from an existing hallway and a closet in the master bedroom.

Their Sweeten contractor was able to design a seat in the shower to look like it was floating, sizing it just right so it wouldn’t take up too much space. “We wanted something that looked good but was also functional so that I could shave my legs and relax during a hot shower,” Olivia said.

(Above) Guest bathroom

They ended up adding the guest bathroom about two months into the project—it was not in the original budget. “I ended up convincing Greg that if we didn’t update it now, it would never get done, especially with the baby coming when we would be very preoccupied,” Olivia said. “Our contractor was able to work with us to get it done in a cost-effective and timely manner.”

The walls were painted dark gray in stark contrast to the bright white vanity and shower subway tiles. Olivia was inspired by the restaurant Union Fare in Union Square and wanted to replicate the style. “The contractor initially thought we were crazy,” she said, “but he ended up liking it.”

(Above, inset) Before of the master bedroom closet wall

To replace the lost closet in the master bedroom, their contractor created an envy-inducing new unit from California Closets. He was meticulous in his measuring to make sure that they could still have a king-sized bed, two nightstands, and closet doors that wouldn’t open up into the bed.

Designwise, they wanted adequate space for the two of them to hang clothes and for well-spaced shelving to fit items like sweaters. “I’m also pretty short,” Olivia said, “so we had to make sure that the hanging bar was low enough that I could still access my dresses and sweaters. The closets are amazing and really feel like a huge luxury.”

As if remodeling isn’t stressful enough, the pressure to stay on schedule was ever present. They moved out during the renovation. “We had tools and dust littering the baby’s nursery just two weeks before Olivia’s due date, which definitely made us all nervous,” Greg said. Luckily, their Sweeten contractor was extremely responsive to them any time of day. “As first-time homeowners, we had a million questions, and he couldn’t have been nicer and more professional to deal with,” Olivia said. “He also has an incredible eye for design, so we didn’t need to hire an outside designer to help us make decisions for items like the backsplash or tiles.” They shared their Pinterest boards and their contractor pulled materials matching their inspiration.

Even as newbies, though, the couple had faith in the process. They learned to be patient and to check up on the work as often as they could to get in front of any problems. They discovered that “renovating can be addicting! Once you start, you’ll begin to realize all the imperfections in your home which could add on tens of thousands of dollars to your project,” said Olivia. “But don’t get distracted. Stick with the original plan; you can always renovate again at another point.” In the end, it all worked out. The renovations were done in early December and Max was born the day after Christmas.

Thank you, Olivia and Greg, for sharing your home with us!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Kitchen: Cabinet hardware: Richelieu. Sink/Faucet: Appliances Connection. Stove: Appliances Connection. Fisher & Paykel dishwasher and refrigerator: Appliances Connection.

MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES: Shower temperature knob: Grohe. Showerhead: Delta. Toilet: Appliances Connection. Sconce lighting: Pottery Barn. White Dove paint color: Benjamin Moore.

GUEST BATHROOM: Toilet: Appliances Connection. 251 First lighting above medicine cabinet: Bellacor. Coachman’s Cape (walls) and Simply White (trim and ceiling) paint: Benjamin Moore.

MASTER BEDROOM: Cabinet closets: California Closets.

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This couple in Morningside Heights added side-by-side built-in wardrobes to their master bedroom.

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 An Upper West Side Co-op Reno Designed to Fit appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: A Brooklyn remodel adds bathroom storage & square footage

Before: Sari, a post producer for television commercials, bought a one-bedroom condo in a 45-unit building in the Crown Heights/Prospect Heights neighborhood four years ago. She loved the location and feel of the apartment as soon as she walked inside. There were plenty of closets and storage spaces, she said, but “it was mind-blowing to me that there was no storage at all in the bathrooms. “Who designs a bathroom with no storage space? Crazy, right?” And despite it being built in the aughts (in 2006), the floor tiles and lighting were tired and the large entry door took up a lot of wall real estate.

After: Sari envisioned changing the whole layout, expanding the bathroom into her walk-in closet and creating a clean, modern monochromatic space. “I had no idea of how to start,” she said. She posted her project on Sweeten, a free service matching renovators with vetted general contractors, and was matched with this general contractor. She learned that she wasn’t going to be able to relocate the toilet, so she decided to just keep the original layout and focus on creating a “beautiful and functional space” with lots of storage in the form of a two-drawer vanity, vanity mirror, and open shelving. The most exciting change? “Radiant floors, which are heaven,” she said.

Sari loves to watch “Fixer Upper” and other home renovation shows. That’s where she got the idea of a pocket door “so I could use the wall space that had been covered up by the original bathroom door.” It’s a perfect place for a towel bar and hooks. “It makes the room feel much larger,” she said, “especially because the door is rarely closed,” since she lives alone with her pitbull Bruno.

Once the work began, Sari’s Sweeten contractor gutted the bathroom and found leaks coming from neighbors’ apartments above and next door. “That wasn’t fun and a bit stressful,” she said, “but building management fixed them, so we only lost one day during the renovation.”

The biggest challenge was finding the tiles. “It was overwhelming and took me over a month,” said Sari, who originally wanted to do a black and white bathroom, but then decided to keep the color scheme in line with the apartment in case this is the only renovation she does. “I had no idea where to go or how to start, but my contractor was very helpful.” He told her where to purchase tile and granite, as well as wood for shelving. Then he picked up everything for her since, she said, “I’m a New Yorker and don’t have a car!” She also found it helpful to contact Sweeten’s client services, which answered her questions and directed her to their partner Build.com, where she purchased most of her fixtures. (“My sales representative there was terrific,” Sari said.)

Bonus: With her first remodeling project behind her, she has a few tips for those starting a bathroom remodel: make note of where your towel bars are and where they should be so that they are at a comfortable height. (Also, make sure you know which side of the toilet you want your flusher to be located, because you can’t change that!)

Style finds: Basalto honed penny round shower floor tile; wall tile; and Micron Series 2.0 in matte Nero floor tile: Galactic Tiles. Hardware: Appliances Connection. Purist Series shower fixtures: Appliances Connection. Happy D2 sink vanity: Appliances Connection. Sans Souci wall-mounted toilet: Appliances Connection. Vista 2 lighting: Cedar & Moss. Verdera Collection medicine cabinet: Appliances Connection.

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Meg and Brett’s master bath has some serious storage, including a floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinet with beautifully organized shelves.

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 Remodel for a Brooklyn Bathroom Desperately Seeking Storage appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Add a shower and update a half-bath/laundry room in Manhattan’s Financial District

Before: Back in 1996, Elizabeth purchased a loft in a circa 1908 building in the Financial District. She gutted and renovated the 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom apartment except for the half-bath, which included a full-size washer and dryer. The layout worked well enough, but eventually, Elizabeth wanted the half-bath upgraded and updated to a full bath/utility room that included shelving and cabinetry—and the décor needed to flow seamlessly with that of the nearby kitchen. The trickiest part was figuring out how to fit everything she wanted into this room. She did the demo herself, and partway through, with design ideas in mind, Elizabeth posted her project on Sweeten, a free service that connects renovators with vetted general contractors.

After: Elizabeth’s Sweeten contractor discovered a space behind a wall—about a linear foot and a half—making it possible to have a larger shower base and sink. Yay! They also found space by stacking the washer and dryer. And while she was worried that all the bits and pieces would fit in the room, her contractor was able to build lots of custom details like slide-out shelves and cabinetry for storage so the room would be functional yet not overcrowded. She was especially pleased with the “beautiful job he did on the floor and with the matching Cambria surfaces.”

Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your half bath remodel success story with us!

Bonus: Despite a slightly irregularly-shaped footprint, the homeowner and her contractor maximized the space without compromising the narrow walk-through in the form of freestanding and built-in cabinets.

Style finds: Countertops: Cambria. Floor tile: Floor & Décor. Shower Door: GlassCrafters Inc.

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To create room for a washer and dryer in the bathroom, Lindsay and Nicholas tore out their single shower stall, relocated the shower fixtures to the bathtub, and built a laundry closet in its place.

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 Half Bath Remodel in FiDi Fixes a Puzzling Layout appeared first on Sweeten.

When the search for a 3-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side left this homeowner disappointed, he decided to improvise. He purchased two units in a newly converted co-op building and planned to combine them, posting his project on Sweeten to find the right architect and general contractor for the job. Six months later, he had the home he’d been looking for, complete with a light-filled great room, premium appliances, and a state-of-the-art fireplace.

The building this homeowner decided to move into had been newly converted from middle-income housing to condos. While looking for a 3-bedroom apartment, he discovered that the available units that met his criteria were too small. When he approached the building’s management to see if there were any 2-bedroom apartments that could be combined into one, he learned that none of the units were eligible because of their shared walls. Instead of giving up, he asked them to double check with their architect. The architect came back with good news; units in the F and G lines could be combined. The homeowner bought units 22F and 22G, which are both located at the end of a hallway.

The apartments had been renovated in a style that he felt was acceptable, but not as sleek of an aesthetic that he had in mind. He set his sights on creating an efficient and modern home that was highly functional without sacrificing any comfort. The apartments were to be combined at the end of the hallway and through the walls that aligned with each unit’s kitchen.

After realizing that designating one of the two entrances as the main entrance would create an awkward flow, he purchased 50 square feet of the hallway between the apartments to build a new entryway. “It was expensive,” he said, “but worth it.” Moving the entrance to the master exposed old wiring belonging to an outdated intercom system which was apparently still in use in a few of the much older apartments in the building. My Sweeten contractor had to hire an expert in this kind of wiring to reroute it, which he deemed a nuisance but not a huge deal.

For the main living space, he envisioned an open-plan kitchen, family room, living room, and dining room that would give the space a loft-like feeling. The major elements of the renovation included opening the walls to combine the apartments and demolishing the two existing kitchens to build a completely new one. He also expanded the size and layout of the master bedroom and bathroom.

The homeowner, who likes to cook, found out that moving the gas line in the kitchen to accommodate a Wolf gas stovetop would be too big of a challenge, so he opted for a Wolf convection stovetop, which he’s grown to love. “It’s modern, sleek, and boils a pot of water in seconds,” he said. He also wanted to convert part of one of the old kitchens into a laundry room and install stackable washer and dryer units, noting that the overall process was seamless and easy.

In the bathroom, he wanted to create a mini spa with a walk-in shower, slate floor tile, and marble walls. One of the challenges he faced was converting the bathtub into a walk-in shower because it required raising the floor underneath for the drain pipes to meet the code requirements. He expanded the bathroom by utilizing a nearby closet, which became difficult because he was placing a wet space over a dry space, and had to move the wiring to the main electrical box to make it work.

Throughout the apartment, he wanted to incorporate interesting design and architectural lighting. The fact that the building is postwar—built in 1971—meant that he couldn’t drill into the slab. To solve this problem, he decided to drop the ceilings in most of the apartment by 4” to 6” inches to allow for recessed lighting.

To warm up the family and living room part of the great room, he decided to add a fireplace that wouldn’t require board approval to install. His search led him to a company called Hearth Cabinets, which has a patented technology that uses sterno-like gel to create a very realistic-looking fire. The fireplace meets all required codes and didn’t require any sort of approval.

While renovating, he said he learned it’s important to dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s.” “Don’t be casual about what fixtures you choose or what you allow the contractor to do without input, especially if, like me, you want to do a very custom, high-end project,” he said. Also, be nice to your neighbors. “One of mine complained about the noise and construction was shut down for two weeks.”

With construction starting in November of 2016 and finishing in April of 2017, the obstacles he encountered extended the job about two months. While he said he wouldn’t choose to live through another renovation, he’s thrilled with the end result of this one. Because the space is on the 22nd floor, it gets great natural light. The terraces, located on each end of the great room, provide a feeling of indoor and outdoor living. “Being in the room,” the homeowner said, “feels like living in a peaceful oasis above the city.”

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Sometimes two units are better than one! Read our 3-part guide on planning, budgeting, and financing your apartment combination.

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 An Apartment Combination with a View appeared first on Sweeten.

Its familiar broken zigzag is something you’ve probably seen before in a tweed suit or jacket, calling to mind the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Chanel. From fashion to home design, this elegant pattern—expressed in a range of materials—makes a big impact. Below, eight homeowners make herringbone their own.

A peek of oak herringbone underneath old carpeting inspired Kasey to restore the original floors in his prewar apartment. During his renovation, he discovered that the floors were in near perfect condition. A light touch-up was all that was needed to return them to their former glory.

Nazli and Larry splurged on herringbone walnut floors in the kitchen and downstairs parlor, which quickly became one of their favorite features in the townhouse. The pattern, combined with the warmth of the stain, adds plenty of interest and texture.

Looking for something more durable than wood, Allison and Jovito chose a porcelain tile with imitation grain to give the appearance of polished white oak. Their contractor laid the tile in a herringbone pattern to punch up the muted tones of the kitchen.

Wanting some “wow” in the kitchen, Alicia and Ed decided that subway tile was firmly off limits. Instead, the couple chose cream-colored marble laid in a herringbone pattern for a touch of warmth.

To inject some color into his all-white kitchen, Gall chose a gold-toned herringbone backsplash comprised of glass and marble tile. The combination of different materials and colors provides a refreshing update on a classic design.

Inspired by the clean, elegant look of hotel bathrooms, Lauren and Ross covered every inch of their master bath in marble. For the floor, they chose a white herringbone tile and paired it with fine lines of gray grout for some subtle contrast.

Ana and Leo amped up the drama in their modern guest bathroom with herringbone mosaic tile in shades of gray. The addition is the perfect complement to the minimal design.

With an all-white theme in mind, Cecilia and Jonathan wanted to keep things bright and shiny in their full bath. A slight deviation from the plan inspired an accent wall of veined marble subway tile laid in a herringbone pattern.

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Step out of the ordinary and add some color to your kitchen.

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

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

The post At Home with Herringbone Patterns appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Redesign the first-floor bath in Riverhead, NY

Before: Brooklyn couple Nate and Michelle bought their 2,010-square-foot-house in Riverhead, NY, as a rural getaway. The home was perfect in many ways, but the bathrooms left a lot to be desired. After building an ensuite bath for the upstairs guest bedroom with Sweeten, the couple’s attention turned to the downstairs bath. The plan was to design a bathroom that fit with the farmhouse style of the home while having its own, distinct personality. Nate posted the project on Sweeten and was matched with this general contractor.

While the upstairs bath was being built above the one below, the rooms were not perfectly aligned…the contractor had to figure out the best way to run pipes.

After: First thing to go? The outdated pink floor. Inspired by a photo online of a bathroom with blue walls and a white pedestal sink, Nate and Michelle made it their color scheme. To make it their own, they chose a vanity with plenty of storage and added brass fixtures and hardware for tonal contrast. The combo of moody blue, warm brass, and bright white subway tile makes the space feel fresh and modern.

During the renovation, one bathroom was being built above the other, and the rooms were not perfectly aligned. The contractor had to figure out the best way to run pipes from the downstairs space to the new bathroom upstairs. “The solution was to create a tray ceiling [in the downstairs bath] so the pipes could be concealed around the perimeter of the wall,” Nate said. “Even though the pipes are only along one wall, the tray ceiling makes it look like a nice design decision rather than an extra shape on one side built to hide something.”

His advice for future renovators? “Make sure you have all the pieces before starting. That includes the tile, fixtures, vanities, toilets, and even the little things like towel hooks and toilet paper holders. That way, your project isn’t held up while waiting for some piece to come in.” A smart suggestion for keeping the project on time and running smoothly.

Bonus: Nate modified a set of store-bought shelves to better suit the space. “The brass shelf is from CB2. It actually comes as a set of three in different sizes designed to hang together,” he said. “We only wanted one, but the whole set was cheaper than most of the other single brass shelves we found, so we got it anyway. Maybe we’ll find a spot for the other two.”

Style finds: Napoli 4” x 8” subway tile (shower walls) and Re-Use in Sand Matte floor tile (including shower floor): Forever Floors & Design Center. Fixtures, hardware, 20th C. Filament Bare Bulb sconces, sink, and Pharmacy Powder vanity: Restoration Hardware. Santa Rosa Kohler toilet: Home Depot. Brass shelf: CB2. Gentleman’s Gray paint: Benjamin Moore.

Thank you, Michelle and Nate, for sharing your moody bathroom with us!

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Looking to create a unique bath, Erin and Brian took an antique basin table and transformed it into a sink pedestal.

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 Moody Bath for a Getaway Home appeared first on Sweeten.