Reno Round-Up: Details Make the Difference
One kitchen and two bathrooms get a fresh start
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in seeing thousands of renovations, it’s not the size of the remodel that matters; it’s how closely you pay attention to the details. Thoughtful and careful consideration of the materials and finishes used in a space can have a huge impact. Read on for three Sweeten homeowners who took their small spaces to the next level.
Project: Revive a tired bathroom
Location: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Before: When the sink cracked in this homeowner’s outdated bathroom, it got her thinking about the rest of the space. She posted her project on Sweeten and was matched with this general contractor. Planning on keeping the plumbing intact, her to-do list included swapping out the tile, wallpaper, vanity, and lighting fixtures, in addition to reglazing the tub.
After:White subway tile paired with a marble hex floor tile increased the brightness tenfold. A brand new sink (free of cracks) and simple white vanity replace the old set while mid-century modern sconces flank the mirror. This clean and crisp makeover makes it hard for us to believe that we’re looking at the same bathroom from the “before” photos!
Project: A rip-and-replace opens up a kitchen 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 to live, Sweeten to thrive!
Location: Murray Hill, Manhattan
Before: This homeowner’s newly purchased apartment was in great condition but the kitchen needed some work, so he posted his project on Sweeten and was matched with this general contractor. Aiming to create an open kitchen with clean lines, the focus was placed on knocking down walls, redoing cabinets and countertops, installing new appliances, and replacing the flooring.
After: Glossy white upper cabinets are balanced by espresso wood-grain cabinets along the bottom, providing a sharp (and welcome!) contrast to the bland wood tone cabinets from before. Under-cabinet lighting boosts the overall brightness, reflecting off the bright white backsplash and countertops. The muted walls—painted in an almost buttercream shade—and blonde hardwood floors add just the right amount of warmth.
Project: Upgrade an outdated bathroom
Location: Washington Heights, Manhattan
Before: This postwar apartment had good bones but was borderline decrepit when the homeowner purchased it. Ready to gut-renovate, she posted her project on Sweeten and found this Sweeten architect. One of the rooms that needed a complete overhaul was the bathroom. Her plan: combine clean lines and useful storage with touches of vintage modern style (which may sound like an oxymoron but happens to be a real thing—it’s a combo of old-school style meets modern simplicity).
After: New fixtures and a double-wide medicine cabinet bring a much-needed functional upgrade. The slim profile of a pedestal sink takes up little floor space, allowing the opposite wall to take on extra storage in the form of open shelves and a spot for a hamper. A glass shower partition—as opposed to a shower curtain—improves the flow of light and helps make the space feel bigger. White square tiles lend a twist to the classic subway variety.
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