Tiffany and Chad's two-tone blue and white kitchen cabinets are home—thanks to their contractor

• Homeowners: Tiffany and Chad, both in pharmaceutical advertising, posted their kitchen remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Park Slope, in Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A new layout for a kitchen stretches along a single wall in an 895-square-foot condo
• With: Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner quote: “We were able to bid [our project] out and compare estimates that fit what we budgeted for the project. [Sweeten] made a tedious process seamless and easy.”

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

From a rental to home, sweet, home

Chad and I love Brooklyn, particularly Park Slope. When our relationship became serious and each of us knew we’d be together for the long haul, we purchased our one-bedroom condo. Interest rates were super low due to the pandemic, so it was a good time to buy. (We just got married in this apartment earlier this year!) We share our home with our two pups, Freddie and Georgie Weasley. 

Prior to moving in, the space had been rented to many tenants since 2006. As a result, the kitchen and bathroom felt grimy. I am a super clean freak and just wanted to design something we loved for our first home together.

The original kitchen was tucked in the corner. The new kitchen would open up to the living space but also elongate it across one wall. Chad and I like different styles so we chose to mix them—traditional/country with a Brooklyn/industrial accent. It has a ton of personality.

Two-tone blue and white kitchen cabinets glow in Brooklyn

In an effort to save money, we decided to be the project managers for our own renovation. When putting our renovation team together, we found our designer, cabinet supplier, and Sweeten general contractor each separately—and we were the go-betweens for each one. 

"Our contractor helped us source new cabinets and the results were amazing."

We needed a simple rip-and-replace for our kitchen. Only a small portion of the wall was removed. We chose dual-color blue and white cabinets to break up the monotone and give the space some character. They really pop, especially against the herringbone backsplash. The floating shelves are reclaimed for that country and industrial touch. The wood pieces are unfinished so it has that raw look we were looking for.  

A hurdle with a happy solution

Hands down, our biggest challenge involved the purchase of our kitchen cabinets. We spent $10,000 on cabinets based on the beautiful showroom pieces we saw in person. After four months, the delivery arrived with the cabinets in terrible shape that were unrepairable. Paint and pieces of wood were breaking off. The materials felt much lighter than what we saw in the showroom.

Our Sweeten contractor advised us not to move forward with installing them. He predicted the cabinets would need to be replaced between six months to a year. His team helped us source new cabinets and the results were amazing.

Our renovation team—supportive all the way

As first-time renovators, we didn’t know what the first steps were or what was required for a kitchen renovation. Our contractor and his wife were the absolute best. They proved to be professional and trustworthy. Furthermore, they were super committed to doing the best work and making their clients happy. They left the space very clean; the post-construction cleanup wasn’t as intense as I had expected it to be. 

We found our Park Slope contractor through Sweeten. We were able to bid this out and compare estimates that fit what we budgeted for the project. They made a tedious process seamless and easy. Another integral part of the team was our designer, Keith Spears, who guided us step by step. He helped to create drawings, choose materials, and identify where to purchase the product.

We love absolutely everything about our new kitchen. It lights up the entire apartment. The quartz countertop and black and gold accents are my favorites but the farmhouse sink is a showstopper. We also feel lucky to have ample countertop space; a luxury living in NYC. The decision to revamp our space was the right one. Our first apartment feels so much more like home.

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES:

• Kitchen cabinets: Sourced through contractor.
• Kitchen designer: Keith Spears.
• Fonce Collection cabinet hardware in matte black and satin brass: Schaub. 
• Ceramic white subway backsplash tile: Floor & Décor. 
• Lordear white farmhouse sink, 30″x20″x10″: Wayfair. 
• Delta Trinsic faucet in matte black: Amazon.
• Undercabinet lighting: Flexfire LEDs.

Originally published on August 25, 2022

Updated on June 21, 2023

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

The post My Sweeten Story: A Blue and White Kitchen with a Modern Farmhouse Look appeared first on Sweeten.

A family decides on two-toned kitchen cabinets and whether wallpaper in the bathroom is a good idea

• Homeowners: Allison and Tim had a vision for a sage green kitchen and decided to post their project on Sweeten
• Where: Kips Bay neighborhood in Manhattan, New York
• Primary renovation: Kitchen and bathroom in their 1960s complex designed by architect I.M. Pei
• With: Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “It would have taken us a ton of time vetting contractors on our own if we hadn’t used Sweeten. They made it easier to communicate with the ones who were actually interested in a project my size and provide competitive bids.”

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

A renovation date on the calendar

My partner, Tim, who is in the solar industry, and I, a project manager live in our 1,200-square-foot condo with our children, Vivienne and Nicholas. After putting any renovations on hold for a couple of years, we couldn’t wait any longer when our primary shower started leaking on to our neighbors below. Luckily, this gave us the opportunity to also upgrade our kitchen.

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There were many reasons to overhaul our primary bathroom. The shower door leaked constantly and the tile had lost its integrity too. Style-wise, the decor was entirely dated with traditional light fixtures, beige tiles, and mustard color on the walls. In the kitchen, the existing layout completely closed it in as a galley. We saw that the space had much more potential. For example, its builder-grade cabinets were falling apart and ready to be replaced. Our plan was to start over in the bathroom and focus on maximizing storage and establishing more functionality. 

Bathroom bonus: Extra storage

We were thrilled that our Sweeten contractor was able to fit a full-sized closet in the bathroom alongside extra shelves for linens. The floors are marble and for the walls we chose subway tile for the timeless and sophisticated look we wanted. In fact, getting rid of all that ugly beige tile in one day was one of our favorite parts of the renovation. A bonus feature for us: a ledge for shaving and a shampoo niche!

The one hiccup we encountered was with our shower system delivery, which had a special modern brass finish and required a longer delivery timeline. It was backordered and ended up taking eight months to ship. As a result, the plumber had to return months later after the renovation was done to put in the final trim pieces. 

Instagram inspired me to try a bold wallpaper to bring some color and interest to our windowless bathroom and neutral tile. I bought this floral pattern as a peel-and-stick since I wasn’t ready to commit to it. But after a few weeks, the wallpaper would peel away every time I took a shower. By this time, I totally loved the pattern so I invested in the traditional paste version. There’s been no problem with moisture since. 

A kitchen in sage green is the new neutral

The design plan was to give the kitchen customized functionality and a mid-century modern aesthetic. We chose white Shaker cabinets for the uppers and a flat panel door in sage green for the lowers. Our Sweeten general contractor also created a special niche in the peninsula for a step stool to slide in and out. My son uses it to cook alongside me and I use it when I need to reach the highest shelves.

We were thrilled that our contractor was able to fit a full-sized closet in the bathroom alongside extra shelves for linens.

I was drawn to the hexagon shape for our cabinet pulls and made it a theme in the kitchen. A medium-sized hex tile on the floor has a nice natural finish. We just love its soft organic feel under bare feet. The pattern continues on the geometric pendants over the island.

All of the materials we chose were subtle enough to add another shape. So, we brought in a mini vertical stacked bond in marble tile for the backsplash. It felt like the right way to tie in the modern mid-century look. We kept the countertop a pure white quartz so it wouldn’t compete. The day the countertop arrived was a complete transformation for the kitchen.

Sweeten contractor with the right connections

Our Sweeten contractor tapped into his experience and saved the day when we had trouble finding a countertop vendor. Everyone we contacted had a backlog of work. Luckily, he brought in his own subcontractor, who came in the next day to measure and then the following day to install the material. It was a miracle. 

Throughout the project, we worked well with our contractor. It would have taken us a ton of time vetting contractors on our own if we hadn’t worked with Sweeten. They made it easier to communicate with the ones who were actually interested in a project my size and provide competitive bids.

Now that we’ve gone through the renovation process, we advise being very specific about what you want in the contract. Don’t assume the contractor will understand exactly what you want. If you find an issue with the workmanship, show your contractor what the problem is right away. They’ll be happier to know about it before it’s too late to fix it. In the end, we spent about $45,000 on our renovation and we’re really proud that we live in such a beautiful space.

Thank you, Allison and Tim, for sharing your new spaces with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Merola Tile porcelain floor tile in Palm Hex Grey: The Home Depot. Bodarp gray green kitchen cabinets: IKEA. Cabinet hardware: CB2. Countertops in pure white quartz: Sourced through contractor. Carrara Bianco marble 1×3 stacked brick mosaic backsplash tile: The Builder Depot. Sink: Kraus. Faucet: Delta.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: MSI Bianco Dolomite marble mosaic floor tile; Ivy Hill Tile Bianco Birmingham 3″ x 12″ ceramic subway shower wall tile: Wayfair. Rifle Paper Co “Garden Party” wallpaper in Rose Multi: York Wallcoverings. Kohler shower fixtures and toilet: Kohler. Elan frameless shower door: Vigo. Ivy Hill Tile shower floor tile: The Home Depot. Sink/vanity: AllModern. Mirror and lighting: West Elm.

Originally published October 13, 2022

Updated on June 15, 2023

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

The post A Sage Green Kitchen, Plus Bath Remodel in Kips Bay appeared first on Sweeten.

A renovation in Westchester County, NY reenergizes with black cabinet paint and a new mudroom

• Homeowners: A family, after closing on their 1930 Colonial-style home, posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Westchester County, New York
• Primary renovation: In addition to gut remodeling the kitchen, the owners wanted to transform a breakfast area into a mud- and laundry room
• With: Sweeten Westchester general contractor
• Homeowner quote: “We’d heard so many horror stories of half-finished projects and contractors who dropped off the face of the earth, but ours was responsive and took our concerns seriously.”

Written in partnership with homeowners Jennifer and Nick. “After” photos by Michael Hnatov Photography.

Surveying a new home purchase

Years of working in small apartment kitchens taught us that if you know what you’re doing, you can cook in any space. So we knew that our new kitchen’s 10’x12’ footprint was sufficient. 

The kitchen wasn’t decrepit, but it had been built for another time. It was closed off from the dining room by a narrow swinging door. Its cabinets were cramped. And the stove was crammed into a corner—you could not fit four pots on it, despite its having that many burners.

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The awkward layout also led to limited counter space. But we wanted to be able to roll out pie dough or chop vegetables without clearing things out of the way. It was the kind of situation we’d worked around in various apartments, but with 2,700 square feet, there was no reason to sacrifice in a house with plenty of space. 

We are Jennifer and Nick, and we have two children under the age of 6. Our jobs are Manhattan-based and we’d lived in New York City apartments for 15 years, but as our kids grew, we needed space. Reluctantly, we decided to leave the city in pursuit of square footage.

A project plan materializes

Our budget allowed us to make a one-time large expenditure on renovations, so we looked for a fixer-upper that would have an affordable mortgage payment. We found it, eventually, in Westchester, and of course, it came with that closed-off, dated kitchen.

Even if the 12’x10’ size was workable, there was a flow problem. The home’s back door was in the center of the kitchen’s rear wall, so kids with dirty feet would tromp right through the main workspace. We envisioned not only reworking the kitchen, but moving the exterior egress to an adjacent eating area. It would make a great mud- and laundry room.

The contractor search begins

We posted our project on Sweeten, including the current floorplan and our proposed one. The plan was to gut-renovate the kitchen and replace cabinets and appliances. The gas range would be swapped out for an induction model and relocate across the room.

We explained in our request for bids that we wanted to wall-off the back door and install windows. Our scope would include new plumbing and electrical lines and a new wood floor in the kitchen. With Sweeten, we had the ability to access multiple general contractors in Westchester County, NY with one query, and that was invaluable.

Identifying a look we loved

When our GC was chosen, we got serious about an aesthetic. We loved the English country kitchen trend. We were aiming for a warm, sophisticated space with a focus on subtly feminine details that would look great in 20 years. The walls would be a soft neutral to keep the kitchen grounded in that old-fashioned country feeling.

"It was the kind of situation we’d worked around in various apartments, but with 2,700 square feet, there was no reason to sacrifice in a house with plenty of space."

Black cabinet paint inspired by art

Jen was inspired by a photo of the supermodel Carmen Dell’Orefice—her bone structure while dressed in black and a pair of statement earrings. We researched black pre-fab cabinets but also realized that dark uppers would take away from the airy feeling we wanted. Open shelving on top was a better decision, but that meant we needed to wring every last inch out of the lower storage. Custom cabinets would maximize all usable space where pre-fabs would not. Our Sweeten contractor’s cabinetmaker mocked up several plans to consider. At the end, we applied a black cabinet paint called Black Beauty.

The maple butcher block countertops were customized with an ogee edge for softness. We used an elongated hexagon tile for the backsplash that could be found at any tile shop but it was the dark grout that made it a feature that we loved. 

Removing the back door freed up the wall, and we put a long stretch of counter space there. For the lower storage, we chose drawers over cabinets—we wanted to see our things, not have to stoop or reach for them. We inventoried and measured every kitchen item we had so everything had a place.

A tip in expanding a space

We didn’t want to fully demolish the wall between the kitchen and dining room because that would have gone against the style of the house. However, we did remove the tiny doorway and widened the pass-through so the two rooms can share light. People keep asking if we enlarged the room. The simple answer: it’s just the broadened sightline through the new doorway that makes it look huge.

With every change, we considered function. In the new utility room, we originally intended to have our laundry space out in the open, but our GC suggested hiding it behind doors. We designed the laundry closet with an area for storage and folding. The area looks so sleek now.

Living with a renovation

Living with kids and without a kitchen during the renovation was a feat. We sprang for an induction cook plate and a convection toaster oven and were able to maintain a fairly normal dinner routine. But, hauling dishes up and down stairs and washing them in the bathroom was miserable. Our kids got used to seeing workers around. Post-job, our two-year-old came downstairs one morning, threw her hands in the air and said, “Where’s the man?”

An English country kitchen comes alive

The most magical moment of the renovation was after the black cabinet paint was applied and the walls were painted beige with golden undertones. That was when the electrician put in the sconce light fixtures. Until that moment, none of us were sure how it would turn out. With the crew and the GC standing there with us, all at once, it became a room. The group got quiet. Then Jen said, “It looks mad good.” Everyone agreed!

Sincere contractor gratitude

Our Sweeten contractor told us from the beginning that he was available 24/7, and he meant it. We’d heard so many horror stories of half-finished projects and contractors who dropped off the face of the earth, but ours was responsive and took our concerns seriously. We received well-timed emails and phone check-ins from Sweeten, and felt supported in our project.

Intensive planning helped us avoid major snafus. We had collected inspiration photos and sample materials, and priced out and selected appliances. Many of our early decisions changed in small ways from the beginning to the end of the project. But when we had to pivot, we were never starting from scratch. 

In the end, the cost of our renovation surprised us. It was not a budget project. But we invested in architectural changes that improved the functionality of the home, and we are so proud of our result.

Thank you, Jennifer and Nick, for sharing your home with us!

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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 in Westchester County.

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.

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES:

• Lady Finger paint on walls; White Dove paint on trim; Black Beauty paint on cabinets: Benjamin Moore 
• Custom kitchen cabinets; custom white maple countertops; and white oak flooring: Sourced through contractor.
• Backsplash tile: Floor & Decor 
• Sink and faucet: Kraus 
• Refrigerator: LG 
• Dishwasher: Bosch 
• Stove: Electrolux 
• Sconce lighting, cabinet hardware: Rejuvenation 

The post A Country-style Kitchen With Rustic Modern Looks appeared first on Sweeten.

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.

The post A Kitchen Remodel in Maryland for a Growing Family Unit appeared first on Sweeten.

The post A Greenwich Village Loft Raised to New Heights appeared first on Sweeten.

The post A Yellow Moroccan Tile Backsplash in a NYC Kitchen appeared first on Sweeten.

Upper cabinets have long been a mainstay in kitchen design and frankly, always will be. But there’s something to be said for open shelves: they make a kitchen feel lighter, more effortless, and more open. Plus, they pretty much force you to stay organized because there’s nothing for clutter to hide behind. See how Sweeten renovators incorporated the look into their own culinary spaces.

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

A touch of Scandinavian

This homeowner wanted a “mid-century Scandi meets ’70s Italian modern” kitchen. Clean lines and leaving the space as open as possible achieved this look. Custom-made floating shelves behind the peninsula, and all along the sink wall, do the trick. They provide plenty of storage for everyday items and decorative accessories without overwhelming the kitchen.

Topping the backsplash

Custom wood shelves run along one wall of Sheilaja and Sergio’s galley kitchen. They provide a nice contrast to the all-white palette. Plus, they hold books and artwork that bring a personal touch to the cook space.

Storage for space and air

This tiny kitchen looks much bigger than it is thanks to the exposed back wall anchored with white oak shelves. Upper cabinets have suffocated the space; instead, light from the living area streams in filling.

Shelving for tight corners

Bellamy and Zak’s kitchen presented a few design challenges. A door for backyard access was needed as well as space to accommodate “must-have” double ovens. All said and done, there wasn’t a ton of remaining wall space for more upper cabinets, so instead the couple chose shelves to host ingredients and dishware.

Standout hardware

Reconfiguring the kitchen layout allowed Jeremy and Chris to extend the cabinetry and add an integrated refrigerator on one wall. The opposite one would host a banquette, sink, and long open shelves. In addition to keeping the space from feeling too enclosed, the shelves show off the Carrara marble backsplash.

Stacking shelves

Nazli wanted an open feel for the parlor floor of her family’s brownstone. “My solution was to forgo upper cabinets so there’s a clear line of vision from the front the of the room all the way to the dining room,” she shared. To make up for the lack of storage from closed cabinets, she opted for shelves on the opposite wall that frames a walk-in pantry.

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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Can your kitchen fit a peninsula or an island? Find out the differences and the space needed for each type.

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 How Renovators Used Open Shelving in Their Kitchens appeared first on Sweeten.

Removing walls while renovating brought light into one couple’s new kitchen

• Homeowners: Erica and Joshua posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Renovating a cramped kitchen to fit more than one person comfortably
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner quote: The builders and carpenters of our design-build firm are true craftspeople. The care with which they handled each task was notable.
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Guest blog post by Sweeten homeowner Erica

It’s hard to believe a wall can have such a profound impact on how two people share space. Our kitchen, once barely big enough for one person, was transformed into what kitchens are meant to be: the heart of the home. Our 800-square-foot Clinton Hill apartment was a loved space, in every sense of the word. My then-fiancé, Joshua, moved in and we decided to renovate.

Even before Joshua joined me, I imagined what would happen if the wall between the living room and kitchen came down. Now that it was two of us, changes seemed necessary. Along with the wall, Joshua also dreamed of replacing the parquet floors with hardwood. (I much preferred parquet so those conversations often ended in agreeing to disagree.)

Our apartment and all its quirks and beauties were familiar. We knew how we used the space, and which areas needed to become a better fit. We had a budget for the kitchen and vision. But who could we trust to help us move forward with our ideas? Just choosing the right paint color felt overwhelming, so finding the right designer was a challenge. 

Just choosing the right paint color felt overwhelming, so finding the right designer was a challenge.

I posted our project on Sweeten.com, and selected a firm with design/build services. The general contractor was familiar with the Clinton Hill Co-ops and the complexities that exist in these apartments, which were originally constructed in the early 1940s.

On that first warm fall evening, she sat in our living room and listened carefully as we described what we hoped our home would be. We knew we wanted to remove a wall, upgrade the contractor-grade cabinetry, replace the appliances, and install under-cabinet lighting. But we were unsure of the process and the things we could not see. After talking, she immediately popped up and put her superhero design tools to work—her x-ray vision which saw through walls, and her tape measure. 

Initial sketches removed the wall between the kitchen and the dining area completely, as well as part of the wall between the kitchen and the living room. We were seeking to strike a balance between Joshua’s partiality to completely open spaces and my desire to keep some visual privacy. Receptive to our decision to keep the entire wall between the living room and kitchen intact, the plan removed only the wall between the kitchen and the dining area.

Our contractor’s keen eye helped us ask so many more questions about the space. I never noticed that the sightlines of our parquet floors were uneven and misaligned. (Joshua was right. We needed to replace the floors.)

I realized that the space would be transformed in ways I was not expecting the moment she began to speak of light from the kitchen window spilling into the back corner of the living room. With the wall down, of course, the kitchen window would be visible as you enter the apartment. The decision to move the refrigerator out of the original kitchen footprint into what was once a hallway closet provided more options on where the sink and dishwasher could be.

I knew that our Sweeten contractor had expertise in millwork. Our kitchen, filled with unexpected nooks and crannies, was a design dilemma that custom cabinetry could solve. I envisioned white cabinetry to brighten up the kitchen, and we trusted our contractor’s desire to include natural wood via open shelving and some cabinetry with a walnut finish. The shelving she created is the perfect platform for us to display our spices, cookbooks, vases, and the all-important pilon for grinding plantains.

The weekend before demolition day, our contractor came by to finalize things. “I’m so nervous,” I admitted.

As a designer, she not only considered ways to bring more storage and surface area into the kitchen, but also a new hue. One afternoon we perused our choices at their warehouse in Queens.

Every tile seemed to fall short—wrong tint, incorrect size, too dominating, etc. But then Joshua’s eye caught a simple hexagonal tile of soft turquoise blue. This 3D recycled glass tilecomplemented the cabinetry color, the wood finish, and it was the right size. The result is a beautiful canvas that pulls the white cabinetry and quartz countertops together. Last, but certainly not least, it serves as a surprising showcase for my favorite red cast iron Dutch oven.

Making decisions was easy. Rather than ask us to look at every iteration of countertop or knob, our contractor presented us with a few options, and the design sensibility connected across the space. The nickel handles on the cabinet doors pick up the subtle specks of silver accents in the quartz countertops coordinating well with the steel appliances.  I only noticed it once the kitchen was complete.

We had to come up with secondary plans for overhead lighting since the ceiling was made of concrete. The floor lamp now illuminates our favorite round dining table. The gooseneck sconce creates the perfect corner for working on a laptop at our kitchen peninsula, which can now accommodate someone cooking at the same time. The peninsula also has generous storage on two sides—four very deep drawers and a small cabinet.

Now, when you walk into our apartment, three things jump out at you: the welcoming natural light that flows in from the windows, rich wood elements on the cabinetry and shelving, and the turquoise tile of the backsplash.

The builders and carpenters of our design-build firm are true craftspeople. The care with which they handled each task was notable. They produced perfectly mitered corners, laid the floor with precision, and cleaned up at the end of each day. We felt like we were in good hands the entire way through. I’d notice an imperfection, and before I could say anything, they had fixed it. Truly top-notch workmanship. They were so thoughtful about the space that it made our decision to stay in the apartment throughout the renovation easy. “Just think of it like camping,” Joshua said one night as we dined in our bedroom.

The weekend before demolition day, our contractor came by to finalize things. “I’m so nervous,” I admitted. “Don’t worry,” she warmly replied. “You’re gonna love it.”  Debris and concrete walls filled much of the living area after the first demolition day, but we felt the homeyness of the space. The light from the newly visible window greeted us as we entered in a way we never expected. I looked at Joshua and said, “I didn’t realize how much of me was in this place. Now we get to create this space together.” We couldn’t relish it more!

Thank you, Erica and Joshua, for sharing your renovation journey with us!

KITCHEN RESOURCES. Engineered White Oak 5” floor planks: Somerset Floors. Cabinets: custom. Open shelving: custom. Contemporary Metal Pull 8160 cabinet hardware: Richelieu. Jefferey Alexander Satin Nickel Sonoma Square cabinet knob, #431SN: Pulls Direct. Brooklyn CT 4403 Quartz countertops: CitiQuartz. Recycled glass tile backsplash:TileBar. 23” Single Basin Undermount sink: Vigo Industries. Pull-down spray faucet: Hansgrohe. 30” gas range: Frigidaire. Refrigerator: Maytag. 24” Bar-handle dishwasher: Bosch. Morland wall sconce: Savoy House. George Kovacs fabric wall sconce: Lumens. Phoenix barstools, floor lamp, #271806: CB2.

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If you’re looking to contribute sweat equity to your renovation, here’s what to DIY and what to leave to the pros.

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 Well-Loved Home Begins a New Chapter appeared first on Sweeten.

Function and fashion are two major factors to consider while planning for a home renovation. While we want our homes to be aesthetically pleasing, we also need them to be more efficient, organized and less cluttered. The solution? Integrating unique features into your home renovation designs can solve organizational challenges while looking beautiful and distinct.

Sweeten, a free renovation platform that matches homeowners with licensed general contractors and tracks their projects, shows how Sweeten homeowners have used unique features in their renovations to inject beauty-and function-into their homes.

Jewelry wall: A major upgrade from boxes and bowls

(Above) Tina + Andrew’s shiny Sunnyside jewelry wall, Deanne + Daria’s closed-door accessory storage.

When Tina and Andrew combined two closets in the master bedroom into a walk-in closet—“a rare thing in New York City!”—they opted to include a jewelry wall that functioned as a unique feature for display and storage. The narrow shelf underneath adds a subtle component that provides space for decorative touches.

Siblings Deanna and Daria share a Grandmillenial-chic aesthetic, so it’s only fitting that even their jewelry wall is hidden behind an old-school mirrored door. Inside, there’s plenty of room for statement necklaces, earrings, and rings, in keeping with the sisters’ more-is-more sensibility.

Toe kick drawers maximize every square inch

(Above) Elie + Matt’s cutting board storage drawers

(Above) Jessica + Jessie’s jewel-toned drawers

Elie and Matt waited before renovating their kitchen to make sure that they could fully maximize the 7×7 space to suit their needs. When they decided to take the leap, they opted for custom cabinets that included toe-kick drawers as unique features to get more storage.

Jessica and Jesse, both major foodies, knew they needed a “beautiful kitchen to cook in.” To that end, they re-engineered the space to incorporate a six-foot island with a lot of cool features, and toe-kick drawers are one of the stars.

Above-sink drying rack = natural space saver

(Above) Giulia’s nostalgic dish rack, Jo’s efficient drying rack

As part of Giulia’s plan for a “functional” kitchen, she knew she wanted a drying rack shelf above the sink, an idea she says she “stole” from Italy, her home country. The rack’s placement not only frees up counter space; it prevents the dreaded “puddles of standing water.”

Jo’s kitchen renovation aimed to create a clean, classic space while incorporating ideas from her travels and innovative materials. A bamboo drying rack above the sink—something Jo had seen in Europe—was sealed to accommodate wet dishes and provides an earthy counterpoint to the white cabinetry.

An open pantry, a cook’s best friend

(Above) Nazli’s seamless walk-in pantry

For Nazli’s open-plan kitchen, she opted to forgo upper cabinets, a storage challenge she solved with an open pantry. Although a great solution for seeing and accessing ingredients easily, it can also lead to visual clutter. Nazli avoided that pitfall by painting the pantry a dark gray, which “makes the whole space disappear” once the light is turned off.

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Check out the reno projects that bring the most value for resale from kitchens and floors to exteriors.

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 Unique Features You Should Include in Your Next Remodel appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten

Project: Refreshing an ineffective Harlem kitchen a family has outgrown

Before: When Andréa and her husband purchased an early 1900s four-story brownstone in Harlem, the plan was to rent the top two apartments and live in the 2-bedroom, 2 ½ bath duplex. For a long time, the place felt “soooo big.” That is, until the couple started their family. Now, with an 11-year-old son, a 9-year-old daughter, cat, Romeo, and her husband’s ever-growing record collection, Andréa said, “It started feeling claustrophobic.” 

The first space in their Harlem home she wanted to tackle: the kitchen. “It’s where I spend a lot of time,” says Andréa. “It was so cluttered and dim. I didn’t enjoy cooking at all. I remember balancing pans on top of each other while making dinner.”

Storage was clearly an issue. “First of all, the shelves in our cabinets weren’t adjustable—so we couldn’t even store cereal boxes or olive oil or anything taller than about eight inches. So we just had a ton of stuff on the counters or on top of the fridge.”

Appliances ate into counter space as well. “We had this massive microwave that took up an entire baking station, so we lost workspace there, too.” And then there was the lighting. “We had this one dim light that didn’t even light up the area by the sink. We always felt like we were working in the dark. And our dishwasher was dying.”

The two had an unpleasant experience with a master bath reno 12 years ago (Andréa says the contractor took their money and disappeared). This time, they posted their Harlem kitchen renovation project on Sweeten, a free renovation platform that connects homeowners with vetted contractors, and they were immediately impressed.

“I felt like the Sweeten contractor we chose offered the best price for the job,” she said. “His team is very efficient and punctual. It’s great to have someone show up when they say they will and finish on time!”

After

Although the same 450-square-footprint was retained, their Harlem kitchen was expanded a few feet by knocking down a wall and opening up space for a bar/counter and pantry. 

Besides improving storage and lighting, Andréa knew the look and style she wanted from their kitchen renovation. “I’m from California, and I miss it all the time—the weather, the sky, the ocean. So I picked colors that reminded me of my hometown of Morro Bay and also the Bay area, where I went to college,” she said. “I liked the idea of gray cabinets. My mom recently did her kitchen in all white, and after two years, it was already showing use. It seemed impractical with two kids.”

The gray stock cabinets reminded her of fog around the ocean (“a win-win”). And the paint, kind of a peach color, was like sunsets—“a soothing combination.”  Even the grout color between white subway tiles has a little peach in it. She felt a quartz countertop was a nice balance. 

Andréa loves tea, and she has some beautiful blue Fortnum and Mason (a brand based in London) tins, which also reinforced the blue accents. “It’s kind of Jamaica-meets-Miami-meets-Cali-meets-London,” she says.

Andréa says that their contractor’s wife, Suzy, also helped make sure everything went smoothly. “Suzy was a godsend,” says Andrea. “We had a pretty firm budget and I felt like she worked very hard to stay in it without pushing for more expensive stuff or using cheap things. It was a very nice middle ground.”

And the result? A huge success. “I love the whole feel of (the new space),” says Andréa. “The colors are really inviting, and the cabinets make it feel bigger, even though it’s basically the same square footage. Of course, the kitchen is so beautiful, now we want to update everything in the house!”

Bonus: “I love my undercabinet lighting,” she says. “It wasn’t originally in the plans. It was an addition during the reno that has made a huge difference. Also—my hidden recycling bins!”

Thank you, Andréa and your family, for sharing your new kitchen with us!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Nickel Kitchen cabinets: Fabuwood. Sink/Faucet: Ruvati. Dishwasher: Bosch. Lighting: West Elm. Paint: Benjamin Moore.

WATCH VIDEO:

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Check out Sweeten’s 2020 Kitchen Renovation Costs in NYC guide and start exploring for your future kitchen 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 A Harlem Kitchen Designed with Nostalgic Notes appeared first on Sweeten.

A successful kitchen renovation isn’t measured by the number of walls knocked down or the size of a kitchen island. Instead, it’s the thoughtful details and design elements culled over time from Pinterest and the hours of research on materials coming to life that brings the joy for a lifestyle that finally fits you and your family.

Here we look at 11 kitchens renovated by homeowners who came to Sweeten, a free renovation platform that matches homeowners with licensed general contractors and tracks their projects. Some were major transformations removing walls, creating built-ins, and adding new windows, while others proved that smart improvements in space efficiency, updated materials, and renewed layouts gave them the overall refreshes they wanted. 

From outdated to classic gray

After living on Long Island for many years, Rosalind and Lawrence were ready to downsize and return to their beloved former hometown of Brooklyn. They purchased a 100-year-old home in Cypress Hills and slowly started renovating the outdated spaces. After refreshes of two bathrooms, a staircase, and a walk-in closet were complete, they decided to turn their attention to the kitchen.

The main problem besides the yellow walls, dated wooden cabinets, and orange-tiled backsplash, was the lack of storage. Rosalind was forced to store her larger appliances like the slow cooker and mixer in the living room. So, with the help of a Sweeten contractor, the couple reimagined their layout and added a kitchen island that doubles as storage as well as a convenient gathering spot. Rosalind chose gray tones throughout and accented them with interesting geometric shapes.

Same layout, more storage

Shoko and Rob really liked their 900-square-foot apartment in Harlem, New York. The only thing that gnawed at them was the “orange-y cabinetry, shiny black appliances, and brown countertop.” So they decided to take the plunge and redo the small kitchen. 

They did their research and found information from designer Keren Richter on how to make the most of their cook space and turned to Sweeten to execute their vision. In addition to overhauling the look of the kitchen, they wanted to improve the flow and functionality with more storage as their top goal. Their original kitchen didn’t take advantage of the ceiling height so they extended the new upper cabinetry to get as close as possible to the ceiling. In all, they were able to create a minimalist style yet warm space to cook in and entertain.

Dark and dated to contemporary chic

How do you make a house feel more like a loft apartment? First, you open up the layout so that you have an unobstructed sightline across the first floor. For Romuald and his family, this meant tearing down a wall between the kitchen and the main living space. To regain the storage space lost by removing the cabinets on that wall, they decided to do what many do: build an island. 

They also added other design touches to fit into their cooking-centric lives. Their Sweeten contractor suggested they install an “appliance garage” to make their countertop less cluttered. Being avid cooks, Romuald and his wife have a lot of small appliances, including a toaster, coffee maker, and mixer, that would be nicely concealed—but yet easily accessible—by this storage solution. They also put in a pot-filler above the stove and a microwave drawer in the island. 

The warm gray cabinets complement the white quartz countertop and the classic subway tile of the backsplash. For ease of cleaning and added durability, Romuald installed a porcelain floor that mimics the look of real wood.

Island design

Veteran renovators Jennifer and Joe always knew their New Jersey apartment wouldn’t be complete without a kitchen remodel. They, like many homeowners, wanted an open-concept layout in order to see the amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and George Washington Bridge that their apartment affords. 

They asked their Sweeten contractor to knock down a wall to get better sightlines to the wall of windows in their living room. Unfortunately, the entire wall could not be removed as it was load-bearing. So their contractor took down as much of the wall as possible and utilized the rest of the space to house the refrigerator. 

Jennifer and Joe based the design entirely around the marble waterfall island, which features a deep black base with white veins throughout the countertop. The color palette of the entire kitchen plays off the two tones, with glossy black drawers and all-white upper and lower cabinetry as well as a white quartz countertop. Not one detail was spared, from the under-cabinet lighting to the textured backsplash.

Midcentury Scandi meets Italian modern

“I wanted midcentury Scandi meets 70s Italian modern,” says Brooklyn Sweeten homeowner Melissa of her design preference for her kitchen. The co-op building itself had a midcentury vibe so she wanted to continue it inside. 

First things first, her Sweeten contractor removed walls that were blocking off the kitchen from the living area. Once that was complete, natural sunlight bathed the entire apartment. She carefully selected a mix of different materials (matte concrete floor and counters) as well as warmer accents in her textile and paint choices. A built-in shelf intersects over a new peninsula for additional seating. She didn’t move the plumbing (which is an added cost) or change the location of the appliances. 

From the ’80s to modern industrial

For their one-bedroom co-op in a 19th-century converted warehouse, homeowners Dan and Mike wanted to bring their 1980s kitchen into a new era. While they desired a nod to the industrial roots of the building, they did want the aesthetic to be balanced.

They hired a Sweeten contractor to help redefine the space. To create an open floor plan, a wall was removed as well as the upper cabinets, which were replaced with beautiful open shelves of salvaged Douglas Fir. The base cabinets were updated from laminate to a full set of IKEA cabinets and drawers, customized by Semihandmade. A modern waterfall countertop on the peninsula was used to visually separate the kitchen entry. They also utilized different natural and synthetic wood finishes to maintain a measure of warmth and masculinity.

A dark kitchen sees the (natural) light 

Even after tackling other updates to their colonial-style home, Nydia and Jonathan knew that renovating their Brooklyn kitchen was a top priority. The old version had mismatched appliances, dated cabinets, and not enough counter space. The dark space hardly felt welcoming (or functional) for their family of five. 

They turned to Sweeten to help with the construction process, hiring a trusted contractor from its carefully vetted network. The project involved rethinking the layout to opening up the stairway to the basement, which is accessed via the kitchen. The renovation helped key kitchen elements find new locations: the refrigerator moved out of the main cooking area, the dishwasher now sits directly across from the sink, and the walls surrounding the basement stairs were taken down. By replacing existing cabinets with ceiling-height ones and adding a peninsula, the space was really transformed.

From functional to fabulous

A mutual love of cooking (and of cooking together) ultimately led Marissa and Jeremy to renovate their small kitchen in their Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, co-op. The space was so cramped that it brought about a special house rule: Only one person allowed in the kitchen at a time when cooking in order to keep the peace. 

Twenty-four inches of usable counter space was quintupled through the renovation, while other unique elements were added to suit the couple’s preferences and lifestyle. For example, they went non-traditional for the backsplash, using an antique mirror. They also installed a ventless washer/dryer combo unit and removed the space-invading gas dryer vent. “While a gas dryer dries clothes much faster than a ventless dryer, I wanted the extra counter space more than I wanted clothes dried in 20 minutes,” Marissa said. They capped off the gas vent and went long with the back counter. “I am excited about so many parts of our kitchen that I don’t know if I can pick a favorite!” she said.

A modern vision brought to life through an extension

For Laura and Tim, they decided they needed to do something about their kitchen that was “falling apart”—it had water damage from a leaky shower upstairs, the door to the patio was drafty, the cabinets were dark and “grungy,” and it generally just needed some fixing up.

The couple consulted their friend and designer Suzy Leon of Suzy Leon Design, Ltd. and came up with a plan to gut the existing kitchen but also enclose their back patio. The additional interior square footage would connect and provide a better flow between the kitchen, dining room, and outdoor space. The new enclosure would feature skylights to brighten the space. 

They kept the galley layout but chose a light color palette in the “minty” green shaker cabinets to offset the dark plank wood floors. White quartz countertops were utilized to help make the flow look more open and airy.

Reaching new heights—with less ceiling

With an 18-inch tiny dishwasher, an oven that wasn’t big enough to fit a cookie tray, and a kitchen sitting underneath a loft, a renovation was long overdue for this mom who cooked five nights a week.

One major challenge homeowners Emily and Trey faced was the inability to move the building’s intercom system that was smack in the middle of the kitchen. They hired a Sweeten contractor who came up with a good solution: create an L-shaped peninsula to accommodate the immovable pole—and give them more space and storage at the same time.

In addition to the new peninsula, they were also able to get rid of the loft above, which increased the ceiling height drastically. The result was a well-thought-out new kitchen perfect for the family of four’s busy lifestyle.

First time’s a charm

Jennifer and Jonn couldn’t believe their luck when they found their 2,100-square-foot, three-bedroom duplex in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It was the perfect location for their family of two kids and a dog. The story goes that the co-op was the result of combining three one-bedroom apartments to create a huge two-level residence with sole access to a sprawling rear garden. Voila! The perfect home…but with one catch: It needed to be renovated. 

The couple had their work cut out for them with this space that hadn’t been updated since the ’70s. They hired a contractor through Sweeten who was able to transform their white laminate kitchen into a light-filled galley kitchen with an eat-in banquette. They used shaker cabinets and five-panel doors while incorporating metals like brass lights and stainless steel appliances for a modern look.

Kitchens are arguably one of the most pivotal spaces in our homes. From giving us a gathering point to break bread together to providing space to tackle assignments and hobbies; every kitchen should deliver the kind of peace of mind (and organizational flow) that homeowners need. 

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Inspired to renovate your kitchen? Check out Sweeten’s cost guides here.

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 Before & After: Kitchen Edition appeared first on Sweeten.

Getting your renovation on the calendar

One of the most common questions that we at Sweeten hear from homeowners is “How long does a kitchen renovation take?” This usually comes right after “How much does a kitchen renovation cost?” Our handy Renovation Checklist tells you what you need to do—but how long does it take to do it all?

Typically, we suggest that after closing on your apartment, you allow three weeks to four months for the completion of your kitchen renovation. The timeframe depends on complexity, the size of your space, and scope.

For example, if you are 1) not altering the footprint, 2) not changing or adding electrical or plumbing, and 3) using stock cabinetry and appliances, it’s reasonable to expect that your renovation will be done in a few weeks. If, however, you are moving your kitchen from one part of your home to another, requiring both city permits as well as board approvals, and using imported custom cabinets—you should give it several months. The wide range is due to the fact that there can be many moving parts and multiple parties involved. Certain aspects may be beyond your control. Sweeten breaks down a kitchen renovation step-by-step.

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

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

While the attention is usually on the most visible construction phase, a lot needs to happen before picking up that sledgehammer. Here, the details on each box that needs to be ticked before you break ground on the project.

STEP 1: Close on your property (1-3 months)

There are a significant number of homeowners who are in contract or preparing to close on a property when they begin the process of planning a renovation. The best advice is to wait until you have closed on the property, with keys in hand, before doing anything. If you’re in a hurry—at least wait until you’ve signed the contract before beginning the design process.

STEP 2: Post your project (1-3 days)

First things first: Post your project to Sweeten and begin soliciting bids. On the Sweeten site, add some details about the space you want to renovate. Inspiration photos are optional but useful for us to find you contractors who have done similar styles. Include any other information that would help Sweeten match you with the right contractors. You’ll receive 3-5 matches with links to check out contractors’ profiles online. Read reviews from clients and photos of their past projects to see whether they might be a good fit.

STEP 3: Schedule site visits and solicit bids (1-3 weeks)

Decide which contractors you’d like to set up a meeting with and prepare for an on-site visit. An in-person visit is the best way for a contractor to understand the scope of the project, the physical possibilities, and the limitations of the space. You’ll also see if personalities and communication styles mesh. You should expect a written bid within 5-7 business days after your visit.

(Above) Katherine + Chris’ kitchen renovation

STEP 4: Level bids and choose a contractor (1-2 weeks)

Once all the written bids have come in, it’s time to compare and contrast! This primer on leveling bids might come in handy. If you have follow-up questions, now is the time to ask. You can also schedule time with Sweeten to walk you through the various bids and weigh in on the selection.

STEP 5: Sign a contract and finalize construction schedule (1 week)

Once you’ve decided on a contractor, he or she will put together a contract for you to review. This will typically include a description of the work to be done, an outline of the costs, as well as the timing of payments throughout the project.

STEP 6: Obtain permits and approvals (ranges widely)

Of all the steps where hiccups or delays might occur, this is it. Obtaining the correct permits and necessary approvals have held up many a renovation, but don’t be daunted. Sweeten contractors are well-versed in navigating these processes and often can advise you on how to achieve your renovation goals with the least amount of hassle. If you’re moving plumbing or gas lines, you’ll need an architect and additional DOB permits. Sweeten homeowners have reported obtaining approvals in as little as two weeks—but it’s more common for it to take a couple months.

If you live in a stand-alone house, you won’t need to worry about building board approvals. However, you’ll still need the requisite city permits for any electrical or plumbing work to make sure everything is up to code.

STEP 7: Source materials (ranges widely)

If you are responsible for sourcing all or some of the materials in your renovation, be sure to place the orders as soon as the design plan is finished. Certain items have long lead times, and you don’t want that one faucet to hold up the entire renovation. If time is a concern, look at what’s currently in stock and ready to ship. Speak with your contractor about timing the product delivery to coincide with time of installation.

STEP 8: Tell your neighbors you’re renovating (15 minutes)

Be a good neighbor and alert them. Tell them what to expect and how long the project is slated to last. It’s always easier to stomach the disruption when you know there’s an end in sight! It doesn’t hurt to bring some sweets, a bottle of wine, or a gift card for a local coffee shop. When the reno is over, invite them over!

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Note: While most of the steps under “Construction” are your contractor’s responsibility, it’s important to understand what should be happening and when. It is vital to make the scheduled payments to your contractor (as outlined in your contract) so the project can keep moving forward. Also, keep your schedule open for several hours a week to answer questions about details or changes that come up over the course of construction.

STEP 9: It’s demo time (1-2 days)

Out with the old! Now that you’re done with the paperwork, it’s time (for your contractor) to pick up that sledgehammer. Items that are staying should be protected with tarp or plastic. Depending on how large your kitchen is, and how extensive the renovation, this shouldn’t take more than a day or two.

STEP 10: Reroute plumbing and electrical (1-4 days)

With the space stripped down to the studs, new plumbing or electrical can be placed where it needs to go. Consider whether any plans need to be altered now that you can see what’s behind the walls.

STEP 11: City inspections and sign-offs (1 hour on-site)

If you needed city permits, inspections and a final sign-off may be needed before the walls are closed up, particularly with gas lines. While it may take the inspector an hour to do his job at the site, scheduling the actual appointment could take days or weeks.

A master plumber is typically allowed to sign off on pipework for water lines if the city inspector doesn’t show up. However, an inspector must examine and approve any work on gas lines. You are not allowed to close up the walls and move onto the next phase of the project before this inspection happens.

Note: With electrical work, inspectors generally are scheduled for visits once the project is 100 percent complete. They will check the electrical panel, junction boxes, and outlets. Sometimes, because of city bureaucracy and delays, your electrical inspection may be rescheduled two or three times. 

STEP 12: Installation – floors (1-5 days)

Make sure the flooring you choose is consistent throughout the room, even if they’re hidden. If you decide in the future to reconfigure the cabinet layout, the floors won’t need to be redone.

STEP 13: Installation – all other material including cabinets and appliances (1-10 days)

Installation of all other materials is usually in this order: cabinets, appliances, fixtures and lighting, counters, backsplash, and cabinet hardware. Aspects of this may vary, depending on site conditions, and the arrival time of the materials.

STEP 14: Clean-up (1 day)

Typically, contracts allow that the space is left in a “broom-swept” condition. However, you may want to hire post-construction cleaning specialists to ensure it is cleaned to your specifications.

POST-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

STEP 15: Final walk-through with your contractor (30-60 minutes)

Review the work with your contractor: try all the drawers and doors, look closely at the edges and finishes, and make sure everything is working the way it should. If there are any problems, point them out and add them to the punch list. The contractor will either fix it on the spot (if it’s minor) or set up another time to return. Sweeten’s founder + CEO, Jean Brownhill, advises to keep notepads in each space, and not speak to your contractor for two weeks during this time. Take notes of what needs fixing as you live in your new home.

STEP 16: Punch list items (1-10 days)

Punch list items can be issues from straightening a cabinet door to waiting on installing that last out-of-stock item. Completing the punch list can take anywhere from a day to several weeks. When it’s on the long side, though, that is usually due to items being back-ordered. Otherwise, your contractor should be able to return and fix everything in a few days.

STEP 17: The final payment (10 minutes)

When the last item on your punch list has been addressed, the remaining payment is paid to your contractor and the project is complete. 

This timeline is meant to give you a detailed look at the various aspects of renovating and typical time ranges. Factors that may be outside of both your and the contractor’s control should be taken into account. In general, Sweeten renovators report that their kitchen renovations are completed between three weeks to two months (depending on the level of complexity). The key to staying on track is isolating the steps that you think might be obstacles and allotting more time to get them done.

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

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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.

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When avid entertainers embark on an apartment renovation, it’s sure to lead to greatness in the kitchen. That was the case in this 1940s Brooklyn co-op that Jessica, a brand strategist from London, and Jesse, a filmmaker and content producer from Queens, bought together soon after getting married. The couple planned to renovate the 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom home, with their primary focus on increasing the functionality of the cooking space and storage in other rooms. They posted the project on Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted general contractors, and chose their contractor. Later, they hired the principals of Blumenthal Architecture and Interiors to lend their expertise. See how Jessica and Jesse created a dream home for themselves and their dog, Kevin.  

Guest blog post by Sweeten homeowner Jessica

Our story begins when we started looking for a home, and specifically a kitchen, we could love. We were living happily in Brooklyn in a one-bedroom rental, but after we got married, investing in an apartment for the long-term was our goal. We noticed that well-renovated places coming on the market were triggering bidding wars and started thinking about buying an apartment to redo. Being big foodies, we got excited to build a beautiful kitchen to cook in.

We came across a cluster of buildings called the Clinton Hill Co-ops and were attracted by the generous square footage of the apartments, which were built in the mid-20th century. When a two-bedroom needing updates became available, we snapped it up. 

We’d hired our Sweeten contractor, along with our team from Blumenthal Architecture and Interiors. We planned to open up the kitchen to the living room and add a peninsula where we could prepare food or just hang out. Plumbing would be relocated for a better cooking layout. However, a partition surrounding the existing refrigerator closed off the kitchen, disrupting flow. 

The solution: Demo the partition and move the fridge, thereby creating space for a six-foot peninsula. It was designed with full-length drawers for pans and dinnerware, built-in shelves at the end of the peninsula for cookbooks, and toe-level kick-drawers, which let us utilize every inch. It also has a wine fridge! We went for under-cabinet lighting and pull-out components: a pantry, spice rack, and garbage bin. 

It’s no joke when your general contractor says everything must be in stock when purchased.

WATCH: Video with more ideas on creating an efficient kitchen

Stef Steen, a color specialist based in the UK, helped us make minimalist palettes with touches of strong color for soul. Our cabinets are custom, the uppers in white and lowers in dark royal blue. People say not to mix shaker and flat-front cabinets, but we liked the flat style for the drawers, where protruding pulls can be annoying. We’re not disappointed. We settled on brushed brass cabinet hardware—after ordering three different styles. One of our favorite aspects of the kitchen is a graphic tile with dark grouting for the backsplash. 

Stef made a booklet with Pantone numbers for matching paint, tile, and accessories. We pulled our kitchen colors to other rooms, adding accents in green and yellow. 

Even though we hadn’t lived in the apartment yet, we thought hard about how we’d use every space. Their contractor took some square footage from the kitchen to widen the hallway making room for a long built-in bookshelf. For storage in both bedrooms, separate closets were merged together as a single built-in with full-height doors and shelving.

To reach optimal electrical aspirations, layouts and furniture placement were carefully planned for overhead lighting installations in the bedrooms and living rooms. Phone chargers were also built into kitchen drawers and outlets were tucked away for electric toothbrushes and hairdryers in the bathroom.

We rolled with the geometrics, doing graphic tile in the bathroom, too, and pairing it with less expensive, easier-to-clean porcelain. (It’s no joke when your general contractor says everything must be in stock when purchased. After we were promised timely shipping on the bathroom wall tiles by a retailer, the day came and they weren’t there; I spent a stressful morning trying to find something similar.) The tile contrasts nicely with the simple brass fixtures and wood vanity. 

With the expertise of our construction and design teams, our goals came together in a vibrant space. Our contractor met with us weekly—or more—to check on progress and we felt supported knowing we could turn to Sweeten if something went wrong. Jesse and I asked our contractor to copy us both on communications, which worked for us. 

Seeing our space transform and our vision come to life was so thrilling. We love our kitchen and take such pleasure in cooking and entertaining in it. 

Thank you, Jessica and Jesse, for sharing your new home with us!

LIVING SPACE RESOURCES: Paint in Pelican Grey: Benjamin Moore. Rugs: Nordic Knots. Sofa: Joybird. Window shades: The Shade Store.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Frosty Carrina countertop: Caesarstone. Vertice backsplash tile: Ann Sacks. Cabinets: Custom by contractor. Cabinet paint in Kensington Blue and Super White: Benjamin Moore. Cabinet hardware, pendant lighting (over dining table): Schoolhouse. Dishwasher, stove, and hood: Miele. Refrigerator: Liebherr. Wine refrigerator: Wine Enthusiast. Sink: Signature Hardware. Faucet: Grohe. Pendant lights (over island): West Elm. 

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Floor, wall, and shower tile: Cancos. Casa Mila graphic shower wall tile: Ann Sacks. Vanity hardware: Schoolhouse. Shelves: Rejuvenation. Shower fixtures, toilet, and vanity mirror: Kohler. Vanity: Custom by contractor. Sconce: Cedar & Moss. 

MASTER BEDROOM RESOURCES: Sconces: Rejuvenation. Closet system: California Closets. Paint in Alaskan Husky: Benjamin Moore. Window shades: The Shade Store.

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The contractor you choose needs to have the right credentials. Read why they should be licensed here.

Sweeten founder and CEO weighs in on what to know before renovating a brownstone.

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 When Foodies Renovate, the Home Welcomes appeared first on Sweeten.

A new art deco apartment home—in need of work

Lindsay, Nicholas, and their cat, Sibyl, returned to New York City after two years in Baltimore and landed on a 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom co-op in upper Manhattan. “Nicholas fell in love with the [art deco] lobby, and we both loved that it was right across the street from Inwood Hill Park and has a killer view of the Cloisters,” said Lindsay.

The apartment itself was so-so. It had some classic art deco features, like a sunken living room with herringbone wood floors, which Lindsay and Nicholas wanted to mix with their mid-century tastes. A bland kitchen and bathroom needed some help. The molding, doors, and paint were also due for a refresh. And then there were those two things many New Yorkers consider an ultimate luxury—installing a washing machine and dryer.

The couple turned to Sweeten, a free service that pairs renovators with vetted general contractors. They posted their art deco apartment remodel and chose a design-build firm to execute the construction and the design. Lindsay and Nicholas were given a six- to eight-week timeline from start to finish and camped out in a sublet during the renovation. A few hiccups along the way stretched that timeline (more on that later).

The plan was to gut renovate the bathroom and make minor changes in the kitchen while doing mostly cosmetic updates to the rest of the apartment. A standout feature in the living area is the sliver of wallpaper that peaks out from the small hallway off of the living room. “Since it’s such a small space, we figured we could go a little crazy,” said Lindsay. That “little crazy” translated to an art deco-style wallpaper with teal, purple, and gold accents. “Even our friends who hate patterns and bright colors love it,” she said.

Salvaging some of the kitchen turned out to be more work than a full gut. It would have been better to just pay extra and get what we really wanted.

In the kitchen, the current layout had a nook where the previous owners had placed a small breakfast table. Lindsay saw this as an ideal way to add more counter space. There was a miniature dishwasher “which made no sense since there was plenty of room for a full one,” said Lindsay. Rather than gut renovate the kitchen (a decision the couple later regretted), they refinished the existing “country-style” cabinets in a gray modern tone.

The dark grout in the backsplash tiles upped the modern feel. The only appliance they replaced was that tiny dishwasher. “We are happy with how it came out,” said Lindsay, “but salvaging some of the kitchen turned out to be more work than a full gut. It would have been better to just pay extra and get what we really wanted,” she said.

WATCH: Two-minute video from Sweeten founder, Jean Brownhill

In the bathroom, the only original feature that remains is the cast-iron tub with its detailed edges. Lindsay and Nicholas had it re-enameled so it matched the new bathroom. A new washer/dryer would replace an existing shower area and a shower would be added to the bathtub. For maximal storage, shelving lined the laundry wall in hard-to-reach places and double doors were installed to hide the clutter.

When the decision came to choose either a console sink or a vanity, they decided on a console. (The under-the-sink space became the new location for Sibyl’s litter box.) For storage, a large medicine cabinet, and niche shelves along the bathroom and shower walls did the trick. A matte black hexagonal floor tile became the new backdrop in dramatic fashion.

A feature the couple recommends to other renovators is custom storage. To remedy some oddly-placed shelves and a rod, their Sweeten contractor ripped everything out of the bedroom closet and installed a new system that can easily be changed later on as storage needs shift. “Custom designing the closets made a huge difference in how useful the spaces were,” said Lindsay.

The project hit a major snag when it came to the electrical work which pushed the end date back. Wiring dedicated to powering the washer/dryer had to be installed and ripped out twice from the ceiling. Despite this, it still shorted out the power after only a few uses. In the end, it was discovered there was a faulty part in the basement and the situation was fixed. Throughout the issue, Sweeten’s customer service, which checks in on renovations until projects are completed, stayed in communication until it was resolved and helped coordinate a new realistic timeline agreeable to all parties.

After their experience, Lindsay and Nicholas came out with a home they loved, but also some things they would do differently next time. “Always gut renovate,” said Lindsay. “We were trying to be thrifty by keeping the kitchen cabinets.” The other tip: plan for the renovation to take twice as long. But ultimately, the Sweeten contractor did a fantastic job,” said Lindsay—and enhanced the features of the apartment to turn it into a unique home for their family.

Thank you, Lindsay and Nicholas, for sharing your lovely art deco apartment home with us.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Forged Brass Dome Knob cabinet hardware: House of Antique Hardware. Bistro hardware pulls: Restoration Hardware. Dishwasher, 800 Series: Bosch. Eastmoreland lighting: Rejuvenation. Paint, Decorator White for walls and Puritan Gray for cabinets: Benjamin Moore.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Toilet: Perrin & Rowe. Washer and dryer: Miele.

BEDROOM RESOURCES: Paint in Slate Teal and Amherst Gray paint: Benjamin Moore. Elfa custom closets: The Container Store.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Wallpaper: A Shade Wilder.

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Read our guide on how long it takes to renovate an apartment broken down step-by-step.

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

The post An Art Deco Co-op Reaches Its Potential appeared first on Sweeten.

Is bare better? For these homeowners, who all renovated with a Sweeten general contractor, the answer is most definitely, yes. They wished for kitchens where the color palette stayed light and bright, and the storage was both expanded—and hidden. Check out their remodeled cook spaces below. 

Roxana and Gabriel, the owners of this one-walled kitchen, focused on making it as clean-lined as possible. A hidden range hood and refrigerator, plus deep storage drawers do the trick.

More storage, less clutter. That drove the vision for this 44-square-foot kitchen that maximizes the minimalist look with flat-paneled cabinets and pull-tab hardware.

You’d almost think open shelves don’t belong in a minimalist space, but Jen mastered her desired Scandinavian style while incorporating them. The key? A single-tone color palette and very organized accessories.

From the matching backsplash and countertop to the matte black fixtures, everything about this built-from-scratch kitchen proves that sometimes less really is more. 

A wood waterfall peninsula? We’re sold. While the kitchen cabinets in this cook space may lean more on the traditional side, the reserved color scheme and thoughtful mix of wood tones gives it that minimalistic look.

Storage was the main ask in this tiny but mighty kitchen. Cooking supplies are hidden away in the many cabinets (the homeowner’s even said, “sometimes it feels like we have too much kitchen storage”) which is why it looks so streamlined. 

The biggest focus of this kitchen renovation? To make the kitchen look well, less like a kitchen. The custom cabinetry with built-in storage and a hidden refrigerator deliver.

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Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Browse our kitchen renovation gallery.

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 7 Kitchen Renovations Where Minimalism Rules appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: A 1960s East Hampton kitchen renovation

Before: Ann was looking for a contractor for over two years to renovate the kitchen in her East Hampton, New York, home. She just couldn’t find the right fit—price-or-quality-wise. Her dark and dated kitchen, in a one-story house built in 1964, had a faux brick backsplash and the original cabinetry. It just wasn’t cutting it for Ann, a big entertainer, with lots of family members who love to come over and cook. However, after finding Sweeten and reading other renovation stories on the blog, she made a move and posted her kitchen renovation project. She matched with an East Hampton contractor who’d help turn the old-fashioned kitchen into host-worthy space.

After: Ann worked with her Sweeten general contractor and architect Daniel Gomes to reimagine the room. Daniel drew up the plans for an open kitchen, including removing the wall between the dining area and cook space and lifting the ceiling to a cathedral style (which was the contractor’s suggestion). Fortunately, those changes had a dramatic effect on the brightness and size of the room. 

The homeowner wanted a very timeless aesthetic. Flat-paneled white cabinets set the foundation for the classic look, complemented by white, taupe, and black granite countertops and gold cabinet hardware. Lighting above the island and the black-and-gold sink faucet echo the metallic hardware, tying it all together.

As a first-time renovator, Ann was happy to have Sweeten Client Services available throughout the project. “It was great to know somebody was there for you,” she shared. She also had a great time working with her contractor, who encouraged her to take time picking out the materials. Above all, he told her to not rush it—a renovation is not something that’s done every day. 

Patience was Ann’s main focus from the very start, since she waited to find a contractor she felt confident in. The homeowner suggests that future renovators do the same: shop around, speak with as many people as you can, and do research. This isn’t a process worth speeding through!

Ultimately, her fortitude paid off: “I just love having the open space, where everyone can sit and hang out together,” Ann said.

Bonus: The kitchen island is packed with storage, including a beverage cooler for wine, soda, and water.  [Find out more about other perks of kitchen islands from this Real Simple article.]

Thank you, Ann, for sharing your East Hampton kitchen renovation story with us! 

Style finds: Kitchen island pendants: Build.com. Kitchen cabinets: Forever Kitchen and Bath. Gold-tone cabinet hardware and mosaic backsplash: Art3d. Granite countertops: MSI.

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This is how much it costs per square foot to renovate in the Hamptons.

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 ‘60s East Hampton Kitchen Reaches New Heights appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Open up a poorly lit and tight kitchen

Before:  A year and a half into owning and living in their Riverdale, Bronx, home Elizabeth and Martin were ready to renovate their 124-square-foot galley kitchen. Inspired by other remodeled kitchens in their 1955 co-op building, they got an idea for how they could transform the layout to better suit their needs. Elizabeth, a research analyst for a public policy consulting firm, and Martin, a product designer for a video streaming company, posted their project on Sweeten and were matched with a design-build firm where they worked with both a designer and a contractor.

After: The biggest change? Knocking down walls between the kitchen and the entryway area to bring in more natural light. Their contractor also took down a partial wall between the kitchen and dining space to connect them. “We wanted to make the most of our floor space, have an open layout, and have comfortable dimensions for navigating the kitchen. We wouldn’t have felt as confident in our decision making in this area, but having the designer’s expertise and experience to make layout recommendations and to see her sketches (from every angle!) of the design made us comfortable with the plan, “ Elizabeth shared. 

The renovators wanted a clean and classic kitchen with plenty of prep space and minimal clutter. They worked with the designer to come up with practical storage solutions, including a set of glass-front cabinets, microwave cabinet, and built-in paper towel holder. The peninsula breakfast bar seats four to six and offers additional storage, too.

Elizabeth and Martin shopped with their designer to pick out materials, including the lava stone backsplash and quartz countertop. Copper cabinet hardware pops against the white custom cabinets and adds to the mix of metals (matte black for the sink faucet and stainless steel appliances).

The project’s biggest challenges included understanding what could be accomplished within the renovators’ budget, learning about material quality, and managing building, plus city, approvals. “This was our first renovation, and being the planning type, we really wanted to know what to expect and to be a step ahead,” Elizabeth shared. “Sweeten’s resources helped us know what to expect in terms of cost and timeline. Our contractor helped by providing a detailed scope of work and being communicative and responsive to emails throughout the project.” 

They relied on Sweeten from the get-go for reviewing and leveling quotes. But, most importantly, “knowing Sweeten was available and present to step in if needed, offered us a lot of peace of mind throughout the planning and execution of our renovation,” Elizabeth said.

Their new space reinvigorated Martin’s love for cooking and unlike pre-renovation, the couple actually enjoys spending time together in their kitchen now. 

Bonus: The couple adopted a cat, Norah J., as their renovation wrapped up. 

Style finds: Cabinets: Custom by general contractor. Bardiglio Imperial tile: Nemo Tile. Studio Collection 128 MM cabinet pulls in Polished Copper: Hickory Hardware. Quartz countertops: Viatera. Stardust Apollo backsplash in Moon Rock: Walker Zanger. Sink: Kraus. Faucet: Delta. Stove and refrigerator: Samsung. Dishwasher: Bosch. Trace 4 pendant light: Blu Dot. Gresley French bistro bar stool: Safavieh.

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Here’s how much you could spend on materials, labor, and permits for your kitchen 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 A Kitchen Renovation Reignites a Love for Cooking appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Create a family-friendly, contemporary kitchen

Before: After a few years of renting in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Natalia and Daniel were ready to buy a place of their own. They found a two-bedroom co-op with a great location (across the street from Fort Greene Park!), knowing a renovation would be necessary to make the 1950s space feel like home. The to-be remodelers (who were also expecting their first child!) wanted to take advantage of the large windows and natural light, and better connect the dark and tight galley kitchen to the rest of the living space. The TV producer and creative director posted their project to Sweeten and were matched with a general contractor.

After: The Sweeten contractor got to work to modernize and lighten the space. Important, though not visible changes, like updating the electrical wiring, became a high priority. “It’s actually a huge peace-of-mind knowing that the air-conditioning won’t short-circuit the dishwasher,” Daniel shared. From there, they skim-coated the walls and ceilings across the apartment to smooth out years of bad paint jobs and patchwork. The floors were also spruced up, sanded down, and refinished to look brand new.

The renovators decided to extend the counter space into the dining area as a serving surface. It also helps join the rooms. Since the galley-style cooking space was tight, the couple chose a slim refrigerator and narrow base cabinets on one side to improve flow.

The overall timeline was one of the most critical parts of the project. Not only was the couple paying rent and a mortgage simultaneously, but they also had a baby on the way! Their contractor and his team worked hard to meet their chosen deadline and helped the first-time renovators navigate the process from start to finish. “He also was able to fill in the gaps on the small things you don’t think about as a first-time renovator, like the right ways to get the wood and tile floors to meet in the kitchen. He often provided those materials himself, or ordered them for us,” Daniel shared.

They were relieved to have Sweeten by their side, too. “Sweeten was helpful when we had questions about billing standards and really put us at ease. But honestly, the biggest help is just at the beginning—finding a reliable contractor with good reviews. It sounds simple, but it isn’t,” Daniel said.

Now they’re enjoying their renovated home with their little one in tow.

Bonus: Daniel and Natalia’s renovation advice: “It’s easier than you think! Just do as much planning as you can, be firm in your choices, and stick to them when you can, and just take it step by step. Oh, and find a good contractor to collaborate with!”

Style finds: Tile floor and backsplash: Tile Depot. Voxtorp cabinets. oak countertops: Ikea. Custom Corian countertop and Ellington LED lighting: Home Depot. Floating shelves: Custom Floating Shelves.

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An experienced renovator worked with a Sweeten general contractor to open up her galley kitchen.

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 Reimagining the Open Concept Kitchen appeared first on Sweeten.