A Jackson Heights Kitchen Remodel Modernizes a Co-op Kitchen
When Anita moved from Chelsea to Jackson Heights, Queens, she found an 850-square-foot co-op apartment in a 1950s building that suited her new chapter in life. She liked the neighborhood and her new home, but the outdated kitchen was one part of the apartment she knew she wanted to change.
Her Jackson Heights kitchen remodel replaced the old one-wall layout with a modern galley kitchen featuring white and wood cabinets, more storage, and carefully chosen finishes. With help from a general contractor she found through Sweeten, Anita created a kitchen where she could cook, entertain friends, and enjoy spending time at home.
- Homeowner: Anita, a Jackson Heights co-op owner, posted her kitchen renovation on Sweeten
- Where: Jackson Heights, Queens, New York
- Primary renovation: An outdated one-wall kitchen was converted into a galley layout with white and walnut-effect cabinetry, improved storage, new appliances, updated electrical work, and new floor and backsplash tiles.
- Homeowner’s quote: “My contractor understood when it made sense to spend more on a higher-quality item and when a simpler, less expensive choice would be enough.”
Written in partnership with homeowner Anita
Moving to Jackson Heights and planning her first renovation
A new job and a change in career direction brought Anita from Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood to Jackson Heights. She had left the private sector to work in the nonprofit world and wanted to live somewhere she could feel more connected to her community.
She found that sense of belonging in Jackson Heights, along with an apartment she could see herself enjoying for years. The kitchen, however, needed an update. Its dated design didn’t match the warm, modern space she had in mind, and she wanted more storage and room to entertain friends.
After living in the apartment for three months with little more than a bed and a kitchen table, Anita decided to begin her first renovation. She posted her project on Sweeten and was matched with a selection of vetted general contractors in Queens.
We can help plan your renovation
Find endless home renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and practical cost breakdowns from our blogs. You can also post your project on Sweeten today and get matched with our vetted general contractors and get estimates for free!
From a one-wall kitchen to a galley layout
Anita’s main goal was to create a kitchen that felt welcoming while giving her enough storage for everyday use. The existing one-wall layout wasn’t what she wanted, so she planned a galley kitchen with white and wood finishes.
There was also an electrical issue to address. The kitchen had no outlets along the entire counter wall, which meant the electrical panel needed an update as part of the renovation.
For the design, Anita turned to IKEA’s kitchen planning tool. She worked with an IKEA designer to measure the room, plan the cabinetry, and select the materials she needed to order. Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. Renovate expertly with Sweeten
She chose IKEA’s Voxtorp cabinets in high-gloss white and walnut-effect wood finishes. The two colors brought contrast to the kitchen without making the design feel too busy. She also carried the matching finishes into the drawer-within-drawer storage system, keeping the cabinetry consistent throughout.
Choosing appliances and floor tiles for the new kitchen
Anita’s previous experiences influenced several decisions during her Jackson Heights kitchen renovation, particularly when it came to appliances.
Having lived in Germany, where she had seen how common kitchen renovations were even in rental homes, she brought some of those ideas into her own project. Her professional experience working with vaccine refrigeration in developing countries also gave her a particular interest in refrigerators.
The finished kitchen included a Liebherr refrigerator and a Bertazzoni stove, along with Caesarstone countertops, an undermount stainless steel sink, and a Delta faucet.
Choosing the kitchen flooring took more time. Anita wanted something that complemented the white and wood cabinets, but she had trouble finding the right tile.
Her contractor recommended a supplier in Queens, which she visited several times before settling on an Italian-made tile with a cement-like appearance. The finished flooring added a subtle contrast to the cabinetry while keeping the overall design simple.
Finding a contractor who understood her budget and priorities
As a first-time renovator, Anita was concerned about three things: staying within her budget, knowing how long the renovation would take, and finding someone she could trust.
Her Sweeten contractor addressed those concerns by providing a reasonable estimate, establishing a clear timeline, and following through during the renovation.
He also helped Anita make decisions about materials. Rather than asking her to choose everything from catalogs or online photographs, he recommended reputable suppliers with products that were available and within her budget.
My contractor understood when it made sense to spend more on a higher-quality item and when a simpler, less expensive choice would be enough. One of his best traits was being really good at reading people.
She appreciated that he could recognize when her concerns were reasonable and when she was becoming distracted by passing design trends. Having that perspective helped her make decisions without feeling pressured to choose more expensive materials.
His team also treated the co-op building with care, taking appropriate precautions and cleaning up after each workday. Anita shared that the building superintendent continued to compliment the crew on their professionalism even after the renovation.
A white and wood kitchen ready for entertaining
With the renovation complete, Anita now has the warm, modern galley kitchen she wanted when she first moved into her Jackson Heights apartment.
The white and walnut-effect cabinets, coordinated drawer storage, and cement-look flooring give the space a simple, polished appearance. The updated layout and storage also make the kitchen better suited to her everyday needs.
More importantly, Anita can now enjoy the kitchen the way she originally imagined. She has a comfortable place to invite friends over, share a glass of wine, and spend time together in her home.
Planning to renovate? Get free cost estimates from our partner GCs!
Get matched with our vetted general contractors and receive at least 3 quotations for free! You can also find endless home renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and practical cost breakdowns from our blogs.
Renovation materials
KITCHEN:
- Floor tiles: Rawtech porcelain floor tiles in Dust, sourced by the contractor
- Backsplash tiles: Gabriella Casa Vogue white tiles, sourced by the contractor
- Cabinets: IKEA Voxtorp high-gloss white and walnut-effect cabinetry
- Countertops: Caesarstone
- Sink: Kraus undermount stainless steel sink
- Faucet: Delta Essa
- Refrigerator: Liebherr
- Stove: Bertazzoni
