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“After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Homeowner Angela posted her co-op bathroom renovation on Sweeten
  
• Where: Manhattan, New York City
• Primary renovation: Updating a dated co-op bathroom in a landmark building
  
• Sweeten general contractor
  
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering input, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Starting a renovation

Angela, an epidemiologist, moved to Manhattan from New Jersey and started renting. She loved the city so much, she decided to make it her home. She chose to live at The Manor, a 1928 landmark building in the East 40s, for its grand lobby and beautiful casement windows that overlook a neighborhood park and provide natural light. The only thing due for an update? The co-op’s outdated, flawed bathroom.

A designer brings ideas for an old bathroom

She lived in her apartment for several years, doing research and planning before embarking on a renovation. She discovered Sweeten around the same time she found an image of a similar bathroom done by interior designer Andrea Brodfuehrer. “Everything just came together,” Angela said, and she posted her project on Sweeten.

The bathroom wasn’t in great shape. It had broken tiles, visible pipes, and water shut-off valves near the sink, plus poorly placed ceramic fixtures; like a toilet paper holder installed on the tile wall that was uncomfortably close to the toilet. The outdated bathroom needed storage solutions that worked better than the existing storage areas (the floor, ledges, or open shelving behind the bathroom door.)

Though she knew what she wanted, Angela said, “I barely knew where to start. Seeing blog posts like the ones on Sweeten gave me some insight into the process and helped motivate me to take the plunge with the renovation.”

A glamorous, organized white bathroom

Once she was ready to get estimates and interview contractors, Angela said, “Sweeten client services were there for me, ensuring I found [the contractor] who was the right fit for my project. It helped make the process feel a bit less daunting.” Her Sweeten general contractor was in regular communication with Angela and her designer throughout the process and was responsive to questions, comments, and tweaks along the way.

Stylewise, Angela wanted to keep things simple and classic yet unique. She fell in love with a Kelly Wearstler floor tile that Andrea had shown her and admitted it was her favorite part of the bathroom. By contrast, since the floor tile was bold, she chose a white subway tile for the walls with light gray grout for balance.

Angela also included marble niches and shelves, including one next to the sink that mimicked one she had seen in one of Andrea’s previous designs. In the shower, she opted for a rain showerhead and a handheld; Andrea also suggested including a hook above the shower niche for yet another shower option.

Adding bathroom storage solutions

For more storage, a space between the shower and the wall that housed some pipes became tucked-away shelves, perfect for towels and toiletries and a hidden toilet paper holder.

At first, Angela thought that a designer wasn’t necessary for such a small bathroom with no layout change. But now, she would highly recommend it. Once she met Andrea, they clicked right away. “She had amazing ideas and helped pull things together in a way I couldn’t have myself,” Angela said.

Overall, the project went smoothly, but Angela was surprised at how difficult it was to see the bathroom reduced to rubble. “Once the general contractor put everything back together, though, that phase of the work seemed like a distant memory,” she recalled.

Finding the right general contractor

After initially meeting with a few contractors, Angela realized how important it was to nail down what she really wanted in order to ensure she got comparable estimates. It was essential to get a sense of a contractor’s personality and how well they would work together. “Our contractor made a great first impression when he braved an unusually busy day due to the Women’s March to come to see the bathroom and provide an estimate,” she said. “Renovating can be a relatively short but very intense process, so it’s important to find someone you can trust.”

Renovation materials

Liaison by Kelly Wearstler Mosaics floor tile: Ann Sacks. Arctic White subway wall tile: Daltile. Hardware, towel bar, and hooks: Pottery Barn. Kohler Artifacts shower fixtures, rain shower head; and Bancroft sink/vanity and toilet: Kohler. Sconce lighting: Bellacor. Mirror: Restoration Hardware.

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Considering your own co-op bathroom renovation? See What to Know Before you Change the Layout in your NYC Co-op or Condo.

Read Sweeten’s guide, The Renovating Do’s and Don’ts About DIY,  if you’re thinking of trying DIY at home.

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

The post A Co-op Bathroom Renovation Shines with Sleek Tile & Storage appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Pixy Interiors for Sweeten

Project: Transform a one-bedroom unit by splitting the master bath into two; adding a second bathroom and an extra bedroom. 

Before: When Jeanne and Philip found out they were having a baby, it was just the incentive they needed to renovate. Changing the layout of their 1,000-square-foot apartment would be more efficient for their growing family. They wanted more space to enjoy while raising their little one—without being on top of one another. Luckily, with the help of Sweeten, a free renovation platform that matches homeowners with licensed general contractors and tracks their projects, they posted their project and found a contractor who could help fulfill their vision of adding a second bathroom and bedroom by splitting up the master bath.

They discussed turning their one-bedroom into a two-bedroom and splitting their master bath into two with their contractor. Luckily, there was enough square footage to play with. The previous owner had taken a closet next to the master bathroom to make a large walk-in shower. The couple’s Sweeten contractor would use some of that space to make a guest bath and second bedroom.

After: The couple decided a design-build firm would be a good fit since maximizing their apartment’s limited space would be tricky. Plus, the contractor handled the architectural documents required by the co-op board and filed for city permits. The family’s main goal was to turn the guest bath into an ADA-compliant space. To do so, they had to add a step up due to underlying drains. Without it, the room would not be able to function in such a capacity. An ADA-compliant space follows a federal guideline to provide greater access to people with limited mobility.

SLIDESHOW:

SLIDESHOW:

“I asked the designer to come up with different looks, then mixed and matched,” Jeanne says. “We wanted to be a bit more forward and get funkier.”

Bonus: A new wall-hung toilet takes less floor space than a traditional toilet would.

Style finds: Toilet: Kohler. Vanity: Fresca. Sin/faucet: Grohe. Medicine cabinet: Robern. Toilet paper holder and a hand towel hook Ginger. Subway tile and herringbone mosaic: Nemo Tile. Flooring Daltile. Rain shower and hand-held system: Hansgrohe.

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Give new life to your kitchen. Here’s what you need to know on the renovation costs for a kitchen in NYC.

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 Adding a Second Bath for Convenience appeared first on Sweeten.

If you are thinking about redoing your bathroom—whether it is a minor refresh or an extensive update—choosing the right vanity is essential. It can be a nice focal point for your design as well as a functional item that will keep you organized.

We pored over some of the bathroom renovations done by contractors in Sweeten‘s network, a free renovation platform that matches homeowners with licensed general contractors and tracks their projects, and found some common motifs—designs that keep coming up in recent bath transformations. Here is a look at some of the classic vanity styles that might inspire you as you plan your next renovation.

Pedestal vanities

Similar to exposed plumbing vanities in the fact that they are largely known for their space-saving qualities, pedestal vanities are making a resurgence, or so many believe. However, we would argue they never really went away. They have always been a classic option when it comes to updating a square-foot-challenged bathroom. They come in a range of designs—from contemporary to traditional—allowing them to blend into many different design environments.

Unusual configurations

When you are thinking about a bathroom model, one of the main ways to ensure that your new space will work for you is to consider how to reconfigure the layout to maximize space and storage as well as to make it suit your lifestyle. This is an opportunity to get clever and rethink the traditional vanity format.

For example, in one of the bathroom renovations featured above, you will notice that there is room for two sinks but the homeowners elected to install only one in favor more counter space—an unconventional decision but one that worked for them. In another renovation below, you will see the sink is placed in the corner with a long narrow “runway” countertop running along the wall, yet another example of out-of-the-box thinking.

Exposed plumbing

The exposed plumbing trend probably started as a way to save space in small bathrooms but is now a design statement. These out-in-the-open water and waste traps come in two basic types: the European P-trap and the standard U-pipe, both named for their shapes. While there are usually only these two basic styles, sink traps do come in all different finishes to suit your design aesthetic: chrome, brass, oil-rubbed, copper, stainless steel, brushed nickel, among others. Plumbing has never looked so good!

Vanities with vessel, vanity top & undermount sinks

It might not be the first thing you think about when deciding on a vanity for your bathroom but your choice of an undermount, vessel, or vanity top sink can drastically change the look of your space. An undermount sink is flush with the counter, giving it less chance of debris to be caught in between. A vanity top sink is just as it sounds, one placed on top of the vanity itself. It is considered a more modern-day choice but can be used effectively in any bathroom style, from rustic to contemporary. A vessel sink is usually (but not always) exposed on all sides and sits atop the vanity. It is more sculptural in appearance and doesn’t have faucet holes, making it necessary to mount the fixtures on the wall or counter.

Classic white vanities

White goes with everything. Basically, you can’t go wrong with a white vanity. But don’t be mistaken, not all white vanities are created equal. There are so many styles to choose from—from classic two-drawers, one-cabinet configurations to two long drawers with open storage space underneath. But to truly make a white vanity your own, consider the hardware you select. Do you fancy classic knobs, contemporary pulls, or none at all? Choose your favorite!

Floating vanities

Wall-mounted or floating, vanities are great for so many reasons. First, they are non-traditional so always a nice option for those who like to try something different. Second, they instantly make the space appear larger and give you extra room underneath if you like to place storage bins or baskets (however, these Sweeten renovators opted for a more streamlined look). Floating vanities are also easier to clean around and provide more square footage for radiant heat. Lastly, they can be placed at any height you desire, freeing you from the confines of the standard 30″ to 36″ vanities.

Double-sink vanities

Many people are enamored with double sinks—and for good reason, and really one big reason: SPACE. They provide extra “breathing room” for larger families, or just for couples who like their own space. Even though double-sink vanities often take up more counter surface,  we bet you will find the trade-off is well worth it.

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Has this inspired you to remodel your own bath? Then you might want to check out how long bathroom renovations typically take 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 8 Bathroom Vanity Style Ideas appeared first on Sweeten.

The post A Basement Remodel Boosts a Petite Footprint appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Expand a bathroom to add a washer and dryer 

Before: Ashleigh and Jonathan were renting an apartment in the Financial District of Manhattan while leasing out their own house in New Jersey, when they decided they’d rather own their everyday home. The couple sold their place across the river with the intention of buying an apartment in New York City. 

They found a 953-square-foot studio loft in DUMBO, Brooklyn, which was originally built as a soap factory in 1904. Since the place didn’t come equipped with a laundry hook up, they’d planned to have one installed to add a washer and dryer to their bathroom. Unfortunately, the couple didn’t realize what that upgrade would involve. “We had no idea that this next step would necessarily require renovation, however, we fell in love with the apartment, and figured out a way to make it work,” Ashleigh shared. 

After: The couple posted their renovation project to Sweeten, with the plan to increase the bathroom’s square footage by taking space from a nearby alcove.  Stylistically, the duo decided to keep it pretty simple, but also honor the industrial vibes of the building and the apartment. They were matched with a general contractor, who Sweeten shared was already working on another project in the same building. “That was a large factor in us deciding to go with him for the renovation,” Ashleigh said. 

From the onset, the contractor knew timing was tight—since the couple had to be out of their rental in the Financial District by a non-negotiable deadline. “Right off the bat, he told us to only consider items that were in stock and not special order so that we could avoid unnecessary delays, which definitely guided us down a somewhat limited path when selecting tile, fixtures, etc. He was also very helpful in making design suggestions, such as what direction the herringbone tile should be installed, how many recessed lights we needed, door/molding choices, etc,” Ashleigh shared. 

The homeowner’s first decision? The unfinished wood vanity with a Carrara marble top. From there, they chose the aged brass and gunmetal fixtures, classic white subway tiles, and navy paint for the walls. 

Once their contractor filed the necessary plumbing and electrical permits, all they could do, construction-wise, was wait. “He assured us that he was doing everything he could to make this happen and stayed in constant communication, keeping us informed on how things were progressing with our permits, as well as letting us know when he needed certain items for installation,” Ashleigh said. Once they came through, he had a month less than planned to complete the project—but all-in-all the renovation wrapped up just two days behind schedule. 

This wasn’t exactly Ashleigh and Jonathan’s first renovation—but their first with a licensed general contractor. “His experience and expertise helped guide us through the process,” Ashleigh said. Sweeten reached out during the process and offered assistance, but the couple noted they actually didn’t need any further help and that everything was moving along.

“We absolutely love our new bathroom. Given the limited space, it suits our needs and style perfectly. We’ve lived with and without a washer/dryer and much prefer life with one, so the fact that we could solve that problem with the apartment makes it infinitely more livable for us.” Ashleigh said.

WATCH VIDEO:

Bonus: Their Sweeten contractor also built a walk-in closet out of the remaining alcove space. 

Style finds: Floor in herringbone basalt mosaic; walls and shower in Nori Gloss 3×6” white ceramic subway tile: Complete Tile. Spray jet showerhead; vintage cross-handle balanced pressure bathtub and shower valve; trim set with bath spout in aged brass; early 20th century mercantile powder washstand with Carrara marble vanity top; vintage cross-handle 8” widespread faucet in aged brass; Edison glass inline double sconce in gunmetal bronze, early 20th century mercantile 84” cabinet: Restoration Hardware. Wall paint in Hale Navy, #HC-154: Benjamin Moore. Two-piece elongated chair, dual-flush toilet, #MW4463056CUMFGA#01: Toto. Frontloading W1 washing machine and T1 heat-pump tumble dryer: Appliances Connection.

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Check out another renovation where adding laundry was a main priority.

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

The post A Washer and Dryer Prompts a Bathroom Remodel appeared first on Sweeten.

Brooke and Sam knew they were home when they walked into this 1,800-foot, loft-style Brooklyn condo. The three-bedroom Fort Greene apartment was modern and gave them room to grow. That was good, because by the time they’d closed on it, they had  one-week-old baby Leroy in their arms. Brooke, a digital media exec, and Sam, a tech specialist, loved the sleek two-floor space, but wanted to freshen up the kitchen and (three!) baths, and give the apartment whimsical style. While in contract, they’d posted their project on Sweeten, a free service that matches renovators with vetted general contractors. Soon, they’d chosen their contractor and had keys to the condo. Here’s how new mom Brooke took the designer’s seat and pulled off a baby-friendly redo in a flash.

Guest blog post by Sweeten homeowner Brooke

We closed on our home one week after I gave birth to our daughter. The search for an apartment lasted longer than planning for the baby. For almost 2 years my husband and I would visit multiple open houses on a weekend throughout Brooklyn while we rented an apartment in Park Slope (a few blocks from where my husband grew up.) I had sold the apartment on the Upper East Side that I had purchased before we were married in the hopes of us finding a place to purchase together. Finally, while I was pregnant, we found it. When we saw it, we knew Fort Greene was our home.

The building is a resident-managed condominium built in 2010. The apartment is a duplex with 1,800 square feet of living space. We loved the clean, modern look and the openness and light in the apartment. It wasn’t perfect, though. All three of the bathrooms needed updating, the kitchen felt tired and the stairs weren’t kid-safe. The upstairs felt challenged: There was no master walk-in closet,  a huge landing off of the stairs not fully maximized, and the laundry was tucked into a closet with a small space for linen. We had a vision and felt sure we could fix these problems while adding real value to the property. 

We had one month left on our Park Slope lease and 10 weeks of work to do. This was my second renovation, but my husband’s first. He felt we needed a designer and architect in addition to a contractor. We weren’t moving plumbing or taking down walls, so an architect wasn’t needed. I convinced him of my designing abilities by creating mood boards on Houzz and pins on Pinterest and making a cohesive design plan. This DIY approach was key to keeping down costs and saving us time. 

[A neutral bathoom] would ensure that a future buyer wouldn’t find the bathroom too edgy. But I also wanted it to be fun.

For the safety of our baby, we wanted a new banister with a closed glass barrier, and to install backings between the treads of the open stairs. Our Sweeten contractor helped me find a way to do this without compromising the style of the modern staircase, which was excellent!

While the bathrooms were the main focus, we didn’t have much budget for the kitchen, but it needed a refresh. I decided to replace two sets of cabinet doors with black-framed glass facings to give the space a new feel and continue the open feeling of the glass banister through to the rest of the first floor. I changed out the pendant lights with a coordinating set that has white-glass shades and black cords. This quick-fix was exciting!

(Above) Child’s bathroom

I was most looking forward to working on the kids’ bath. I wanted tiles that were neutral and sophisticated—this would ensure that a future buyer wouldn’t find the bathroom too edgy. But I also wanted it to be fun for our little girl. When I saw the blue with pink and yellow floral wallpaper, I knew it was perfect. The shower tiles, with a textured gray pattern, are my absolute favorite feature.

(Above) Powder room

In the powder room downstairs, we decided to use wood-looking ceramic tiles on the floor I had leftover from a previous renovation. Since the tiling would be neutral, I wanted to add something amusing and sophisticated—the black-and-white floral wallpaper was a find. The large-scale pattern, absent of color, makes the small bathroom pop without looking too busy. 

(Above) Master bathroom

In the master bathroom, we had fun with hexagon floor tiles. The textured gray tiles are Sam’s favorite find—they were a splurge, but by using them to skirt the tub, we didn’t need many. We chose a large mirrored medicine cabinet to increase storage and make the tiny space feel larger. 

WATCH VIDEO:

Overall, we made closet storage more efficient including closing off the washer and dryer, which was located on the second-floor stairwell landing, into its own closet. Now, as a full laundry room, it hides all the linens and clutter. 

Through it all, our contractor and his team were incredible. They understood that I was on a tight timeline and pushed to get things done quickly. They set up a materials shopping list for me and suggested successful materials from previous renovations they’d done. They helped us source and purchase materials at good prices. My advice as a veteran renovator: when working with contractors, appreciate their expertise! 

We never had a problem we couldn’t solve with our construction team. We stayed at my mom’s Upper East Side apartment for a month while we finished, and I traveled back and forth from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Our renovation took roughly 10 weeks from start to finish.  

We had a hard move-in date, as I had booked our baby-naming party and had invited 45 people to the apartment. We hit it! We moved in on Tuesday and everyone came on Saturday. It was a challenge, but worked out perfectly. Every day, my husband and I look around and think, “Wow, we did it.” We designed a space that feels like us—bright, comfortable, and home!  

Thank you, Brooke and Sam, for sharing your new home!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Custom cabinet doors: Cabinetmaker sourced through contractor. Pendant light fixtures: Alibaba.

CHILD’S BATHROOM RESOURCES: Fine Point Floral wallpaper in blue: Chasing Paper. Atelier White matte floor tiles: Sourced through contractor. Cubo Velluto Calacatta Gold Textured shower tiles: Artistic Tile. Gillette vanity: Allmodern. Kohler medicine cabinet and toilet: Kohler. Moen sink faucet: Moen. Shower door: Dreamline. Tissue holder & towel ring: West Elm. Towel hooks: Build.com. Lighting fixtures: Home Depot. 

POWDER ROOM RESOURCES: Black and white floral wallpaper: Anewall. Calacatta Gold Polished floor tiles: Provided by contractor. Kohler Santa Rosa toilet: Kohler. Sink: American Standard. Moen faucet and shower system: Moen. Mirror: Wayfair. Shower door: Dreamline. Rough-cast black towel bar, tissue holder & robe hook: CB2. Lighting fixtures: Home Depot.

MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES: Saigon Black Matte Hexagon Field Floor tiles: Sourced through contractor. Tub skirt tiles: Pratt & Larson. Vanity: decorplanet.com. Medicine cabinet: Allmodern. Shower, tub, drain & shower system and faucet: Delta. Kohler Santa Rosa toilet: Kohler. Towel bar, robe hook & tissue holder: Etsy. Lighting fixtures: houzz.com.

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

The post Renovating a Duplex in Time for the Baby-naming Party appeared first on Sweeten.

The post Renovating a “Handyman Special” Co-op Apartment in Kew Gardens 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.

Project: Build a relaxing and refreshing bathroom

Before: Gus, a public health researcher, and Katherine, a chef, bought their Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, co-op over five years ago with every intention to renovate—just not right away. When they and their dog Miles, were ready, they came to Sweeten and posted their project. They were matched with a general contractor to facilitate a full remodel of their dated bathroom—a standard white-tiled space with a built-in metal hamper from the ‘50s, impractical storage niches above the pedestal sink, and layers of old tiles on the walls. “The previous owners’ attempts at updating involved putting tile on top of existing tile,” Gus shared.

After: Gus and Katherine’s philosophy for picking out fixtures and materials was to focus on cost and functionality. They were willing to put more money toward things that would be used and touched regularly, like the shower and sink handles. 

They created a cohesive and cool look with a clever mix of tiles: a herringbone ceramic for a statement wall, classic white ceramic for the remaining walls, and dark porcelain on the floor. The combined bathtub and shower is lined with marble, which their contractor also used to build floating shelves. Matte black fixtures for the sink and shower tie it all together.

In lieu of a traditional vanity,  Gus and Katherine chose a wall-hung sink that saves on floor space. The basin is offset giving more counter space on one side. Plus, the double-mirrors with storage ledges provide another storage option.

The couple stayed in communication with Sweeten, who answered questions that came up throughout the process. “[They] were accessible and checked in to make sure everything was going well,” Gus shared. 

As first-time renovators, they were also happy to have hired a design-build firm who not only handled the construction but the design, too. “Having a designer as a part of our renovation team was hands down one of the best decisions we made,” he said.

Bonus: One of their biggest pieces of advice? ”Be prepared to have lots of feelings as you go through this process.”

Style finds: Floor in Strada Porcelain Collection wall tile in Cold; accent wall tile in Jadite glazed herringbone from the Mosaic Collection; remaining walls in Metro Ultra White 6’x’6 tile: Nemo Tile. Odin Collection shower fixtures: Brizo. Scarabeo 24” sink: Nameeks. Toilet: Kohler. Mirror/medicine cabinet: Signature Hardware. Oswego 9” Clear Dom lighting: Rejuvenation.

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Check out Amy’s bathroom renovation in Kensington, Brooklyn.

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 Green Herringbone Tile Shines in a Bath Remodel appeared first on Sweeten.

• Homeowner: Allyson, an attorney, posted her bathroom remodel on Sweeten
• Where: East Flatbush, Brooklyn
• Primary renovation: Remodeling the bathroom in a 1920s home to fit a more creative and modern aesthetic
• Sweeten general contractor

Written in partnership with homeowner Allyson

Starting with the bathroom

Allyson purchased her East Flatbush, Brooklyn home with the intent to renovate and make it her own. Over the years, she collected goods and artwork from around the world. Her first home would showcase those finds and express her creativity. Allyson posted her renovation project to Sweeten, for a full bathroom makeover and hired her general contractor.

An electrical inspection revealed a full electrical update was required. According to the electrician, stereo wire had been used to establish connections. Therefore, it was a matter of when, not if, the house would catch fire. Her scope had just expanded.

Personalize and modernize a dated bathroom

Allyson had a very clear vision for the space. “I wanted my bathroom to combine and reflect my love of vintage, mid-century modern, Afrocentrism, brass, and natural wood elements,” she shared. A separate shower and bathtub were also important. The 1950s wall hamper was removed and a closet in the adjacent bedroom was claimed to build the shower. P.S. That bedroom turned into a full walk-in closet!

Every element, from the flooring to the vanity, was a result of Allyson’s pursuit to personalize the space. She and her contractor worked together to ensure the materials she found were the right size and configuration. “I took on the part of figuring out what I wanted. He would instruct what mechanisms it’d need to fit,” she said. Her contractor turned a vintage credenza Allyson found online into a vanity. She installed brass sinks that were sourced from Australia.

Using geometric spaces and salvaged materials

The bathroom floor, a mix of marble tile and brass rod inlays, required laying it out in a separate room and individually cutting the brass pieces. “I knew I wanted a look that was geometric, unusual, and somewhat imperfect,” Allyson said. The “new” door, an 1800s brownstone pocket door from Big Reuse, a nonprofit for salvaged and surplus building materials, became Allyson’s personal undertaking and definitely earned her some sweat equity. After at least two months of stripping and sanding to remove seemingly endless layers of paint and varnish, she decided to leave it to the professionals. “I could not be happier with having that vintage element added to my bathroom,” she said. Overall the scheme is a mix of cool and warm tones, with brass making an appearance in the shower and bathtub fixtures, as well as the lighting. The shower tiles, a rich aqua, have a windblown texture—the idea behind them was to make you feel like you’re surrounded by water.

The biggest and most time-consuming part of the renovation was sourcing all the materials. Allyson hit all the stops: Etsy, Instagram, Anthropologie, and international sites to find ideas. The process even inspired her to start a business called Cultivate Self, where she’ll curate items inspired by global design and travel, and share her tips for cultivating a home.

Having a flexible general contractor

Throughout the entire process, Allyson’s contractor helped to achieve her vision. “My contractor was patient and never dismissed my ideas as ridiculous or impossible.  If something wasn’t how I liked it, he made sure that it was corrected. Because a lot of the items I wanted to use came from outside of the country, he worked around my undependable delivery schedule.  He took a potentially stressful situation and provided steady guidance and expertise,” Allyson said. “I truly appreciate their amazing work and help in making this renovation happen. I really feel like my bathroom reflects my creative vision and I love every inch of it.”

While she’s still very much in the weeds of the rest of her renovation, the homeowner and first-time renovator has advice to share. “Don’t be afraid to take risks. I read that if you’re not doing something in your renovation that scares you, you’re not doing it right.”

Bonus: The brass inlay and marble floor was inspired by a backsplash Allyson saw on Instagram.

Renovation materials

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Thassos 1×1 white marble tile, Thassos white Greek marbled honed subway tile: Houzz. Brass rod inlays, #MTL-03-BR: Inlay Product World laid by contractor to create custom flooring pattern. Wall tile in Glassio Lumiere 3×6 Angel Feather crackle subway tile; California Faucets shower fixtures (handshower #9128S, shower head #SH-177-6, arm flange #9132C, flange #9103)  in satin brass; California Faucets wall-mount faucet, #TO-V6602-7; California Faucets wall mount tub spout, #TS-65: Decor Planet. Brass basin sink, #10284 and bathtub handshower: JustinPlace. Shower wall tile in Glasstints dune textured glass in Aqua and shower floor and niche in Glasstints corundum texture glass tile in Aqua Beryl: Interstyle. Broyhill credenza converted into vanity by Sweeten contractor. Reclaimed 1800s pocket door and vintage wood (for floating shelves): Big Reuse. Emtek mid-century pocket door lock; Maykee barnet oval bathtub: Amazon. Perch round mirror with shelf: CB2. Double bare bulb wall sconce and mini helix flush mount light in brass; wall brackets for floating shelves in brass, towel rack, toilet paper holder, and wall hook: Pepe & Carols. Kohler Persuade dual-flush toilet, #K-3815-0: Home Depot.

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This is how much it costs to renovate a bathroom in New York City.

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

The post An Eclectic Bath Is a Mix of Mid-Century and Global Style appeared first on Sweeten.

Rebecca’s vision for the unique triplex apartment in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village started to form the first day she set foot in it. She was smitten with the multi-level layout and loved that the space had two full bathrooms. Rebecca, an Emmy-winning TV producer, bought the approximately 800-square-foot, one-bedroom co-op and moved in. Eight years went by before she was ready to renovate. It was time well spent. She’d used it to learn what she loved—and didn’t—about the upstairs, downstairs abode. Armed with a list of must-dos and ideas, Rebecca posted her project on Sweeten, a free service that connects renovators with vetted general contractors. Soon, she had her Sweeten design-build firm signed on, ready to transform her home from super to superlative.

Guest blog post by homeowner Rebecca

I loved the stacked layout of my apartment from the moment I saw it. The high ceilings made it feel like a loft—just the downtown Manhattan vibe I was looking for. Triplexes are rare; the three floors are a surprise when you walk in. I purchased the co-op eight years ago, knowing I would eventually renovate, but I wanted to live in it for a while, to think about the space and what I wanted to do with it.

I also wanted to take my time to find a contractor I really liked. This was my first experience with a renovation, and I had no idea how to approach it. Unfortunately, my first encounters with construction people left me feeling even more lost. I had spoken with a friend about my desire to change the apartment and told her about my frustration at trying to find the right contractor. She had a friend who’d had great success with Sweeten, and she suggested I check it out. After I posted my project, I met with several bidding firms, but when I met the general contractor I ultimately hired, I knew it was a match. We hit it off right away and she was genuinely excited to help me turn the apartment into a place I loved.

My primary goal in the renovation was to open up the space. The three-level layout wouldn’t make it easy, but the home did have good light, and the open staircases were a start. I wanted to free up the square footage on each floor while making every area more functional. My main focus was on the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen was small and closed-off and was in desperate need of a refresh. Both bathrooms were due to be gutted and redone. Like everyone else in New York City, I also wanted more (and smarter) storage. The contractor got it immediately. She really listened to what I wanted and helped to turn my thoughts into things we could make happen, while at the same time coming up with her own innovative ideas.

The kitchen was a total win, and that gave me the courage to take on the next phase: the renovation of both bathrooms.

The contractor also had training as an architect and a designer, and she brought an amazing eye to the project. She started by helping me come up with a color palette. I really like whites, grays, and cool blues, and I decided I wanted to carry those colors through the apartment so it felt like one cohesive space. Bright white has the amazing ability to modernize and brighten simultaneously, and we went with a lot of it, including on the walls, cabinetry, and shelving units to achieve a light, open look. I liked the contrast to the existing wood floors, which had been a honey-brown color, but looked so much better restained in a rich, dark walnut.

We started on the entry floor of the apartment and worked on the kitchen first. The room was tiny and walled off from the rest of the apartment. It had a beat-up butcher-block counter and golden-brown, ‘80s-style cabinets. We decided to knock down the inside wall and open up the kitchen to the long, little-used entry hall adjacent to it. Later, when the contractor tore out the wall and the old kitchen behind it, the space immediately felt lighter and more spacious. It made a huge impact on the flow of the apartment.

I’ve always loved the complementary pairing of white and gray, so we chose a striking, slate-veined marble for the countertops and the facings on the newly created kitchen island. It coordinates beautifully with the stainless-steel appliances and cabinet hardware. The island offers plenty of room for a two-stool breakfast bar, and a sleek new storage unit lining the wall, with upper and lower cabinets, offers kitchen-goods storage and auxiliary counter space, too.

(Above) Guest bathroom

The kitchen was a total win, and that gave me the courage to take on the next phase: the renovation of both bathrooms. We did them one after the other, starting with the first-floor guest bath before moving upstairs to the master.

In each of the bathrooms, I hoped to find ways to create more space, while making the room feel brighter and more welcoming. Tile turned out to be the key. While shopping for it, I fell so in love with the stunning patterns I found at Ann Sacks that for both bathrooms, I selected the tile designs first—and fixtures and other elements to accommodate them. Once again, I went with whites and grays, doing the downstairs guest bath in marble, with a graphic black-and-white pattern on the floor.

The master bathroom, on the third floor, was the last big gut job. The construction team ripped out the old dove-gray tile and went to work on a sleek, simple design in black and white. Since this is my personal bathroom, I went with a glass shower panel in a stand-up shower. The small, wall-mounted vanity has a sleek matte black finish. To top off my storage desires and help the bathroom stay minimal, my Sweeten contractor set a giant, mirrored storage cabinet into the wall—this spot for bottles, jars, and brushes has a door that doubles as a full-length mirror.

I have to admit, the demolition and gut renovations of those two bathrooms were tough to live through. Even with one working bathroom at all times, it was really not fun! I kept telling myself that once the construction was finished, it would be amazing! And it really is. That dose of demo-inspired misery made my brand-new bathrooms look even shinier!

All told, the renovation lasted nine months. The kitchen and baths were the most work, but the job included paint and other aesthetic finishes in the living room and bedroom, and on both staircases as well. At every turn, I was in awe of, and so grateful for, my contractor’s knack for understanding how to make the most of small spaces. From the ingenious pull-out pantry next to the refrigerator she found for the kitchen to her suggestion of swapping out an iron inset on the second floor for a light-channeling glass panel, she helped me make the most of the space. My new-and-improved apartment is incredible. I’m so happy to come home every day!

Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your new and layered home!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Calacatta marble countertop and backsplash. Cabinets and island: Custom by general contractor. Cabinet hardware: Armac Martin. Stove: Bertazzoni. Refrigerator and dishwasher: Fisher & Paykel. Wine refrigerator: Sub-Zero.  Peninsula light fixture; hallway lighting: Restoration Hardware. Bar stools: Custom by Restoration Hardware.

GUEST BATHROOM RESOURCES: Shower fixtures, faucet, vanity, vanity hardware: Samuel Heath. Toilet: Toto. Medicine cabinet: Robern.  Floor, shower and wall tile: Ann Sacks.

MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES: Shower fixtures and vanity hardware: California Faucets. Sink, faucet, vanity, medicine cabinet: Robern. Toilet: Toto. Floor, shower and wall tile: Ann Sacks.

BEDROOM RESOURCES: Mirrored closet doors: Existing.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Light fixture: Restoration Hardware. Wall paint in Cobblestone Path, #1606: Benjamin Moore.

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Check out the renovation of a loft apartment in Greenwich Village.

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 Triplex Gets a Top-to-Bottom Makeover appeared first on Sweeten.

In some ways, nothing has changed at the Jamaica, New York house that sisters Gayle, Merri, and their family have called home for 50 years. But while the bones of the home, like the family that lived there, have remained the same, most of what meets the eye has changed. Calling on Sweeten, a free service matching renovators with vetted general contractors, Gayle, a freelance brand strategist, and Merri, a corporate accountant, posted their project and hired a general contractor to bring all 1,200 square feet of the two-story, traditional-style house up to date. And they did it just in time to commemorate its 100th birthday.

Guest blog post by homeowner Gayle

Ripping out the dark brown paneling and the shag carpeting of our family’s detached home in Jamaica, a working-class neighborhood in Queens, New York, couldn’t have come soon enough. Our parents bought the home in 1970 and our family has lived in it continuously since then. I’ve been living in the home since 2012, Merri moved in in 2014, and we purchased the house from our mom, who had downsized to an apartment by then, in 2017.

Most of the house hadn’t been updated since the ’70s. The space was functional, but it was a little worn, outdated, dark, and drafty.

Our main goals for the reno were to dispel the darkness throughout the house and to bring out the home’s original character, which had really been buried. On a purely functional level, we also wanted to make the house more comfortable by upgrading the interior insulation and making sure the electrical and plumbing were up to snuff.

The flooring throughout the house was another element that helped tie everything together. After peeling back the old carpeting, we discovered that all of the original hardwood floors were in great shape for a house built in the 1920s, so we ended up just sanding and staining them dark walnut. Not having to pay for new flooring saved us a ton of money. We then installed walnut wood-look porcelain tile in the kitchen and bathroom to keep the look cohesive.

[we found] a stained glass window behind paneling in the dining room. I wanted to keep it, so the contractor protected it and framed it out without missing a beat.

Between Merri and I, there must be dozens of books in the house. Part what we wanted in making over the house was one central place to keep them. I’ve always loved houses with libraries, so we designated one long wall in the dining room for the library, and bought a six-tier bookshelf to hold everything.

The dining room is located right off of the living room and off of that is an enclosed porch, which we turned into a mudroom. To section off the two spaces, we asked for a glass door, but there was a miscommunication with the contractor and an exterior door was installed instead. What we really wanted was a French door with multiple panes of glass from top to bottom. Our contractor quickly swapped it out for exactly what we wanted, but it was a lesson on how to be specific with requests!

But before we got to decorating, there was some renovating to be done. Our biggest challenge was getting the kitchen exactly right. We moved a corner sink to a new spot under the large window overlooking the backyard. We didn’t want to knock down walls or change the footprint of the kitchen, but we needed more storage. So we got cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling and added a pantry, which had never been in the house before. We also added a ginormous refrigerator, a dishwasher, and we swapped out the microwave over the range for a freestanding hood. The sizes and layout of the upper and lower cabinets had to be precise to accommodate all of these additions without making the room look overstuffed.

For the bathroom walls, we found 12” x 24” rectangular blocks of gray fabric-look tile. It’s very understated but luxe and looks like suit fabric. We stayed in a hotel that used this kind of tile and managed to track down a lookalike. Everyone thinks it’s wallpaper until they touch it.

As first-time renovators, this was actually one of the biggest lessons we learned: Write your requests down! First, it helps you and whoever you may be renovating with (in this case, my sister) get on the same page. Merri and I have very different tastes and writing down what we wanted forced us to find common ground. The first day we met with our Sweeten contractor matches, we had a list ready for them to react to and this saved so much time. We were able to find out exactly how far our budget would stretch. The list also allowed our contractor to help us prioritize needs and wants. We kept revisiting it throughout the renovation.

Prior to this, I personally hadn’t done more than paint a wall and put up shelves in my apartment, so the thought of a top to bottom house renovation was mildly terrifying. We were most worried about what was lurking behind the walls—the condition of the electrical and the plumbing. The house is almost 100 years old, so you’re never sure what you’re going to find.

We did discover that two support beams were missing under the front entryway floor, which was why it sloped so bad. When our contractor called to tell me, he already had a solution to suggest and pricing ready, so we were able to easily make the correction without impacting the timeline. A good surprise, though, was finding a stained glass window behind paneling in the dining room that was removed. I wanted to keep it, so the contractor protected it and framed it out without missing a beat.

I never felt like I was out of the loop on what was going on with our contractor and his team. Even when our mom became ill one month into construction, we didn’t have a lot of time to talk to him or meet with him, but our back and forth communication had been so great before that he was able to just keep going, handling all of the small decisions and only calling if there was a major decision that needed our input. It was a relief that the work didn’t stop.

Our Sweeten Client Services contacts were also great with checking in weekly to see if everything was proceeding as planned. Three months after we started, the renovation was completed. My favorite part was experiencing how the atmosphere of the rooms transformed; I’d grown up here and everything was very clear in my mind, just the way my parents had it. The renovation actually made it feel like a completely new house. Now, it feels like a calm sanctuary. I just love how relaxed I instantly feel when I walk through the front door.

Thank you, Gayle and Merri, for sharing your family home!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Style Selections black walnut wood-look floor tile, #397692;  Allen + Roth cabinet pulls and knobs, #52356; Anatolia marble wall tile, #758465; Moden Caldwell chrome faucet, #118697;  LG French door refrigerator, #LFC24770ST; LG dishwasher, #LDT7808ST; LG range, #LDG4315ST: Lowe’s. Walnut countertop, #10024193: Lumber Liquidators. IPT Sink Company apron front sink, #IPTFC33PLN: Home Depot.  Lighting: Elements at Home. Paint in Silver Spring, #2120-50: Benjamin Moore.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Style Selections black walnut wood-look floor tile, #397692; Elida Ceramic marble tile in shower, #775763; Moen Adler shower fixtures, #812943; Scott Living Canterbury sink and vanity, #719530; American Standard toilet, #806369; Kohler recessed medicine cabinet, #1241: Lowe’s. Tektile porcelain wall tile, #MVP2994: Wayfair. Edgemere lighting: Elements at Home. Paint in Stone White, #2120-70: Benjamin Moore.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Light fixtures: Elements at Home. Paint in White Water, #2120-60: Benjamin Moore.

DINING ROOM RESOURCES: Ceiling light fixture: Elements at Home. Paint in White Water, #2120-60: Benjamin Moore.

BEDROOM RESOURCES: Popilion flush mount chandelier: Amazon. Paint in White Water, #2120-60: Benjamin Moore.

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Are you renovating a single-family home? Check out Sandra and Nelson’s Tudor-style house in South Slope, Brooklyn.

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

The post A Childhood House in Queens Grows Up appeared first on Sweeten.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Reef branch chandelier: Dutton Brown.

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Here are the costs to renovate per square foot in New York City.

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

The post The Co-op That Walnut Built appeared first on Sweeten.

Project: Update an old and crumbling bathroom

Before: Sharon and Laurence have lived in their Financial District apartment for 25 years. They moved to the area for more space and because, at that time, it was considered “off the radar.” Eight years ago, they renovated the kitchen but were hesitant to tackle the bathroom—mostly due to the logistics of living without one during a remodel. But the space was falling apart and they hardly used the tub, so it finally came to the point where a renovation was in order. “We felt confident with Sweeten when we learned that they had contractors that worked in New York City and were comfortable with the unique challenges of working in a co-op with its strict rules,” Sharon said. They posted their project to the platform and matched with a general contractor.

After: Sharon and Laurence had initially hoped to expand the 48-square-foot bathroom, but after investigating a “mystery space” behind a wall, they learned it wasn’t quite big enough to make a significant difference in the overall footprint. A debate also occurred over whether to install a new tub or move forward with just a shower since tubs are often a big selling point for buyers. Ultimately, they decided to go with a shower and replace all the fixtures and finishes to create a neutral, easy-to-clean, and minimalist bathroom.

Their contractor recommended that in order to get the project done as quickly as possible, the homeowners should plan to have all the materials delivered and ready to install upon demolition. “We have high-end aspirations with a down-to-earth budget so, to that end, we spent a considerable amount of time sourcing the best prices on fixtures that we liked,” Sharon said. The couple ran their choices by their contractor to make sure everything was compatible and found materials that aligned with their vision, including all-recessed lighting instead of separate sconces and large-scale tiles for the walls and floors.

They ran into one hiccup during the process that added about two weeks to the overall timeline. During demolition, their contractor encountered a waste pipe that ran horizontally not vertically—unlike many other jobs he’d worked on. The homeowners couldn’t return the toilet and had to pay a restocking fee, but their contractor went to a showroom with photos of the waste pipe to find a solution. Turns out, few manufacturers actually make toilets that fit horizontal waste pipes, but he found one for the homeowners to order. The rest of the work was near completion as delivery issues with the toilet cropped up (all out of the contractor and homeowner’s control.) After a fourth delivery—previous toilets arrived broken—they were able to make the final touches, including installing the glass shower door.

Through it all, Sharon and Laurence stayed in the apartment during the renovation, using a neighbor’s apartment for bathroom access. Even though it wasn’t ideal, the bathroom was cordoned off with plastic, and Sharon thought it was better to be living on-site anyways to deal with potential issues quickly and efficiently.

In the end, the couple is very happy with their new bathroom. “Our contractor was professional, responsible, and able work with us to get the job done in a timely manner considering the toilet problems,” Sharon said.

Bonus: Sharon and Laurence’s apartment is in a former office building originally built in 1902!

Style finds: Floor and wall tile: 12′ x 24′ light gray polished porcelain: Tiles Unlimited. Fresco wall-mounted vanity: Decor Planet. Towel bar, toilet paper holder, faucet, and shower fixtures: Speakman. Toilet: Duravit. Medicine cabinet: Robern.

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Here’s the average cost of a bathroom renovation in New York City.

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

The post Large-Scale Tile Makes a Big-Time Impact appeared first on Sweeten.

No matter how big your bathroom is, the first thought to reduce clutter would be to keep it all tucked away in drawers and cabinets. But when things are out of sight, they are also harder to find. Strategically-placed open shelving adds visual interest and can make life a little easier. Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted general contractors, has seen many renovators creatively add open storage to their baths. From recessed open shelving to floating shelves, see what ideas you might want to incorporate in your own bathroom renovation.

Maria and Eric’s small bath needed storage that would blend seamlessly with their minimalist Scandinavian apartment. A recessed wall unit with open shelves was the perfect solution. Plus, hiding it behind the door means it’s only visible when the door is closed.

Classic open shelves are always a good idea. In Saira’s bathroom, they provided extra storage for the family of four and brought contrast to the otherwise black and white space.

Erica’s general contractor took open storage to the next level with shower niches featuring glass shelves. The integrated organization idea is as practical as it is pretty.

A storage niche was already part of the original bathroom layout in Katie and Lance’s apartment. They removed the tired and off-kilter shutter doors and installed clear shelves.

Fun fact: The shelves in Karun’s industrial-inspired bathroom are made from a tree that fell in his sister’s backyard. To add to the edgy look of the space, he chose exposed pipe brackets to hang them, too.

Ed and Alicia opted for trough sink instead of a more traditional sink/vanity and needed to find storage elsewhere in the bath. The mirror above doubles as a shelf, and on the adjacent wall they installed a 1940s American Red Cross medicine cabinet as another storage option.

A ledge in Joe and Mario’s new bathroom, which extends from the sink countertop over the toilet, provides extra space for decorative items or toiletries and makes use of what otherwise would be lost space.

Dramatic black walls are a luxurious backdrop to these classic glass shelves with silver hardware in Marissa’s bath.

The minimal medicine cabinet in Giulia’s renovation fits right in with her laidback and chic European-style. Our tip? Keep the items you use most frequently on the bottom shelf for easy access.

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Need more spots to stash towels and toiletries? We’ve got storage options for every nook and cranny in your bathroom.

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.

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Project: Completely overhaul an old and worn-down bathroom
Before: After living in their Crown Heights, Brooklyn, apartment for about two years, and dealing with random leaks from the bathtub and falling tiles, Sonya and Aaron decided it was renovation time. “Instead of putting a Band-Aid on it, we decided to completely change the layout to optimize the floor plan to its maximum potential,” Aaron said. They posted their project to Sweeten to create a clean and seamless bathroom, with the overarching goal of making the 42-square-foot space look and feel as big as possible. They were matched with a general contractor to take on the remodel.

After: Rearranging the floor plan was definitely the biggest priority. “Imagine squeezing yourself into a tight bar bathroom, but it is your actual bathroom. Our sink was literally the size of two small hands,” Aaron said. When demolition began, however, they discovered pipes that didn’t allow them to move around plumbing as originally planned. All of the pipes needed to be rerouted and replaced to meet code—which did end up costing the couple more than expected.

They decided to give up a closet in the adjacent bedroom and use that extra space to reinvent the layout. The bathtub moved along the window wall and the toilet next to the sink. They installed custom wood shelves in a spot where the piping couldn’t be rerouted.

Once the gritty construction work was out of the way, they turned their focus toward the look. They chose light tile along one wall to make the bathroom appear bigger, then a dark gray tile along the back wall to create a sense of depth. The couple installed a toilet with the tank hidden behind the wall to keep with the streamlined feel.

As effortless as their new bathrooms looks, however, this renovation did not come without its challenges. The couple did expect to uncover issues because of the building’s age, but the problems that ensued were a little beyond what they thought they’d be. The bathroom basically had to be built from scratch, including the subfloor and plumbing. “Our contractor was patient with us and notified us about all the issues as they were coming up,” Aaron shared.

All work had to be coordinated with the co-op’s schedule too, which extended the timeline. But the result was well worth the wait. “We love our new bathroom. It is literally night and day from before,” Aaron said.

Bonus: The space-saving glass door swings out just above the toilet.

Style finds: Bathroom floor and wall tile; sink and vanity: Porcelanosa. Wood shelves: Custom. Toilet: Toto. Rounded rectangle framed mirror: Rejuvenation.

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Curious how much it costs to renovate a bathroom?

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 Modernizing and Rearranging a Too-Small Bathroom appeared first on Sweeten.

Have a too-small bathroom?  While some renovators choose to expand the space or reimagine the footprint, those types of changes can increase the budget. So how can you make a bathroom appear larger with the space you already have? Read on to learn how Sweeten general contractors undertook bigger bathroom renovation projects. Here’s how they updated homeowners’ small bathrooms to feel bigger—without changing the overall square footage.

1.) Install a floating vanity

If having a closet in or next to your bathroom isn’t an option, consider a vanity with drawers or doors. Some vanities are freestanding, but floating vanities are attached to the wall and do not “sit” on the ground. That extra space means the flooring can extend to the wall, which actually makes the room look larger. Nancy’s bathroom perfectly demonstrates that idea, showing off the ornate black and white tile. Since she couldn’t change the layout of the space due to code compliance, this offered a great alternative in the overall vision of opening up the bathroom.

2.) Or if you have enough storage, try a pedestal sink

If storage isn’t an issue, a classic space-saving option is a pedestal sink. In Saira and her husband’s East Village apartment, they had two small bathrooms they needed to update to accommodate their family of four. In the powder room, they opted for a classic, white porcelain pedestal sink. They used shelving above the toilet and a mirrored vanity for their storage needs.

Jeremy and Chris chose a pedestal sink with console legs that show off the tiled walls and floors, and give this classic NYC bathroom a more spacious feel. “In such a small space, we took a cue from hotel bathrooms and put a pedestal sink atop console legs to keep the space open. An extra-tall recessed medicine cabinet provides both storage and electrical outlets,” Jeremy shared.

3) Stick with neutrals or go tone-on-tone

Too much color can be hard to get right in a small space. A safe bet to opening up a small bathroom? Choose neutrals that don’t compete for attention. Jessica and Kevin swapped out pink marble for a white and gray color palette that lent their space a more spa-like feel.

4.) Opt for a larger mirror

Christina had wanted to renovate her 550-square-foot studio in Murray Hill since she moved in. She knew exactly what she wanted—including tons of bathroom storage space. To achieve this, she installed a large, mirrored medicine cabinet. The mirror takes up most of the wall, automatically giving the room the illusion of more space, without changing the layout at all.

5.) Take advantage of wall space

Even if your bathroom has a small footprint, you can always build onto the wall, or in Maria and Eric’s case into the walls. Their recessed shelving unit tucks in just behind their bathroom door. This minimalist solution boasts more storage without adding bulk.

6.) Ditch the tub & shower curtain for a bigger bathroom

A fairly common bigger bathroom renovation project is to ditch the tub in favor of a walk-in shower with a glass shower door. Using glass in place of a shower curtain allows light to flow through the space, which is especially important if the bathroom has a single source of natural light. In one of Tara and Mike’s bathrooms, they did just that, while leaving the rest of the floorplan as-is.

A glass bathroom door is even more effective when used in an open shower style, like in Charon and Lex’s bathroom. Removing the tub altogether opened up the space, making it more comfortable for two people (especially since Lex is 6’2″). Another factor that worked in their favor: the use of one color (in different shades). 

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Check out the biggest bathroom renovation trends of 2019.

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. 

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