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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

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

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

‘Spotlight On’ for a Designer’s Own Home

Ariana Speyer — Thu, 14 May 2020 14:13:20 +0000

Humble renovation materials make for smart upgrades and plenty of storage

Homeowners: Designer, Matthew Stewart, posted his first personal Clinton Hill renovation on Sweeten
Where: Brooklyn, New York
Primary renovation: Updating a new kitchen, bathrooms, and a multipurpose guest room for a 1,000-square-foot apartment
With: Sweeten general contractor in NYC
Homeowner’s quote: “At the outset, I got a lot of high bids. [My contractor] was the one who convinced me it could be done within my budget.”

Written in partnership with homeowner Matthew Stewart. “After” photos by Pixy Interiors.

I found a place that needed work and left me with some budget to renovate. It was challenging to work full-time and oversee the renovation. I tried to keep things simple.

The goal for my home was to feel peaceful and light, but I had a pretty tight budget for all that I wanted to accomplish. I focused on fairly humble materials for the renovation that I really liked and how to use them expanding on traditional neutral colors. Work is always visually intensive for me and I wanted a minimal, quiet space to serve as a backdrop for art and objects.

Navigating the renovation plan

I’ve seen many projects through construction in my professional career. However, it never personally affected my life before. The biggest challenge was: would I be able to figure out the design of the space, hire a contractor, and complete the work in the short window I had before I would have to move in? I ended up having to move into a construction site. It was a lot to have workers show up every morning and not have a kitchen for many weeks. But you forget the hardships quickly once it’s done and you’re enjoying living there. Thankfully, my partner, at the time, and I were able to help each other through it. He has great taste and helped me the whole way through.

“I’ve always liked appliance garages. It goes back to the fact that my grandparents had one in their very modern kitchen from the ’60s.”

Planning a mixed-materials kitchen

Mixing wood and laminate as finishes for the cabinetry was an important idea when I was planning the renovation. It emphasizes the volumes and makes the scale a little more human. The countertops and peninsula are concrete, which I like because the material can take any form. However, it’s also a natural material for a renovation that weathers over time.

I’ve always liked appliance garages. It goes back to the fact that my grandparents had one in their very modern kitchen from the ’60s.

Renovating two bathrooms

I was especially excited about the new bathrooms and having a tub to soak in with a smoked glass panel. From the beginning, I knew the partition would not be clear glass.

In the other bathroom, the general idea was to make a very small space feel as big and open as possible. The renovation materials are pretty simple, but the details and extra showerhead make it feel more special.

A Murphy bed and storage

In the guest bedroom/office, the millwork is a combination of knotty pine and laminate, with a painted wood frame. The red laminate panel breaks up the finish and calls attention to the sliding door. They are both closets and shoe storage.

I made the open shelving in the hallway myself using laminated pieces of reclaimed wood. In a way, it’s the heart of the apartment. I knew I wanted to find a spot for these shelves and the hall was just the right fit. It turns a slice of space that wasn’t so usable into a place for display.

Plants were always an important component. All of the artwork is from friends and acquaintances or people in my community.

A successful partnership with my general contractor

My Sweeten general contractor was instrumental in completing the project and helping me do all of the things I wanted to do. At the outset, I got a lot of high bids. He was the one who convinced me it could be done within my budget.

He helped me find the millworker who did all the cabinetry. I did all the designs and drawings for them and selected all the finishes. A Murphy bed kit was purchased online and my contractor built the frame, the custom panels, and installed it.

Start your renovation

I highly recommend working with design professionals. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of work involved. And don’t get too hung up on specific choices, sometimes it’s easier to just pick something nice that you know you like and move on.

My new home makes me feel happy and relaxed, and it helps me focus. Living in the space has forced me to declutter and live more simply. And it’s been a good exercise to direct interests for future projects.

Thank you, Matthew, for sharing your renovation with us!

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

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Laminate and douglas fir cabinets: Custom by general contractor. Hardware: Rejuvenation. Concrete countertops: Trueform Concrete. Ceramic backsplash tile: Mosa. Blanco Silgranit sink: Blanco. Kohler faucet: Kohler. Pendant lights: Verner Panton.

MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES: Shower fixtures: California Faucets. Kohler sink: Kohler. Vanity: Custom. Duravit toilet: Duravit. Lighting: Rich Brilliant Willing.

GUEST BATHROOM RESOURCES: Floor & wall tiles: Mosa ceramic. Shower fixtures: California Faucets. Toto toilet: Toto. Lighting: Vintage.

LIVING SPACE: Paint throughout in Alabaster: Benjamin Moore.

The post ‘Spotlight On’ for a Designer’s Own Home appeared first on Sweeten.

A Multipurpose Room Lives Large in Brooklyn

Kerry O'Brien — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:00:34 +0000

A one-bedroom apartment works for a family of four

Homeowners: Two designers, Casey and Kumar, posted their co-op renovation on Sweeten
Where: Clinton Hill in Brooklyn, New York
Primary renovation: Renovating a one-bedroom with multipurpose rooms in a 1940s co-op
Sweeten general contractor
Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home-renovation experts with vetted general contractors, offering input, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Written in partnership with homeowners Casey and Kumar

Making a vision reality

Before buying, Casey and Kumar, who are both designers at Studio Miller Atre, thought whether they could find a home that would allow their family to stay in New York. Moving out of the city for more space seemed like the only option. Then they discovered a one-bedroom in Clinton Hill with a wall of south-facing windows.

Planning a multipurpose room

To make a one-bedroom work for their four-person family, Casey and Kumar closely examined routines and patterns in their daily lives. Their sons, Luc and River, needed quiet when they went off to bed early each night. Their toys and play area tended to colonize space so it made sense for the master bedroom to become the nursery.

Casey and Kumar also focused on optimizing the living space. It needed to feel as open as possible, preserve natural light, and allow typically distinct spaces to share square footage and core functions. The designers posted their project on Sweeten. They were introduced to a Sweeten general contractor who helped bring the couple’s collaborative drawings to life.

The biggest challenge, having assigned the only bedroom to their children, was locating their own. They designed a multipurpose room of custom millwork containing a pull-down bed. A surround of retracting walls allowed them to swap sleep space for play and work space as well as an entertaining area.

Integrating the kitchen

The designers envisioned an integrated kitchen as a central part of the main shared space. The prep and cooking utility would transition without making visual disruptions into the dining and living area. They decided to forgo upper cabinets to keep sightlines clear across the space. The millwork, in a striking combination of natural wood and stone materials, dressed up to resemble a piece of furniture. Soapstone countertops and backsplash and slate floor tiles added functionality and a dark tone.

The ultimate kitchen pantry

The understated wall of square doors next to it opened an intricate array of pull-out compartments dedicated to specific uses. Before drawing the kitchen cabinets, Casey and Kumar documented the exact storage requirements they needed to accommodate, to guarantee a precise fit. Finally, they situated the panel ready refrigerator, freezer, and pantry just across from the kitchen, as a single integrated design. It also conceals the apartment’s only structural column.

All of this works together to allow the kitchen to be a social space. Or on display as a backdrop to the life of the dining and sitting areas.

A classic and comfortable bathroom

In the bathroom, Casey and Kumar aimed for a general upgrade. It would complement the building’s modernist design origins. They chose classic fixtures with simple shapes and Inca black stone mosaic floor tile.

Modern and historical outcome

Across the board, Casey and Kumar wanted to avoid glossing over the history and character of their building with a layer of ‘newness’. They kept the finishes in line with what was there before. By picking up on material cues from their favorite furnishings, the family was able to infuse many technical design decisions with uncharacteristic and inspiring warmth!

Renovation materials

FLEX-ROOM RESOURCES: Black shelving brackets: Home Depot. Cut and sanded red oak boards: Prince Lumber. Paint for walls and millwork in White Dove (OC-17): Benjamin Moore. Custom cabinets, millwork, and sliding walls: Designed by Studio Miller Atre.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Miele stove and fridge: Miele. Bosch dishwasher: Bosch.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Duravit toilet and washbasin: Duravit. Kohler medicine cabinet and bathtub, drain, and spout: Kohler. Shower set: Hansgrohe.

A note on appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 10,000 items in stock and ready to ship. In-stock items can be delivered to NY/NJ within 2 days.

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Sweeten handpicks 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 project on Sweeten.

The post A Multipurpose Room Lives Large in Brooklyn appeared first on Sweeten.

Secret Storage and Room for Four in a Contemporary Studio

Robyn Roberts — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 21:00:26 +0000

For Frans, a real estate broker, and his wife, Dalal, downsizing from a 2,500 square foot Flatiron District loft to a one-bathroom studio in neighboring Gramercy Park raised only one challenge: Where to put the mudroom! Size was hardly an issue for this unflappable couple, who set out to fit a few custom features into a much lower-maintenance space and came to Sweeten for a general contractor who could bring the vision together. Read on to see how they made room for a mudroom, master closets, and sleeping space for four in this mighty studio!

Frans and Dalal were happy to leave behind extra square footage but wanted to bring a few specific features to their new home: A mudroom, to ward off sooty and sometimes snowy layers from city streets, wardrobe closets organized for two, and modern electrical wiring that would support an integrated system.

They’d decided on this particular studio apartment because it offered a smaller but markedly similar version of the living room in their loft, and because eventually they planned to relocate to Long Island. So, a revamp would make this home convenient and comfortable until their next adventure, and put everything in place for a future crash pad. Frans enlisted a Sweeten contractor to achieve the loft-like space they had in mind, while personalizing a number of key features throughout.

The main studio space was a standard boxy room that backed up to one wall of windows and existing decor was mostly dark and decades old. Because of the single source of light, it took some imagination to carve up the room for use in different ways.

Frans and Dalal designated the windowed area as their new living room, and aimed to update and expand the kitchen, bathroom, and wardrobes while incorporating an urban mudroom into a large hall closet. They also wanted to replace all of the dated finishes throughout the apartment.

Starting with the dark parquet floors, their contractor and his team made way for 7-inch white oak planks from Siberian Wood Flooring, and installed them throughout the home, even replacing the kitchen’s old linoleum black and white floors.

The original 6 x 8-foot kitchen nook offered very little workspace surrounded by drab brown decor. Directly across from the nook was an oversized closet, which Frans hoped to incorporate into a new, larger kitchen design. The team took on major demolition to create a larger footprint and a workable U-shape, allowing for openness and access. They designed and built custom kitchen cabinetry, finished in putty-gray paint for the bottom cabinets, and white with glass panels for the upper line with seamless metal hardware. A number of cool custom features for specific storage needs are sprinkled throughout, and walnut shelving over the new under-mount sink helps extend the kitchen’s depth.

White linoleum counters were tossed and replaced with natural white Bianco Brazilian marble with gray veining. Frans and Dalal chose a matte white glass subway-style tile for the backsplash, which now runs up the length of the wall by the new island, where two dining seats, plenty of additional counter space, and black pendant lighting are in easy reach. Top-grade stainless steel appliances replaced the tiny outdated white units, and a large professional-grade hood was fashioned over the 30-inch Bertazzoni gas oven range.

As for the old closet, their contractor turned part of that into the mudroom Frans and Dalal were after, complete with custom shelving and various storage needs. And as an extension for the new kitchen, white custom cabinetry conceals the refrigerator and houses an exposed wet bar and wine fridge.

Frans and Dalal worked with Kris to create two customized and flexible sleeping spaces. Kris built sliding accordion doors out of walnut wood and opaque resin that stack together out of the way when opened, or become solid partition walls when extended and closed off.

In the master bedroom section, Kris built a king-sized platform bed and matching nightstands. In the living room, the team devised a plan for a customized built-in wall unit, incorporating a queen-sized murphy bed and guest closet all conveniently and seamlessly hidden behind white lacquered plywood. Across the room from this addition, Kris installed a single walnut shelf running alongside the wall and just off the floor to corral entertainment equipment and living room knick-knacks.

In the bathroom, Frans and Dalal had a few simple ideas in mind. Plain white tiles, dim lighting, and very old superficial hardware had outworn their welcome. The couple planned to get rid of all the existing dated decor, change the footprint to allow for a larger, more accessible layout, and customize the adjoining closet to cater to “his and her” needs.

Kris tore everything out and rotated the footprint by 90 degrees to swap the shower and vanity, allowing for greater use of space overall. Old floor tiles were ripped out and light gray ceramic tiles, mimicking that of stone, went down in their place. Upon entering the bathroom directly off the bedroom, you’ll find an oversized white porcelain sink nestled into a new walnut wood vanity built entirely by Kris, finished with ultra modern red and silver metal hardware. To the left of the vanity stands a new glass shower, bedecked with skateboard street-art-style wall tiles for a very artistic, creatively modern, and very hip “New York” aesthetic.

The new wardrobe situation is impressive. A walk-in closet was already in place, but the couple had a better plan to build a more streamlined and highly organized pass-through closet. Using the door to the old closet, Kris custom built movable shelving units out of corresponding walnut wood for shoes and other sections for hanging clothes. These movable units lead to a separate bathroom entry to the back of the studio, where the living room sits. The homeowners also gained a new compact washer/dryer to complete the turn-around.

Not one to miss the tiniest of details, Frans had the entire apartment wired for temperature, lighting, and sound control he conveniently accesses via phone. Frans and Dalal not only got the mudroom, but also managed to fold in multiple, flexible spaces to this origami apartment. Their new “studio” might be the only one in all of Manhattan with as many separate rooms as they now have, perfectly positioned within one unique space.

Kitchen selects >> floors: Siberian Floors / cabinets: custom / counters: Artistic Tile / faucet: Euro KBW / backsplash: Complete Tile / oven range: Bertazzoni / dishwasher: Fisher Paykel / paint: partial chalkboard paint / pendants: Lighting By Gregory

Bathroom selects >> floors: Complete Tile / vanity: custom / sink countertops: Artistic Tile / shower tile: The Tile Spark / shower hardware: Watermark

Living Room & Bedroom selects >> custom walnut and resin doors / ceiling fan: Lighting By Gregory

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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 Secret Storage and Room for Four in a Contemporary Studio appeared first on Sweeten.

An Out-of-this-World Bedroom in Brooklyn

Shera Nuss — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:52:04 +0000

A new space for imagination

What was your bedroom like when you were 8 years old? It was probably pretty great — a place where your imagination could run wild, and that’s good enough for most 8-year-olds — but Jake’s new bedroom in Park Slope knocks most others right out of the water! Jake shared a room with his older brother until the family recently decided it was time the boys each had a space of their own. A small office in their home had the potential for a great 3rd bedroom, but because of its unusual floor plan & limited area, Jake’s parents Ben & Gail opted to hire a designer to maximize space & functionality. The family brought in a Sweeten member who created an awesome new room where Jake can sleep, study, relax, play, and even host sleepovers.

Here’s what the space looked like as an office, before being converted into Jake’s new bedroom.

Almost all the construction was accomplished in only one week, but a customized bed unit was built off site which took a little longer, and the project finally concluded after 10 weeks.

We LOVE the new bedroom! Elizabeth designed using Jake’s own favorite colors, combining custom furnishings with some retail purchases. The designer’s favorite additions are the FLOR carpet tiles and a ladder that leads to this charming wall decal (–and to another universe!). Paint colors are Benjamin Moore baby fawn on the walls and peacock blue for the ceiling.

The room features a nice, big desk where Jake can study by himself or with a friend. The grey pouf seats & bench-topper (previous photo) are custom designed, and the bench topper actually unfolds to double as a mattress for a sleepover guest.

And here’s where Jake sleeps! His murphy bed unit from Resource Furniture saves a ton of floor space and adds much-needed storage. The new bedroom is perfect for a growing 8-year-old — we hope Jake loves it as much as we do!

Many thanks to our friends at Mercer Interior and to Jake & his family for sharing their renovation.

Photos by Emily Gilbert

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