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Designer Chelsea Albright shares tips on how to design for maximum space

(Above) Sweeten homeowners Emily and Dan’s small living room

Designing small spaces can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of simple small living room ideas that will help the space feel larger. Whether you are creating an open concept during a remodel or improving the flow of the living space, there are effective ways to make it appear larger.

Washington DC interior designer Chelsea Albright of Places Studio recently worked with a Sweeten contractor for a renovation in her client’s home. So, we caught up with her to talk about designing with small spaces in mind. Here, she shares some tricks of the trade.

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

Two types of small-space living rooms

Living rooms are just as the name implies: spaces where we congregate and spend our lives. To make the most of them, you want to think about layout, flow, and, of course, overall design. But first, determine what type of living room layout you have. 

• Open concept living room – This is a room that is connected to another living space
• Confined living room – The space is contained within four walls

Open concept layout

For an open concept space, Chelsea recommends “keeping some sort of open flow to the living area.” That means if the room is connected to a kitchen or dining area, try to position the furniture so that there is movement or flow. Chelsea suggests making the space more open between the two rooms, not closing it in with furniture. 

(Above) Small living room idea in an open-concept space by Sweeten homeowners Mitzie and Jenifer

“I usually go with a sofa, coffee table, and a single accent chair,” says Chelsea. “A single accent chair in between the two spaces allows the point of entry to feel more open to the other.” A swivel chair is a good option. It helps make the two spaces feel connected. It can easily be positioned in the direction of either the living area or dining/kitchen area.

Redefining confined spaces

For rooms with four walls, or that are more confined, Chelsea says the trick is not to put everything against the walls. “If you do, you just define the space even more,” she states. Also, a non-working fireplace is a way to create a focal wall without furniture.

Small living room ideas with storage

Storage is essential and, with limited square footage, you have to get creative. Chelsea recommends built-ins that take up the whole wall as a small living room idea. This will maximize your storage. Built-ins add interest and are functional. The bottom half of built-ins should have doors. Chelsea refers to them as “microspaces.” In them, you can set up a bar area (instead of a bar cart that takes up space) or an entertainment section.

Favorable flooring choices

Light color wood floors are recommended for areas lacking in square footage. When renovating an open concept space ask your contractor to put in wood floors that match in material and color. “Lighter, wood floors are inviting,” says Chelsea. However, dark colors absorb light and make the space appear smaller.

If you want to add an area rug, go bigger than you think. Even though your space may not be large, your rug can be. “If you go with a rug that’s too small, you will just accentuate the tininess of the room,” reminds Chelsea.

Recessed and floor lighting

Lighting plays a major role in helping a small space feel larger. Popular with designers, floor lamps up-light the room adding a warm glow and roomier feeling. “The base (of the floor lamp) should not be chunky,” says Chelsea. “Go for a flat base or a small stem that can slide under a sofa.” This is a trick to make extra room.

Some living rooms don’t have overhead lighting. When renovating, Chelsea recommends adding recessed lighting in the ceiling. But be sure to make them dimmable. “And you can also layer in a pendant to give the room even more light,” says Chelsea. This works best for confined spaces, adding a point of interest to the room.

For open concept spaces, wall sconces work well. They can define a space. Have your contractor add electrical, if needed, to place the lights in the right spot. Chelsea finds them useful in creating specific seating areas in spaces that have an open-concept layout.

Easy paint strategies

As with wood color, paint color can be a game changer in a small space. If your living room is open to the kitchen or dining room, consider using the same paint color in both. It will unify the space. Chelsea prefers a white or a hue that’s on the lighter side.

Right now she is seeing a trend of painting the entire room the same color. That means everything: the walls, baseboards, window trims, and moldings. This reduces how many lines and seams are seen. “It’s a really cool tactic for making the room seem more interesting without making it feel smaller,” says Chelsea.

Tricks of the trade: curtains

Most people have at least one window in their living room, no matter how small a footprint. If you do, make the most of it. Window treatments give the illusion of a larger room. Chelsea often advises hanging the curtain rods higher, closer to the ceiling. And also to make them a few inches wider than the actual window frame. This gives the illusion of more space. “By hanging window treatments this way, you are softening up the hard edges of the wall and creating a new depth perception in the room,” says Chelsea.

Small living room ideas for the fireplace

Mirrors can also “trick” us into thinking a room is larger than it is. Chelsea prefers oversized floor mirrors, especially if the room lacks windows. The mirrors can draw the light upward, as do mirrors that sit over fireplace mantels. They give you much more height. “They reflect more light at the top of the room, making it bigger in the negative space above the furniture,” explains Chelsea. For above-mantel mirrors, you want to go big or substantial. Try something with a lot of detail or a thick frame.

A non-working fireplace presents a nice niche to decorate, such as layering paintings and frames inside. According to Chelsea, stacking logs can allude to a working fireplace or scoring a vintage firescreen would bring a lot of character to a small space.

No matter how you decide to layout and style your small living room, Chelsea says layering the scale of things is really important. And don’t forget to think big. Don’t limit yourself to smaller-sized furniture and decor.

More popular questions

What are some ideas to decorate a small living room?

In a small living room with multiple walls, avoid placing furniture along every wall. Window treatments hung above windows closer to the ceiling and slightly wider than the window give an illusion of a larger room. Walls, baseboard, window trim, and moldings painted the same hue reduce lines and seams.

What are small living room ideas with a fireplace?

Use large mirrors that sit over the fireplace on a mantle to draw light upward. It also fills the negative air space above the furniture. Avoid placing furniture on the same wall as a fireplace, so it is the focal point.

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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 Small Living Room Ideas for Big Impact appeared first on Sweeten.

A remodel in a Jackson Heights co-op delivers an open floor plan, kitchen peninsula, and spa bathroom

“After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Dia, a personal trainer, and Alex, a technology executive posted their pre-war co-op remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Jackson Heights in Queens, New York
• Primary renovation: A full-scale remodel of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a 1920s co-op building, including gut remodels of both kitchen and bath
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.
  

Written in partnership with homeowner Alex

Keeping their Jackson Heights remodel in view—for years

We purchased our co-op roughly three years before embarking on the renovation. Our goal was to totally revamp the apartment into open-plan spaces, while preserving its period features. Like many pre-war homes, it had a lot of small rooms. I think our result is proof that, even if there’s no perfect moment to remodel, intensive planning pays off.

Keeping historic details

The 1,400-square-foot unit is located in a 1921 historical-district co-op in Jackson Heights, Queens. The place hadn’t been touched since the 1970s and was in rough shape. But there were nice original details, like beautiful wood floors with inlaid borders and a period fireplace. It needed a significant overhaul.

Dia and I didn’t rush it. We’d rented in the neighborhood for a couple of years to make sure we liked the area—and we did. After finding the co-op, we wanted to take our time and put our stamp on it. We spent almost two years planning the remodel. By the time we were ready to proceed, Dia was pregnant with our daughter, Madeleine. We were eager to get the job done, and ready to pick up the pace. 

In-depth research and planning 

We posted our project on Sweeten. We made clear in our overview that we were ready to obtain our co-op board approvals, navigate the permitting, order materials, and get started. By then we’d spent a lot of time planning the layout, materials, and finishes. We had 40 pages of diagrams, renderings, and materials lists. 

Five or six Sweeten contractors came for site visits and gave us estimates. Right away, one stood out. He had printed out our mammoth set of plans (which he jokingly referred to as “the bible”), came armed with excellent questions, spoke knowledgeably about what would and would not be possible given NYC building codes, and gave us a detailed and reasonable estimate. We knew immediately that we wanted to hire him.

A gut remodel with an extensive to-do list 

Going in, we made sure the contractor understood that we had a specific vision, and that we were demanding. We planned to open the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, build a modern kitchen, renovate both bathrooms to spa standards, and add closet space. At the same time, we intended to keep original details, and even increase them by adding period chandeliers and other fixtures that would complement the co-op’s 1920s style.

Our renovation scope was specific. It included replacing and relocating the breaker box, and installing new switches and sockets. We wanted to remove several unnecessary walls, and rebuild two walls and two water-damaged window encasements. We requested new baseboards and crown moldings. In the kitchen, we planned to add a peninsula, a custom pantry, and a sideboard. We wanted to build closets in the bedrooms and entryway, as well as custom cabinets and radiator covers. We’d paint every room and refinish the floors.

Problem solving with the general contractor team

Several miracles occurred in the kitchen. When we removed a wall to make way for the new peninsula, it resulted in a break in the floor inlay, but the floor subcontractor recreated the multi-wood pattern so skillfully that you can’t tell what is original and what is new. Our appliance vendor’s repeated delivery delays caused a need for our countertops to be installed before the appliances. Our Sweeten contractor got them in when they arrived, despite incredible difficulty—installing our refrigerator even required removing the baseboard temporarily.

Our initial instincts about planning carefully were validated, but the process also taught us to always have a Plan B.

When our single-piece sideboard countertop was too big for the elevator, the guys carried them up five flights of stairs. And when the new electrical box occupied the former microwave place, the cabinetmaker came up with a built-in pantry, designed with an interior cutout to fit the oven.

In our bathroom, we had other inspired solutions. We wanted to move the toilet but a steel beam prevented placement in the new rough-in location. Our contractor proposed a wall-hung toilet that freed up space for it to stay in the original location and squeezed in a vanity, which wasn’t possible with the traditional commode. Thanks to supply-chain disruptions during Covid-19, we ended up sourcing bathroom tile other than that from our original wishlist—and the manufacturer offered no coordinating trim. Our general contractor found a trim that matched and drove more than 700 miles to collect every piece they could find.

Homeowners share their renovation advice

As first-time renovators, our biggest questions from the beginning were about how to manage the many subcontractors and aspects of the work happening simultaneously. But our Sweeten contractor pulled it all together. Our initial instincts about planning carefully were validated, but the process also taught us to always have a Plan B. We certainly learned the value of picking the right contractor—one who inspires confidence and keeps your best interests at heart.

We couldn’t have asked for a more professional and dedicated team. At the start, he helped us gather the necessary co-op board sign-offs and connected us with an architect. He managed the permitting process seamlessly, despite NYC Department of Buildings changes during Covid-19. At every step, our general contractor went above and beyond to help us realize our vision.

I’m not sure anyone comes in under budget in a renovation. We didn’t, but we stayed roughly in line with our expectations. There was a payoff, in any case. Our beautiful result! Even having done the project six months after having our baby and during a pandemic, we feel peaceful. We are in love with our home.

Thanks for sharing your Jackson Heights co-op remodel story with us, Dia and Alex.

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Wall paint in Cascade White Eggshell, lower cabinet paint in Space Black, and top cabinet paint in Snow White: Benjamin Moore. Kitchen cabinets: Custom through contractor. Julian cabinet pull: Liberty Hardware. Countertops: LX Hausys. Ivy Hill Pacific White Shells Pearl Mosaic backsplash tile: The Home Depot. Signature Hardware Mitzy 36” farmhouse sink and Pfister Mystique kitchen faucet in polished chrome: Build.com. GE Energy Star french-door refrigerator: The Home Depot. Bosch 800 DLX Series dishwasher: AJ Madison. Cafe CGY366P2MS1 36” freestanding all gas range: Appliances Connection. Hadley 12’’ flush mount ceiling light: Antique store purchase. American Lighting LED under-cabinet light: Amazon.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Daltile bathroom floor tile and Marble Attache Lavish 12” x 24” wall tile: Build.com. Shelf brackets in Aged Brass: Rejuvenation. Delta robe shower hook in Brilliance Stainless: Build.com. Hansgrohe Raindance shower head in chrome, GROHE Chrome Rotaflex 59” hand shower hose, and Hansgrohe Raindance S 100 air 3-jet rain handheld showerhead: Wayfair. Grohe Grohtherm 2000 thermostatic valve in brushed nickel: Plumbers Stock. Kohler Artifacts 30” shower slidebar: Wayfair. Kohler Bancroft bathtub faucet in polished chrome: Ferguson. Shower glass doors: Custom through contractor. Sunroom bathroom sink: Signature Hardware. Paulmier 16” sink: Appliance Connection. Main bathroom sink- Scarabeo 9007 by Nameeks rectangular vessel sink: The Bath Outlet. Vanity: Custom through contractor. Vanity paint in Snow White: Benjamin Moore. Kohler Wellworth toilet: Wayfair. WAC lighting vector LED 4 light fixed rail: Lights Online. Minka George Kovacs 2-light vanity light in gold: Build.com. Greyleigh Weslaco beaded medicine cabinet: Wayfair. 

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Minka Aire 54” fan: Wayfair.

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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.

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“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

• Homeowner: Lauren posted her Brooklyn Heights kitchen remodel on Sweeten to create a multi-functional space
• Where: Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A kitchen in a 700-square-foot co-op that sweetens the living space too
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Lauren DeMattia

Renovation plan: living in the space

To say I won the real estate lottery might feel like an overstatement, but after a short hunt, I found a Brooklyn Heights co-op in a 1920s building. It had everything I had been looking for—two bedrooms, a corner unit, lots of windows, high ceilings, and a single block from multiple subway stations. The only drawback was that the place needed a lot of work.

Before moving in I did some things that really needed doing: putting in new hardwood floors, fully gutting the original bathroom, and installing updated electrical and lighting. At the time, the idea of touching the kitchen was out of the question—and budget. But it was, thankfully, the newest portion of the apartment and didn’t necessarily need work yet. It also had a weird layout that didn’t exactly scream a clear solution.

I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I had a plan for my remodel. The key was living in the apartment long enough to come up with the right solution before demolition started.

Planning the new kitchen layout

Ultimately, I knew I wanted a kitchen that felt open to the living room with lots of storage (this is NYC). I also wanted a new layout that still provided some sort of entryway and coat closet.

As soon as I moved in, I began thinking about and talking about my most recent, “brilliant” plan for the kitchen layout to friends and family. First, I was set on an island, then a peninsula, and then I thought about moving the plumbing. I realized that I had to narrow down what was (and wasn’t) working for the kitchen.

They created a sleek bookshelf that also hides my radiator and air conditioner units…

The layout technically had a lot of counter prep space, but it was in two separate areas, so I often had my back to my guests while I cooked. I loved the giant coat closet within the “entry,” but keeping it meant my options were limited. The appliances were in decent shape, though oversized for the space. A weird drop ceiling over part of the kitchen made it feel disconnected from the rest of the living room. This ceiling, coupled with a half-height wall that separated the front door from the kitchen, made the kitchen feel smaller than it actually was.

Adding a drop ceiling

Five years and probably quite a few exasperated friends and co-workers later, I settled on a plan for the kitchen. There would be no island and no peninsula. Everything was out from floor-to-ceiling. The huge coat closet was partially removed to make room for custom cabinets, panel-ready appliances, and a new drop ceiling that mirrored the curve of the floor transition from new tile to my existing hardwood floors.

With the coat closet gone, I decided to expand the closet in my bedroom to make up for the lost space. Aesthetically, I’ve always loved blue cabinets and knew that I wanted to do darker kitchen cabinets with a lighter floor and a whiter countertop with some wood accents.

I chose a separate cooktop and oven because the space I had for the stove was much deeper than a traditional countertop and I wanted to take full advantage of the space I had. I also wanted the appliances to look seamless and fully integrated. Plus, I hate the weird space that always happens between a stove and the cabinet where dirt and food collects.

Two prep zones

To get more workable counter space, I moved the stove to another wall. The original location of the refrigerator was a perfect spot. The sink remained on its original wall and was centered in order to get counter space on either side and keep it close to the cooktop/oven. By doing this, I created two zones for prep on each side of the sink.

Once I made the decision about the sink and cooktop/oven, I knew that the old coat closet had to be downsized to make room for the refrigerator. I opted for a panel-ready refrigerator because I felt like opening the front door and having a seamless wall of cabinetry would help mitigate the fact that you were walking right into the kitchen. Functionally, I was also trying to create a triangle between my sink, cooktop/oven, and the refrigerator.

Just to the left of the refrigerator happened to be the perfect location for a pantry. I had some built-in, pull-out drawers earmarked for my pots and pans and a simple pull-out wire drawer (it was super easy to install!) for my pantry items. With storage, food, and the refrigerator covered, I used the remaining space to the right of the refrigerator to create a new coat closet.

Seamless transition between kitchen and living area

Based on the way my apartment “boundaries” were, there was a funny niche on the TV wall into which a counter and cabinets were installed. With the new design, there’s storage below where my microwave and toaster oven live and “open” storage above to display my pretty kitchen items. The glass doors open and can be tucked away so the countertop can be used as a bar top for parties.

I also wanted to have a place to eat. By pushing my living room furniture closer to the window, I made room for a new dining table and chairs. I had the pendant lights installed over the table. Extra work had to be done to build out the beam in the ceiling to hide the electrical boxes.

Much like the kitchen design, the idea of a built-in at the window had been on my mind since I bought the apartment. With a millworker already doing custom cabinets, I figured the built-in should be done as well. A sleek bookshelf was created that also hides my radiator and air conditioner units that were always annoyingly off-centered from the windows. I selected a “piano” finish on the top of the bookshelf for easy cleanup. I’m looking forward to exercising my hopefully-green thumb.

Consider all possibilities

I optimistically planned for a “quick” two-month renovation, during which I lived in the second bedroom with all my possessions and a microwave. Of course, it took almost three months before I could move back into my own bedroom, and another two months before the project finished.

My advice for anyone preparing for a renovation: take your time. Do your research; debate all the possibilities. It was better to wait and mull over all my plans (for years!) before making the investment. Using Sweeten helped with the process of finding a contractor. I appreciated being able to read references and see photos of previous projects, which helped me see the quality of each contractor’s work.

Brighter and more functional home

Renovating my own space as an architect was good and bad: good because I knew what I wanted and how to articulate it to the contractor. But also bad, or rather tricky, because I knew exactly what I wanted and expected a specific level of quality and detail.

The final result was worth the discomfort and occasional tears. I’m incredibly happy with my new space. The kitchen is so bright and open,  and the layout is functional with tons of storage. Bonus: I was even able to make space for a proper dining table! Now, instead of talking to my friends about renovating, we talk about about the next time they’re coming for dinner.

Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your Brooklyn Heights kitchen remodel story with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinets: Custom. Cabinet knobs: Simon’s Hardware & Bath. Quartzite “macaubas” countertops and backsplash: European Granite & Marble. Bosch appliances: Bosch. Floor tile: Mosaic House. Floating Shelf: Custom. Dining table and pendants: Room & Board. Dining chairs: Overstock.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Sofa: Crate & Barrel. Rug: Rugs USA. Table: DIY by the homeowner.

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Hiding the fridge is a great design trick for elevating the look and feel of your kitchen.

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 “5-Year-Planned” Kitchen Remodel in Brooklyn Heights appeared first on Sweeten.

Many homeowners find themselves in a tough spot when their home’s space, design, or location stops working for them. Many wind up asking themselves: should I move, or remodel?  A Zillow study found that when given a choice between spending a fixed budget on a down payment or using the same amount to remodel, 76 percent would opt to renovate.

Between leaving their neighborhoods and staying put, these homeowners ultimately made the choice to reimagine their homes with Sweeten’s help. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

A big refresh for a beloved loft

Leah and Brian loved the Logan Square loft they had been calling home for several years. The Chicago neighborhood’s energy and the industrial brick warehouse added to the lifestyle they were enjoying. But with time the wear-and-tear takes a toll on materials and daily functioning. They decided to renovate and stay in the area. The couple posted their project on Sweeten to update the entire space including a new kitchen and floors. Without structural changes, Leah and Brian brought out the best of their 14-foot ceilings.

When you can’t go bigger, get creative

Surging prices in her Fort Greene co-op building made upgrading from a studio to a true one-bedroom out of the question for Mollie. She had to decide to either move elsewhere to get more space or remodel her cozy studio. Luckily, Mollie realized the market value of her apartment (and that she could borrow against her equity)! She came to Sweeten, was matched with a general contractor, and reconfigured the 500-square-foot apartment to suit her playful style.

Baby on the way? Make your square footage go further

A two-bedroom apartment was perfect for Rachel and Marco—until they decided to expand their family. Fortunately, their duplex had enough square footage for them to get creative with! This made it possible to remodel and rethink how they used the layout, instead of moving. They turned the top floor into a combined kitchen and living area, while they divided the rest of the space into an office, closet, and bedrooms.

Give a well-loved home some TLC upgrades

After a year-long search for a new apartment, Kim and Igor decided their sons’ schools, proximity to work, and an overall adoration for their lifestyle in Carroll Gardens were reason enough to stay in their apartment. They worked with a Sweeten general contractor to overhaul their dark kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. The result? Open and modern spaces fit for the family of four.

Combine two apartments into one home, sweet home

A desire for more room led to multiple (unsuccessful) apartment searches for Zoe and Arvid. Her dream of renovating and combining apartments finally put the hunt to an end. After contacting neighbors and finding one who was looking to move, their plan was underway. The additional square footage allowed for a third bedroom, a much larger kitchen, and an expanded living area.

Getting “upstate” light and space—with a city zip code

Courtney and Jim’s Clinton Hill Co-op apartment lacked storage and light, which sent them on a search for a second home upstate. When they made an offer on the second property, reality hit: they needed to make their main residence work for them before taking on a new place. The couple decided to remodel, opening up the kitchen the rest of the living areas and reconfiguring storage closets to suit the family of four’s storage needs.

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Not sure if you should move or remodel? Sweeten partnered with the real estate marketplace StreetEasy to uncover the true cost difference in both time and money between renovating and moving in NYC. Read more here to help you decide.

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 Should You Move, or Remodel? See What 6 Sweeten Renovators Did appeared first on Sweeten.

• Homeowners: Laura and Walter posted their Park Slope gut renovation project on Sweeten
• Where: Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: A 700-square-foot co-op reveals built-in cabinets in each room including the living room, den, dining area, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and bathroom
• With: Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “My best tip for future renovators is to have all the fixtures with long lead times and finishes ordered before the work begins.”

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

Changing the entire floor plan

Our apartment, which was built in 1912, had almost all of the original details still intact. It was important for us to keep this character while adding a more usable kitchen and bathroom. The first objective was to get rid of the long hallway, which was tying up roughly 10% of the apartment. An added bonus: opening up the floor plan would bring more light in.

A new angle for the kitchen

Next, we wanted to expand the footprint of the kitchen. ­The existing layout was not working: it was impossible to open the oven door without running into the sink. It was also difficult for more than one person to be in the space at a time. Everyone wound up standing in the doorway to the kitchen. We posted our Park Slope apartment gut renovation on Sweeten and got to work with our contractor.

Above the foyer, we dropped the ceiling by 18” for built-in cabinets. The result is nearly 30 square feet of additional storage space.

First, the original kitchen and center bedroom were swapped. The apartment layout included a small angled section of wall in the center bedroom—now our kitchen. Enter our Sweeten contractor, who had this idea when he came to our apartment for the initial meeting. It was one of the primary reasons we decided to work with him. His instinct was to embrace this angle and open up the new kitchen more than the traditional 90-degree corner would allow. We lost a bit of floor space in our bedroom as a result, but the tradeoff was worth it.

We were able to include both a peninsula and a dining nook in the new spacious layout. A bookshelf fits at the end of the peninsula closest to the living room.

Custom built-in cabinets are key

Given that we wanted to squeeze five rooms and a bathroom out of our apartment, it was important that every room was laid out as efficiently as possible. The various built­-ins we added allowed us to accomplish just that.

The built-in cabinets around the dining nook and drawers under the seating bench hide a ton of additional storage. Coming from our narrow galley kitchen, we were really excited to have a space big enough for us and our friends to hang out and cook in.

Above the foyer, we dropped the ceiling by 18” for built-in cabinets. The result is nearly 30 square feet of additional storage space. Lowering the ceiling had the added benefit of the apartment drawing you in. It made the rest of the apartment feel spacious by comparison—a design trick inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The den’s millwork could fit a full-size bed for the future. In our bedroom, the closets around the bed double as nightstands with­ the upper drawers on each side containing a hidden outlet.

Choosing materials

The footprint of our bathroom couldn’t be enlarged because of the location of the windows and the building plumbing. In order to maximize the space, we opted for a shorter tub to fit under the window, a wall-mounted toilet to free up floor space, and a wall-mounted faucet, which gives more counters space around the sink.

Our goal was to use natural materials as much as possible. The oak floors were a tribute to the original parquet floors (we tried to save them, but they were too thin for another sanding). We designed and cast our own concrete sink (in a small rented workshop in Industry City) to fit perfectly. The subway tiles in the kitchen and bathroom were handmade, as were the dining nook pendants—all adding subtle character and texture to the spaces. We opted for a marbled quartz countertop and think it will last much better than the real thing.

Renovation tip: Order materials early

A lot of unexpected situations arose: an old dumbwaiter shaft ran through our proposed kitchen, the floor joists needed replacing, and the gas pipe had to be re­run from the basement passing through three other apartments. In retrospect, none of these things should have been surprising in an old building. Our Sweeten contractor was with us every step of the way to modify our plans to deal with the unexpected.

My best tip for future renovators is to have all the fixtures with long lead times and finishes ordered before the work begins. Nothing pushes back a project deadline like waiting for materials or having all work stop because the tiles are still on the truck.

In the end, we were able to keep the things we loved most about our original apartment while making significant improvements to our home for now and in the future. There are so many things we can enjoy now. The kitchen has become the center of our apartment, with friends able to hang out in the dining nook or living room while still being part of the conversation.

The glass partition helps bring a ton of light into the apartment. The bathroom has gone from tight-for­-one to comfortable-­for­-two. We were very lucky to find a partner in our Sweeten contractor. After living in the completed apartment, we’ve yet to find anything we’d change.

Thanks for sharing your Park Slope gut renovation story with us, Laura and Walter!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinet hardware: Emtek. Paint color in Lucerne on cabinets: Benjamin Moore. Countertops: Silestone. Backsplash: Country Floors. Kohler faucet: Kohler. Elkay sink: Elkay. Sub-Zero refrigerator and stove: Sub-Zero-Wolf. Miele dishwasher: Miele. Lighting: AspectLED.

KITCHEN/DINING NOOK RESOURCES: Pendant lights: Kaufmann Mercantile. Built-ins/cabinetry: Custom by Sweeten contractor.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Carrara Venato bathroom floor tile: The Builder Depot. Bathroom wall tile: Country Floors. Moen Weymouth faucet: Faucet.com. Toto toilet: Toto. Kohler Seaforth tub: Kohler. Lighting: Pottery Barn. Paint color in Raccoon Fur: Benjamin Moore.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Glass Partition: Serett. Paint colors: Benjamin Moore.

DEN RESOURCES: Built-­ins/cabinetry and wall paint color in Gray Owl: Benjamin Moore.

BEDROOM: Parisian pendant ceiling light: Restoration Hardware. Built-­ins/cabinets: Custom by Sweeten contractor.

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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.

The post Park Slope Gut Renovation Moves the Kitchen, Bets on Built-Ins appeared first on Sweeten.

Photos courtesy of designer Tara Benet

• Interior designer Tara Benet posted her Kips Bay renovation project on Sweeten on behalf of her clients
• Where: Kips Bay, Manhattan, New York
• Primary renovation: Updating the living room and dining room to bring a renewed feeling of life
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Remodeling for a new life chapter

When a Manhattan couple bought their three-bedroom apartment in Kips Bay Towers, designed by renowned architects I.M. Pei and S.J. Kessler, more than 30 years ago, they renovated. Fast forward three decades, which included the whirlwind of raising kids, and it was time for a redo. What had looked good then, now looked tired and outdated.

The kitchen had already been renovated a second time and the avid entertainers, who host plenty of dinner parties, made the living and dining rooms next on the renovation list. Their interior designer, Tara Benet, turned to Sweeten, and found this Sweeten contractor to bring the vision to life.

Enhancing natural light in the home

The heavy linen curtains were drab and did not gracefully frame the exceptional floor-to-ceiling views from the glass-front apartment complex. The cream and beige tones also did little to complement the New York City backdrop. Comfy couches and cluttered decor lacked the glamorous, crisp, and adventurous style reflecting the couple’s modern-day taste.

The wood flooring also became an issue. The original rug had been in the same spot for 30 years. The intense natural light left a darker footprint where the UV rays had not faded the varnish. The couple went with a lighter floor color to match the overall brighter look, adding a fresh touch to the whole renovation. Previously, the homeowners had used old-fashioned track lighting because the concrete ceiling couldn’t take any sunken lights. Their modern solution? Using two chandeliers to light the room. As a bonus, their unique design also made them a focal point in the living area.

A white-painted background became a canvas for the other elements in the room to stand out. However, the couple came to learn that white is never just white. “There was a lot of debate over the white which needed to be a little bit warmer than it was before. We ended up with a shade that has a tiny bit of orange. It has a glow to it,” Tara said. And to offset the white, a muted royal blue acts as a deep color accent and can be seen running through the custom-made rug, a throw rug, and the living room chairs. (Blue is also a contrasting color to the orange hue added to the white paint.)

Picking the materials and color palette

A secondary color palette—the metallics of brass, bronze, and gold—further balance the blue accent. This is seen in the vases on the dining room table, in the construction of the coffee table, woven into the pillows, and throughout the lamps and light fixtures.

With the strength of the view through the windows, Tara helped her clients achieve an uncluttered look and did not use much wall art. To inject some creativity, they picked out well-designed furniture that could almost double as art pieces. The blue chairs from designer Walter Knoll function like little works of art that you can sit in, as do the Roche Bobois sofas.

The heavy linen drapes were replaced with near-translucent fabric, letting in more light and giving a gossamery feel. And the view will never be obscured. The curtains are purely for appearances; they are locked into the ceiling and floor and cannot be moved, ensuring the “wow” moment when guests get a first glimpse of the cityscape. “They literally never want to close the windows,” Tara said.

The key to remodeling success? Team communication.

According to Tara, their Sweeten contractor was a great communicator and in constant communication with her and the clients. He was even willing to meet with the client on weekends to keep the project on schedule. With a touch up for the millwork, a fresh coat of paint, and refinishing the floor varnish, it’s a reminder that less often equals more when luxe furniture and lighting make up a dream space.

Thank you, Tara, for sharing your client’s renovation in Kips Bay with us! 

Shopping Guide

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Sofas and coffee tables: Roche Bobois. Side tables: Julian Chichester. Rug: Custom. Walter Knoll 369 living room chairs: Walter K.. Boule de Cristal round living room chandelier: Restoration Hardware. Kali table lamps: Arteriors Home.

DINING ROOM RESOURCES: Dining table: Custom. Dining chairs: Ligne Roset. 14 Series dining room chandelier: Bocci. White paint in Navajo White: Benjamin Moore.

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Know who you need on your renovation team to get you to your dream home from beginning to completion.

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 Kips Bay Renovation Shines with Contrasting Colors, Sunlight appeared first on Sweeten.

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

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

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

Entire Homes

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

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

Kitchens & Baths

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

Living Spaces

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

Garage Conversions / ADUs

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

Exteriors and Additions

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

Molding and Built-ins

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post An Artsy 320-Square-Foot Apartment Renovation in the West Village appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Nicki Chavoya for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Tatiana posted her Westchester condo renovation on Sweeten with the help of her daughter
• Where: Hartsdale, New York
• Primary renovation: A homeowner downsizes and renovates the kitchen and bathroom in a 975-square-foot condo
• Notable: Porcelain tile resembling marble made the difference
• Result: A home for mom with a contemporary vibe
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Moving mom closer to family

Prior to having her son, Alissa had worked in fashion and had a good eye for style, design, and finding a great value. So when it came time for her mom, Tatiana, to find, gut, and renovate an apartment, the two teamed up to take on the condo renovation in Westchester. Tatiana was both downsizing and moving from Port Washington, in Long Island, to be closer to her grandchildren. She concentrated her search in southern Westchester, about 30 minutes outside New York City. Alissa and her family live in Bedford, NY, so that location would provide easy access.

The mother-daughter duo prioritized location and a great building with amenities, and also looked specifically for a rundown space so that they could do a full gut condo renovation. Tatiana also wanted a condo rather than a co-op; in case she ever wanted to rent out the property in the future, she didn’t want to deal with strict building rules and sublet policies.

The apartment they settled on was a one-bed, one-bath condo measuring 975 square feet, located in Hartsdale, NY, in a condo complex with a pool, clubhouse, and gym. The apartment itself was outdated and the kitchen and bath were original to the building when it went up in the late ’70s. Alissa turned to Sweeten and the pair chose to go with this Sweeten contractor. Her mom closed on the unit and began the condo renovation in Westchester just a week later. Everything had to go—the floors and carpets, popcorn ceilings, walls, doors, and the entire bath and kitchen.

Handling and ordering materials

Alissa and Tatiana decided that they would order all of the materials themselves, so they could search for good values and have full control over the final look. Alissa explained, “We knew exactly the vision we wanted for the spaces. Working in fashion and living in NYC my whole life, I was able to go direct to the wholesale districts and find the best deals on items like the fixtures and other materials. This gave us leftover money to splurge on designer furniture and lighting!” The contractor took care of the demo, installation, and provided rough construction materials.

Merging construction and style

“My mom is very stylish and vibrant; we wanted to create a bright, airy contemporary space to match her style,” said Alissa. “We went for neutral gray tones with splashes of color.” In the living room, they chose a calming gray for the walls and floor-to-ceiling curtains, accessorizing with gold-toned finishes and brass furniture. A leather couch offers a grounding contrast to the animal print rug—both on-trend and grandchild-friendly. Dark gray wood flooring and Jonathan Adler lighting are seen throughout the apartment.

For a more affordable solution, the contractor covered the popcorn ceiling with a one-quarter-inch layer of sheetrock rather than smoothing out the texture, which would have been time-consuming and costly.

Kid-friendly materials

Tatiana wanted her apartment to be “dressed” in a way that resembled her personal style: classic with a flair. In the kitchen, this meant going with a clean, bright white. Shaker cabinet fronts with nickel hardware were selected for their simplicity and mixed with open shelving as well as glass fronts. Stainless steel appliances complete the look. White and gray porcelain tile on the floor mimicked the look of marble without the price tag.

In the dining area, the mother-daughter duo was thrilled to find leather chairs in a bold cobalt blue at a Lillian August SONO outlet in Connecticut. Durable and wipeable, they are perfect for visiting grandchildren and sit around a dining table under a silver drum pendant light.

They painted Tatiana’s bedroom in warm ivory tones, with blush pink velvet curtains and a comfortable armchair. The colors are calming, and the high-gloss sheen they chose for the paint “gives the walls a very lush feel and works really well with all the velvet,” said Alissa.

The serene bathroom is in a similar color palette to the kitchen. The marble tile floors and walls complement a white vanity that has plenty of drawer space. Alissa and Tatiana accessorized the space with woven covered baskets for storage and to add a bit of warmth. They also reglazed the original bathtub and added a glass shower divider to remove the need for a shower curtain.

Alissa’s renovation tip: Measure your appliances—and then measure again!

Alissa shared with us a hiccup in the process: “Funny story—this was such an amateur move! Before the renovation started, we were online looking at kitchen appliances, got overly excited, and bought a refrigerator without taking the measurements first. My mom picked out the BIGGEST double refrigerator, thinking it would fit.

When the appliances were delivered, the refrigerator did not fit through the front door! It was so annoying—the store had to take it back, and then we had to take very careful measurements and select another style to satisfy the space. After that incident, we measured and re-measured before making a purchase!”

Despite that obstacle, the Sweeten contractor met the deadlines and even delivered the apartment a few days early. Since the project’s completion, Tatiana reports that “the new space is amazing, and I never want to leave!”

Thank you for sharing your Westchester condo renovation with us, Tatiana!

Shopping Guide

KITCHEN RESOURCES: 12″ x 12″ Porto Venato matte floor tile and 3″ x 6″ Metro white gloss subway tile backsplash: Westchester House & Home. Sink and faucet: Wayfair. Samsung refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, and microwave: AJ Madison. Maurice 5-arm sconce in antique brass: Jonathan Adler. French door and crystal doorknob: Home Depot.

BATH RESOURCES: 12″ x 12″ Venice Calacatta polished floor tile: Westchester House & Home. Vanity and mirror: Wayfair. Vanity hardware, Moen shower fixtures, and toilet: Home Depot. George Kovacs lighting fixtures: Lamps Plus. OMNIA door hardware: Blueman Hardware.

DINING ROOM RESOURCES: Chrome light fixture: Jonathan Adler.

BEDROOM RESOURCES: Clothes closet system: Custom-made by general contractor. Curtains: West Elm. Pink velvet chair: ARHAUS. Starburst Console in mahogany: Williams Sonoma. Wood floor: Total Value Flooring.

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A Westchester kitchen finds Shaker-style simplicity.

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

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

The post A Westchester Condo Renovation Turns up the Style Dial appeared first on Sweeten.

The Little Fires Everywhere star turns a Los Angeles home and ADU remodel into a stylish living & working space

•  Homeowners: Jaime Ray Newman and partner Guy Nattiv posted their home and ADU remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Los Angeles, California
• Primary renovation: A repurposed structure creates a 350-foot living/office space, plus a space-opening update (and new master bath) on the main ranch house
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “What I liked most about the [contractor] we hired was that he had style. His taste was always on point,” she said. “He was also very reasonable, and confident.”

Written in partnership with homeowner Jaime. “After” photos by Jessica Alexander. Styling: Madelyn Furlong.

Deciding to renovate during COVID

What do you do when a global pandemic hits in the middle of your home remodel—just as you’ve moved out of your house, with two babies under two years old in tow, to make way for the construction crew? Jaime Ray Newman washed her hands and pushed on.

“We were juggling a lot,” said the actor and producer, who had posted her project on Sweeten in 2019 for the dream redo of her 1936 ranch home. “We were expecting our second baby. It was now or never to blow open and redo the house.” The Sweeten post stated a desire to “convert our old 1930s two-car garage to ADU,” also known as an accessory dwelling unit, (also known as a working studio, guest apartment, or multitasking hybrid.)

Jaime also hoped to do a space-reclaiming opening of her family’s living space. She shares it with her life and business partner Guy Nattiv, a filmmaker (they co-founded New Native Pictures and won an Academy for “SKIN”), their daughters Alma and soon-to-be Mila, and their dog, Kiwi. The project had been on her To-Do list forever.

“We’d been wanting to convert our garage since day one,” Jaime said, “but had struggled with the permitting situation.” The area where they live in L.A. required single-family homes to have two-space covered parking. When the law changed, Jaime recalled, “We said, Let’s do this.” They decided to renovate the house at the same time. “We realized that with two kids, we’d want an open floor plan, and a real closet and primary bath for ourselves,” she said.

The home & garage renovation team takes shape

Jaime, whose work includes winning an Oscar as a producer, playing a recurring character Elizabeth Manwill in Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere miniseries, as well as an essential district attorney role in Fox’s Deputy, had already gathered a reno dream team. “I bribed our dear friend Marcos Ferraez, a total visionary when it comes to imagining and reconfiguring a space, to come over and walk through the house,” she said. “We thought we needed to blow out the back of the house and add square footage, but we didn’t have the budget. I was stumped. Marcos completely reimagined our home within our current square footage.”

Everyone thought I was crazy to keep going. But we were in desperate need of an office…

The garage space was next. Jaime hired designer Haley Weidenbaum to conceive of the layout and was stunned by Haley’s ability to maximize every square inch of the available 350 square feet. Haley also had a vision for the main living space, designing the primary bedroom and bathroom. “Her talent and advice were invaluable,” Jaime said. From there she got on Sweeten and found her general contractor.

Keeping family together during COVID

Jaime was pretty clear on what she wanted. “I met with multiple contractors. What I liked most about the one we hired was that he had style. His taste was always on point,” she said. “He was also very reasonable, and confident.”

Like most of the world, the family had no idea of the uncertainty that lay ahead. For Jaime, in particular, early 2020 packed a punch. The COVID-19 threat loomed over the U.S. and then, she said, “my dad passed away in February.” Jaime wanted to support her mother and stay close by. It added up to difficult timing. “Everyone thought I was crazy to keep going,” she said. “But we were in desperate need of an office, and a separate space away from the kids so we could get work done,” Jaime said.

Two designers for a Los Angeles garage remodel

The project seemed to thrive on flux and change. “I realized at one point that much of our furniture no longer worked with the space, so we sold a lot of stuff on Facebook Marketplace to make room for new things,” she said. When Haley, who had started EVERHEM, a window-treatment company, got too busy and had to step away from the project, they brought in another designer.

“I have always had an Instagram crush on design consultant Madelynn Furlong,” Jaime said. “I asked if she’d be game to take us to the finish line and re-think the design of the house. Her aesthetic is unique and she finds the most interesting pieces.” Through Madelynn, Jaime discovered amazing companies like Muuto, Industry West, Lulu and Georgia, Constance Guisset, and Hudson Valley Lighting, among others. And the designer knew how to find one-of-a-kinds.

“Madelynn sent me a link to a giant, vintage burl wood dining table on Chairish for a terrific price, and said “BUY THIS NOW,” Jaime remembers. “It weighs 600 pounds. When it arrived, the household was blown away. This work of art will be passed down to my kids!”

Collaborating with two designers with very different feels was the most fun and satisfying part of the process, according to Jaime. Through them (and Pinterest), she found the original pieces and touches she wanted to make the space her own. Especially bath and kitchen design ideas. “I wanted something fun for our kitchen backsplash and I’m obsessed with Fireclay Tile, so that was easy! The bathroom floor needed to be non-slip, so we picked a slate from Clé Tile that we loved. I also fell head over heels for a hexagon tile from Popham Design.

What does renovating feel like?

Asked about a renovator’s most important virtue, Jaime chose patience. The process is long, she said, but your memory is short once you are settled in. “It’s kind of like after having your first baby!” the actor jokes. Confidence is also key, she said. These are massive decisions that you can’t turn back on, so hire a designer if you have doubts. And hire a contractor whose aesthetic you love.

“I’m so glad we lived in the house for years before renovating it, so we understood our needs and how best to accommodate them within our budget,” Jaime said. Especially now, during COVID, she says, “We are in pure bliss here. The house is unique, but warm and inviting, a family compound and a comfortable respite. I cannot wait until we can have guests over!”

Thank you for sharing your Los Angeles garage remodel & home with us, Jaime and Guy!

RENOVATION MATERIALS

LIVING AREA RESOURCES (Main house): Wood flooring and stain: Boden-Floor. Constance Guisset dining room pendant: Finnish Design Shop. Paint in Chantilly Lace: Benjamin Moore. Bedroom window treatments: Everhem.

KITCHEN RESOURCES (Main house): Wood floor tiles: Boden-Floor. Cabinets: MJ Cabinetry. Cabinet hardware: CB2. Countertops: Caesarstone. Backsplash: Fireclay Tile. Pendant lighting: Mitzi Hudson Valley Lighting. Sink/faucet: Delta. Kitchen window treatments: Everhem.

BATHROOM RESOURCES (Main house): Shower wall tile: Clé. Floor tile: Clé. Shower fixtures, sink, and hardware: Delta. Sconces: Schoolhouse. Sink vanity backsplash: Popham Design. Shower doors and vanity: Supplied by contractor.

OFFICE/APARTMENT RESOURCES: Paint in Chantilly Lace: Benjamin Moore. Matte-glazed cement flooring: Supplied by contractor. Skylight: Value Windows. New office closet and master bathroom: Space Camp Organizing.

OFFICE/APARTMENT KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cement floor and kitchen cabinets: Supplied by contractor. Radford Pines floating shelving: Etsy. Cabinet hardware: CB2. Countertops: Caesarstone. Sink / Faucet: Delta. Fridge/dishwasher/stove by GE: Wayfair. Light fixtures: Cedar and Moss.

OFFICE/APARTMENT BATHROOM RESOURCES: Shower fixtures: Delta. Sink, vanity, shower doors, hardware, tile: Supplied by the contractor. Vanity mirror/medicine cabinet: CB2. Light fixtures: Cedar and Moss. Penny shower wall tile: Clé.

Originally published on September 24, 2020

Updated on May 11, 2023

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Learn more about an ADU / Los Angeles garage remodel with Sweeten’s handy guide detailing costs, reasons they’re popular, and more.

Here’s how Rosaire transformed her Southampton garage into larger living room space and a pantry.

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 Ranch-Style Home and ADU Renovation in L.A. for Actress & Producer Jaime Ray Newman appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Jonathan Ayala for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Chong + Adam posted their project on Sweeten
• Where: Fort Lee, New Jersey
• Primary renovation: Kitchen and two bathrooms in a 1,090-square-foot condo
• Notable: One wall holding the pantry came down and was replaced by a peninsula.
• Result: More storage and an increase in natural light
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

From rental to property owner

Chong and Adam were ready to ditch the small one-bedroom, railroad-style apartment they were renting in Jersey City. Eager to put down more permanent roots, they looked for homes in Fort Lee, NJ—a good midpoint between his work in central New Jersey as a business analyst and her job at a molecular biology lab in Manhattan. They found a 1,090-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on a quiet, pedestrian-friendly street in a well-maintained high-rise built in the ’60s.

Chong said that for years she read “with envy the various home blogs and design sites, one of which was Sweeten.” She daydreamed about having her “own home and a kitchen with ample counter space and height-appropriate storage.” She wondered if she would forever store pots and pans in the oven and have to keep a step stool in the kitchen to reach the upper cabinet shelves.

As soon as they closed on their condo, Chong said, “I posted our condo renovation project to Sweeten and was matched with our contractor. From our first meeting, we were on the same page as to how to bring the unit out of the ’60s and ’80s. We loved his energy and creativity, and also felt assured that Sweeten had done the legwork for us in checking his credentials and reviews of past work.”

To maximize planning for their New Jersey condo renovation, they came to the first meeting with lots of ideas. Their contractor, Chong said, “allowed us to make the design decisions while they focused on the nuts and bolts of how to make it all happen. Aesthetically, I favored simple lines with a touch of an industrial feel, and Adam liked warm, traditional finishes.”

Kitchen drawers make the difference

The first item on their New Jersey condo renovation checklist was to slightly enlarge the footprint of the kitchen. At about 8’x8’, it was not very large, and a floor-to-ceiling pantry blocked natural light from the living room. In the small footprint, a standard-depth refrigerator made access to the pantry awkward, and there was limited counter space.

Adam will say out of the blue, ‘I love our place.’ And I really do, too.

They opted to tear down the pantry and put in a peninsula, adding about a foot of space along its length. The peninsula addition forced a change to the kitchen’s entry, so they cut a portion of a hallway wall and redirected some electrical lines and a light switch. Drawers in the peninsula solved storage issues from the loss of the pantry. As a result, they gained easy access to frequently used items, storage for pots and pans, and “most importantly, little use for a step stool,” Chong said.

There was a challenge to the floor plan since the kitchen wasn’t level with the rest of the space; the contractor had to do some research so he could raise the kitchen floor. “He did a great job of making it seamless without the need for any transition pieces,” Chong said.

Updating the bathrooms

The two bathrooms were easier in terms of design, but the plumbing and electrical changes were more extensive behind the walls. Once the updates were made, the bathrooms came along quickly. The guest bathroom was set in a traditional style, while the master bath would be a little more modern. “We love the minimalist handles and how the handles and the glass doors together make the bathrooms look larger,” Chong said.

In the rest of the apartment, some of the walls were repaired and plastered with new baseboards and fresh coats of paint were applied. They also removed all of the old carpets and discovered parquet floors. “We liked the original walnut color, so our Sweeten contractor simply screened (removed the old finish without sanding) and coated the floors with a satin finish,” Chong said.

Working with their Sweeten contractor

Their New Jersey condo renovation took about four months from the day they signed a contract with their Sweeten contractor to the date of final inspection. “Considering how he was limited to the work hours and days set by my building’s management, he kept to a good pace,” Chong said.

While there were no major surprises or roadblocks, she and Adam moved into the apartment about halfway through the renovation. During their overlap, Chong said, “Our contractor, ever the gentleman, was very accommodating and respectful of our privacy and comfort.” Now, after a few months since the renovation’s completion, “Adam will say out of the blue, ‘I love our place.’ And I really do, too.”

Shopping Guide

KITCHEN: Oxford Linen Ice porcelain tile floor tiles, #100235829: Floor and Décor. Shaker-style kitchen cabinets in charcoal gray: Hanssem. Oberon cabinet hardware: Amerock. Cabinet pulls, #BP40519BBZ: Amerock. Misterio polished countertops, #BQ8815P: Pental Quartz. Bright White Ice backsplash, #914100887: Floor and Décor. Cardale faucet, #R72247-SD: Kohler. LG refrigerator, #LFC21776S7: Home Depot. Kenmare dishwasher, #KDFE104DSS: Home Depot. Maytag range: Home Depot. Collier lighting, 3381HB: Hinkley.

GUEST BATHROOM: Festival White and Black Dot Octagonal porcelain floor tile, #100104629: Floor and Décor. Bright White Ice ceramic wall tile, #100112689: Floor and Décor. Delta Greenwich hardware, #138284: Home Depot. Moen Kingsley faucet in chrome, #6121: Lowe’s. Ellenbee Collection sink/vanity, #C21124-SS: Lowe’s. Allen + Roth Winsbrell lighting, #B10077: Lowe’s. Mirror, storage, and cabinets, #33116: Lowe’s.

MASTER BATH: Festival White Herringbone porcelain floor tile, #100230804: Floor and Décor. Festival Pure White Glossy ceramic wall tile, #914101065: Floor and Décor. Delta Greenwich hardware, #138284: Home Depot. Kohler Ellison faucet, #K-R72780-4D-CP: Home Depot. Style Selections Drayden Gray sink/vanity, #CM18F30-SS: Lowe’s. Allen + Roth Kenross lighting, #18652-000: Lowe’s. Kohler vanity mirror, #CB-CLC3026FS: Lowe’s.

LIVING SPACE: Distant Gray paint, #2124-70: Benjamin Moore. Academy flush mount ceiling light in the foyer, #67012OZ: Hinkley. Theory pendant ceiling light in the dining room, #3574DZ: Hinkley.

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Carol and Jon took over a spare bedroom to enlarge their kitchen in Jersey City. Check out Sweeten’s home reno cost guide for New Jersey!

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

The post A New Jersey Condo Gets a Bright Side appeared first on Sweeten.

• Homeowners: Beth and Bob Judge posted their Manhattan home remodel project on Sweeten
• Where: Upper West Side in Manhattan
• Primary renovation: A gut remodel of a 1,450-square-foot apartment—with a work-from-home niche—in a 1917 Beaux-Arts building
• With: Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “While we had renovation knowledge, every experience has its unexpected nuances. We were very relieved to have Sweeten as the backstop when needed.”

Guest post by homeowner Beth Judge. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg.

Moving back to the city

We relocated back to Manhattan several years ago after residing in the Midwest and South for work. It was simply time to return home to our families in the Tri-State area. Bob and I met in NYC while studying for our MBAs, and Bob grew up here. While away, we owned several single-family homes—a few we had renovated—so we weren’t strangers to the process. There was a high likelihood of renovating to make a space our own as we started the buying phase.

We rented for a few years until we located an apartment on the Upper West Side that would satisfy our love of prewar architectural details while accommodating modern living. Our home was purchased through an estate sale and we immediately started renovating. It had been updated in the early ‘90s, when the owners created an open floor plan of living room, dining room, and foyer which was a big draw for us. And there are two windows in every room except the bath, so the light was a huge selling point.

Mapping the “musts” for an empty nest renovation

While Bob rents office space, I required a fully functional home office in a dedicated space. Also, a washer/dryer. We lived without them for a few years in Manhattan after having a laundry room in suburban homes, and we didn’t want to do that ever again. Both the kitchen and the bath needed better functionality and major cosmetic updates. Storage was essential throughout the apartment, as well as better lighting.

Our vision for the apartment was classic and period-appropriate but updated for today. We felt it was important to keep within the prewar aesthetic, including subway tiles, wood flooring, wide baseboard and door frame moldings, classic single-panel doors, radiator covers, and shaker-style cabinets.

More storage and a tip for staying cool

The primary bedroom initially had a large double-door closet. We flipped it to be used in the second bedroom next door as a home office. We created built-in drawers and cabinets, as well as added new closets to account for the one given to the home office. 

I loved ditching the tub for a large shower stall and completely rearranging the primary bath. We went for a custom industrial-style shower screen, mosaic floor tiles, and classic subway tiles with a twist: a crackle pattern. Plus a black metal grate for heat. The design worked.

I sourced what I needed at the onset so we weren’t crunched for time in selecting and getting product delivered in time.

Electrical rewiring was not expected, but it had to be done. Then we replaced all the lighting and added ceiling fans in the bedrooms and kitchen. It’s a trick from the south because you can cut down on A/C bills. And it’s a plus in a prewar building where you can’t regulate the heat in winter.  We went for sleek, custom radiator covers that are great for display on top, too.

In the foyer, we extended the closet out by six inches and added shelving on top. So what was non-functional became completely utilized, with tons of space. We added bookshelves in the living room—we love books and are avid readers.

Enlisting Sweeten during a hurdle

Bob would say the stainless steel countertops surrounding the range are a throwback to a ’50s kitchen we had. Those tops are indestructible! It was the only design element he wished to have a “say” in. Bob is the expert in paint colors. I can give him a palette of 10 colors and he can narrow them down so that they flow together from room to room.

While we had renovation knowledge, every experience has its unexpected nuances. We were very relieved to have Sweeten as the backstop when needed. It was great to have someone who could assist in holding the contractors accountable. We had problems with the contractor with a leak after moving in. So parts of the kitchen had to be dismantled, the leak fixed, and put back together again. Sweeten stood by us and made sure the job was completed correctly. 

When planning for the unexpected pays off

I wish I had engaged Sweeten to talk through the contract, which might have avoided several issues. Having a second set of eyes is never a bad idea! For example, while I was very specific on the type of cabinetry I wanted, we found the budget in the contract did not align with reality. 

To help alleviate the overage, I hit the sales.  Also, I sourced what I needed at the onset so we weren’t crunched for time in selecting and getting product delivered in time. Additionally, we had allocated extra funds for overages and the unexpected.

Our new home makes us feel joyful. Our daughter commented that the space is aesthetically a culmination of all of our past homes, with a bit of industrial thrown in. It’s truly who we are at this stage of life, a mix of the past and present: kids grown, empty nesters with a puppy in the house!

Thank you, Beth and Bob, for sharing your empty nest renovation with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN: Countertops, subway tile backsplash: Caesarstone. Kohler stainless under-mount sink and pull-down commercial faucet: Kohler. Miele refrigerator: Miele. Bosch dishwasher: Bosch. OX range: XO.  GE microwave: GE. Paint in Pale Oak: Benjamin Moore. Washer and dryer: Blomberg. Fanimation custom drum ceiling fan in black and brass: Pottery Barn. Custom pine shelving: Delirious by Design. Shelving hardware: Rejuvenation.

BATHROOM: Merola mosaic floor tile: Home Depot. Crackle subway shower wall tile in Tierra Ceramic Filed: Complete Tile. Watermark shower fixtures, sink faucet, and train rack: Pottery Barn. Shower screen: Custom. Vanity: Custom. Lucite drawer pulls: LuxHoldUps. Toilet: American Standard. Lighting: Shades of Light. Kohler vanity mirror/medicine cabinet and sink: Kohler.  Towel ring, toilet paper holder: Rejuvenation. Wall paint in Calm, custom vanity paint in San Antonio Gray: Benjamin Moore.

HOME OFFICE: Wallpaper in Dog’s Life: Anthropologie. Maple shelving and tabletop: Custom. Shelving brackets: Rejuvenation. Chair: West Elm. File cabinets: Pottery Barn.

PRIMARY BEDROOM: Drawer pulls and cabinet knobs: Restoration Hardware. Paint in Knitted Cap: Benjamin Moore.

LIVING AREA: Baldwin door hardware: Baldwin.  Bedroom ceiling fans: Hunter. Dining room chandelier, foyer ceiling light: Ballard Designs. Hall crystal flush mount: Shades of Light. Paint for all trim, kitchen cabinets, builtins and radiator covers in Dove White; bedroom wall paint in Constellation: Benjamin Moore. Radiator covers: Custom. Existing hardwood floor and new hardwoods in kitchen: Custom gray wash.

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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 Check-All-The-Boxes Apartment for Empty Nesters appeared first on Sweeten.

• Homeowners: When paralegal Michelle decided to move in with her elderly mother, she posted her backyard garage renovation project on Sweeten
• Where: Queens, New York
• Primary renovation: Renovating a 228-square-foot beat-up garage in the backyard to provide the ultimate “she shed” retreat
• Homeowner’s quote: On Sweeten: “It seemed like a no-brainer to have an intermediary help locate vetted contractors. It also solved the huge question of where to begin.”

Guest post by homeowner Michelle

Finding the right contractors

My journey down the renovation rabbit hole began when I found myself picturing the dilapidated garage in the backyard as my dream “diva den,” as my best friend calls it. While researching different designs and models, I remembered an article on Sweeten I’d read a few years ago and had always wanted to use their services. It seemed like a no-brainer to have an intermediary help locate vetted contractors. It also solved the huge question of where to begin.

Since this was my first ever renovation project, I had no idea what my renovation would cost. Sweeten helped me modify my scope of work and nail down a realistic budget. They introduced me to a few contractors who were a good match for my project. I finally felt like I had a team behind me, which is great once you start writing big checks.

The post A Crumbling Garage Turns into a “She Shed” appeared first on Sweeten.

“After” photos by Lena Yaremenko for Sweeten

• Homeowners:After 10 years oversees a New York homeowners moved and posted their ranch house renovation on Sweeten 
• Where: Southampton, Long Island, New York City
• Primary renovation: Fitting their ranch style home with a more modern feel and living-room garage conversion
• 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.

A new place to call home

This New York homeowner had always owned property in Long Island’s Southampton, even while working overseas for over 10 years. Upon returning to the United States, she wanted to live closer to the village. So she sold one property and bought the other while still living overseas.

The house, located steps outside of the village, was a modest two-bedroom, one-bath, 800-square-foot 1960’s ranch with yellow aluminum siding. It previously had been a summer residence for an older couple who hadn’t touched it since the 1980s.

The beach community location inspired a relaxed vibe. “But I also wanted a cozy look that was inviting year-round for the cooler months.” said the homeowner. “The house is small and I wanted to keep it that way.” Larger entertaining space was critical while sleeping spaces weren’t as important. “I needed a bit more common space and modernization, including an open floor plan, natural light, and an indoor-outdoor connection,” she said. “Another bath and bedroom were also in the plans.”

Finding a contractor

With her Southampton home renovation ideas and concerns in mind, she posted her project to Sweeten, a free platform connecting homeowners to vetted general contractors, and found this Sweeten contractor. She had three goals: a total renovation that included the kitchen; adding a third bedroom and second bath; and expanding the common living space by converting the garage. “I could afford two of the three, but not all three,” she said.      

My contractor was honest: ‘I can give you this and this, but this is not in your budget.’ So I was able to decide what really mattered and make a very informed decision that I can live with.

Refacing the kitchen cabinets

“The contractor and I talked through options and figured out how we could come closest to getting all three within my budget. Kitchens are expensive but I wouldn’t need to change the layout.”  The homeowner also couldn’t afford to replace all the cabinets. Instead, she painted the lower portion in a darker gray, which masked the door’s oak grain. She refaced the uppers and purchased new doors to change up the style slightly. They went from an arched to a simple raised panel that visually connects with the those below the counter. Hard-to-reach cabinets above the refrigerator were eliminated. All the upper cabinets were painted white, which made the space seem larger.

New floors

The existing brown kitchen floor tile was removed and red oak was installed to be consistent with the rest of the house, all stained in a honey hue. New hardware also refreshed the cabinet doors. The contractor also swapped out outdated tile for a feature mosaic under the range hood, and white subway tile on the remaining backsplash. New stainless steel appliances replaced a white refrigerator and dishwasher, as well as a black range, for a cohesive contemporary look. The room also received a new pull-down faucet, sink, and quartz countertop.

“With some creative problem solving, it does look, feel, and function like a totally new kitchen,” she said. Without changing the kitchen footprint, she still picked up additional space. She calls her new walk-in pantry “icing on the cake.” The walk-in pantry is located just off the main kitchen, in part of what was the garage. “Everyone told me a garage conversion for storage was not a good idea because the space was just too small,” she recalled.

Garage-turn-living room

A crucial step in the Southampton home renovation was to have the 14’ x 24’ garage gutted, creating a new living room. The new room features a vaulted ceiling and a shiplap fireplace, as well as that walk-in pantry. Converting the garage expanded the 800-square-foot home to 1,350 square feet of living space. The homeowner wanted the fireplace to be a focal point. “I chose shiplap, but the way it was executed was beyond my expectations,” the homeowner recalled. A shift in the spacing and a slightly larger scale made a huge difference. It was built up to the point of the vault and a thick slate mantle instead of a wood one made it a true statement piece. “My contractor designed and built it himself,” she said.

A camouflaged finish

Additional storage, refrigeration, and less-used items moved into her new pantry. “I put my microwave and other small appliances behind closed doors,” she explained. “It’s still super convenient because it’s attached to the kitchen.” The exterior roofline did not change. “I didn’t want it to look like a garage conversion from the outside,” she said. “I built false carriage-style doors on the front exterior so it still looks like a garage.” 

Blue, white, and gray palette

She settled on a mostly white color palette with some gray accents, including new charcoal paint on the exterior façade. The gray carrying over in slate at the front steps, rear entrance door, fireplace mantel, and one bath floor. Blue is a key decor thread, from the outside in. The exterior cladding has a bold new face in blue. In the main living spaces, the furniture has different shades of blue: pale blue well-worn painted metal stools at the counter; chairs around the dining table; and comfy chairs by the fireplace.

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Transom windows for light with privacy

Updating the baths also made an enormous difference. “I happen to love transom windows for some reason,” she said, “but I placed them particularly in the bathrooms for maximum light with maximum privacy.” The master bath’s large walk-in shower are clad in 12’ x 24’ white stone-like Dolomite porcelain tile, with a dark gray porcelain tile grounding the floor. Another update features a stylish new furniture-like vanity in honey-colored wood with horizontal grain that sits on brass feet, paired with a brass faucet.

It all comes together

Her favorite part of her Southampton home renovation actually was the last third of the job. “Each day there was something new, so I could see actual material being installed and the end in sight, versus “behind-the-walls” work like plumbing, electrical, gas lines, and new joists,” she said. “I have windows—yay! I have stained wood floors—yay! As you get close to the end, you start to see your vision in real-time, with day-to-day progress. It makes all frustrations melt away, and you are a very happy person.”

A calm and satisfying finished product

One thing the homeowner appreciated was honesty and expertise. “My Sweeten contractor was very patient, accommodating, efficient, and professional. Most importantly, a problem solver. My budget was tight, but I was given solutions that did not break the bank,” she said. “My contractor was honest: ‘I can give you this and this, but this is not in your budget.’ So I was able to decide what really mattered and make a very informed decision that I can live with. I am grateful for this.”

Hands down, her favorite feature is the fireplace. “And adding windows on either side,” she said. “It’s lovely to watch the changes in the season through the windows but have complete privacy.” The experience of a home renovation in Southampton has been positive.

She concluded, “It makes me calm and satiated, confirming that I made the right decisions and that it all turned out as I planned—I got my dream home with my finances intact.”

Renovation materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: White countertops: Corian. Kohler Sink/faucet: Kohler. Frigidaire fridge/dishwasher/stove from Professional Line: Frigidaire. Paint: Benjamin Moore. 

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Kohler Shower Tile and Kohler Toilet:  Kohler. 

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Homeowners love to share and enjoy outdoor spaces, like decks. Here’s what you need to know to build or remodel your own.

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 Garage Becomes Living Space in a Southampton Home appeared first on Sweeten.