fireplace | Sweeten

A Mid-Century Modern Living Room in Manhattan

Carol Wang — Thu, 25 May 2023 13:20:33 +0000

A mid-century modern living room remodel in Central Park South adds a desk niche, fireplace, and a Carrara focal point

Homeowners: Geoffrey, an architect, and Alicia, who works in operations at a FinTech startup, posted their modern living room remodel on Sweeten
Where: Manhattan on Central Park South
Primary renovation: An updated living room creates custom zones with millwork and additional walls in their one-bedroom apartment
With: Sweeten general contractor
Homeowner’s quote: “Sweeten was an invaluable resource in helping us find an initial list of contractors. I had access to reviews and see their work, all in one place. It was also great to know that they had my back if something went awry.”

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

An opportunity to invest in Central Park South

During the pandemic, we saw a lot of people giving up on New York, and thought it was the perfect time to double down. We drew a box around the southern half of Central Park and started searching. A lot of units had recently been taken off the market but we reached out to realtors to see if the sellers were still interested in making a move. We found our home in an ideal building and location, and made an offer.

Our 1,000-square-foot apartment is in an iconic mid-century building on Central Park South, which we felt offered us the best of all worlds. The Upper East and Upper West sides were easy to get to, and we love being able to spend our weekends alternating between the two.

A love of pre-war layouts

In the past, we’d always lived in pre-war buildings with architectural character and well-defined floor plans. You don’t get a lot of that in modern buildings like the mid-century one we landed in, so we created our own. We posted our project on Sweeten, and hired our general contractor.

We wouldn’t be adding molding, chair rail, or opening up the kitchen, which are so popular these days. Instead, our plan was to define the layout in discrete ways that would create separate zones—a proper entry foyer, a generous space for dining, and a desk niche.

Our apartment’s original living room was 13 feet across and more than 30 feet long, so we had plenty of space to work with. Our goal was to create a more intimate and purposeful space that could be used for entertaining as well as a dedicated workspace for those work-from-home days.

Creating niches in a modern living room remodel

Like most New Yorkers, this was all about maximizing the available square footage. We had an opportunity to divide the extra-large living space for different purposes. By adding a small wall near the entrance to the apartment, we created a foyer on one side and an office area on the other.

In the living room, the focal point was a 14-foot wall with custom-designed millwork crafted from European white oak and marble. The single slab of Carrara marble houses an electric fireplace and a recessed TV.

“[M]ake sure that you’re aligning your own expectations with the kind of money that you want to spend. You can’t expect million-dollar work on a thousand-dollar budget.”

During the winter, the apartment could feel a bit dreary (our courtyard views prevent us from getting a ton of natural light). Installing a fireplace would turn up the cozy-dial, and we designed the entire living space around that idea. We couldn’t do a real fireplace and weren’t interested in dealing with the hassle of gels or fuel logs. We chose a beautiful electric fireplace that was the most convincing artificial unit we could find.

The white oak used throughout the renovation featured strong horizontal lines echoing the building’s iconic mid-century exterior. The material also helped brighten up the space. Bump-outs of the walls near the window created a defined dining area.

Marble slab realities

The single biggest issue during the renovation was with the large slab of Carrara marble that would clad the front of our fireplace and media wall. It was 7 feet tall and about 5 feet wide, and we insisted that it have mitered corners. We had no idea what an ordeal it would be—the mitered corners were fragile, and a slab that size was very unwieldy. Maneuvering it through the parking garage and up the freight elevator was a half-day exercise that culminated in hours of positioning, tweaking, and polishing. We were scared the entire time that this 500-pound piece of marble would break and we’d have to start all over!

Align your budget and your expectations

Sweeten was an invaluable resource in helping us find an initial list of contractors. I had access to reviews and see their work, all in one place. It was also great to know that they had my back if something went awry.

My advice to renovators? Really dig into the contractors you’re interviewing. Make sure that you’re 100% sure that they can do the kind of work that you want, and make sure that you’re aligning your own expectations with the kind of money that you want to spend. You can’t expect million-dollar work on a thousand-dollar budget.

In terms of our budget, we did pretty well and came within 1% of the projected cost. It was about $35,000 including the fireplace. Overall, we couldn’t be happier. The space is doing everything we wanted it to, and we’re excited to cozy up in front of the “fire” this winter.

Thank you, Geoffrey and Alicia, for sharing your living room with us!

Renovation Materials

LIVING ROOM: Custom millwork and Carrara marble: Sourced by general contractor. Ignite XL 50” electric fireplace: Dimplex. George Nelson large Bubble Pendant light fixture: Herman Miller.

Updated on May 25, 2023

—

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 Mid-Century Modern Living Room in Manhattan appeared first on Sweeten.

A California Modern-Eclectic Home Remodel in Culver City

Carole Braden — Tue, 23 May 2023 20:18:43 +0000

A couple gut-renovated their whole house on a $250k budget—and created a place for gathering

Homeowners: After falling for a 1950s one-level house, a couple posted their home remodel on Sweeten
Where: Culver City in Los Angeles
Primary renovation: A merging of kitchen, dining room, living room, and entry hall that would turn a walled-off mini-home into an eclectic open-plan
With: Sweeten Los Angeles general contractor
Homeowners’ quote: “It was a fantastic help to have Sweeten’s large asset bank at our fingertips to gain inspiration, find contacts, and overall keep the project moving.”

Written in partnership with homeowners Liz and Michael. “After” photos by Jill Weller.

Mixed motifs (on purpose)

We made this 1,684-square-foot single-level home in Culver City, California, our own with a mix of styles: bohemian-eclectic (lots of plants and textures), California modern (including a light and airy color palette), and even touches of the 1970s (our “conversation pit” in front of the fireplace). The result is a fierce representation of “us.”

We are Liz Anderson, a marketing director, Michael Anderson, a head of production, Callie Anderson, our dog, and Buddy the Cat. After we purchased our home, the plan was to renovate right away. We paused the project for a couple of years—a great decision because we were able to learn more about what we needed.

Previous slide

Next slide

Little house in the big city

We wanted to recreate the home, originally built in 1952, and use every square foot with purpose. Homes from the 1950s tend to be sectioned off, with tiny kitchens, dining areas, and living spaces. We wanted to move the kitchen and integrate these three areas in our home to create a more open and welcoming space.

The home also had an addition added by the previous owner—a hair salon including counters and a salon sink—which is home to the new kitchen. We wanted to use all of the space. We planned to update a bathroom, too.

Contractor dilemma

Even when we were ready and knew what we wanted to do, the idea of finding a contractor was overwhelming. Discovering Sweeten and the company’s directory of contractors was a great resource to start narrowing it down.

Once we hired our Sweeten contractor, she stayed in contact with us regularly, and that helped us keep on schedule. She also shopped with us as we picked out finishes and materials, weighing in with her expertise. We were able to find and utilize different resources whenever the situation called for it.

Blueprint for an open-concept home

Our goals for the renovation evolved and grew throughout the process. Initially, we were inspired by the mid-century look, and we felt it would work based on our house’s architecture style and age. However, we didn’t want to be limited by just a time frame.

We were most excited about what the house would become: a place to gather. With that in mind, one of the main pieces we wanted to highlight was the bar; it is not only functional but a showpiece that catches the eye right when you come in. We also had a vision for our “reading nook.” The spot, formerly unused, is today occupied daily, offering us a space to relax with a good book.

Personalized design ideas—including flooring

For the house’s big-ticket items—cabinets, countertops—we chose a neutral palette, so we leaned in hard with finishes. We incorporated unique wallpaper, tiles, different rugs, and fabrics. Those patterns and textures bring personality to the space.

It was—and still is—controversial, but we covered our original hardwood floors with high-quality vinyl flooring. It looks incredible, and the floors are nearly indestructible and totally waterproof. That’s a big plus when you have a pool out back.

When we designed storage, we didn’t just try to hide things away. Instead, we created spaces that openly feature and display our records, books, and collectibles. Our tip here is, don’t feel like you need to hide all of your belongings away.

To freshen things up, a big focal point of our design was the incorporation of greenery. Decorating with lots of plants makes the space feel fresh and welcoming wherever you look.

Because of recurring drought, our yard converted to a more water-wise environmentally-friendly situation. The yard is designed to have a clean look from plant placement to rock-lined borders. The only thing left to do is add a little more underground drainage for the unseasonable rainstorms.

Permitting worries

As a first-timer renovator, my biggest question was, how do we do all the permitting? It was a challenge. Crews were delayed as well as the permits, the latter being the biggest issue. In the end, we finished on-time and on budget because of our contractor’s expertise.

"Once we hired our Sweeten contractor, she stayed in contact with us regularly, and that helped us keep on schedule."

Renovation tips

For other renovators, we have a few pieces of advice. First, ask all the questions to all the people. Everyone includes: your contractor, the plumber, the workers, the government code person. All of them. Our plumber had a great idea for a piping solve that saved us money.

Next, do not live in the house through your renovation. We lived in our home, washing dishes in the bathtub and cooking outside on the grill. DON’T DO IT. It was cold, and we spent many nights sitting on the floor of a crowded bedroom eating a still-frozen microwave burrito and questioning our life choices.

Did we mention not to live in your house while you renovate?

Homeowners deliver on their dream home

It was a fantastic help to have Sweeten’s large asset bank at our fingertips to gain inspiration, find contacts, and overall keep the project moving.

Did we come in under budget? No. (If someone has, please call us!) We did stay within our budget. We talked about the areas, materials, and decor we wanted to spend big on with our Sweeten contractor, and agreed on places we could save. That allowed for flexibility when unexpected expenses showed up. The cost of our top-to-bottom renovation? $250,000.

Every day as the job went on, Buddy the Cat came out in the evening to find walls missing or added. He and Callie, our dog, thought we were magicians.

So did our friends, seeing a yellow 1950s “super small” house—in the words of nearly everyone who crossed the threshold—turn into a stylish, “WOW! Look at all this space” stunner. It turned out amazing.

Thank you, Liz and Michael, for sharing your home with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES:

Walnut flat-panel cabinets: custom through contractor
Samsung Bespoke Flex customizable panel refrigerator: Samsung.
KitchenAid dishwasher, hood, wine fridge, and Smart stove: KitchenAid.
Hayes Linear chandelier: West Elm

DINING ROOM RESOURCES:

Wallpaper: Burke Decor

BATHROOM RESOURCES:

Tosca rainhead shower system: Signature Hardware
Mirrors: Overstock

LIVING ARE RESOURCES:

Tribeca Basalt porcelain fireplace tile: The Tile Shop
Supreme, #125-IFT fireplace: Heat & Glo

HOUSE EXTERIOR RESOURCE:

Marquee paint in Orion Gray #N510-6 and Silent White #PPU26-13 in satin: Behr

—

The post A California Modern-Eclectic Home Remodel in Culver City appeared first on Sweeten.

My Sweeten Story: A Greystone 3-Flat Condo Remodel in Lakeview East

Carole Braden — Thu, 18 May 2023 13:17:12 +0000

Located in a Chicago greystone building, a couple relocates the apartment entrance with updates throughout

Homeowners: A professor and an accountant post their home remodel on Sweeten
Where: Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood
Primary renovation: A relocation of the condo’s front door, plus rip-and-replace remodels of two dated bathrooms
With: Sweeten Chicago general contractor
Homeowner quote: “We’ve renovated before, and we know: The wrong contractor can add unnecessary stress, delays, and cost. The right contractor can make the process relatively painless.”

Written in partnership with the homeowners. “After” photos by John Laning.

Landing a historic fixer-upper in Chicago

Our apartment, which we bought in 2019, is in a historic greystone building in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. A three-bedroom fixer-upper, we chose it knowing we could renovate it to our exact specifications. The unit had, curiously, two front doors, neither of which was in a logical location, and we wanted to find a solution to that problem. We needed to renovate the two bathrooms, which had been largely untouched for decades. And finally, we wanted to redo the living-room fireplace façade as a finishing touch to our renovation.

The apartment is a full-floor unit in a three-flat building; it’s around 1,575 square feet and has a 160-square-foot rear deck. We have two French bulldogs and wanted the condominium for its generous size, but we also appreciated its historic status and original character. We’d noticed that historic properties often had their period aspects stripped out. We wanted to bring modern updates to the space, maintain its vintage features, and incorporate mid-century touches into our design.

We’d recently completed a challenging remodel of the condominium’s kitchen, and felt we needed a new contractor to tackle the next phase. We posted our project on Sweeten, fielded responses, and soon found a contractor we believed was well-matched to the job.

Solving an odd problem: two front doors

Moving our home’s entrance door was perhaps the change that required the most thought. Originally, the apartment had two front doors! One went into the living room, and the other opened into the smallest of our three bedrooms, which we think was the housekeeper’s room at some point. Door No. 1 limited the wall space in our relaxing and entertaining room. Door No. 2 made that tiny bedroom even smaller and less functional.

Initially, we’d decided to make the door to the small bedroom our primary front door, converting that room to a foyer. We’d tear out the door leading to the living room and drywall over it. This approach would have required only a slight expansion of the width of that door opening to the bedroom, and replacing trim in a couple of spots. But in the end, we decided the quick fix wasn’t the best option.

Remodeling a new apartment entry

After discussing it with our Sweeten contractor, we decided on a plan to create yet a third door. We would close off the two original entry doors and move the apartment’s front door to a new location in the dining room. These changes would give us full walls in both rooms. Closing Door No. 1 ultimately allowed for a friendlier, more functional furniture arrangement in the living room. Eliminating Door No. 2 created space for us to install a large storage system comprising a Murphy bed and a desk in the former housekeeper’s room. Two absolute wins.

Now our apartment needed an entirely new entry. For the new opening, we chose a modern front door that contrasts with the vintage character of the dining and living rooms within. We’re particularly happy about the contrast between “new and old” as you enter our home.

Two black-and-white bathroom upgrades

Next, we moved on to updating the two small bathrooms. We wanted to update the plumbing, tiling, and fixtures, plus add exhaust fans to both baths. We planned to source and provide all fixtures, including a bathtub, faucets, lighting, fans, and more. To stay on budget, we asked our contractor to provide only the rough materials and labor.

“We found Sweeten’s detailed contractor reviews helpful, and credit those in part for our successful hire.”

Aiming for a clean aesthetic consistent with our just-completed kitchen, we chose to tile every wall surface from floor to ceiling with white subway tile. We’re pleased with the way this brings attention to our 10-foot ceilings. We chose similarly timeless black marble hex tile for the floors, hoping it would conceal dirt, hair, and other buildups between regular cleanings. Finally, we indulged our love of mid-century furniture, integrating matching bathroom vanities of that era’s style.

Achieving a sleek subway tile fireplace

The last idea we wanted to implement was in the living room, where we’d decided to add decorative subway tile around the original fireplace. When we purchased the apartment, the walls around the firebox were drywalled; we wanted to reclaim the fireplace’s role as a focal point for the living space. We chose a glossy white subway tile for the new fireplace façade to brighten the space.

The key to finding the right general contractor in Chicago

Everything went remarkably smooth with the string of projects. Our Sweeten contractor was professional and provided clear advice on issues big and small, including the placement of fixtures, the color of the grout, and more. We leaned heavily on our contractor’s expertise. We experienced no real challenges—this was in contrast to our experience during other phases of our broader renovation, with different contractors. We’ve renovated before, and we know: The wrong contractor can add unnecessary stress, delays, and cost. The right contractor can make the process relatively painless.

We found Sweeten’s detailed contractor reviews helpful, and credit those in part for our successful hire. We appreciated the additional insurance—and assurance—Sweeten provided. The right resources helped us to mostly stay on budget, too. We had no major cost overruns. A few of our fixtures arrived damaged, but we were able to quickly source replacements and stay on schedule.

The end result has made us very happy. We’re satisfied with our design choices, and the way our contractor’s work and craftsmanship aligned with our vision. It’s all about finding the right partner for the project.

Thanks to the homeowners for sharing your Lakeview, Chicago condo remodel story with us.

Renovation Materials

DINING AND LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Fireplace Tile: The Home Depot.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Restore 3 in. x 6 in. bright white ceramic subway wall tile: Daltile. Nero Marquina 2″ black honed marble mosaic hexagon floor tile: The Builder Depot. Small dual flush one-piece toilet with soft closing seat and 12” rough-in: Horow. Nicoli 1.2 GPM single hole bathroom faucet with pop-up drain assembly and matte black one-handle bathtub and shower faucet with valve: Delta. Encore chrome 44-48” x 76” semi-frameless bypass shower door: DreamL ine. Franca 24” single-sink vanity: Pottery Barn. PL series 15-1/4″ mirrored single-door cabinet: Robern. Mena two-light globed wall sconce with 6” globes: Illuminate Vintage.

Originally published December 30, 2021

Updated on May 18, 2023

—

The post My Sweeten Story: A Greystone 3-Flat Condo Remodel in Lakeview East appeared first on Sweeten.

A Fireplace Remodel Is Simpler Than You Think

Steve Hansen — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 06:14:05 +0000

Sprucing up an existing fireplace with a quick fireplace remodel can dramatically alter your space without the major expense

A refocus on the fireplace remodel

Even though we don’t need a fireplace for our main heat source anymore, the home hearth maintains its mystique. However, not all existing fireplaces provide the aesthetics you want, and a complete fireplace overhaul can be both complex and costly. Fortunately, there are myriad options for a fireplace remodel well short of major work.

If a remodel in the home is already being planned, discuss with your general contractor about adding the project to the main scope.

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

What goes into a fireplace remodel?

This is a general term, but the fireplace is made up of several parts. The firebox is the brick box inside the room that contains the fire. It must be built to certain standards of specific materials. That makes changing the area a bit more involved and costly. However, the other primary components would provide a more basic, cost-saving, and aesthetically focused fireplace remodel.

This includes the hearth, which is the brick, tile, or stone “shelf” that sticks out into the room at knee or floor level; the surround, which is the wall surface outside the firebox; and the mantel, which is the shelf on the wall above the firebox. Any and all of these components lend themselves to dramatic transformations.

The mantel: modern or traditional?

Whether your fireplace has a mantel or not, you can change it. You can completely remove it, as well, which has become a popular choice in modern design. This approach gives a clean and sleek look, while a mantel tends to appeal to more traditional tastes.

You can work with your contractor and/or interior designer, or check out Pinterest for many design ideas. People get impressively creative in re-using a variety of materials for a mantel. You can do whatever you want. You can also choose an “off the rack” wooden mantel or have your contractor or cabinet maker create one to your specs.

The multipurpose hearth

The hearth is similar to the mantel in many ways. Modern and postmodern homes have dispensed with hearths for decades. Back in the day, the inner hearth, on which the fireplace grate sits, was sitting right at floor level. These days it’s more popular to have a raised hearth that you can sit on, decorate with a vase or artwork, and so on.

Again, you can do nearly whatever you dream of with your hearth. Because of its location, stone, concrete, and tile are optimal. Steel looks great but it’s a conductive material so might not be safe, depending on how all the parts work together. It’s possible but it’s a good idea to ask your contractor.

Framing the fireplace

The fireplace surround is a natural choice for a fireplace remodel. Your main concern is keeping combustible materials like wood away from the firebox. This is usually not a challenge but it’s good to review with your contractor and/or designer. The surround can be stone, tile, wood, or metal. In this case metal wouldn’t necessarily be dangerous, as you’ve no need to touch the surface when the fire is roaring.

Another idea for a dramatic look is simply painting an old brick surround. You can paint, stain, or whitewash brick and give it a welcome update. Wooden trim can be added, like a door or window frame, for a bit more refinement.

Fireplace doors

Fireplace doors are often the impetus for a remodel. There was a time when doors were energy-saving but large and unwieldy. Now, you’ll find doors, sometimes called inserts, that look great, work well, and maintain a degree of energy efficiency.

A fireplace remodel can be fast, inexpensive, and dramatic. An existing fireplace surround can be painted for about $100. If your home has a plain, unadorned existing fireplace, adding stone or ceramic tile as a surround can cost $200 and up. A new mantel can cost $200 and up.

When you’re ready to get started on your home remodel, discuss with your general contractor about adding this project to the main scope. You can literally remodel your fireplace in a weekend or two and have a feature you’re happy to use often.

Small Living Room Ideas for Big Impact

Kate Marsanico — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 13:30:12 +0000

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.

Fireplace Renovations To Anchor a Room

Madisen Black — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:09:40 +0000

Fireplace renovations add comfort to a room and character to an empty wall

Whether living in a modern apartment or a mid-century-style house, a fireplace is a welcome feature to elevate any home. Fireplaces make a room feel cozy and warm, while visually drawing you in. Below, Sweeten highlights a few fireplace renovations that are high-impact and transform the room.

Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and financial protection, all at no cost to homeowners.

Fireplace as a focal point

A Sweeten homeowner in Southampton converted her 800-square-foot garage into a 1,350-square-foot living space. Shiplap runs up to the vaulted ceiling with a slate mantle to create a true statement piece. “The way it was executed was beyond my expectations,” the homeowner noted.

No chimney needed

If you’re looking for a quick fireplace installation, consider a ventless fireplace. In most cases, it can be installed in one day. With no chimney, heat circulates throughout the house instead of escaping through the top. By going ventless, this Sweeten homeowner avoided the time and work it takes to tend a real wood fire and keep it clean.

A fireplace brings new ambiance

A Westchester County home remodel reconfigured 5,900 square feet of interior space. Newly carved-out rooms serve as family gathering areas. Here, the existing fireplace turned the den into a relaxing lounge.

A fireplace softens the edges

Kirsty and David added a gas fireplace after demolishing the original one. Natural light and windows flank the new fireplace and invite the outside in. The result: minimalist design incorporates a touch of warmth.

—

The post Fireplace Renovations To Anchor a Room appeared first on Sweeten.

My Sweeten Story: A Home Remodel in Atlanta Caps a Thoughtful Refresh

Carole Braden — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:26:44 +0000

A mid-century remodel in Buckhead gains a better layout, a kitchen bay window, and curb appeal

Homeowners: Jenna and Hagan posted their project on Sweeten for a 3,000-square-foot mid-century home remodel
Location: Chastain Park in Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia
Primary renovation: A reenvisioning of the floorplan as well as a new master suite, kitchen, bathrooms, and windows
With: Sweeten general contractor
Homeowner’s quote: “Our contractor was transparent on costs, and his efforts resulted in a pleasing final product.”

Written in partnership with homeowners Jenna and Hagan. “After” photos by Joanne Kent.

A ranch-style Georgia home with appeal

We bought this 1958 home in Atlanta’s Buckhead section with plans to renovate right away. Nothing was wrong, per se, but we knew we wanted to remodel. The plan was to improve the layout and exterior façade and update the kitchen and bathrooms. A big project would also turn the primary bedroom into a true master suite.

We are Jenna and Hagan, now parents to two daughters: Clay, 2, and Sloan, 7 months. Henry, our dog, lives here, too. When we found the house, we were still expecting our second child and I was working from home due to the pandemic. More space and some rooms to relax in were all we could think about.

A mid-century remodel focused on good bones with potential

Our ranch-style home, in the Chastain Park neighborhood, comprises 3,000 square feet. It has a backyard with mature trees, and the house benefits from pretty views and lots of natural light. The interior was traditionally styled, and we liked it. We felt, however, that we could make it work better for our family, and set out to do that. We posted our project on Sweeten and the team quickly sourced four quality contractors for us to consider. We soon found a general contractor who inspired our confidence.

We brought floorplans to our meetings, as layout changes were the most challenging part of the project. Our house had a lot of storage space that we saw a potential to put to better use. These would include the bedroom areas as well as more useful spaces for the kitchen area.

In the den, our contractor removed a large built-in shelf that had started to separate from the wall. We also painted this room and stained the floor dark brown.

“The contractor replaced the windows top to bottom to improve insulation. We could see early signs of rotting wood in the old windows.”

A new bay window brightens the kitchen

The plan for the kitchen included putting in a bay window in the existing breakfast nook and installing Dolomite marble countertops. We ordered a new kitchen sink and added a subway tile backsplash. We kept the existing cabinets, switching out the knobs for a fast refresh. To increase function in this section of the house, we turned to old closets. Opening up the boxed-in space of the four lining the back hallway made space for a butler’s pantry with a second fridge. We also built a laundry room in this area in a follow-up to the larger renovation.

Transforming closets for a master suite

In the back of the house, closets (again) and one of the offices gave their square footage to enlarge our master suite and another bedroom. For the master suite, we imagined a large, open bedroom area looking out into the backyard. We would also add a walk-in closet, a big bathroom, and a powder room. The remap worked brilliantly. An existing door was repurposed as a sliding barn door and leads to our master walk-in closet. The contractor built a secret door at its back that lets us quickly get to the kids’ bedrooms during the night. It has come in handy!

Three bathrooms with new tile

Bathroom renovations came next. We did them economically—as in almost simultaneously. Each bath got new tile, though we retained usable fixtures and hardware where we could. At one point, we had three bathrooms torn up. The one in use had a shower only, and our two-year-old was terrified of showers! We were pleased when the child’s bathroom, replete with new tub and penny tile floor, was finished—not to mention the other three. Our beautiful master bath, with a freestanding fluted bathtub, a glass-walled shower, and double sinks got the full marble treatment. The color palette was a mix of gray and white, including sleek large-sheet floor tiles.

Whole-house improvements for curb appeal

Much of the house had hardwood flooring in need of refinishing. From the bedrooms to the living room, den, foyer, and kitchen, the contractors sanded and stained them. In another global redo, the contractor replaced the windows top to bottom to improve insulation. We could see early signs of rotting wood in the old windows. The new kitchen bay window looks great from the inside and enhances the home’s curb appeal. The house would also get a new coat of exterior paint.

A Sweeten general contractor to count on

Through it all, our Sweeten contractor was reliable and competent. He was diligent with the permitting process, a delay-ridden challenge during Covid. (Key takeaway: Be 100 percent sure you need a permit and factor it into your timeline!) Our contractor was transparent on costs, and his efforts resulted in a pleasing final product.

It’s been a feat, but finally, we feel settled. Jenna and I waited so long for our master suite—it feels magical to have our own space. The girls, and Henry the dog, are happy. We are home.

Thanks for sharing your Atlanta remodel story with us, Jenna and Hagan!

Resource Materials

LIVING SPACE RESOURCES: Swiss Coffee and Edgecomb Gray paint: Benjamin Moore. Black walnut wood floor stain: DuraSeal.

MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES: Bathroom and shower floor and wall tile in Carrara marble: Floor & Decor. Bathroom mirror: Wayfair. Element quartz bathroom countertop: Hawthorne. Cooper shower system with rainfall and hand shower in chrome: Signature Hardware. Clear glass door with chrome Victorian-style handle: Echols. White ceramic rectangular undermount sink: Mazi. Sink fixtures: Kohler. Custom vanity with maplewood front and soft-close hardware: Kitchen and Bath Design Group. One-light Fremont nickel sconces: Savory House. Tub and fixtures: Build.com. Barn door and hardware: Original door repurposed.

CHILD’S BATHROOM RESOURCES: Element quartz bathroom countertop: Hawthorne. Bright White Ice 3″ x 6″ Festival subway ceramic tile (in shower): Floor & Decor. Brilliant White glossy Satori Hudson porcelain penny round mosaic tile, 12″ x 12″: Lowe’s. White ceramic rectangular undermount sink: Mazi. One-piece Santa Rosa comfort height elongated 1.6 GPF toilet: Kohler. Light sconce: Ballard Designs.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Bellevue Bridge kitchen faucet with brass sprayer and polished chrome lever handles: Signature Hardware. Dolomite “Shadow Storm” kitchen countertops: Top Tops. Subway backsplash tile: Lowe’s. Dining table pendant light: Lowe’s.

—

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

The post My Sweeten Story: A Home Remodel in Atlanta Caps a Thoughtful Refresh appeared first on Sweeten.

Ventless Fireplaces: Chimney Not Needed

Charlotte Barnard — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:50:26 +0000

No flue? No problem. With easy-to-install options, any home can have a fireplace

When you hear the word “home,” a vision of family and friends gathered around a fireplace invariably pops up. It is, perhaps besides the kitchen table, the most iconic image of this favorite sanctuary.

If you crave the warmth and comfort of a fireplace for your house but currently are without one, take heart. If you are not ready to knock down a wall and install a chimney, here’s a solution: the ventless fireplace. Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted general contractors, gives an overview of the different types to prepare you for working with your contractor to find the best solution.

Why go ventless?

Ventless options are a popular way to go in spaces that presently have no fireplace because they are easy to install over or inside an existing wall, or stand-alone. You can forgo the major construction and have a fireplace in a day, in most instances. If yours is a new house, it’s a matter of deciding where you want the unit to go, which is just about anywhere there’s room for the box.

Besides location, consider operation. Because they need no wood to burn and there is no smoke to move out, ventless fireplaces don’t require the time-consuming building and tending of a fire, not to mention the continuous placement of wood, the removal of its sooty remains, and regular cleaning of the chimney flue. Another benefit: All the heat that is generated stays in the house. A traditional fireplace, while beautiful, sends most of its heat up and out the chimney.

You can convert an existing fireplace with a chimney to a ventless fireplace by means of a fireplace insert. An insert is a fireproof box surrounded by steel or cast iron and fronted by insulated glass or a metal screen. The steel or cast iron helps to trap the heat and protect surrounding surfaces. Some inserts include a blower to push hot air back into the room through front vents.

Before settling on the type you want, take a thoughtful look at the space in which you want to introduce the fireplace. Consider, too, who will use it and how often. Talk to your contractor before making a decision, as he or she can advise as to what is safely possible to alter or add. While ventless fireplaces are simple to install, you want a certified licensed contractor to do the job safely and reliably. Currently, ventless fireplaces are not available in all 50 U.S. States; California and Massachusetts don’t allow them.

What is a ventless fireplace?

A ventless fireplace is a freestanding unit that generates heat through the burning of fuel, without requiring a chimney or flue to exhaust combustion air to the outdoors. The heat comes from a burned fuel supply, such as gas or propane, or a gel canister—never wood. Oxygen is drawn from the room for combustion and then vented back into the room as heated air. There is a third option, electric, which gives off far less heat but still creates a pretty simulation of a flame.

Operating options with the ventless fireplace

Gas or propane: This version requires the flow of gas or propane, so installation is limited to those areas where a supply line can be installed, most commonly on a wall or within an existing masonry fireplace. This option requires installation by a licensed gas or plumbing contractor.

Gas or propane supplies a “clean” fire; there is no soot or ash as the logs or stones are actually made of a noncombustible material, such as ceramic fiber. Heat generated can go as high as 25,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units), enough to heat a great room. Consult with your contractor to be certain you choose a size that is appropriate for the space into which it will go.

Alcohol-based gel canisters: Here, the fuel is completely self-contained within a canister requiring no pipeline, so placement of the fireplace can go just about anywhere—even the middle of the room if you want. The gel-fueled units ignite with a match and typically burn for two hours before requiring replacement. Heat generated averages about 9,000 BTUs, suitable for a bedroom or like-sized living area, although these units are mostly specified for aesthetics. If you must extinguish the fire before the two hours are up, you will have to dispose of the canister. It should not be reignited later.

Electric: This is the most straightforward ventless fireplace to operate. Electric units need only a 120-volt outlet nearby. Plug in the unit and enjoy the simulated flames. Heat output is less than the other options discussed above, about 4,500 BTUs, but this is a good choice if you are more desirous of looks than heating function.

Design and customization

There are plenty of options to achieve a one-of-a-kind look for a particular room or setting. Manufacturers such as Hearth Cabinet Ventless Fireplaces offer a wide variety of fireproof treatments for the interior finish of the cavity, such as tile in a range of patterns or a metal finish.

Manufacturers also offer a selection for the decorative element that conceals or surrounds the flame, including materials such as fireproof ceramic fiber logs, river stones, or glass chips.

All units come with fireproof glass doors or a steel mesh screen. Manufacturers of ventless fireplaces do not typically supply fireplace surrounds or mantels. Work with a designer and/or contractor to find a ready-made version or have one constructed. Be sure there is sufficient clearance from the heat source so the paint or finish on the surround is not affected when the fire is lit.

Because ventless fireplaces are not dependent on a chimney, you can group multiples for a dramatic effect in a large room.

Maintenance

All of the options above require little maintenance, mainly annual cleaning of the log set and any exposed components. Since a gas leak can be hard to detect, you do want to make sure to install a gas and a carbon monoxide detector in any room where you operate a unit. These detectors should also be checked annually, including battery replacement.

Over the years, some concerns have been raised about indoor air emissions from ventless fireplaces fueled by gas or propane. Products made today must meet the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association for all combustible heating appliances. This means that ventless fireplaces made today must have factory-installed carbon monoxide monitors and oxygen detection safety devices (ODS) to automatically shut off the fireplace if the carbon monoxide level in the room rises above 25 parts per million, and/or the oxygen level falls below 18 percent. (These levels for indoor air quality are suggested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Be sure to understand all of the product’s safety features before making a decision, and discuss with the contractor who will be installing the unit.

Whether you are looking for an easy-to-maintain heat source for a favorite room in your home, or you just crave the comfort of a flickering flame while relaxing, a ventless fireplace can provide a relatively simple solution that won’t break the bank. And that’s something to get fired up about.

—

Meg and Brett’s wood-burning fireplace adds just the right amount of cozy to their open plan living room.

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 Ventless Fireplaces: Chimney Not Needed appeared first on Sweeten.

Adding a Fireplace to your Renovation: Gas and Wood-burning Go Head-to-Head

Serena Solomon — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 14:30:17 +0000

Before starting a fireplace renovation, know the pros and cons of wood-burning fireplaces vs. gas fireplaces

(Above) A gas fireplace renovation in Sweeten homeowners’ Kirsty & David’s LA home

Fireplaces are in demand for renovations, according to Sweeten general contractors who work on about a dozen projects each year that involve fireplace renovations like additions, conversions, or restorations. The best time to add a fireplace (or switch from wood-burning to gas) is in the midst of a larger renovation or addition to your home. However, a fireplace can be added to most houses at any time with varying degrees of difficulty. The question is: will you go with a wood-burning fireplace remodel or gas? Depending on what you want to get out of your new fireplace, Sweeten outlines some elements to consider.

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

Fireplace renovation costs

Masonry for both a chimney and fireplace renovation, plus the added complexities of structural work, can add up to $20,000 to your renovation bill for a wood-burning fireplace. The cost of a gas fireplace remodel can be as little as $5,000 if your building is already fed with either propane or natural gas, and you’re happy with a metal box fireplace that is prefabricated. If you need to run gas lines to your home or install a propane tank, this could double your bill to more than $10,000. However, that’s still a lot less than the costs for a wood-burning fireplace. A vetted general contractor can lay out your best options.

Winner on cost: Go with a gas fireplace.

Fireplaces as a heat source

(Above) Sweeten renovation by architect Shana Sandberg

Not all fires are equal when it comes to the heat they can offer. An enclosed wood-burning stove will warm you up much more than its open hearth or gas cousins. An enclosed stove is also more efficient and will burn less wood. Gas fireplaces add more for aesthetics than heat, but are kinder on the environment than wood-burning ones.

Winner on heat: Go with a wood-burning fireplace.

Consider the aesthetics

(Above) Sweeten renovators and actor Jaime Ray Newman and Guy Nattiv’s home in LA

Look and function may be equally important to you when a fireplace is the focal point of a room. If you’re after a nostalgic feel (and distinctive scent), there’s nothing better than an open hearth and wood-burning fireplace with a traditional mantle. Gas fireplaces often come with a wood-like formation of steel or ceramics to give the appearance of a real fire, but do not approximate the kind of broad, full, crackling fire that natural wood provides.

Winner on aesthetics: Go with a wood-burning fireplace.

(Above) A shiplap fireplace built for a Sweeten homeowner in Southampton

Permits needed for fireplace renovations

Complicated and time-consuming, permits can pause any project. A wood-burning fireplace remodel (whether it’s an open hearth or something more along the lines of a potbelly stove) will likely require a building permit because of structural elements like installing the chimney. When the installation of a wood-burning fireplace is part of a larger renovation project that will already require a building permit, you can roll the additional permit needed into your process more easily. Post your project and talk to your Sweeten contractor about how this can work for your remodel. But if you aren’t planning a major renovation that already calls for permits, pursuing one just for a fireplace might be unnecessarily complicated.

If your gas fireplace is a simple prefabricated box and if gas lines already run to your home, there’s a chance the project won’t require any permits at all, according to Sweeten’s contractors. However, if there are no pre-existing lines and you’re after the open hearth look of a real fire, you will likely need a building permit for the structural work involved, a plumbing permit for the gas line work, and a mechanical permit for work affecting the heating system of your home.

Winner on permits: Close, but probably a gas fireplace.

What’s more convenient: A gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace?

While some people might enjoy the ritual of lighting fires, a gas fireplace turns on with the flick of a switch. There is no wood to store, no matches needed, and no soot to clean up. A gas fireplace will also eliminate that stale campfire smell the next morning.

Winner on convenience: Go with a gas fireplace.

Overall, it’s a pretty even match-up. Gas wins on cost and convenience, and wood comes out ahead on the look and feel. Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. A gas fireplace is generally considered to be more convenient and easier to use than a wood-burning fireplace. Gas fireplaces can be turned on and off with the flip of a switch, and they do not require the same level of maintenance and cleaning as wood-burning fireplaces. Additionally, gas fireplaces do not produce any smoke or sparks, which can be a major safety concern with wood-burning fireplaces.

—

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

The post Adding a Fireplace to your Renovation: Gas and Wood-burning Go Head-to-Head appeared first on Sweeten.

fireplace | Sweeten

A Mid-Century Modern Living Room in Manhattan

A mid-century modern living room remodel in Central Park South adds a desk niche, fireplace, and a Carrara focal point

An opportunity to invest in Central Park South

A love of pre-war layouts

Creating niches in a modern living room remodel

Marble slab realities

Align your budget and your expectations

Renovation Materials

A California Modern-Eclectic Home Remodel in Culver City

A couple gut-renovated their whole house on a $250k budget—and created a place for gathering

Mixed motifs (on purpose)

Little house in the big city

Contractor dilemma

Blueprint for an open-concept home

Personalized design ideas—including flooring

Permitting worries

Renovation tips

Homeowners deliver on their dream home

Renovation Materials

My Sweeten Story: A Greystone 3-Flat Condo Remodel in Lakeview East

Located in a Chicago greystone building, a couple relocates the apartment entrance with updates throughout

Landing a historic fixer-upper in Chicago

Solving an odd problem: two front doors

Remodeling a new apartment entry

Two black-and-white bathroom upgrades

Achieving a sleek subway tile fireplace

The key to finding the right general contractor in Chicago

Renovation Materials

—

A Fireplace Remodel Is Simpler Than You Think

Sprucing up an existing fireplace with a quick fireplace remodel can dramatically alter your space without the major expense

A refocus on the fireplace remodel

What goes into a fireplace remodel?

The mantel: modern or traditional?

The multipurpose hearth

Framing the fireplace

Fireplace doors

Popular questions asked

Small Living Room Ideas for Big Impact

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

Two types of small-space living rooms

Open concept layout

Redefining confined spaces

Small living room ideas with storage

Favorable flooring choices

Recessed and floor lighting

Easy paint strategies

Tricks of the trade: curtains

Small living room ideas for the fireplace

More popular questions

Fireplace Renovations To Anchor a Room

Fireplace renovations add comfort to a room and character to an empty wall

Fireplace as a focal point

No chimney needed

A fireplace brings new ambiance

A fireplace softens the edges

My Sweeten Story: A Home Remodel in Atlanta Caps a Thoughtful Refresh

A mid-century remodel in Buckhead gains a better layout, a kitchen bay window, and curb appeal

A ranch-style Georgia home with appeal

A mid-century remodel focused on good bones with potential

A new bay window brightens the kitchen

Transforming closets for a master suite

Three bathrooms with new tile

Whole-house improvements for curb appeal

A Sweeten general contractor to count on

Resource Materials

Ventless Fireplaces: Chimney Not Needed

No flue? No problem. With easy-to-install options, any home can have a fireplace

Adding a Fireplace to your Renovation: Gas and Wood-burning Go Head-to-Head

Before starting a fireplace renovation, know the pros and cons of wood-burning fireplaces vs. gas fireplaces

Fireplace renovation costs

Fireplaces as a heat source

Consider the aesthetics

Permits needed for fireplace renovations

What’s more convenient: A gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace?