A small-spaced bathroom remodel in Philadelphia maximizes every inch to fit a deep soaking tub

• Homeowners: Kait and Patrick posted their project on Sweeten as first-time homeowners
• Where: Philadelphia’s Point Breeze/Newbold neighborhood, Pennsylvania
• Primary renovation: A full-scale rip-and-replace of the small outdated bathroom original to their 1920 home
• Sweeten general contractor

Written in partnership with homeowner Kait. “After” photos by Kristina Kroot.

Living with a yesteryear Philadelphia bathroom

Tiny pink south Philly row home bathroom needs a complete renovation, our Sweeten project post read. We attached photos, featuring not only the Pepto-toned tiles, but teal-colored rugs and seashell wallpaper. They’d been photographed three years earlier, but little had changed—proof that the project was way overdue. The bathroom hadn’t been renovated since the home was built in 1920.

We’re Kait and Patrick, former renters who jumped to buy a fixer-upper as we watched housing prices tick up in our ideal Philadelphia neighborhoods. When we purchased our 1,400-square-foot row house in the southern Point Breeze/Newbold area a few years ago, we completed renovations including laying new floors, adding central air, skim-coating and painting the walls, and installing a new kitchen. But we didn’t have the budget to renovate the old bathroom.

Learning from past renovations

As anyone can see, the bathroom was ugly. The floor tile didn’t coordinate with the walls. Everything was old and stained; no amount of cleaning made it look presentable. But it was our only bathroom (unless you count the creepy basement toilet and slop sink). When the time came to remodel it, our immediate priorities were practical: finding a contractor who could complete the project in a reasonable amount of time and without sacrificing the quality of materials or workmanship.

Then there was the goal: To create something that would feel like a sanctuary. With that vision in mind, we put a lot of effort into interviewing contractors who responded to our Sweeten project posting and hired our general contractor. In our last renovation, honestly, we had terrible experiences. Like with the contractor who demolished our kitchen so prematurely that we lived without a kitchen for eight months. We were determined to prevent another debacle like that.

The bathroom was chaotic and we lived with it for a long time, but the chance to improve it came sooner than expected. After twice canceling our wedding due to Covid, we eloped and put the money saved towards the bathroom project. Our families and friends were generous with wedding gifts, further helping us fund the job.

After twice canceling our wedding due to Covid, we eloped and put the money saved towards the bathroom project.

The small-spaced bathroom stays small

From the first planning phases, we knew we would have no layout changes. We didn’t want to expand into any of the bedrooms, so we agreed that the bathroom would remain really small. We set out to use every inch.

Making the bathroom functional—versus crammed—meant we had to be intentional with the size of everything. The original bathtub was designed for shorter people, so finding one that could fit my 6’3” husband was a must, and we eventually did. We chose a trim toilet and a vanity that is narrow, but offers storage. We opted for a barn door-style glass shower enclosure to let the light flow through and open up the space.

Choosing neutral with a pop

We also achieved a visual openness with color, or lack of it. We used a lot of bold hues in the rest of our house; we wanted this to be a departure from that, so we went with gray and white. But with this neutral tile choice, we started to worry that the bathroom would be boring—even if it did feel bigger, and calmer. We added the gold fixtures to give it a luxe feel. The pink paint is a sort of homage to the old bathroom.

The right renovation team

Throughout the project, our Sweeten contractor gave honest recommendations and feedback. He was straightforward about what tile and fixtures would work best and be most durable. We received a lot of check-ins from Sweeten as the project progressed; it was helpful to know we had extra support if we needed it.

We love the result. The super deep soaking tub is amazing and was absolutely worth the money. I love that, unlike with the previous bathroom, I’m not aggravated by the decor when I walk in. Long overdue indeed. We’re so happy we made the most of nearly two tough years and turned this bathroom into a peaceful haven we both love.

Thanks for sharing your bathroom remodel in Philadelphia with us, Kait and Patrick!

Renovation Materials

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Paint in Breathless: Sherwin Williams. Viviano Thassos polished marble floor tile: Floor & Decor. Auteur Diagonals Pattern One, 9×9 porcelain wall tile in Ash: TileBar. Four-piece brushed gold bathroom hardware set: Wayfair. Align shower fixtures, Align 1.2 GPM widespread bathroom faucet: Moen. Tub: Sourced by general contractor. Elan brushed gold adjustable frameless sliding tub door: Vigo. Walnut and white Render bathroom vanity: Modway. Toilet: Sourced by general contractor. Seamless medicine cabinet: West Elm.

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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.

In this Hoboken home remodel, a kitchen and bathroom modernize with black, white, and wood

“After” photos by Jeffrey Rosenberg Photography for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Danielle and Michelle Dobrusin found their general contractor by posting their Hoboken home remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Hoboken, New Jersey
• Primary renovation: Gut redos of both kitchen and bath for their new condominium in a converted 19th-century schoolhouse
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Written in partnership with homeowners Danielle and Michelle

Remodeling a converted condo in Hoboken, New Jersey

We purchased our home in June 2020, a 1,100-square-foot condominium in a former 1800s schoolhouse. The downtown Hoboken, NJ building was converted into condos 30 years ago, and we love its character—our apartment has 24-foot ceilings with original wood beams.

We are Danielle, an attorney, and Michelle, a human resources manager, and our plan was to move here with our two cats, Sylvia and Eleanor. We knew going into the purchase that we would renovate the kitchen and bath. Both needed a facelift. We posted our project on Sweeten, with accurate specs, and soon got responses from contractors interested in working with us. It wasn’t long before we found a contractor we felt was a great fit.

Our goals for the renovation were easy to convey, since the existing rooms’ shortcomings were obvious. The kitchen was closed off from the rest of the living area and outdated—we wanted to open it up and connect it to the living area. It was not only badly designed, but in poor condition, too. The cabinets were falling apart; we had to lift one of the doors with a foot to open or close the dishwasher. The bathroom was also in bad shape, with cracked tiles and water damage.

A black kitchen, bold yet neutral

We wanted our remodel to be clean, modern, and simple, but still a statement. In 5 to 10 years, it should still look updated. We chose black cabinets and other features because they would stand out and look timeless. Neutral tones would complement decorative accents, and we like the clean feeling of white surfaces. We also wanted natural elements that would tie to the condo’s existing wood floors and warm up the space. We felt the palette would come together to create a modern, edgy vibe.

Our objectives in the kitchen included opening the room, increasing storage, and tailoring the cabinets and drawers to our specific needs. Seating would be added to the design to keep the cook company during dinner prep.

In planning the layout, the inclusion of base cabinets with drawers to maximize storage was important to us. We wanted, too, to add a pantry, which the kitchen did not previously have; we managed to fit it in just right of the fridge. We were excited to find matte black cabinets—they look expensive but were more affordable than traditional cabinets, and almost as customizable. Plus, they’re made from recycled plastic! The wooden floating shelves add not only a natural touch but easy-access storage for dishes and glasses.

Creating a home baker’s kitchen

The plan also included new appliances and we decided to splurge on a high-end package. Danielle is an avid baker and successfully jumped on the sourdough bandwagon when the pandemic began—she loves being able to preheat the oven from her phone. We were set on a full-size fridge with an ice maker. We also fit in the world’s smallest wine refrigerator, at about six inches wide. We don’t drink much but love to have a few cold bottles on hand—this fridge holds seven.

Wallpaper and black paint for a bathroom

For the bathroom, we wanted to go simple and coordinate with the kitchen. We wanted the space to feel connected, and to that end, we kept to a similar neutral color scheme and same tile shapes. We installed a glass shower, knowing that the transparent walls would make this space feel bigger. In any case, we already have a tub upstairs. We went with a statement wallpaper. We thought it made sense to go playful in the small bathroom. 

What we did participate in was shopping for all of our materials, creating our vision and the end result!

Managing during the home remodel

As first-time renovators, we were unsure about the timing of various phases and what the overall costs would be. We talked about when the materials, which we sourced on our own, needed to come. During the renovation, we retreated to Danielle’s parents’ home in Arizona. The condo is an open loft and isn’t conducive to phone calls—we didn’t think it would be possible to live, work, and renovate from home. What we did participate in was shopping for all of our materials, creating our vision and the end result!

It was hard not being able to see the project’s daily progress, and to step back from our inclinations to micro-manage. But we did. We communicated our choices and concerns to our Sweeten contractor, from afar, usually over texts or on phone calls. Our contractor was patient and sent pictures as progress updates. Along the way, we learned the importance of communicating—ask questions and tell your contractor what you want, as you are your best advocate.

Since we had a great relationship with our contractor, and we made all of the budgetary and design decisions, we didn’t end up needing to use some services Sweeten had to offer. Still, we were grateful for the match with a contractor we knew was vetted. We felt peaceful knowing that Sweeten had our back if an issue were to arise.

Tips on staying on budget

If we had one piece of advice to share, it would be about the budget. Figure out what your limit is—the one that you can actually afford. From there, expect a few unexpected costs. Go through your projection line by line with your contractor and be clear about what isn’t included in their quote. If money is a concern, pick a few pieces you’re in love with to splurge on and go for more affordable options for everything else. We paid about $50,000 for both rooms, all-inclusive of work and materials. We went for the pricier appliance package, which cost about $8k.

It’s such an incredible feeling to transform a space into exactly what you want and what you need. We’ve never experienced that before. We now understand the appeal. Amazing! At home! It was worth every penny.

Thank you, Danielle and Michelle, for sharing the results of your Hoboken home remodel with us!

Renovation Materials:

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cement Nord hex porcelain tile: Tile Shop. Meringue II Canvas polished ceramic tile: Floor and Decor. Precis Silgranit 23″ L x 18″ W undermount kitchen sink in white: Wayfair. Matte black Delta Lenta Touch2O pull-down kitchen faucet: Lowes. Counter-depth 23.1 cu. ft. matte black fingerprint-resistant smart French door refrigerator: Home Depot. Cafe fingerprint-resistant built-in 24” dishwasher with 45 dBA in matte black: Home Depot. Matte black 30” slide-in smart double oven gas range with self-cleaning convection: Home Depot. Seven-bottle 5.8” touchscreen wine cooler: VinoTemp. Maple floating shelf with hidden bracket: Ultrashelf. Kungsbacka cabinets; Hackas knobs and pulls: IKEA. Calacatta Laza countertop: MSI.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Cement Nord hex porcelain tile: Tile Shop. Meringue II Canvas polished ceramic tile: Floor and Decor. Wrought Studio Aminata 30” single bathroom vanity set: Wayfair. American Standard Clean 2-piece WaterSense toilet in white: Lowes. Lady Body wallpaper: Chasing Paper. Linden toilet paper holder and hook: Pottery Barn. Gardenia 2-spray shower panel in black matte; framed fixed glass shower screen: Vigo. Modland single hole bathroom faucet; Miki traditional accent mirror: Wayfair.  Semi-flush mount ceiling light with 6 bulbs: Amazon.

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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.

A personally-designed kitchen and refreshed laundry room revive a historic Los Angeles home

• Homeowners: Chrissy, a costume designer in the film industry, and Matt, a production company operations manager, posted their kitchen remodel on Sweeten
• Where: The Historic Filipinotown neighborhood in Los Angeles, California
• Primary renovation: The couple embarked on a re-envisioning of the existing Art Deco kitchen in a minimalist light
• With: Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “When little things went wrong, he was determined to fix them and make us happy. We are grateful to the Sweeten team for helping us find him!”

Written in partnership with homeowner Chrissy. “After” photos by Madeline Tolle for Sweeten.

A fashionable—but not functional—period kitchen

The kitchen was original from the 1930s and very Hollywood Art Deco. It was just one aspect we loved when we purchased our 1,400-square-foot co-op, located in a 1932 Spanish Revival building in Historic Filipinotown, a neighborhood near Los Angeles’ Echo Park.

Matt and I previously lived in a 600-square-foot apartment and never spent days hanging at home—it just didn’t have enough light and space. Looking for our next place, we realized that everything in our price range needed a large overhaul, or had been cheaply flipped and had an ugly poorly-designed kitchen.

Seeking a fixer-upper kitchen

I love to cook, and during our search, we’d decided that the sweet spot would be a place that was in good shape and had character but needed a new kitchen.

As first-time renovators, we figured the hardest parts would be finding a contractor, negotiating bids, and avoiding surprise hidden costs. When we found the one on Sweeten, it turned out our biggest challenge was actually not hiring an architect or designer as well. I sketched the kitchen out on my word processor!

Thinking we would re-do the kitchen right away, we purchased an induction hotplate and set it on the beautiful black-and-teal tile countertop. We found a basic fridge on Craigslist. We would also need to upgrade the unit’s electrical panel; we didn’t have the amps to run the hotplate and toaster simultaneously. When we first moved in, a kitchen wall had to be ripped out due to a leaky roof. It stayed that way until the renovation; it was rough in there!

Flooring material for wet spaces

We thought about trying to save the Art Deco details, especially the original tile countertops and the matching backsplash. But preserving the original aesthetic wasn’t an option. The counters weren’t the modern standard depth, so new appliances would not fit. We struggled with whether to go with deco tiles and white cabinets or scrap all that and let it be something modern. We went with the latter.

Going from the ground up, we discussed adding hardwood or cork flooring for a soft surface underfoot but decided against it. We wanted to make the kitchen contiguous with the laundry room, and we chose cement tile flooring to avoid worries about moisture. Another draw had to do with dirt. In our old apartment, we’d had terracotta tiled floors, which we loved, but the wide grout collected grime. The cement tile required narrower grout and seemed practical. It also brought a bold texture to our floors.

Plywood cabinets and cement floor tile ground the kitchen

Having ruled out natural wood for the floors, we were excited to use it for the cabinets. We feel intuitively drawn to wood and have chosen it for surfaces throughout our home, so we let that lead us. We went with plywood kitchen cabinets—it’s a cost-effective material, and we liked its functional aesthetic. Designing the layout for the custom base plywood cabinets was gratifying. Since we could dictate all dimensions, we spent time going over all of our kitchen wares and deciding how we wanted to store things. We’d measured the height of the coffee grinder and Chemex pitcher and knew which drawer they would live in long before the kitchen was built.

“Throughout the process, our Sweeten contractor was very communicative, which was lucky.”

We thought a lot about the upper cabinetry, too. We initially felt nervous about open shelving, thinking everything would get dusty. But in the end, we did it, mainly to save money, and it turned out to be a great choice to keep the visuals simple and open. It makes putting away dishes a breeze!

Personalized features make it home

The backsplash was also cost-contingent. We kept saying we’d do subway tile to save money—but decided on handmade, natural clay tiles that look so right with the plaster walls. Plastering the hood was another important detail for us; it became a way to draw the co-op’s original character into our modern design.

We didn’t agree on everything. My uphill battle was to convince Matt to spend the extra money to put in taps for filtered and boiling water. As the cook of the house and the one who drinks the most water, I felt strongly that this would pay off in convenience. Matt finally agreed, and it really has.

Finishing touches for the laundry

The laundry room was another area where plumbing was key, and our Sweeten contractor got involved there, too. We’d installed cabinets ourselves above the washer and dryer before starting the kitchen renovation. However, the washer and dryer, which were included in the house purchase, had exposed hookups. We upgraded by having the contractor recess them into the wall. The dryer had been vented through a hole in the floor that looked like it was cut with a Sawzall, so we finished that, too. We invested in an on-demand hot-water heater and installed an $85 utility sink. Someday we’d like to get front-loading machines and put in a countertop to really pull that room together.

Good communication with their general contractor

Throughout the process, our Sweeten contractor was very communicative, which was lucky. When little things went wrong, he was determined to fix them and make us happy. We are grateful to the Sweeten team for helping us find him! We spent just under $56,000 on the whole project. I’m not sure we could have pulled it off had we not both been creative managers, but it was worth it to have a kitchen we designed exactly for ourselves.

The renovation has made our home livable in a way we could have never foreseen. After being over budget and tired of eating out, it kind of worked for us that eating out had become less appealing. We got to stay home and cook.

Thanks for sharing your renovation story with us, Chrissy and Matt!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES:

• Paint in un-tinted base white with an eggshell finish: Dunn Edwards
• Bahja cement floor tile in red/brown/green: Moroccan Mosaic & Tile House
• Custom birch plywood kitchen cabinets:
• Supplied through contractor
• Europa tab pull cabinet hardware in matte black: Top Knobs
• Revival Malibu 4×4 backsplash tiles: Mission Tile West
• Undermount sink: Franke
• Newport Brass dispenser tap faucet: Signature Hardware
• Fisher & Paykel refrigerator: Appliances Connection
• KitchenAid dishwasher and oven: KitchenAid
• Frigidaire induction cooktop: Appliances Connection
• Custom birch ply pantry shelving: Knottynuff Wood

LAUNDRY RESOURCES:

• Sektion base cabinets with Grimslov doors: IKEA
• Mustee Utilatub utility sink: Home Depot

Updated on April 27, 2023

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

Small changes, from a banquette and grout to salvaged shelves, make all the difference

• Homeowners: Sarah and Eddy posted their 1939 co-op remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Washington Heights, New York City, New York
• Primary renovation: An outdated op-op kitchen remodel, including a new look and more space
• Sweeten design-build firm
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowners Sarah and Eddy

Creating unity within a floorplan

Sarah, a managing director at an international nonprofit, WaterAid, and her husband, Eddy, a medical consultant, thought their co-op in Washington Heights, New York, was ideal for raising their two daughters. They loved the location, near Fort Tryon Park, and the design aesthetic of their 1939 Art Deco building. The problem? An outdated kitchen that had been (seemingly) randomly renovated over the years, with one section updated at a time. It resulted in what Sarah called a “hodgepodge” layout and design. 

“Overall, it was dark and dated,” said Sarah. “The cabinets seemed to be original, but we don’t know that for a fact, but they sure looked like it.” The couple also desperately needed more counter space. “There was more space for dining than food prep,” commented Sarah.

Finding an aesthetic to compliment the room

Originally, there were two windows in the kitchen. Cabinets completely blocked one window, so it wasn’t functional. By rearranging the layout, the homeowners were able to expose the window, adding more natural light to the updated kitchen

The firm was amazing! Both our designer, Ally, and our project manager, Petar, were like on-call doctors,” said Sarah. “They helped me with decision-making around all things—from what size appliances to buy to practical storage ideas.” Sarah and Eddy decided to keep the original floors to give a nod to the origins of the building. The kitchen received new cabinets, countertops, and appliances.

Using the houses original walls

When they gutted the kitchen, they found beautiful brick walls hiding behind the sheetrock. The brick became a focal point behind a newly added banquette bringing a new texture to their streamlined, all-white kitchen. “The girls love to sit at the banquette and read while eating,” said Sarah. “And with an outlet installed in the banquette, it’s become a cozy work-from-home space during the pandemic.” Overall, they kept the design simple and current with white cabinets and Calacatta countertops. Gray grout in the subway tile and the reclaimed wood floating shelves add contrast and personality.

Overcoming unplanned obstacles

Necessary plumbing behind the kitchen sink left Sarah and Eddy with less cabinet depth to work with. As a result, they had to install a smaller than usual sink. Fortunately, in a clever workaround, to allow the sink to maximize the counter depth, the faucet was set off to the side.

“We love literally everything about our new kitchen,” said Sarah. “The countertops, the pantry, the counter-depth fridge…even the vent hood!”

Renovation Materials:

Taper hardware knobs in brushed nickel: CB2. Unique Calacatta polished countertops: Compac.  Subway tiles (4″x12″): TileBar. Pacifico Reclaimed wood floating shelves: Etsy.  Litze pull-down faucet with square sprout: Brizo.  36″ gas range with five burners and 36″ under-cabinet canopy hood: Fisher & Paykel. Goffredo Schoolhouse pendant: Birch Lane. Banquette: Ballard Designs.

Thank you, Sarah and Eddy,  for sharing your new kitchen with us!

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Around the corner: Another Sweeten renovation in Washington Heights updates the kitchen, flooring, and layout.

Check out design ideas for small spaces.

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

When a sister moves in, a never-used basement bathroom lands on the remodel to-do list

• Homeowners: Sisters, Nicole and Missy posted their basement bathroom remodel on Sweeten
  
• Where: Arlington Ridge, Virginia
  
• Primary renovation: Updating an old bathroom on the lower level to feel more modern and open
  
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “I scored with a respectful and professional contracting group that made my rip-and-replace renovation run smoothly, even as I worked from home.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering input, support, and secure payments—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Nicole. “After” photos by Nova Soul Imagery for Sweeten. Styling by Simon Staging.

Remodel a basement bathroom for a welcome upgrade

I love my Arlington Ridge neighborhood with its hilly streets and access to the metro, my favorite Mexican restaurant, and grocery store. When I found the 2,000-square-foot 1950s Virginia ranch home, I fell for the windows, cathedral kitchen, glass porch, and spacious yard. My older sister, Missy, deciding to move from San Francisco back to the East Coast, was a perfect excuse to renovate. She asked to use my downstairs as her temporary home.

Before we renovated this (almost) windowless basement bathroom, it was creepy and unwelcoming. The shower had a horrible wall partitioning it off from the rest of the room. The door opened to a full view of the toilet. We never used it. I wanted an open-plan bathroom with plenty of light—a room that guests wouldn’t be scared to use when they visited me in Arlington.

I went into this as a first-time renovator. My biggest question was: Will it be a huge interruption in my workday? I work in business development, so I am on Zoom a lot. We posted our project on Sweeten and we could not have been happier with the woman-owned general contractor we selected.

Behind the not-so-pleasing wall

When the contractor removed the wall, she discovered a very vintage pipe system that needed replacement. We looked for a plumbing specialist, and that search set us back a couple of days. Meanwhile, our contractor took the room down to the studs so the plumber could install new piping. The job involved breaking the foundation concrete, but even on days when the jackhammers were out or the water had to be turned off, we had advanced warning.

Expanding the design palette

My Sweeten contractor made the job seamless and easy, even though what I initially envisioned changed dramatically. I thought I wanted the bathroom all white and clean but decided instead to let this room give the downstairs character. When she proposed the sliding glass barn door as a shower enclosure, I was sold.

The vanity is another fantastic piece, not only for its look but for the storage it brought to the room. I never would have guessed I would pick the gray shower floor, but it all came together and it works.

“My contractor was really helpful…providing the right resources and materials. I understood what to expect throughout the process…”

A beautiful result, and a satisfying experience

I wanted a modern bathroom to match the rest of the house—and my future renovation plans—and I really lucked out. My contractor was really helpful, connecting with my sister and me and providing the right resources and materials. I understood what to expect throughout the process, and we are both so happy with how the bathroom turned out. Missy, a former tech executive, now works as a startup advisor. She is really enjoying the new digs.

Throughout the process, my contractor’s crew was amazing. My one-year-old beagle, Callie, would shake with excitement when they arrived, play for ten minutes, and then allow them to work. She returned throughout the day to check progress and get head scratches.

My Sweeten general contractor answered my questions, updated me on changes, and discussed any challenges. The team was respectful of my space, too. They covered the downstairs areas to keep them as clean as possible and left the workspace tidy. I scored with a respectful and professional contracting group that made my rip-and-replace renovation run smoothly, even as I worked from home. I always knew what to expect the next day.

After a remodel, a basement bathroom has real appeal

Missy’s gorgeous bathroom is now my favorite thing to show off in the house. It inspired her, too. She recently sold her house and is thinking about where she—and her Aussiedoodle, Ellie—should buy next. New, modern, and clean…what an upgrade.

Thank you, Nicole and Missy, for sharing your dream bathroom remodel with us!

Renovation Materials:

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Adessi Florentina gray ceramic 16” x 16” floor tile; Villa Artisan Mist ceramic 3” x 12” shower wall tile; Festival matte gray porcelain Penny Mosaic shower floor tile; Zipcode Design’s New Milford metal bathroom/vanity mirror; and Varenne sink faucet: Wayfair. Fontaine by Italia’s Hotel de Ville single-handle square 1-spray-setting shower faucet in matte black: Italia Faucets. Frameless sliding shower door: Glass Warehouse. Woodbrook 37-inch vanity in white-washed oak with cultured-marble vanity and white sink; Power Flush two-piece 1.28 GPF single-flush elongated toilet: Glacier Bay. Three-light dimmable vanity fixture: Joss & Main.

Looking for contractors near Arlington, Virginia? Work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, 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.

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

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

Guest blog post by Sweeten homeowner Erica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From wide-plank to herringbone, these popular hardwood floor patterns spice up any home

(Above) Sweeten renovation by Shana Sandberg of Revel Craft and Design

The popularity of using hardwood for flooring in homes dates back hundreds of years. Up to today, the material has proven to remain steadfast through time and trends. 

Whether you choose geometric shapes like herringbone or chevron, or wide plank versus classic width, it anchors the whole home. Typically installed throughout, wood floors cover a large square footage. It has a substantial impact on your home’s personality and design style. No surprise, then, the perennial wood floor is often chosen for its unifying qualities and timelessness.

Here, Sweeten renovators show how their hardwood floor ideas added to their home overall. Sweeten matches residential renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering know-how, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

A herringbone wood floor in Crown Heights

Janet and Jerry lived on Long Island but bought a multi-story fixer-upper in Brooklyn as an investment property. Plus, it serves as a place to stay when they work late in the city. They updated the townhouse, keeping the small fourth floor as their own. For their one-bedroom unit, the goal was to create an open, airy studio. One of their pressing challenges was the hardwood floors. They were covered by old vinyl and carpeting.

They chose white-oak flooring that would be custom laid in a herringbone pattern. Unfortunately, the lead time was two months just to get the wood custom cut. So, they adjusted their plans and found a pre-cut herringbone wood floor that could be installed quickly. Their quick fix became a beautiful solution.

Herringbone pattern wood enriches a kitchen

For Nazli and Larry, updating their historic Brooklyn brownstone was a labor of love. They wanted to merge modern and traditional styles. The challenge was how to do so within the townhouse’s long and narrow dimensions. The couple also struggled between managing their budget and getting their absolute must-haves.

However, some things Nazli wouldn’t compromise on. One was the wood floors. They wanted to make a statement in the kitchen so they splurged on walnut and installed it as a herringbone pattern. It gives the kitchen a rich, finished look, which extends into the parlor. To stay within budget, they used a less expensive white oak for the upstairs—an area that sees much less traffic. 

Pro tip: There are a variety of wood floor species—all at varying price points. Oak, maple, and cherry are popular choices as well as bamboo, walnut, ash, and mahogany. Shop around to find the one that fits your budget and style. 

Wide-plank wood flooring

For these Sweeten renovators, redoing their Greenwich Village condo included gutting the place and adding a second bedroom. The plan was to maximize their 16-foot ceilings to make the 850-square-foot space larger and more modern. They turned it into a gallery-like space with black steel accents contrasting bright white walls. They kept the finishes simple giving an airiness to the space. One major design detail that achieves this is the contemporary-looking wide-plank wood flooring in a neutral stain. The home became more open, expansive, and refreshed. 

Pro tip: By definition, a wide plank is wider than today’s standard 2½– to 4–inch boards. And they are believed by many to increase property value due to their current popularity and relatively expensive price.

Wide plank flooring in white oak

Working from home was the reason for moving into their 1950s home in Los Angeles. Like a lot of people who found they needed a home office during the pandemic, Amy and Kevin needed a larger space. So the 1,538-square-foot house was perfect even if it was in need of a little TLC.

They hired a Sweeten contractor to fix up the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. But first things first. They started by laying down new flooring throughout the house. “We chose white-oak engineered hardwood in 8-inch planks to showcase the oak’s natural grain and make the house’s interior feel cohesive,” says Amy. And a bonus: The lighter floors compliment the living room’s natural wood ceiling.

Classic wood floors in a Westchester County compound

Shana Sandberg of Revel Craft and Design came to Sweeten to help renovate her client’s home in Harrison, New York. The homeowners wanted to turn the 1953 estate into a convenient, multi-generational gathering spot for their family. The home needed an overhaul of the kitchen and bathrooms. The renovation plans also called for a new 750-square-foot addition to act as a large family room. The look of the home is contemporary classic brought together by the beautiful white-oak classic wood floors seen throughout. The homeowners chose variegated coloring to create a sense of refreshed modernity with a nod to the classic.  

Pro tip: Variegated wood coloring and mixed-width patterns add versatility and work well with both classic and contemporary designs.

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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.