A well-deserved upgrade with black quartz countertops reveals a compact cookspace remodel under $35,000

• Homeowners: These co-op owners posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Rip-and-replace a black-and-white small kitchen in a 750-square-foot prewar apartment
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “We had a truly positive experience working with our 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. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten.

A well-timed purchase with room to improve

I purchased the co-op in September 2020 when property prices were down. Nobody was talking about inflation just yet. So, it seemed like a good time to invest in New York.

We had been renting prior to buying the place. Eventually, I sold some stocks and used the money for the down payment. The prewar apartment is in a co-op building, built in 1938. It has six floors with many combined units. Ours measures 750 square feet. We wanted to update the apartment, modernizing it a bit and making it feel like our own.

The dealbreaker: no dishwasher!

Our renovation’s focus was on the apartment’s kitchen. It hadn’t been updated since 2003 and lacked a dishwasher—we needed one, and wanted to give the otherwise workable kitchen, which had been done in black and white, a facelift. So, I posted my project on Sweeten, asking for bids from local general contractors we met for a “simple update.”

As a first-time renovator, I had questions. “How long does a kitchen remodel take?” “How much would it cost?” Will my contractor rip me off?” “How do I deal with the co-op during the process?” But Sweeten helped answer them, and got me on the way to hiring a vetted renovation team.

A bigger fridge changes the scope

From the beginning, we’d thought we would install a dishwasher and a new countertop and that would be it. We liked the existing black-and-white kitchen as it was. But the scope of the job changed quickly when we decided to upgrade from the skinny, column-style refrigerator that was there.

With help from our contractor, we did a redesign to make room for a fridge that was closer to standard size. Other than that, we left the kitchen layout pretty much as it had been.

Black-and-white kitchen cabinets simply elevate

I’d visited Ikea and made a cabinet selection, but a friend of ours who was working for Semihandmade, a company that makes high-quality doors to fit Ikea base cabinets, suggested we speak to them about our project. The company’s products were a worthy improvement and they had the colors we wanted. We went with a black-on-black vibe for the lower-cabinet surfaces, and white for the uppers.

We spent an evening evaluating handles and pulls up close with the cabinets to see what we liked best and bought $400 worth. However, we saved a bit on the hardware by asking our contractor to rebuild the existing white open shelving units.

"We saved a bit on the hardware by asking our contractor to rebuild the existing white open shelving units."

Black quartz countertops set the tone

When it came time to choose the countertops, we looked at Corian, quartz, polished granite, and Dekton. The offerings include so many types and textures. We ultimately went with Jet Black quartz countertops, which coordinated the best with our matte-black doors.

The new, larger refrigerator was the right call, no question. The kitchen had come with a gas range that we liked, but we opted for a sleeker, black style at the last minute and we’re thankful that we did. We decided to buy a small microwave, too, and hide it behind a cupboard door. It’s only used to heat up coffee. Similarly, the new dishwasher adds cleanliness and convenience, while keeping the countertops less cluttered.

A solid renovation partner

We had a truly positive experience working with our Sweeten contractor. One of the last days of the project, I put together a PowerPoint presentation highlighting all of the things that needed to be completed. Our contractor and his crew were very receptive to this. Tell us you work in sales without telling us you work in sales!

Our black-and-white small kitchen came in on budget

I know that these kitchen projects can be really expensive, so I’m happy we were able to get the result we wanted, and a great-looking kitchen, at a cost that was reasonable and reachable. We made one mistake that cost us about a thousand dollars, but otherwise the project was without any major bumps, and we kept our total costs under $35K. 

The new-and-improved black-and-white kitchen is our own now. It gave us the opportunity to collaborate and improve our living space—and allowed me to tour all of the tri-state Ikea locations in search of the missing cabinet parts. Truth is, there’s nothing “simple,” about a kitchen renovation. But no regrets here.

Thank you for sharing your new kitchen with us!

Renovation materials

• Supermatte Shaker black cabinets and Supermatte Shaker uppers in white: Semihandmade
• Black and white kitchen cabinets, sink, faucet, and lighting: IKEA
• Quartz countertops in Jet Black: Caesarstone
• Bertazzoni black gas range: Bertazzoni
• Blomberg refrigerator: Blomberg
• Bosch dishwasher: Bosch
• Hardware: Rejuvenation

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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, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

The post Black-and-White Kitchen Cabinets Have a Timeless Appeal in Brooklyn appeared first on Sweeten.

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Semihandmade cabinet doors transform Sweeten kitchens without breaking the bank

Homeowners have a personal style that they express through their designs. Kitchen cabinetry uses a good percentage of an overall renovation budget. So, how do you stay true to your design aesthetic without breaking the bank? One way is to opt for the look of custom cabinets without actually ordering custom. That’s where Semihandmade kitchen cabinets come in!

Semihandmade makes doors specifically for standard Ikea kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, media, and storage units. Here, we round up some top Sweeten renovations which used these doors transforming a wow-level on an affordable budget. (See if you can tell the difference!) Bonus: Semihandmade’s president, Beth Brenner, shares some tips on the different ways a kitchen can be customized.

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

Duo-tone Semihandmade cabinets

(Above) Tina + Andrew’s kitchen

Tina loved her charming 1930s prewar building she grew up in. So when a two-bedroom co-op became available, she and her husband, Andrew, jumped at the chance. It needed to be renovated but that didn’t stop them. They posted their project on Sweeten and hired a general contractor to update their kitchen.

The couple needed to stay on budget, so they looked into Semihandmade cabinet doors. “We tried to be clever and save where we could,” says Tina. “Instead of custom cabinets, we went with Ikea but purchased the cabinet doors from a company that specializes in stylish and modern cabinetry for Ikea kitchen systems.”  They chose a beautiful super matte shaker cabinet in white and light gray.

Tip from Beth: Semihandmade doors are simple to screw on and off, so if down the road you want a totally different look, you can easily change out the doors instead of tearing out your kitchen all over again!

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When the budget is the top priority

(Above) A Queens kitchen in a rich neutral

Like many homeowners who renovate, this couple’s biggest concern was budget. After renting for years, they had saved up to buy their own place, a two-bedroom, two-bath in Flushing. They decided updating the kitchen would be the most dramatic change. They chose a mix of neutrals and opted for Semihandmade cabinet doors with Ikea bases. This allowed the couple to get a customized look for a fraction of what fully custom cabinets cost. “The space is much more open and inviting,” says one of the homeowners. “I’ve never been one to hang out in the kitchen, but now I want to spend more time here.”

Tip from Beth: Semihandmade doors come in 45 different colors and styles, but the doors are also available unpainted so you can unleash your DIY spirit.

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More storage space, coming right up!

(Above) Dan + Mike’s kitchen open shelving storage

Dan and Mike’s one-bedroom, one-bath co-op was in desperate need of a kitchen renovation. To achieve their desired aesthetic, it would require removing a wall, gutting the entire kitchen, and extending the counters and cabinetry.

Removing the wall had a major impact on the look as did taking down the upper cabinets and replacing them with open floating shelves. The shelves were sourced from a shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, that specializes in salvage pieces. For the lower cabinets, they installed Ikea cabinets with Semihandmade doors and hardware. Floating shelves can make up for storage lost in the removal of upper cabinets.

Tip from Beth: Lower shelves are perfect for easy-to-grab cooking essentials like cutting boards, spices, and cookbooks. Higher shelves tend to be more decorative. It’s the mix of objects and textures that makes floating shelves a standout in any kitchen.

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Finding savings to splurge

(Above) Jennifer + Alex’s two-toned kitchen

When Jennifer and Alex Figueroa bought their beach house in East Hampton, they wanted to renovate it in order to meet their family’s needs. They have two young boys, so they wanted a space where they could run and play freely. This meant opening up the choppy layout and gutting the kitchen.

“We felt excited about this part of the project,” says Alex. “We splurged on a wine fridge, quartz countertops, and an integrated refrigerator but otherwise kept the open kitchen fairly simple.” This “fairly simple” design included their contractor customizing Ikea cabinets with walnut panel doors for a two-toned look. He also added paneling on the ceiling for a luxe look. This took the 1970s home into the new millennium.

Tip from Beth: Two-toned looks work well when complementary styles and colors are used for the upper and lower cabinets. Another popular trend right now is a pop of color for the kitchen island, paired with base cabinets that are more neutral.  

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No time for custom cabinets? No problem.

(Above) Marc + Steve’s kitchen

After seven months of living in their new home, Marc and Steve decided it was time to take the plunge and renovate. “The kitchen was perhaps the most outdated room,” says Marc. The existing cabinets were grimy and the doors were falling off the hinges. They wouldn’t be able to measure for new cabinets before work began. Marc and Steve decided to use Ikea cabinets with Semihandmade doors in order to get the cabinets quicker (custom cabinets have longer lead times.)

To streamline the look of the kitchen, they chose flat-panel doors rather than the popular shaker style. They needed to order cabinets of varying sizes so this choice helped to unify the space. “Design-wise, it’s the kitchen we always wanted and I don’t think we have any regrets about the choices we made (and there were so many choices),” said Marc.

Tip from Beth: Since we make our door fronts to order, the time it takes from payment to delivery depends on the materials purchased. Currently, the average lead time is 3-6 weeks.

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See even more inspiring kitchen remodels using Semihandmade!

Need help deciding on cabinets for your reno? Check out Sweeten’s guide, How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets.

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 Semihandmade Cabinets Up the Design Ante Without the Price Tag appeared first on Sweeten.

The post Comparing Cabinets: IKEA, Home Depot, Lowe’s & Cabinets To Go appeared first on Sweeten.

Why IKEA kitchen wall cabinets are a go-to resource

Kitchen cabinets make up a large portion of a kitchen remodel budget. The question we hear often is, “Are IKEA kitchen cabinets good?” Happily, IKEA offers popular cabinet options that are less expensive than many traditional alternatives. Their wall cabinets are based on a flexible system that allows you to add components as needed.

Below, we outline key features of IKEA cabinets, to help you decide if recreating your kitchen with their cabinets is right for you. You will also see examples of how Sweeten homeowners used the product in their own remodels.

How the SEKTION cabinet system works

Base cabinets

Base cabinets are mounted on the floor. They hold the countertop and the sink. IKEA base cabinets are 30 inches high and 24.75 inches deep. After adding legs and a countertop, they reach 36 inches, which is the standard countertop height for U.S. Kitchens.

A complete IKEA base cabinet consists of the cabinet box, drawers and drawer fronts, and inner drawers and fronts. Drawer organizers are optional.

Wall cabinets

Wall cabinets are mounted on the wall and are attached to the studs. They hold plates and food items. Wall cabinets are usually mounted 20 inches above the base cabinets. Most IKEA wall cabinets are 15 inches deep with a few measuring 24 inches deep. These wall cabinets are typically mounted over refrigerators.

A complete IKEA wall cabinet consists of the cabinet box, doors, hinges, and shelves. Shelf inserts are optional.

(Above) Jena’s Sweeten renovation with IKEA wall cabinets

High cabinets

High cabinets are mounted on the floor. They are intended for pantry items or small appliances. They are narrow—15 to 30 inches wide, with 24 inches being most common. High cabinets are either 80 inches or 90 inches tall. 

A complete IKEA high cabinet consists of the cabinet, fronts, and shelves. Doors and drawers are often included.

Drawers, shelves, and dividers

MAXIMERA and FORVARA soft-closing drawers and dividers come with the cabinets.

UTRUSTA shelves made either of fiberboard or glass. Shelves are included. The UTRUSTA line comes with pegs that fit into the sides of SEKTION cabinets to hold up the shelves.

(Above) Allison and Tim’s two-toned kitchen

What are IKEA wall cabinets made of?

IKEA cabinet boxes are made of fiberboard and melamine foil. Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are made of fiberboard. They are covered in melamine foil, paint, wood, or glass.

IKEA cabinet boxes

Fiberboard (or MDF, for medium-density fiberboard) is an engineered wood made from wood chips and resins. Wood chips are pressed together with heat and high pressure to form boards.

IKEA cabinet and drawer fronts

Currently, more than 15 cabinet and drawer front styles are offered. The cabinet front profile options include slab, beveled, beadboard, and Shaker. 

IKEA has one natural wood veneer cabinet front: the TORHAMN fronts are covered in real ash wood veneer.

Most fronts are either a solid color, simulated wood, or real wood grain. Except for white, the solid colors veer toward darker or earthen tones: gray, brown, black, or green. The style and texture of the fronts affect the price. 

Quality: Are IKEA cabinets good?

The Swedish products are well-designed and built to be precise and long-lasting. All fasteners that hold the cabinets together are internal and invisible. Euro-style hinges on the doors are soft-closing and hidden. The drawers are also silently self-closing. Through efficient mass production and by using engineered wood materials that cost much less than solid natural wood, prices are affordable. 

SEKTION kitchen cabinets have a 25-year limited warranty. This warranty covers all components of a SEKTION cabinet system. The policy warrants against defects in materials and workmanship. However, any defective part of the SEKTION system will be repaired or replaced.

Take note: IKEA states that its natural wood and light lacquered (painted) surfaces may yellow with age. As a result, exposure to light will contribute to this aging.

Maintenance tips

One key to maintaining the IKEA SEKTION system is regular maintenance. Specifically, you’ll need to protect your SEKTION cabinets from excessive humidity. Fiberboard can swell when it absorbs moisture. You should avoid letting coffee makers or dishwashers steam under or against SEKTION cabinets. Also, quickly wiping up any spills is a great way to ensure cabinet quality. 

(Above) Sally and Ross’ Sweeten kitchen renovation

Kitchen cabinet installation

DIY

Fortunately, IKEA cabinets are easy to install. The cabinets come flat-packed in cardboard boxes. Then, homeowners can either pick up the boxes at the store or arrange for at-home delivery. 

The installation comes with a clear, picture-oriented instructions guide. To complete installation, you’ll need simple tools, like a hammer and power drill/driver. The process to install IKEA wall cabinets is streamlined, but it is still a large-scale project. You’ll also need to set time aside—often, many hours—for assembly. For example, even just unboxing the cabinets and disposing of the cardboard will add to your time commitment.

Professional installation

Some IKEA stores offer professional installation services to assemble and install the cabinets, doors, drawers, fittings, and handles. When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, post your project to work with a Sweeten contractor who can also assemble and install them for you.

How much do IKEA kitchen cabinets cost?

Individual cabinet costs

IKEA base cabinets generally cost between $200 and $1,100. Wall cabinets cost between $200 and $750. High cabinets cost between $200 and $1,300.

Full IKEA kitchen cabinet costs

The design industry uses a 10’ x 10’ kitchen as a standard for measuring cabinet costs. This hypothetical kitchen includes cabinets, door and drawer fronts, drawers, shelves, hinges, cover panels, toe-kicks, and legs. The cost does not include countertops, handles, sinks, lighting, or appliances.

IKEA kitchen cabinets fit most kitchen remodeling budgets. For example, a full 10’ x 10’ kitchen ranges from about $1,600 to about $3,500. The average cost is about $2,500. This cost does not include taxes, delivery, or installation. So whether your kitchen is showing its age or the style just isn’t your taste, IKEA cabinets can help stretch your budget.

Sweeten remodels with Ikea kitchen cabinets

(Above) Sweeten homeowners Janet and Jerry installed the VOXTORP kitchen cabinets in a dark wood that matched their budget and design style. It also complemented the surrounding soapstone countertop.

(Above) Cabinet drawers are a big feature in Anita’s kitchen including a drawer-in-a-drawer design. She worked with the Ikea kitchen planner and chose VOXTORP in high gloss white and walnut effect as dual finishes.

(Above) Sweeten homeowner Lee expanded his kitchen and outfitted both upper and lower cabinets in high-gloss lacquer with IKEA’s SEKTION.

(Above) Roxana and Gabrielle used the IKEA kitchen planner to layout their single-wall kitchen with SEKTION and walnut-effect VOXTORP. Even their 36″ refrigerator features integrated paneling thanks to their Sweeten contractor who custom-cut them out of IKEA panels. 

Connect with Sweeten contractors

(Above) Fabio and Malina’s kitchen was outfitted with IKEA cabinets complete with a coffee bar and a pullout pantry.

Updated 7/27/2023

Popular questions asked

What are IKEA cabinets made of?

Fiberboard and melamine foil are the main components of IKEA cabinet boxes. IKEA cabinet doors and drawer fronts are made of fiberboard, covered in melamine foil, paint, wood, or glass.

Are IKEA cabinets good?

With some basic maintenance, IKEA cabinets can be quite durable. The key to maintaining IKEA’s fiberboard-based cabinets is to reduce excessive humidity. This can cause swelling in the fiberboard. Avoid letting moisture-making appliances steam under or against SEKTION cabinets, and quickly wipe up any spills.

Are IKEA cabinets hard to install?

IKEA kitchen cabinets are easy to install and can be a DIY project. The product comes packaged in flat-packed boxes and can be picked up at the retail store or delivered. Instructions are outlined step-by-step with clear illustrations. Tools required include a hammer and power drill. Even though it can be a DIY project, assembling and installing the cabinets is considered a large-scale project. Set aside many hours for assembly as well as unboxing and disposing of the packaging. Speak with your general contractor managing your kitchen remodel on whether they can provide installation services. 

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Sweeten homeowners customize their Ikea kitchens with Semihandmade door style.

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 IKEA Kitchen Cabinets: Costs, Value & Examples appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

Before: Renovate an outdated Brooklyn kitchen

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

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

Slideshow:

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

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

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

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

Planning and ordering kitchen cabinets

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

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

Slideshow:

Marc + Steve’s renovation tips

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

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

Why they love their new Sweeten kitchen

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

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

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

Ready to start planning your own dream kitchen renovation?

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

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

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

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

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

Your house needs a few improvements and you have the urge to do them all immediately. Every project seems to announce itself with equal priority. Unless you’re awash in money and time, you cannot address all at once. You need to sift through your priorities—starting with knowing where to splurge vs. save during a renovation. 

Below, Sweeten helps you understand where to splurge vs. save so you can define your priorities.

What does splurging mean?

Splurging doesn’t mean overspending. It can mean shifting money from one project to another. Or placing one project higher on the to-do list than other projects. Splurge on things that you touch or see often. Splurge on things that are meaningful to you or which make you happy. 

What does saving mean?

Saving doesn’t mean to skip or ignore. It means that you can safely put it on the back burner for now. Or if you want to do it, you can dial down on the cost a bit. Many times, after the project has been on the back burner long enough, you might see it in a clearer light.

Once you think in terms of splurge vs. save during a renovation, all of these home projects fall into an order that makes perfect sense.

Splurge vs. Save: Kitchens

Splurge: Kitchen Countertops

Every day, you touch, see, and use your kitchen countertops. Whether you choose quartz, solid surface, natural stone, laminate, or wood, your countertop choice is semi-permanent. After the design, fabrication, and installation, changing out your countertop shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you want a certain type of quartz countertop, but choose a shade or pattern that you don’t feel strongly about, ask yourself: How will I feel about this in a year? 

Save: Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances are better designed than ever. The rising tide of improved kitchen technology lifts all boats—even for lower-priced appliances. With research, you can find lower-cost refrigerators, dishwashers, cooktops, and ranges that fit your needs. These appliances often match or exceed the quality of higher-priced versions from only a few years ago. 

Splurge vs. Save: Bathrooms

Splurge: Bathroom Fixtures

Bathroom fixtures are more than just mechanical devices. They aren’t just knobs and levers that start and stop the water. Fixtures are ornaments that complement a beautiful shower, tub, or sink. Spend more to splurge vs. save for bathroom fixtures that make you happy.

Save: Bathroom Technology

Technology has entered all parts of our lives, so why not the bathroom, too? IoT, or the Internet of Things, is a concept that describes how common things within our life are now Internet-equipped. Bathroom technology and IoT are not gimmicks! IoT devices can track water usage, regulate heating, and allow the bathroom to better adapt to your needs. Bathroom technology has its place, and it is the future. But for now, you can limit your bathroom smart devices or put them on the back burner.

Splurge vs. Save: Living rooms

Splurge: Paint

That designer paint that you’ve been eyeing? Now it can be yours. You can easily justify spending more on the premium paint that you want in the living room. That’s because the living room gets so much facetime, and it’s so public. Poor quality paint may flake, chip, or fade over time, costing more in the end. When you decide to splurge instead of save on your desired paint, you’ll be happier in the long run.

Save: Lighting

Living room lighting, while necessary, does not need to be expensive. Prioritize the shape and the finish of the lighting fixture over the brand name. One trick of designers is to over-scale lighting fixtures for a dramatic look. Just make sure that all of the in-wall wiring for sconces and ceiling lights is complete first!

Splurge vs. Save: Bedrooms

Splurge: Bedroom Closet systems

An unfinished closet is an empty box waiting for your stuff. However, that stuff has no place to go unless you create a system. Gone are the days of the closet rod with one shelf above it. Closet storage systems belong in all closets now. 

Reach-in closets benefit from a shoe fence or shoe cubby, two or three drawers, and plenty of open shelving, plus a closet rod. Walk-in closets should be outfitted with the same and more: additional shelves and drawers, pull-out baskets, multiple hanging areas, and lighting.

Save: Millwork and trim

Custom millwork and trim are the finishing touches for homes. If yours is a home of architectural significance, custom trim throughout is practically required. But if you want to save money, you can ease back on the fancy millwork in the private areas of the home. Save the ceiling medallions, crown molding, chair rails, dentils, batten, and picture rails for the dining and living areas.

Splurge vs. Save: Basements

Splurge: Basement Flooring

Moisture is usually the deciding factor when you consider whether or not to finish your basement. Prevalent moisture can turn an expensive basement remodel into an uninhabitable area best used for storage. 

An attractive, moisture-shedding floor covering and a subfloor system can make a world of difference. Begin with the subfloor system, interlocking 24-inch squares that elevate your floor covering about 1-inch. Then, choose a basement-ready floor covering that you love, whether ceramic or porcelain tile, luxury vinyl planks, engineered wood flooring, or laminate flooring.

Save: Guest bedrooms

Building out a guest bedroom in your basement is a wise move when you know that it will get frequent use, either by friends and family or as a rental unit. But if you want a guest bedroom in your basement only for the occasional visitor, you’re taking up valuable space best used for other activities.

Splurge vs. Save: Attics

Splurge: Built-in storage

Built-in storage doesn’t often rank high in priority in other parts of the house, but this is not the case for attics. Attics are starved for space to begin with. Once you add furniture, you have even less storage room. Knee walls are the short walls that extend from the floor to the rafters. Knee walls that have built-in storage should be built during the remodeling process, not later.

Save: Full bathrooms

Full bathrooms—toilet, sink, and shower or shower/tub—are a rarity in attics unless the intent is to build out an entire suite with living quarters. Otherwise, attics used as offices or children’s play areas work well with just a half-bathroom.

Splurge vs Save: Decks

Splurge: Deck Flooring

Your choice of deck flooring can easily make or break how much you end up using—and loving or avoiding—your deck. With that in mind, you’ll want to prioritize decking.

For the best in looks and maximum strength, choose a premium wood such as ipe or mahogany. Both are long-lasting, easy to maintain, and they return maximum resale value. Composite wood—a mixture of wood fibers and plastics—is smooth, splinter-free underfoot, and looks remarkably like wood.

Save: Deck Built-ins

Built-ins such as benches, tables, and planters are wonderful additions to decks. Built-in benches are especially valuable because they tuck away to the side, opening up more space in the center of the deck. Yet one way to pare down your deck-building budget is to save the built-ins for a later day. The same builder (or a different one) can always come back and create those built-ins that your heart desires.

Splurge vs. Save in a Renovation: Conclusion

Almost every room in a home would gladly use a piece of the budget. Knowing what projects can wait until a later date, or what may or may not maximize the full breadth of the room, can help guide on where to splurge vs. save in your renovation.

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Here’s how to minimize the mess during a renovation and how to clean up after it’s finished.

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 Sweeten’s Splurge vs. Save Renovation Guide: A Breakdown by Room appeared first on Sweeten.

The post An L-Shaped Kitchen Checks Every Wish-List Box appeared first on Sweeten.

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

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

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

A complete redo begins with an East Hampton renovation

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

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

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

Removing interior walls for an open-concept plan

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

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

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

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

A custom look for Ikea kitchen cabinets

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

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

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

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

A good partner with an East Hampton general contractor

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

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

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

Renovation Materials:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Homeowners: New York homeowners Gina and Andrew posted pre-war kitchen renovation on Sweeten
• Where: Sunnyside, Queens, New York
• Primary renovation: Opening up their kitchen so It is more accessible and bright
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

A new kitchen layout

Gina and Andrew, who met while working on the Broadway production of Billy Elliot, purchased a pre-war two-bedroom apartment in Sunnyside, Queens, the year they married. The kitchen did not inspire them to cook at all, with its drab stock cabinets and awkward layout, completely sectioned off from the living area. After 2.5 years of ownership, they decided they were ready to tackle the renovation. 

Inspired to cook

What was a dim and cramped space is now an oasis. Andrew says, “I never used to cook and after our renovation, I’m cooking up a storm!” The homeowners worked with their Sweeten general contractor to bring the color from their co-op courtyard into the home. They wanted to extend the natural green and chose a beautiful agave for the lower cabinets, while going with white for uppers to better reflect the light.

Warm brass hardware pops against the cooler tones of the cabinetry and white sink. A new stacked washer and dryer replaced the refrigerator, which relocated to a space closer to the kitchen window. Opposite the new fridge, a floor-to-ceiling pantry with pull-out drawers provides plenty of space for dry goods storage. 

Living at home during a renovation

As first-time renovators, Gina and Andrew learned a lot during the experience. They report that their biggest challenge was living at home during the renovation, with their dog, Brewster. However, Andrew also found it useful to be on-site during the renovation since he was able to check in regularly with the contractor and was able to follow along on the progress. While the removal of a load-bearing wall required architectural drawings to be submitted for approval, it was well worth it to have a kitchen more connected to the living and dining spaces. They also gained a breakfast bar by opening up a pass-through. 

Bonus: Fifty feet of unusable hallway space was repurposed into a dining area thanks to borrowing square footage from an adjacent second bedroom. Pocket doors were installed so that the interior space could remain “open and light could flow into the dining room.” They doubled their entertaining space by doing this! 

Renovation materials

Floor in engineered ½ x5 select maple: Bellawood. Sektion cabinet bases and Vaskad dishwasher, #50422663: Ikea. Supermatte shaker doors in agave (bottom) and white (upper): Semihandmade. Knob Deals CKP Brand Origins collection cabinet hardware in amber gold, #3489A4480AG: Knob Deals. Countertops in Striking, #QM3205L: Spectrum Quartz. Backsplash in Carrara marble 3×6 tile: Floor and Decor. Moen Align series one-handle faucet in brushed gold, #S72308BG: Amazon. Samsung oven, #NX58H9500WS/AA and refrigerator, #RF18HFENBSR/US: Samsung. Eastmoreland pendant light: Rejuvenation. Sede barstool in walnut and Thunder Gray fabric: Article. Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer: Frigidaire.

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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, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

The post Still a Galley Kitchen—With a Bright Pass-through appeared first on Sweeten.

A chance discovery of a larger apartment due north of Midtown West in Manhattan led a family of four to a new home. Ylia, a strategy and retail planner, and André, in wealth management, found more space in Washington Heights for their two boys, ages two and three. But this 1,600-square-foot fixer-upper with two bedrooms and two baths would need a revamp. The couple posted their project on Sweeten, a free service matching renovators with trained professionals. They found a Sweeten architect to help them with the redesign they were seeking, including—by happy accident—giving the co-op a loft-like vibe.

Guest blog post by Sweeten homeowner Ylia

My husband and I were renting a two-bedroom in Hell’s Kitchen, where I was born and raised. My husband had moved in about 15 years ago. It was the perfect amount of space for us in a great neighborhood before the kids came along. We quickly outgrew the apartment, especially after our second son, leaving us with the desire for more square footage. We searched for quite a while with no luck. We had given up the search and decided to make due for as long as we could. 

Then one day on a whim André went to see an apartment in Washington Heights. It was in bad shape, but it was larger than any listing we had looked at prior and we could personalize the fixer-upper the way we wanted. 

Since this was a co-op built in 1914, we knew we had our work cut out for us. Between the outdated electrical, plumbing, creaky floors, and cracked walls, we knew it would require serious professional help. We reached out to Sweeten, and they linked us up with several architects to choose from who’d help us with the design. We also decided we’d continue renting during the renovation.

Our initial conception of the space started in a much different place than where it ended! The apartment was generous in size but it was compartmentalized. We decided to raze three walls to provide a more open layout between the kitchen and the main living space. 

Our architect came up with the idea of an infinity soapstone dual sink that I absolutely loved when I saw the drawing.

Because we took down several walls, a support shaft was added and on our architect’s recommendation, we brought in two wooden columns to support the beam. Not only was it practical, but it gave the apartment a loft-like feel—a pleasant and unintentional consequence.

In the beginning, we thought we would have a white kitchen with shaker cabinets and a subway tile backsplash, but as we got deeper into the process, we were drawn to Scandinavian minimalism. The vendors we used for the kitchen cabinets and floors both sourced their wood from Sweden, so it helped in accomplishing that aesthetic. Function was also a winner: we love our garbage disposal in the sink. 

We moved the laundry room walls three times before we settled on its permanent home in a newly-built closet in the hallway! It turned out to be an excellent location for the washer and dryer. 

(Above) Master bedroom

WATCH VIDEO:

(Above) Master bath before

(Above) Master bath

A fourth wall—dividing a room formerly used as a housekeeper’s quarters and the master—was knocked down to create a larger master bedroom. Our Sweeten architect drew up an efficient layout that allowed for ample closet space and a larger master bathroom that was pieced together to the last inch. 

The bathrooms proved to be the most difficult with so many options and micro-decisions like the type of doorknobs and the number of lights! The housekeeper’s quarters was used as a storage space and needed a big overhaul to be brought up to speed. After much back and forth, we finally settled on finishes we felt would be unique, efficient, and spa-like. We also decided against having a bathtub in either bathroom and have not regretted that decision one bit. Our boys love taking showers! 

Chevron designs on the bathroom shower floors and the glass panels were custom made for each since we had different needs in each one. Our architect came up with the idea of an infinity soapstone dual sink in the master that I absolutely loved when I saw the drawing. 

Being first-time renovators and homeowners, we found the experience all-consuming but deeply rewarding. We had no qualms about undertaking such a project and would certainly do it again. One takeaway for us was to stay fluid and flexible. We thought we wanted a certain look, but when we found an alternative that we liked, we took the chance and rolled with it. The process was intense at times, but our team kept things chill and on track. We feel great about the space and the experience, and we couldn’t be happier with the support that Sweeten provided.

Thank you, Ylia and André, for sharing your fixer-upper transformation!

LIVING AREA RESOURCE: European wood oak flooring: Madera.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Maverick fan with Koa blades: Monte Carlo.

KITCHEN RESOURCE: Surface cabinets by Norm Architects in sawn Smoked Oak; cabinet hardware: Reform. Oak shelving: Custom by general contractor. Sub-Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher: Gringers. Gaggenau ovens and induction cooktop: Gaggenau. Honed Perla Santa Quartzite countertop: HG Stones. Essence Linear Suspension light fixture: LBL. Prep pulldown faucet: Waterstone.  Herman Miller bar stools: Design Within Reach.

MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES: California Faucets Descano Knurled faucet; Descanso Thermostatic Knurled shower fixtures and jets in satin nickel, Duravit wall-hung toilet: Ferguson. Infinity soapstone sink in Stormy Black: M. Teixeira Soapstone. Vanity cabinet doors; cabinet pull: Semihandmade. Classic Rounds Titanium backsplash; Delegate off-white 24 x 24 wall and floor porcelain tiles: Artistic Tile. Light fixtures and towel hooks: Schoolhouse. Gerber flush Plate: Decor Planet. Shower panel: Bravura Glass. 

GUEST BATHROOM RESOURCES: Tamalpais faucet in matte black; shower fixtures in matte black: California Faucets. Teak sink shelf counter: Built by general contractor. Delegate light grey 24×24 wall and floor porcelain tiles: Artistic Tile. Duravit wall-hung toilets: Ferguson. Gerber flush plate, Krauss white ceramic sink: Decor Planet. Shower panel: Bravura Glass. Baldwin doorknobs, #PSCONCSR112 in Venetian Bronze: Baldwin. 

HALLWAY RESOURCE: Sconces and lighting: Restoration Hardware. Bosch washer and dryer: Bosch.

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Set your calendar. Here’s a guide on how long it will take for an apartment renovation.

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

The post Why This Renovating Couple Stayed Open and Flexible appeared first on Sweeten.

• Homeowners: Tina, a fashion designer, and Andrew, a cybersecurity consultant, posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Sunnyside, Queens in New York City
• Primary renovation: A full-apartment renovation in a 1930s co-op building
• With: Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “After interviewing nearly ten lackluster contractors, we discovered Sweeten and signed up immediately. Their contractors were a godsend, very professional, and responsive.”

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

A home search is serendipitous

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

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

A successful general contractor match

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

Planning a coastal look

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

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

More natural light in the living room

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

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

A kitchen opens up—partially

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

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

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

Details make a difference

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

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

Experiencing the renovation process

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

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

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

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

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

Renovation Materials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 on Sweeten.

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

Project: Renovation of a Flushing kitchen for accessibility and openness 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets for Your Renovation appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Create a sleek, storage-packed bathroom

Before: Chris and Lisa bought a two-bedroom apartment in Kew Gardens, Queens, because they needed more space for their family, including their daughter Mackenzie and their dog Porkchop. Even though the apartment already felt like home, they wanted to renovate to make it even more suitable to their needs and lifestyle, with more storage topping the priority list. Plus, from a design standpoint, “there was little to be excited about,” the couple shared.  

After working with a Sweeten general contractor to renovate their kitchen, the couple decided to tackle their bathroom about a year and a half later and posted their new project to Sweeten. They were matched with the same general contractor.

“We were completely happy with the renovation work that he had done for us and decided to work with him again for our bathroom,” they shared.

(Above) Chris and Lisa’s kitchen renovated with a Sweeten general contractor

After: The renovation had to solve a number of issues in the bathroom, including slippery floor tiles and an overall awkward placement of items like the vanity mirror, which was located too high above the sink due to wainscoting panels. “Style-wise, we wanted a bathroom that was a calm and inviting space. We wanted clean lines and a more modern feel with just a pop of color, with sleeker finishes that were easy to keep clean especially with a child at home,” they shared.

After a full demolition of the old fixtures and materials, the couple started to reimagine the space. The footprint largely remained the same, but fresh tile, a new vanity, and a large, mirrored medicine cabinet had a big impact on the functionality and look. Fun fact: The medicine cabinet is equipped with an electric outlet, defogger, lights, and a digital clock!

They did take space from an unused closet in their bedroom adjacent to the bathroom, which they used to build shelving (made from custom cut butcher block) and created a permanent home for towels—a much more convenient option than going out of the bathroom into a linen closet.

The couple opted for an environmentally-and-budget-friendly glass tile for the walls. They loved the wood-look floor tiles (with a non-slip texture) installed in the kitchen, so they used the same ones for the bathroom.

Once again, Chris and Lisa had a great experience working with their Sweeten general contractor. “One of the best things about working with him is that we were able to just get the fixtures and not worry about anything. His team was professional and worked with what we gave them. For the shower, we bought the wrong diverter, and they just went out and found the correct one to fit in, no big deal. In fact, there wasn’t much worrying done on our part because we knew we were in good hands,” they shared.

Since they’d already been through a renovation, they mostly knew what to expect. Lisa took their daughter and dog to her sister’s house upstate during the renovation, while Chris lived in the space during construction (the building has a basement bathroom he could access and friends offered their showers for him to use too).

Their advice to future renovators? “Don’t be afraid to invest in items that will give you what you need in the long run. Even with all the price shopping we did, we went slightly over our budget going with fixtures that worked for our lifestyle, but we knew remodeling is also an investment into our comfort, so we’re okay with that.”

Bonus: A new pocket door is a major space-saver!

Style finds: Avella 36” x 6” wood-look porcelain floor tiles in Oceanside Oak Gray: Lumber Liquidators. ABOLOS Nature 8” x 16” glass subway wall tile in Calacatta White/Gray, Neptune 1” x 4” glass mosaic tile in Glossy Silver/Brown: Wayfair. Purist Katalyst spray head in polished chrome, three-spray handheld shower Awaken 36” deluxe slide bar, San Souci one-piece toilet: Kohler. Undermounted sink: WS Bath Collections. Godmorgon vanity: Ikea. Flat-sawn walnut drawer and side panels: Semihandmade. Recessed dimmable lighting switches: Le Grand. Fresco Tiempo 48” x 30” with LED lighting: Home Depot. 

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Check out this hotel-worthy bathroom in Valley Stream, Long Island.

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

The post Renovators Return to Remodel Their Bathroom appeared first on Sweeten.

Nine years seems like a long time, but some things are worth the wait. That’s the case for Barbra, a television producer, and Sean, who purchased their 1,100-square-foot Kensington, Brooklyn, prewar co-op and only recently renovated. They were used to kitchen cabinets too shallow for dinner plates, broken track lighting, and crumbling baseboards. Despite it all, the couple, along with their sons Jack, 11, and Clint, 8, are glad they lived in the space and really understood what they wanted and needed before remodeling. It made it easier when they posted their Kensington co-op renovation project on Sweeten, a free service matching renovators with vetted general contractors. They chose their contractor, who they say was open to their ideas, gave them great tips on where (and where not) to splurge, and helped them stay within budget.

The apartment had a lot of light and great bones, but it was dated and needed a complete overhaul. A slapdash remodel in the 1980s included tile haphazardly layered over older tile in the bathroom and a weird bookshelf installation that covered up a pass-through to the living room—which meant they had to walk around the entire room to get to their dining table. The kitchen area had wrong-height countertops and an unnecessary wall that separated the space.

The previous owners had added a third bedroom, but it was too small to fit anything other than a bed. The goal was to even out those bedrooms so their boys could have their own rooms, without one of them being seriously shortchanged on space. Barbra and Sean’s overall vision was for everything to be simple, functional, clean, updated, and bright. The co-op had a lot of natural light and they really wanted the renovation to show that off.

The couple knew their project was going to be a really big job. They’d renovated a much smaller apartment once before, but it was a simple, cosmetic remodel for resale—nothing like this project. Barbra recalls learning early that she had to do all her research on fixtures, materials, appliances, style, and colors before starting the renovation work to save time and money. “I never knew how many different types of doorknobs there were—or even realized I had strong preferences in doorknobs,” she said, “until I actually had to choose one.”

The renovation started with bringing the electric up to code. There were unusable outlets and fixtures, and old electric and phone cable lines littered the apartment. Having those ripped out and new lines installed behind the walls “made my day,” she said.

As for the walls themselves, despite having been built in 1935, there really weren’t any remarkable moldings. To keep the space modern but classic, baseboards and doors were kept clean and similar to the originals. To brighten everything up, they installed all new lighting. “Seeing the non-working track lighting get pulled out of the living room was incredibly satisfying,” Barbra said. The floors were refinished, which let the original herringbone pattern stand out. “Refinishing made a bigger difference than I would’ve thought,” Barbra said.

They had a mural on the foyer wall that a friend had painted when they moved in. They were sad to see it go but knew a statement wall would work there.  “I love wallpaper but wanted to use it sparingly, so this seemed like the perfect spot for it,” Barbra said.

Opening up the kitchen and adding a new pass-through closer to the dining area made a huge difference. Their light-filled apartment was even brighter and sunnier now. In the kitchen, they brought in more storage by adding cabinets that went to the ceiling. They loved patterns and bold colors, but aside from the kitchen floor tile, the couple opted to save the patterns for easily changeable items like the wallpaper, rugs, pillows, and paint. As for choosing the navy shade on their cabinets, they felt the layout was classic enough that they could easily swap the door panels out for a new look, if they want it, in the future.

Their desk area had always existed in the kitchen, so when planning the new layout, it seemed natural to carve out an area specifically for this use. They found a desk that fit the opening perfectly and used wallpaper left over from the foyer to give it a more finished look.

Storage was important in other rooms, as well. In the master bedroom, their Sweeten contractor suggested combining the two existing small closets into one large one with a custom closet system. A closet was added to the third bedroom, which now had space after moving the wall, as well as a custom system to one of the entry closets. “There’s a lot more functional space now,” Barbra said. “I even have some half-way empty dresser drawers. I wish I had done all the closets. Someday!”

(Above) Hall bathroom

The other spaces that needed serious attention, of course, were the two bathrooms. They were falling apart and together made up one functioning bath: the master bath had a working shower, but the sink was broken and the second bathroom’s shower didn’t work but the sink did. The working shower had mold and a sinking shower pan. In the bathrooms, they focused on clean lines and classic tile in black/white/gray colors.

While researching materials, “Pinterest boards and Instagram were my friends. I started to find patterns with things that I liked and tagged—from tile patterns and blue color tones to exposed bulb fixtures and wood stain colors—which helped me come up with a style (if you can call it that) for the overall space,” she said. “It helped to have a clearer idea of the look I wanted to achieve with inspiration photos to refer to and show my contractor.”

(Above) Master bathroom

They were also open to ideas from their contractor. They liked that their Sweeten contractor wasn’t a “yes-man” and offered more efficient alternatives to some ideas they presented. He gave them tips on what to splurge on (the custom closets and shower doors, tile) and what not to (custom cabinets) to help them stay within budget.

When they encountered a few bumps in the road, such as waste lines and interior pipes that needed replacement, a delayed vanity cabinet, and a broken dishwasher handle “he communicated with us right away and offered immediate solutions,” she said. “Not only was their work stellar, but they were all incredibly nice guys who gave valuable feedback and advice throughout the process. Every element of our home was done with care and with attention to detail.”

Everything now is clean, airy, and bright; it feels homey, Barbra reports. “I never wanted to invest in furniture and art because everything felt so temporary,” she continued. “Now that the space is renovated, I know we’ll live here for many years and can now take the time to invest in pieces that are right for it.”

Thank you, Barbra, Sean, Jack, and Clint, for sharing your renovation story with us! 

LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM RESOURCES: Salem chandelier in Aged Brass (in living room), Cypress 5-Arm chandelier in Brushed Satin (in dining room): Rejuvenation. Paint in Gray Owl: Benjamin Moore.

ENTRY/FOYER RESOURCES: Odyssey 2 Pendant lighting: Schoolhouse. Lines wallpaper in dark blue by Ferm Living: Burke Decor. Paint in Gray Owl: Benjamin Moore. Elfa custom closet: Container Store.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Modulo 20-floor tile by Kerion, subway backsplash tile: Tiles by Kia, Long Island City, New York. Cabinets: Ikea base with Semihandmade doors. Cabinet hardware, Amerock Bars Pulls collection: Amazon. White quartz countertops: sourced by contractor. Havsen apron front sink: Ikea. Delta Trinsic faucet in Champagne Bronze: Build.com. Refrigerator: Samsung. Bosch 300 Series dishwasher: P.C. Richard & Son. Blomberg 30″Pro Gas Range, 30″ over-the-range microwave oven: AJ Madison. Lighting: Cedar & Moss. Paint in Brilliant White: Benjamin Moore. White lacquer shelves, Blake shelf brackets in aged brass: Rejuvenation. Mid-century mini desk: West Elm.

MASTER BEDROOM RESOURCES: Vega 5 chandelier light, Isaac short arm sconce: Schoolhouse. Paint in Slate Teal: Benjamin Moore. Elfa custom closet: Container Store.

MASTER BATH RESOURCES: Wall and floor tiles: Tiles by Kia, Long Island City, New York. Venus light: Cedar & Moss. Shower: Delta Trinsic via Build.com. Fresca Valencia 24″ wall-hung vanity in dark slate gray: Decor Planet. Toto Aquia toilet: Build.com. Shower door: Custom.

KID’S BEDROOM RESOURCES (GREEN): Cage brass globe pendant light: CB2. Paint in Land of Liberty (triangle) and Spring Valley (walls): Benjamin Moore. Shades: Blinds.com.

KID’S BEDROOM RESOURCES (BLUE/WHITE): Ferris 5 chandelier light: Lucent Lightshop. Paint in Utah Sky and Super White: Benjamin Moore. Shades: Blinds.com.

HALL BATHROOM RESOURCES: Marble herringbone floor tile, subway wall tile: Tiles by Kia, Long Island City, New York. Grohe Europlus shower fixtures, Grohe Essentials Collection hardware, Toto Aquia toilet, 24″ Kohler Verdera medicine cabinet, Kohler Archer soaking tub, Kovacs Saber 2-light fixture: Build.com. Maykke 24” wall-mount Eva vanity sink set: Amazon. Paint in Pure White: Benjamin Moore. Shower door: Custom.

SMALL HALLWAY RESOURCES: Bell white flush-mount light: CB2. Daydream wallpaper in indigo: Hygge & West.

THROUGHOUT APARTMENT RESOURCES: Trim/baseboard/door paint in Super White: Benjamin Moore. Schlage Bowery F Series doorknobs, #F40BWE622 in matte black: Build.com. Floor stain in Weathered Oak: Minwax. Decorative rugs: Rajbespoke.

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Sweeten helped Marie and John with their “aging-in-place” co-op renovation in Kensington, Brooklyn.

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 Full Co-op Renovation In Kensington Gets Organized & Up-to-Date appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Reimagine kitchen storage and appliances in this kitchen remodel

Before: The family of four—Emily, Trey, and their two sons—spent almost five years in their downtown Brooklyn condo before pulling the trigger on a kitchen renovation. By then, Emily, who cooks dinner about five times a week, knew she really needed a double oven and more efficient kitchen storage—their open shelving would never look clean and organized the way she wanted. The current oven couldn’t even fit a cookie tray and the tiny dishwasher measured only 18 inches across. The kitchen lights above flickered and a lowered ceiling—thanks to a loft overhead—made for a dark and oppressive space. “We put stuff up there that we hardly touched the entire time we have lived here,” said Emily. The style was a strange mix of wood and stainless steel, including an industrial-style sink that was reminiscent of an operating table.

After: A problem area in the renovation was the intercom attached to a pole that sat in a prominent spot in the kitchen. It could not be moved according to the building’s alteration agreement. The family’s Sweeten contractor ended up working the peninsula around the pole. That wide and bright L-shaped peninsula also became the perfect meeting place for the couple’s two kids to sit while Emily cooks. With the storage loft gone and the ceiling raised, the kitchen is unrecognizable. The relatively small space (about 8’ x 10’) prompted the new design to utilize every inch of the space. The plan for kitchen storage included cupboards in two dead corners—one at the end of the peninsula and another behind the far left bar stool.

Bonus: Near the completion of the project, Emily fell in love with some yellow pendant lights. However, the color clashed with the vibrant blue backsplash tiles that were all set to be installed. Instead, Emily swapped it for a muted gray backsplash tile and the non-refundable blue ones will likely become a feature of an upcoming bathroom renovation.

Style finds: Kitchen cabinets and hardware: Ikea. Custom cabinet doors: Semihandmade. Countertops: honed Carrara marble. Backsplash tiles: Tile Bar. Faucet: Kraus. Oven and microwave hood: LG. Dishwasher: Bosch. Cabinet-depth fridge: Liebherr. Pendant lights: Schoolhouse Electric.

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For another great take on Ikea cabinets paired with Semihandmade doors, check out Becky and Sarah’s white-on-wood kitchen renovation.

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

The post A Kitchen Breaks the Ceiling for a Bright New Look appeared first on Sweeten.

Hissan and Sophia knew that they wanted to purchase a larger home but couldn’t see eye-to-eye on style when it came time to renovate. Instead of choosing one’s vision over the other, the couple agreed to compromise. Custom molding and classic, patterned wallpaper satisfied Sophia’s taste for the traditional. And by incorporating Hissan’s preference for the industrial—reclaimed dark wooden beams and oversized matte-finish pendants—this kitchen was able to find its style sweet spot.

Lia and Chris developed a strong point of view going into their renovation that made selecting materials, appliances, and fixtures a smooth process. However, although they share similar styles, the couple debated over a waterfall edge for the kitchen countertop and labored over the decision of whether the kitchen should remain galley-style. Their commitment to working together, especially when making tough decisions, allowed them to create a kitchen they love.

According to Nikki and Chris, living through a kitchen and bathroom renovation brought the couple even closer. In combining their styles, Chris took the initiative to find vintage-inspired hardware to match their wish of a modernized, NYC prewar bathroom. Their renovation had teaching moments including trusting others to work in their home and to take care of it, discovering their own preferences, managing a budget and timeline, and learning how to compromise. They also grew closer to their community during construction as they showered at friends’ homes and brushed their teeth at local coffee shops.

Becky and Sarah spent most of the summer hiding out in their bedroom while their kitchen renovation was underway. Although living through the renovation was stressful at times, the couple didn’t just survive the process—they thrived. Their beautiful new kitchen led to an engagement. Sarah said that the renovation could have torn them apart, but in the end, it only made their bond stronger.

Cara and Jared, an avid cook and a professional chef, wanted a kitchen that could handle the two of them working side by side. Together, they chose materials that would suit their needs, deciding on built-to-order cabinets to expand storage and a durable and stain-resistant counter to account for Jared’s “bull-in-china-shop” tendencies. The result? A kitchen that can truly stand their combined heat.

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Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Lee transformed his cramped galley kitchen into a glossy all-white dream space.

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

The post Romance Meets Remodeling: How 5 Couples Bonded Over a Renovation appeared first on Sweeten.

The post This Clinton Hill Kitchen Is Now as Warm as It Is Modern appeared first on Sweeten.

Editor’s Note: This post, which originally ran July 2015, shows that smart storage never gets old. Here’s a look into what happens when Manhattanites make bold changes in a small kitchen—like taking down kitchen walls! This Hell’s Kitchen renovation would have been stylish even if it had stayed within its original dimensions, but taking a wall down was the first step in making the space virtually unrecognizable. Scroll on down for the play by play on this ambitious Manhattan kitchen renovation.

Dan and Mike moved into this one bedroom, one bathroom co-op in Manhattan’s storied Piano Factory building in 2013. The building, converted from a 19th century warehouse that once served as the manufacturing site for the inner workings of pianos, is an industrial brick building in Hell’s Kitchen with a beautiful Romanesque entry and a graceful courtyard. Dan and Mike loved the building’s history and architecture, but found themselves in an apartment constructed in the grand tradition of many 1980s co-op conversions: boxy rooms, segmented living spaces, a dated pass-through in the wall that sectioned off the small kitchen from the living area, and kitchen finishes that were unchanged from the apartment’s first owner. Worse still, the kitchen’s sizable window was hidden in the back of the room, blocking light and limiting the impact that a windowed kitchen should have.

Dan, a technology scout for a chemical company, and Mike, who works in finance for a construction company, liked the layout and the slightly retro feel of the original kitchen but envisioned opening up the room, making it part of the larger living area, and finding creative storage ideas to make the space work harder and smarter for them. Armed with an architect’s drawing, Dan and Mike posted their project on Sweeten, a free service matching renovators with vetted general contractors, to take down the wall, gut the kitchen, and extend the counters and cabinetry. They were introduced to their Sweeten contractor to handle the demolition and full re-build.

Though they loved the industrial past of the building, Dan and Mike didn’t want to go too far with an industrial modern aesthetic. They set out to create an updated look balanced by raw and unfinished accents to fill the open plan room, and played with different natural and synthetic wood finishes to maintain a measure of warmth and masculinity amid the clean lines.

Demolishing the wall had an enormous impact on the space, and Dan and Mike took the newfound breathing room even further by removing the upper line of cabinets altogether and replacing the original base laminates with a full set of IKEA cabinets and drawers, which their Sweeten contractor installed with custom doors and hardware from Semihandmade. The new, more functional base cabinets gave the couple enough storage capacity to go minimal on top—Dan found salvaged Douglas Fir pieces and created open floating shelves in a shop in Greenpoint. This move allows the open kitchen to flow more seamlessly into the living room, and significantly reduced visual heft through to the kitchen’s window.

In their search for a tougher and more durable alternative to concrete countertops that wouldn’t stain easily, Dan and Mike found Dekton, an ultra-compacted blend of raw materials that Dan reports is virtually impenetrable. Dan couldn’t help but reveal his expertise as a tech scout for a chemical company when he explained that the material was also attractive because its raw materials are free of synthetic resins that are often used in construction. Dan and Mike loved the look of a waterfall counter and worked with their Sweeten contractor to create the effect so that the kitchen entry was marked and separated visually by the countertop extension of the cabinet peninsula.

To contrast with the striated cabinetry and porcelain floor tiles finished with an end-cut wood grain look, the couple selected a classic white subway tile and neutral gray grout to line the walls from floor to ceiling, and added a gray and black mosaic tile accent to meet the height of the kitchen’s window.

Their Sweeten contractor helped to complete the transformation by stealing twelve inches of brand new pull-out pantry space from a walk-in closet adjacent to the kitchen, and adding an ultra-minimal storage rack for pots and pans. Dan and Mike chose stainless steel appliances throughout and especially love the 30 inch Wolf range with its signature red knobs, as well as the unconventionally tall Summit fridge—a great find for tight kitchens.

“In some ways, we bit off more than we could chew. Sweeten introduced us to a contractor who was really easy to work with, flexible about our plans, and helpful with things that were uncertain or unexpectedly discovered behind walls,” says Dan.

So many thanks to Dan and Mike for this eye-opening tour of their spacious little-kitchen-that-could!

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Custom cabinet doors add a unique touch and are a great way to personalize pre-fabricated cabinets. Becky and Sarah chose a similar style for their cabinets, creating a striking white-on-wood contrast in their kitchen renovation.

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

The post A Small Kitchen Converts to an Industrial Warehouse Vibe appeared first on Sweeten.