Contemporary and Classic Mix to Create a Cozy Retreat in Gramercy Park

by Katherine Jones November 26, 2023

Seasoned renovators return to Sweeten to embark on yet another renovation journey

Homeowners: Charon and Lex posted their renovation project on Sweeten
Where: Gramercy Park in Manhattan, NYC
Primary renovation: A complete remodel of the kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces
With: Sweeten general contractor
Homeowner’s quote: “Having used Sweeten three times now, I can confidently offer some advice to future renovators: Use Sweeten. There are no downsides.”

The third time’s the charm

After looking to Sweeten for guidance for two other projects, the homeowners of this Gramercy Park apartment knew where to look for the right contractor. Though Charon and Lex loved that the co-op dates back to 1929, they wanted to modernize the space to suit their needs.

The owners had a clear vision—to revitalize their living space, infusing it with light, warmth, and a cozy ambiance. After realizing how special the views of Irving Place were in the bedroom, they knew they wanted to bridge the gap between rooms. This allowed for a seamless flow and brought the light and scenery of Irving Place near Gramercy Park to more of the space.

“We wanted to update the kitchen and bathroom. And open the area between the bedroom and living room—because then the view of Irving Place could be seen from the living room as well. And we wanted built-in shelves,” shares the homeowner, illuminating the primary objectives of the project.

Storage and design details coalesce

Working alongside their Sweeten contractor, the renovation unfolded effortlessly, with a primary focus on enhancing light and incorporating storage solutions. The compact kitchen saw a transformation pairing a marble countertop and backsplash and sleek dark wood custom cabinets. While finding thin set tiles for the bathroom proved challenging, the blue painterly tiles are almost reminiscent of clouds and create a relaxing escape. As there are many tile showrooms located just a few blocks from the apartment, the homeowners were able to search exhaustively to find the perfect hue.

Their contractor introduced unique design solutions, crafting a new radiator cover that doubled as a bench for added storage and seating—a seamless fit for the narrow entrance to the kitchen. Bespoke bookshelves with concealed storage and a pull-out compartment for the record player curated a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics in the living room. While handpicked fabrics from Katie Leede and Peter Dunham add a personalized touch and bring the envisioned coziness to life.

Seasoned renovators share some tips

Reflecting on the renovation process, the homeowner remarked “ our contractor was easy to work with, and I love my new floor color (we kept the original wood floors), my paint colors, the way the kitchen turned out, the tile in the bathroom—it all was just what we wanted”. Having received bids from multiple contractors facilitated by Sweeten the homeowners felt comfortable about the costs heading into the project. As seasoned renovators, they knew to stick to the scope that was originally planned and had ordered materials before construction began.

Now, in their cozy Gramercy Park space, the homeowners revel in the warmth and comfort that envelopes every corner, embracing the delight of a successfully executed renovation. As advice for future renovators, they advocate for leveraging services like Sweeten, conducting thorough contractor interviews, and seeking insights from references to ensure a smooth renovation journey. The meticulously planned details and clever storage solutions breathed new life into their cherished Gramercy Park co-op, elevating its charm and character for years to come.

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Thank you, Charon and Lex, for sharing your cozy Gramercy Park renovation story with us!

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