In this Hoboken home remodel, a kitchen and bathroom modernize with black, white, and wood

“After” photos by Jeffrey Rosenberg Photography for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Danielle and Michelle Dobrusin found their general contractor by posting their Hoboken home remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Hoboken, New Jersey
• Primary renovation: Gut redos of both kitchen and bath for their new condominium in a converted 19th-century schoolhouse
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Written in partnership with homeowners Danielle and Michelle

Remodeling a converted condo in Hoboken, New Jersey

We purchased our home in June 2020, a 1,100-square-foot condominium in a former 1800s schoolhouse. The downtown Hoboken, NJ building was converted into condos 30 years ago, and we love its character—our apartment has 24-foot ceilings with original wood beams.

We are Danielle, an attorney, and Michelle, a human resources manager, and our plan was to move here with our two cats, Sylvia and Eleanor. We knew going into the purchase that we would renovate the kitchen and bath. Both needed a facelift. We posted our project on Sweeten, with accurate specs, and soon got responses from contractors interested in working with us. It wasn’t long before we found a contractor we felt was a great fit.

Our goals for the renovation were easy to convey, since the existing rooms’ shortcomings were obvious. The kitchen was closed off from the rest of the living area and outdated—we wanted to open it up and connect it to the living area. It was not only badly designed, but in poor condition, too. The cabinets were falling apart; we had to lift one of the doors with a foot to open or close the dishwasher. The bathroom was also in bad shape, with cracked tiles and water damage.

A black kitchen, bold yet neutral

We wanted our remodel to be clean, modern, and simple, but still a statement. In 5 to 10 years, it should still look updated. We chose black cabinets and other features because they would stand out and look timeless. Neutral tones would complement decorative accents, and we like the clean feeling of white surfaces. We also wanted natural elements that would tie to the condo’s existing wood floors and warm up the space. We felt the palette would come together to create a modern, edgy vibe.

Our objectives in the kitchen included opening the room, increasing storage, and tailoring the cabinets and drawers to our specific needs. Seating would be added to the design to keep the cook company during dinner prep.

In planning the layout, the inclusion of base cabinets with drawers to maximize storage was important to us. We wanted, too, to add a pantry, which the kitchen did not previously have; we managed to fit it in just right of the fridge. We were excited to find matte black cabinets—they look expensive but were more affordable than traditional cabinets, and almost as customizable. Plus, they’re made from recycled plastic! The wooden floating shelves add not only a natural touch but easy-access storage for dishes and glasses.

Creating a home baker’s kitchen

The plan also included new appliances and we decided to splurge on a high-end package. Danielle is an avid baker and successfully jumped on the sourdough bandwagon when the pandemic began—she loves being able to preheat the oven from her phone. We were set on a full-size fridge with an ice maker. We also fit in the world’s smallest wine refrigerator, at about six inches wide. We don’t drink much but love to have a few cold bottles on hand—this fridge holds seven.

Wallpaper and black paint for a bathroom

For the bathroom, we wanted to go simple and coordinate with the kitchen. We wanted the space to feel connected, and to that end, we kept to a similar neutral color scheme and same tile shapes. We installed a glass shower, knowing that the transparent walls would make this space feel bigger. In any case, we already have a tub upstairs. We went with a statement wallpaper. We thought it made sense to go playful in the small bathroom. 

What we did participate in was shopping for all of our materials, creating our vision and the end result!

Managing during the home remodel

As first-time renovators, we were unsure about the timing of various phases and what the overall costs would be. We talked about when the materials, which we sourced on our own, needed to come. During the renovation, we retreated to Danielle’s parents’ home in Arizona. The condo is an open loft and isn’t conducive to phone calls—we didn’t think it would be possible to live, work, and renovate from home. What we did participate in was shopping for all of our materials, creating our vision and the end result!

It was hard not being able to see the project’s daily progress, and to step back from our inclinations to micro-manage. But we did. We communicated our choices and concerns to our Sweeten contractor, from afar, usually over texts or on phone calls. Our contractor was patient and sent pictures as progress updates. Along the way, we learned the importance of communicating—ask questions and tell your contractor what you want, as you are your best advocate.

Since we had a great relationship with our contractor, and we made all of the budgetary and design decisions, we didn’t end up needing to use some services Sweeten had to offer. Still, we were grateful for the match with a contractor we knew was vetted. We felt peaceful knowing that Sweeten had our back if an issue were to arise.

Tips on staying on budget

If we had one piece of advice to share, it would be about the budget. Figure out what your limit is—the one that you can actually afford. From there, expect a few unexpected costs. Go through your projection line by line with your contractor and be clear about what isn’t included in their quote. If money is a concern, pick a few pieces you’re in love with to splurge on and go for more affordable options for everything else. We paid about $50,000 for both rooms, all-inclusive of work and materials. We went for the pricier appliance package, which cost about $8k.

It’s such an incredible feeling to transform a space into exactly what you want and what you need. We’ve never experienced that before. We now understand the appeal. Amazing! At home! It was worth every penny.

Thank you, Danielle and Michelle, for sharing the results of your Hoboken home remodel with us!

Renovation Materials:

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cement Nord hex porcelain tile: Tile Shop. Meringue II Canvas polished ceramic tile: Floor and Decor. Precis Silgranit 23″ L x 18″ W undermount kitchen sink in white: Wayfair. Matte black Delta Lenta Touch2O pull-down kitchen faucet: Lowes. Counter-depth 23.1 cu. ft. matte black fingerprint-resistant smart French door refrigerator: Home Depot. Cafe fingerprint-resistant built-in 24” dishwasher with 45 dBA in matte black: Home Depot. Matte black 30” slide-in smart double oven gas range with self-cleaning convection: Home Depot. Seven-bottle 5.8” touchscreen wine cooler: VinoTemp. Maple floating shelf with hidden bracket: Ultrashelf. Kungsbacka cabinets; Hackas knobs and pulls: IKEA. Calacatta Laza countertop: MSI.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Cement Nord hex porcelain tile: Tile Shop. Meringue II Canvas polished ceramic tile: Floor and Decor. Wrought Studio Aminata 30” single bathroom vanity set: Wayfair. American Standard Clean 2-piece WaterSense toilet in white: Lowes. Lady Body wallpaper: Chasing Paper. Linden toilet paper holder and hook: Pottery Barn. Gardenia 2-spray shower panel in black matte; framed fixed glass shower screen: Vigo. Modland single hole bathroom faucet; Miki traditional accent mirror: Wayfair.  Semi-flush mount ceiling light with 6 bulbs: Amazon.

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

An open-concept, two-tone kitchen remodel in Rockville creates more space for multigenerational participation

• Homeowners: Brandi and Chris posted a kitchen remodel in Maryland on Sweeten
• Where: Rockville, Maryland
• Primary renovation: Replacing DIY storage with a unified kitchen design plan and removing a wall 
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Brandi. “After” photos by Nova Soul Imagery for Sweeten.

A new chapter for a family home

Brandi and her husband, Chris, inherited her mother-in-law’s 1950s house. Though bittersweet, they were happy to keep it in the family. Chris grew up in the Rockville, Maryland house, so it held special meaning for him. Plus, the family was about to expand. Brandi was pregnant with her second, and her grandmother, Bernice, planned on moving in.

As a first-time homeowner, Brandi wanted to renovate the 1,643-square-foot house right away to make it fit their lifestyle. However, Chris had a special attachment to it and wasn’t in a rush to remodel. The conversation was tabled for several years. Then, the couple started talking about having a second baby and the idea to renovate returned. This time, the focus was mainly on the kitchen. It was old and outdated. There was little storage space. They had improvised and put in temporary storage containers but they weren’t ideal.

Brandi had also toyed with doing a few DIY projects as a facelift. Mainly, a temporary backsplash and a fresh coat of paint. But, as Brandi put it, “If I’m having a baby, I’m having a new kitchen.” That’s when they turned to Sweeten.

Local support for kitchen remodeling contractors in Maryland

Brandi was newly pregnant when she found Sweeten. She needed a service like Sweeten to take some of the stress off of the contractor search process. And it was important as people of color to hire a Black-owned general contracting firm. Brandi met with two contractors outside of the Sweeten network but their estimates were too high. And there wasn’t much room for negotiation. She would have to compromise on the design, which she didn’t want to do. Her Sweeten contractor, however, gave her many options in order to fit her budget and style. “He was very thorough,” said Brandi.

“When the wall came down, I was like, ‘Wow’,” said Brandi. “It definitely opened up the space so much more.”

“Must-haves” and compromise

A visit to California inspired Brandi with the idea of two-toned cabinetry. Blue on the bottom, white cabinets above. That was Brandi’s “must-have.” Chris wanted to knock down the wall between the kitchen and dining room as well as center the sink. Brandi thought these weren’t essentials but for Chris, these were his non-negotiables. They were added to the design plan. “When the wall came down, I was like, ‘Wow’,” said Brandi. “It definitely opened up the space so much more.” 

Laying out the kitchen design details

Once the functional and structural details were settled, the kitchen’s design plan came next. Storage would be the main focus for the two-toned cabinets. Brandi wasn’t a fan of clutter and storage would hide the daily essentials. Chris had considered display cabinets but the couple decided against them. The kitchen wasn’t very large so they needed to use the space as efficiently as possible.

In addition to the cabinets, the backsplash was one design detail that Brandi felt strongly about. She wanted a contemporary look and chose a chevron pattern. It was clean and modern in a white and gray color scheme. For the countertops, butcher block was considered because of its affordable price point. However, their Sweeten contractor was able to source a quartz countertop for around the same cost. The couple decided it would be an upgrade and went for it.  

A refreshed Rockville kitchen brings renewed joy

Brandi and Chris are thrilled with their renovated kitchen. The open concept allowed the main floor to feel more comfortable for the expanding family. Brandi’s grandmother and daughter can join in as meals are being prepared. And with an expanded family, the new space will be even more appreciated. For Brandi, it’s the little details, down to the new blinds over the centered sink. Brandi said she goes in every morning and opens the blinds to let in the light and finds joy. “It’s like, ‘Ahhh’,” said Brandi. “It’s like the house breathes.”

Thank you, Brandi and Chris, for sharing your kitchen remodel with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinets: KraftMaid. Dreamcicle marble and metal chevron backsplash tile: Jeffrey Court. Frigidaire appliances: Appliances Connection. Flooring in Marigold Oak: Pergo. Paint in Alpaca: Sherwin-Williams. Halifax hardware: Halifax.

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

Where to find kitchen remodeling contractors in Maryland

It might not be hard to find a general contractor for your project but with so many out there finding the right contractor is the challenge. When choosing kitchen remodeling contractors in Maryland, they should be experienced in a project like yours—scope of work, your budget, building type, and location. You should also feel confident that you will work well with them, share the same communication style, and have the level of professional acumen you require. This is how Sweeten’s free general contracting matching service can help. We conduct top-to-bottom vetting so we know we’re only working with the top general contractors in Maryland who have a range of expertise including in kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, whole home remodels, or addition remodels. Post your project on Sweeten and you’ll be matched with a competitive grouping of kitchen remodeling contractors in Maryland who: 

• are licensed, insured, and vetted
• have experience with renovations like yours
• do work in your city, town, or neighborhood
• are already interested in your project based on its budget and scope
• guarantee their work

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

A personally-designed kitchen and refreshed laundry room revive a historic Los Angeles home

• Homeowners: Chrissy, a costume designer in the film industry, and Matt, a production company operations manager, posted their kitchen remodel on Sweeten
• Where: The Historic Filipinotown neighborhood in Los Angeles, California
• Primary renovation: The couple embarked on a re-envisioning of the existing Art Deco kitchen in a minimalist light
• With: Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “When little things went wrong, he was determined to fix them and make us happy. We are grateful to the Sweeten team for helping us find him!”

Written in partnership with homeowner Chrissy. “After” photos by Madeline Tolle for Sweeten.

A fashionable—but not functional—period kitchen

The kitchen was original from the 1930s and very Hollywood Art Deco. It was just one aspect we loved when we purchased our 1,400-square-foot co-op, located in a 1932 Spanish Revival building in Historic Filipinotown, a neighborhood near Los Angeles’ Echo Park.

Matt and I previously lived in a 600-square-foot apartment and never spent days hanging at home—it just didn’t have enough light and space. Looking for our next place, we realized that everything in our price range needed a large overhaul, or had been cheaply flipped and had an ugly poorly-designed kitchen.

Seeking a fixer-upper kitchen

I love to cook, and during our search, we’d decided that the sweet spot would be a place that was in good shape and had character but needed a new kitchen.

As first-time renovators, we figured the hardest parts would be finding a contractor, negotiating bids, and avoiding surprise hidden costs. When we found the one on Sweeten, it turned out our biggest challenge was actually not hiring an architect or designer as well. I sketched the kitchen out on my word processor!

Thinking we would re-do the kitchen right away, we purchased an induction hotplate and set it on the beautiful black-and-teal tile countertop. We found a basic fridge on Craigslist. We would also need to upgrade the unit’s electrical panel; we didn’t have the amps to run the hotplate and toaster simultaneously. When we first moved in, a kitchen wall had to be ripped out due to a leaky roof. It stayed that way until the renovation; it was rough in there!

Flooring material for wet spaces

We thought about trying to save the Art Deco details, especially the original tile countertops and the matching backsplash. But preserving the original aesthetic wasn’t an option. The counters weren’t the modern standard depth, so new appliances would not fit. We struggled with whether to go with deco tiles and white cabinets or scrap all that and let it be something modern. We went with the latter.

Going from the ground up, we discussed adding hardwood or cork flooring for a soft surface underfoot but decided against it. We wanted to make the kitchen contiguous with the laundry room, and we chose cement tile flooring to avoid worries about moisture. Another draw had to do with dirt. In our old apartment, we’d had terracotta tiled floors, which we loved, but the wide grout collected grime. The cement tile required narrower grout and seemed practical. It also brought a bold texture to our floors.

Plywood cabinets and cement floor tile ground the kitchen

Having ruled out natural wood for the floors, we were excited to use it for the cabinets. We feel intuitively drawn to wood and have chosen it for surfaces throughout our home, so we let that lead us. We went with plywood kitchen cabinets—it’s a cost-effective material, and we liked its functional aesthetic. Designing the layout for the custom base plywood cabinets was gratifying. Since we could dictate all dimensions, we spent time going over all of our kitchen wares and deciding how we wanted to store things. We’d measured the height of the coffee grinder and Chemex pitcher and knew which drawer they would live in long before the kitchen was built.

“Throughout the process, our Sweeten contractor was very communicative, which was lucky.”

We thought a lot about the upper cabinetry, too. We initially felt nervous about open shelving, thinking everything would get dusty. But in the end, we did it, mainly to save money, and it turned out to be a great choice to keep the visuals simple and open. It makes putting away dishes a breeze!

Personalized features make it home

The backsplash was also cost-contingent. We kept saying we’d do subway tile to save money—but decided on handmade, natural clay tiles that look so right with the plaster walls. Plastering the hood was another important detail for us; it became a way to draw the co-op’s original character into our modern design.

We didn’t agree on everything. My uphill battle was to convince Matt to spend the extra money to put in taps for filtered and boiling water. As the cook of the house and the one who drinks the most water, I felt strongly that this would pay off in convenience. Matt finally agreed, and it really has.

Finishing touches for the laundry

The laundry room was another area where plumbing was key, and our Sweeten contractor got involved there, too. We’d installed cabinets ourselves above the washer and dryer before starting the kitchen renovation. However, the washer and dryer, which were included in the house purchase, had exposed hookups. We upgraded by having the contractor recess them into the wall. The dryer had been vented through a hole in the floor that looked like it was cut with a Sawzall, so we finished that, too. We invested in an on-demand hot-water heater and installed an $85 utility sink. Someday we’d like to get front-loading machines and put in a countertop to really pull that room together.

Good communication with their general contractor

Throughout the process, our Sweeten contractor was very communicative, which was lucky. When little things went wrong, he was determined to fix them and make us happy. We are grateful to the Sweeten team for helping us find him! We spent just under $56,000 on the whole project. I’m not sure we could have pulled it off had we not both been creative managers, but it was worth it to have a kitchen we designed exactly for ourselves.

The renovation has made our home livable in a way we could have never foreseen. After being over budget and tired of eating out, it kind of worked for us that eating out had become less appealing. We got to stay home and cook.

Thanks for sharing your renovation story with us, Chrissy and Matt!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES:

• Paint in un-tinted base white with an eggshell finish: Dunn Edwards
• Bahja cement floor tile in red/brown/green: Moroccan Mosaic & Tile House
• Custom birch plywood kitchen cabinets:
• Supplied through contractor
• Europa tab pull cabinet hardware in matte black: Top Knobs
• Revival Malibu 4×4 backsplash tiles: Mission Tile West
• Undermount sink: Franke
• Newport Brass dispenser tap faucet: Signature Hardware
• Fisher & Paykel refrigerator: Appliances Connection
• KitchenAid dishwasher and oven: KitchenAid
• Frigidaire induction cooktop: Appliances Connection
• Custom birch ply pantry shelving: Knottynuff Wood

LAUNDRY RESOURCES:

• Sektion base cabinets with Grimslov doors: IKEA
• Mustee Utilatub utility sink: Home Depot

Updated on April 27, 2023

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

Compact appliances work with full-sized gusto in this Upper West Side gut kitchen remodel

• Homeowners: An Upper West Side couple posted their kitchen renovation project on Sweeten
• Where: Manhattan, New York City
• Primary renovation: A gut remodel of a kitchen requiring major electrical work and a suite of compact appliances
• With: Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “From the start of the job to completion, we communicated constantly, and I think that’s one reason why it went so smoothly.”

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

Small changes, from a banquette and grout to salvaged shelves, make all the difference

• Homeowners: Sarah and Eddy posted their 1939 co-op remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Washington Heights, New York City, New York
• Primary renovation: An outdated op-op kitchen remodel, including a new look and more space
• Sweeten design-build firm
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowners Sarah and Eddy

Creating unity within a floorplan

Sarah, a managing director at an international nonprofit, WaterAid, and her husband, Eddy, a medical consultant, thought their co-op in Washington Heights, New York, was ideal for raising their two daughters. They loved the location, near Fort Tryon Park, and the design aesthetic of their 1939 Art Deco building. The problem? An outdated kitchen that had been (seemingly) randomly renovated over the years, with one section updated at a time. It resulted in what Sarah called a “hodgepodge” layout and design. 

“Overall, it was dark and dated,” said Sarah. “The cabinets seemed to be original, but we don’t know that for a fact, but they sure looked like it.” The couple also desperately needed more counter space. “There was more space for dining than food prep,” commented Sarah.

Finding an aesthetic to compliment the room

Originally, there were two windows in the kitchen. Cabinets completely blocked one window, so it wasn’t functional. By rearranging the layout, the homeowners were able to expose the window, adding more natural light to the updated kitchen

The firm was amazing! Both our designer, Ally, and our project manager, Petar, were like on-call doctors,” said Sarah. “They helped me with decision-making around all things—from what size appliances to buy to practical storage ideas.” Sarah and Eddy decided to keep the original floors to give a nod to the origins of the building. The kitchen received new cabinets, countertops, and appliances.

Using the houses original walls

When they gutted the kitchen, they found beautiful brick walls hiding behind the sheetrock. The brick became a focal point behind a newly added banquette bringing a new texture to their streamlined, all-white kitchen. “The girls love to sit at the banquette and read while eating,” said Sarah. “And with an outlet installed in the banquette, it’s become a cozy work-from-home space during the pandemic.” Overall, they kept the design simple and current with white cabinets and Calacatta countertops. Gray grout in the subway tile and the reclaimed wood floating shelves add contrast and personality.

Overcoming unplanned obstacles

Necessary plumbing behind the kitchen sink left Sarah and Eddy with less cabinet depth to work with. As a result, they had to install a smaller than usual sink. Fortunately, in a clever workaround, to allow the sink to maximize the counter depth, the faucet was set off to the side.

“We love literally everything about our new kitchen,” said Sarah. “The countertops, the pantry, the counter-depth fridge…even the vent hood!”

Renovation Materials:

Taper hardware knobs in brushed nickel: CB2. Unique Calacatta polished countertops: Compac.  Subway tiles (4″x12″): TileBar. Pacifico Reclaimed wood floating shelves: Etsy.  Litze pull-down faucet with square sprout: Brizo.  36″ gas range with five burners and 36″ under-cabinet canopy hood: Fisher & Paykel. Goffredo Schoolhouse pendant: Birch Lane. Banquette: Ballard Designs.

Thank you, Sarah and Eddy,  for sharing your new kitchen with us!

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Around the corner: Another Sweeten renovation in Washington Heights updates the kitchen, flooring, and layout.

Check out design ideas for small spaces.

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

A couple creates an entertainment-focused kitchen, including a multifunctional island

• Homeowners: Dawn and David posted their Park Slope kitchen renovation on Sweeten
• Where: Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Refitting a kitchen with a more efficient layout and better lighting
• Sweeten design-build firm
• Homeowner’s quote: “[Our home] makes us happy every day.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Dawn. Photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten.

Improve layout and impersonal lighting

The kitchen in Dawn and David’s loft apartment was not ideally configured. After living in the home for a dozen years, the pair decided to finally redo the kitchen. The cabinets had seen a lot of wear and tear, and appliances and drawers were not in the best positions.

The couple also wanted to fix a prior renovation mistake: a contractor had convinced them to go with recessed lighting in the kitchen and living room areas. Dawn found the choice too commercial and wanted to find statement pendants with a bit more character. The couple also wanted to add personal touches, like a Moroccan-style tile backsplash.

Make the kitchen’s storage function smarter

The goal was to borrow square footage from the kitchen to give more breathing room to the dining and living room areas. They’d create more kitchen counter space and cabinet storage but within a smaller footprint. An efficient layout would be key. She said, “We wanted to get the most out of each nook and cranny while not ending up with a lot of nooks and crannies!”

Given their penchant for entertaining, large serving pieces and other odd-shaped items needed specific spots. To accomplish this, Dawn “spent a lot of time measuring the things that’d go into storage and were plotted out correctly in the kitchen. I was careful not to over-allocate space.”

The peninsula becomes multifunctional

An expanded peninsula with drawers on either side—facing the kitchen as well as the entryway—was a key part of executing this vision. Dawn wanted “tons of room for prepping and cooking a meal as well as serving space for hors d’oeuvres when we entertain. People like to congregate in the kitchen when they arrive. I wanted to have a space that didn’t interfere with the process of making dinner. With a much bigger peninsula, we confine the prep/cooking work to one half of the surface while making room for an attractive presentation on the other.”

“We wanted to get the most out of each nook and cranny while not ending up with a lot of nooks and crannies!”

Focal point: A yellow Moroccan tile backsplash

They created dedicated space for serving trays and her largest pots. A good deal of thought went into the best placement of appliances and cabinets; the utensil drawer faces the dishwasher, while the speed oven is hidden in the peninsula keeping the countertops clear.

Dawn also worked with her Sweeten contractor to add a full-length pantry that had both interior drawers and shelves. A spice rack mounted at eye level sits inside of the door.

For the finishes, Dawn, the founder and CEO of Arcadia Home, an artisan-made home accessories brand, had a vision: “grainy flat-paneled cabinets, beautiful organic pulls, extraordinary color in the backsplash, killer lighting, and a fairly clean white but interesting countertop.”

The lighting redesign transformed the look of the space. Now, the peninsula sports two handmade pierced nickel-plated brass shades from Egypt. The light from the pierced holes creates a unique pattern when illuminated. The centerpiece of the entire kitchen was the yellow Moroccan tile, inspired by a yellow Moroccan rug in the couple’s living room—a purchase from their first trip together during their dating days. “It makes us happy every day,” she said.

Thank you, Dawn and David, for sharing your new kitchen with us!

Renovation Materials

Rift-cut oak painted kitchen cabinets: Custom designed by Sweeten contractor. Cabinet paint color in Blackberry and White Dove: Benjamin Moore. Schaub and Company Martello #174-N cabinet pulls in natural: Build.com. Pinecone cabinet knobs: Knobs4Less.com. Montclair #AQ501 quartz countertops: Alleanza Quartz. Batha #1-18 yellow Moroccan tile backsplash: Mosaic House. Zenza Bella Filisky peninsula pendants: Zenza Home. Transparent ceiling light: Sonneman Lighting.

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

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