Tiffany and Chad's two-tone blue and white kitchen cabinets are home—thanks to their contractor
Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Tiffany. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten. From a rental to home, sweet, homeChad and I love Brooklyn, particularly Park Slope. When our relationship became serious and each of us knew we’d be together for the long haul, we purchased our one-bedroom condo. Interest rates were super low due to the pandemic, so it was a good time to buy. (We just got married in this apartment earlier this year!) We share our home with our two pups, Freddie and Georgie Weasley. Prior to moving in, the space had been rented to many tenants since 2006. As a result, the kitchen and bathroom felt grimy. I am a super clean freak and just wanted to design something we loved for our first home together. The original kitchen was tucked in the corner. We would open it up to the living space but also elongate it across one wall. Chad and I like different styles so we chose to mix them—traditional/country with a Brooklyn/industrial accent. It has a ton of personality. Two-tone blue and white kitchen cabinets glow in BrooklynIn an effort to save money, we decided to be the project managers for our own renovation. We found our designer, cabinet supplier, and general contractor each separately—and we were the go-betweens for each one.
Our renovation would be a simple rip-and-replace. Only a small portion of the wall was removed. We broke up the monotone with dual-color cabinets to give the space some character. They really pop, especially against the herringbone backsplash. The floating shelves are reclaimed for that country and industrial touch. The wood pieces are unfinished so it has that raw look we were looking for. A hurdle with a happy solutionHands down, our biggest challenge involved the purchase of our kitchen cabinets. We spent $10,000 on cabinets based on the beautiful showroom pieces we saw in person. After four months, the delivery arrived with the cabinets in terrible shape that were unrepairable. Paint and pieces of wood were breaking off. The materials felt much lighter than what we saw in the showroom. Our Sweeten contractor advised us not to move forward with installing them. He predicted the cabinets would need to be replaced between six months to a year. His team helped us source new cabinets and the results were amazing. Our renovation team—supportive all the wayAs first-time renovators, we didn’t know what the first steps were or what was required for a kitchen renovation. Our contractor and his wife were the absolute best. They proved to be professional and trustworthy. Furthermore, they were super committed to doing the best work and making their clients happy. They left the space very clean; the post-construction cleanup wasn’t as intense as I had expected it to be. We found our contractor through Sweeten. We were able to bid this out and compare estimates across multiple options. They made a tedious process seamless and easy. Another integral part of the team was our designer, Keith Spears, who guided us step by step. He helped to create drawings, choose materials, and identify where to purchase the product. We love absolutely everything about our new kitchen. It lights up the entire apartment. The quartz countertop and black and gold accents are my favorites but the farmhouse sink is a showstopper. We also feel lucky to have ample countertop space; a luxury living in NYC. The decision to revamp our space was the right one. Our first apartment feels so much more like home. Renovation MaterialsKITCHEN RESOURCES: Kitchen cabinets: Sourced through contractor. Kitchen designer: Keith Spears. Fonce Collection cabinet hardware in matte black and satin brass: Schaub. Ceramic white subway backsplash tile: Floor & Décor. Lordear white farmhouse sink, 30″x20″x10″: Wayfair. Delta Trinsic faucet in matte black: Amazon. Undercabinet lighting: Flexfire LEDs. -- 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 Blue and White Kitchen with a Modern Farmhouse Look appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/sweeten-renovations/kitchen-renovations/two-tone-blue-and-white-kitchen-has-first-class-look/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/08/my-sweeten-story-blue-and-white-kitchen.html
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A variation on glass showers simplifies the bathroom experienceA single panel is all you needMany enjoy the sleek lines of a shower without a tub. It’s no surprise then that homeowners are taking it up a notch and exploring doorless walk-in showers. With an open entry, benefits include greater accessibility, fewer panels and hardware, and a greater open-air look. Below are doorless walk-in shower ideas from Sweeten homeowners. There are a few requirements to note so that a doorless shower can be functional. Typical walk-in showers are surrounded by at least one glass panel. A stationary glass panel needs to be wide enough to keep water from splashing out into the bathroom. On the other hand, it should be shallow enough for an arm to reach the shower controls to turn the water on without getting wet. TIP: Some homeowners have installed the controls on the wall opposite the showerhead. This provides easier access to turn the shower on. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free. A frosted finish for light and privacyNot all glass panels need to be clear. For example, a master bathroom in a city apartment featured a frosted divider for an effusive light effect. The Sweeten homeowners preferred the softened natural light streaming in. In addition, doorless walk-in bathroom ideas work well in small spaces. For example, without a door, a large trough sink for two doesn’t feel like a squeeze. A bath does double dutyFar from the busy city, a weekend home in Amagansett reveals a serene wet room-style space and a forest view. The homeowners’ Sweeten contractor installed a slim glass panel to keep the water in. A second panel divided the sinks from the tub leaving the doorless center as an entryway. At the same time, waterproof tadelakt plaster walls and teakwood planking keep the bathing area water-friendly. Doorless walk in shower ideas with patternsSweeten homeowners, Cory and Andrew, made bold design choices in their small bathroom in Los Angeles. First, layers of linear lines played out on walls and floors. Then, the pre-fabricated glass panel was designed with a series of rectangles. Partially frosted glass diffused the natural light and provided some privacy. Finally, a pop of Cory’s favorite color, Yves Klein blue, peeks through the panel. A sleek shower in a townhouseA spacious master bathroom was newly-created in a Brooklyn brownstone. Bellamy and Zak designed a streamlined walk-in shower. A wide single glass panel displays a simple white subway-tiled backdrop from floor to ceiling. The couple’s favorite splurge was adding heated flooring. Doorless walk in shower ideas in black and whiteSweeten homeowners Michelle and Danielle aimed for a modern twist in black-and-white for the main bathroom. With a tub in a second bathroom upstairs, this small room would feature a black-framed walk-in glass shower. As a result, the transparency enlarges the space which is playful with whimsical wallpaper. -- When you’re ready to get started on your bathroom or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors. 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 5 Doorless Walk-in Shower Ideas appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/ideas-and-inspiration/doorless-walk-in-shower-ideas/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/08/5-doorless-walk-in-shower-ideas.html Kitchen materials are adapting to how homeowners want to use their spaceSmarter design is on the riseToday, kitchens are being built to require less maintenance while prioritizing the eco kitchen. That’s why easy-to-clean flooring and sanitary countertops are in demand, according to National Kitchen & Bath Association‘s annual report. The report draws on insight from over 700 designers, architects, contractors, and showroom managers. With the help of new materials and clever design, Sweeten highlights what’s trending to make it a reality. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free. Low-maintenance material and designFlooring such as engineered wood and ceramic tiles are popular easy-clean options. Vinyl is a low-cost alternative. These materials are also durable. They can withstand dropped knives and the splatter of hot liquid for years. When it comes to low-maintenance countertops, choosing something non-porous is crucial. Quartz is in demand because it is durable and non-porous, so there’s no place for bacteria to gather. Laminate countertops are an economical option for a minimal maintenance kitchen. Clever design that hides mess and disorganization is another way homeowners are reducing their cleaning time. A working pantry is key. Almost 70 percent of homeowners are using pantries to store and operate small appliances leaving the main kitchen mess-free and organized. Millennials push the eco kitchen trendMillennial homeowners are driving trends towards the use of 100 percent LED lighting. Energy-efficient appliances are also reducing carbon footprints (and energy bills) as are low-e doors and windows, which keep internal temperatures mild. Recycled materials like glass and plastic are finding a second life in countertops. A dedicated space in kitchen design for sorting and storing recycling further demonstrates the importance of conservation. New homeowners are reducing their exposure to dangerous chemicals by incorporating non-toxic materials like VOC-free paint (VOCs or volatile organic compounds are chemicals found in common products). It’s good for us and the planet. A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days. -- 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 Eco Kitchen Trends Are High On the Wish List appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/ideas-and-inspiration/eco-kitchen-trends-are-high-on-the-wish-list/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/08/eco-kitchen-trends-are-high-on-wish-list.html Plywood cabinets and handcrafted tile sets the artistic tone for a working kitchen
Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Anthony. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten. Correcting some kitchen “wrongs”Jeremiah and I bought our first home together one year ago in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. We knew immediately the kitchen would be our first renovation project. The kitchen hadn’t had a true upgrade since the 1980s when the building was built and it was in serious need of some TLC. Jeremiah and I both love cooking and baking. In fact, Jeremiah would consider it his favorite hobby. Before moving in, we had had a pretty great kitchen in our rental, so we had to suck it up until we could renovate. It wasn’t until we started the renovation that we uncovered the details of how things were connected in the kitchen—the previous owner had cut a lot of corners. Our washer was wired through tubes running inside the cabinets. We also discovered the floor tiles were set without any buffer on the subfloor, which caused them to crack.
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Saving money with a design-forward plywood kitchenOur plan was to incorporate as much working countertop and storage as possible. But to keep costs low, we’d have plumbing and electrical remain in place where we could. The plumbing for the washer and dryer did move slightly, however, and got plumbed into the wall so it was up to code. By stacking the units and moving the refrigerator, we gained a lot of new counter space. Our second money saver was to opt for all IKEA cabinets. I desperately wanted oak fronts, which IKEA didn’t have. I searched everywhere and found a company that made them specifically for IKEA cabinets. We ended up going with their plywood cabinet doors with oak veneers for half the kitchen. On the opposite wall, we installed recycled Kungsbacka cabinet doors in black.
Our biggest splurges were the stone floor tiles and handcrafted tile made of clay for the backsplash. For the past two years, I’ve thrown my own pottery. It was going to be important to have the unique qualities and natural imperfections of handmade materials included in the kitchen. A general contractor with solutionsWe experienced massive delays due to the supply chain issues. All our orders for appliances and materials varied in delivery times. It ended up adding about 3-4 months of just wait time before we could start the renovation. Even with the extra time, our backsplash showed up the day before they were scheduled to be installed. Luckily, our contractor had a warehouse and let us house everything with him at no extra cost. Living in Brooklyn, I have absolutely no idea how we would have managed this without them being able to hold things as they trickled in. Our Sweeten contractor was a huge help in solving problems on the fly. The retractable vent hood was much more shallow than our extra deep upper cabinets. Our contractor came up with a quick fix by framing around it with leftover cabinet material. The vent was now completely hidden unless it was in use. Five months to a dream kitchenBefore we began, one of our biggest questions was how long would the renovation take. It was Sweeten that put us in touch with all of the possible contractors. They really helped us to compare all of our bids so we could make an informed decision on who we wanted to hire. Our project took about five months from planning to completion. In addition to material delays, we had an electrical issue within the island that needed to be resolved. Our new kitchen is amazing for dinner parties! My family visited from Seattle and we had four or five people doing separate things in the kitchen, which would be unimaginable before. Renovation MaterialsKITCHEN RESOURCES: Plywood kitchen cabinets with oak fronts and hardware: Plykea. Black Kungsbacka cabinets: IKEA. Backsplash tile in M4 Canvas Sage: Heath Ceramics. Floor tiles: CIOT. Quartz countertops in Fresh Concrete: Caesarstone. Andrew Neyer Astro Globe mini pendant lighting: YLighting. A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days. -- 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 Plywood Kitchen is Loaded With Personality appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/sweeten-renovations/kitchen-renovations/plywood-kitchen-is-loaded-with-personality/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-sweeten-story-plywood-kitchen-is.html On the moody end of the color spectrum, cabinets in dark tones prove to be versatileWhite and light hues are the go-to’s when you’re looking for an airy and calm feeling for a kitchen. But going dark offers a bold look. Dark kitchen cabinets—dark browns, navy blues, dark green, or black—strike a nice balance with light tile and countertop materials. It’s edgy and dramatic and can elicit the “wow” just as easily as a white kitchen can. Gold or brass hardware will also add some glow to a dark finish. Small space kitchens, in particular, can embrace the coziness that dark cabinets bring. Below is a gallery of Sweeten kitchens to spark ideas. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. The popularity of green cabinets grabs the spotlightThe sunny kitchen windows in Hannah and Henry’s new Tudor-style home were a feature they wanted to emphasize in their kitchen remodel. So, the couple chose a warm, saturated green for their cabinets. The lower cabinets were painted white to prevent the room from feeling closed in. And like bits of jewels, gold pulls and knobs light up against the hunter green. Their white granite countertops are a nice bright topper. Photo courtesy of The White Arrow When Sweeten homeowner Jared bought his 668-square-foot duplex loft studio, he wanted it to have a boutique hotel feel. Hiring the interior design team The White Arrow would ensure that particular areas in his home would push some boundaries. The kitchen was one. “Our client took some creative leaps,” Keren recalled. The gray kitchen cabinets were repainted a vivid hunter green. “The color is a total showstopper, and we are so glad he was game!” Keren remarked. Their Sweeten contractor retiled the kitchen backsplash with marble penny tile and changed all door hardware. A contemporary look for wood grainEmily and Dan’s new apartment was awash in off-white and cream tones. It felt “too vanilla for us,” they said, and planned out a home renovation to bring in personality and New York cool. In the kitchen, they chose a dark, wood-tone cabinet with a heavy grain. Black hardware adds to the edge-y vibe. The glass mosaic backsplash and white countertop bring lightness to the space. Dark kitchen cabinets are stylish in blackInitially, Ylia and Andre were planning on white Shaker kitchen cabinets with white subway tile. During the planning process, they made a complete reversal when they realized they really preferred Scandinavian minimalism. They chose cabinets in sawn smoked oak. Its dark tone is emphasized by light wood floors sourced from Sweden. Black is a perennial neutral and in Danielle and Michelle’s kitchen remodel, black and beige tones would be timeless. It also had the simple yet edgy look they wanted. They were thrilled to find matte black cabinets that looked expensive but were affordable. Best of all, the cabinet fronts were made from recycled wood and PET bottles. Mixing in beige floor tiles and maple shelving were the natural tones that complemented the cabinets. Dark kitchen cabinets classic in every wayIn keeping with an updated traditional look for their 3,000-square-foot house, Griselle’s brown wood cabinets featured dark and light shading that allowed the wood grain to have some texture and movement. Separating the patio and kitchen, four sliding glass doors were installed during the renovation. They brought in a lot of outside light giving the cookspace some levity. When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best vetted general contractors. A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days. -- 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 Dark Kitchen Cabinets Are Traditional Yet Bold appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/ideas-and-inspiration/dark-kitchen-cabinets-are-traditional-yet-bold/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/07/dark-kitchen-cabinets-are-traditional.html How to create and use a scope of work when undertaking a home remodeling project(Above) Sweeten homeowner Bellamy + Zak’s renovation. Photos by Kate Glicksberg. Why is the scope of work important?“Scope of work” or “scope” is construction lingo for the list of work that needs to be done in a remodeling project. When a contractor asks for your project scope, they’re really asking, “What are all the things you need me to do?” Sweeten breaks it all down below. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. What is the scope of work?Early in your planning, like when you first post your project on the Sweeten platform or start talking to general contractors, your scope will likely be vague. For example, “I want to renovate the master bathroom, including retiling and replacing cabinets and fixtures.” Later, when it comes time to ask general contractors for estimates, you’ll work with them to fill in the details. These important details make up the scope of work! The details will cover the exact work that needs to be done, including materials and fixture specifics, and plans drawn for any changes to the layout, pipes, or wiring (see “Renovation scope of work example” below). All the specifics need to be in writing by the time you ask for a contract. Once you’ve signed, additional changes to the scope of work are considered “change orders,” and will bring additional costs. Finessing your budget and scope of workOften, you won’t be able to move from a general to specific scope until you know the cost of all the options. We suggest making a list of everything you want, divided into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Your general contractor can help you decide on a specific scope that fits your budget, including as many “nice-to-haves” as possible. My scope exceeds my budget. Now what?If your contractor makes an estimate that exceeds your budget, it’s time to negotiate. Please don’t just ask for a discount. General contractors operate on very low margins; you’d be asking them to lose money. Instead, ask questions about how to adjust the scope to fit your budget. You might get some surprising and imaginative ideas. Sweeten general contractors are often wizards at this kind of creative problem-solving to make potential clients happy. A remodeling rule-of-thumb: The more rigid your budget, the more flexible your scope should be. If a scope of work isn’t possibleOccasionally a general contractor will tell you that something in your scope is impossible. This can be disappointing—but we promise, they’re not just being difficult. Sometimes there will be structural reasons that something can’t be done. Other times there will be strict national or local building codes that have to be obeyed. Pro tip: Always ask why something in the scope can’t be done. You might start a conversation with your contractor that leads to ideas that are just as satisfying as the original. Prep scopes before the estimateYou might want to consider more than one scope. For example, one version might be a kitchen remodel that includes changing the floor plan and opening a wall. Another version could be a simple rip-and-replace of the existing cabinets and finishes. It’s fine to present these alternate versions to your general contractor, as long as you do so before asking them to create any estimates. And you should keep it to just two variations. Beyond two, your contractor might ask for an additional deposit—because drawing up detailed estimates is time-consuming work. Example of a scope of work in construction
The scope of work, in summaryStart with a general scope, with your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Moving on to your final, detailed scope requires negotiating many variables. Your Sweeten general contractor can be a valuable resource in this process. Be sure to communicate clearly, ask questions, and give as much information as possible before requesting a bid. And remember: the details in a contract finalize your scope. Any additions to the scope after you’ve signed the contract will be considered a change order, which might push you over budget. Sweeten matches you with vetted general contractorsWhen you’re ready to get started on your home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors. You can email our renovation specialists with questions about your scope of work at any time at [email protected]. -- 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 What is a Scope of Work in Home Remodeling? appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/advice-and-faq/what-is-scope-of-work-in-home-remodeling/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-is-scope-of-work-in-home-remodeling.html The evergreen pattern stays on trend with safety advantages to bootThe little tile that couldIf you’re looking for an instant “wow” factor in your bathroom, consider a graphic tile pattern. A bathroom floor in penny tile makes a visual impact and can easily be the main design feature. Yet, in a neutral color, it can be a supporting player to another focal point. As one of the most popular tiles, it’s proven its staying power and has a delightful shape. Furthermore, this small tile requires a lot of grout. As a result, it provides more grip and is less slippery on a wet floor. Choose a matte finish for more texture and as an added safety measure. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. A black bathroom floor in penny tile anchorsA full apartment renovation meant there would be three remodeled bathrooms for a Manhattan family. Each designed with clean modern lines, one features a dark floor with black penny tile and dark gray grout. It emphasizes the ever-popular vertical running bond pattern on the walls. The penny mixes well with other tile shapes such as linear ones. From gutted to glossyKatherine and Chris purchased a two-bedroom in Brooklyn that had formerly been rent-controlled. This meant the space would not have seen a renovation in decades. To make better use of the space, their bathroom received a layout change with the tub moving to the back of the room. Overall, the materials transformed it into a soothing space with a big dose of glamour. Their bathroom floor with penny tile echoed in the shower while mixing with large slabs of marble walls. As a result, the penny pattern breaks up the marble and adds subtle movement. A bathroom invokes the waterSweeten homeowner and artist, Katy Garry, gut-renovated her family’s vacation home by the beach. Her pop art is seen throughout the house as murals and artwork. The guest bathroom is just as vibrant with a variegated palette of water-blue penny tile and painted goldfish. Covering the floor and the entire shower including the ceiling, the tile gives the feeling of being in the ocean. Materials score points for characterSweeten homeowners Ed and Alicia planned for a classic NYC look for their bathroom in their garden duplex. The color palette would be black-and-white. To begin, they installed the two most iconic tiles: the bathroom floor in penny tile and subway tile halfway up the walls. A vintage-style schoolhouse trough sink and black painted walls complete the look. With a wall-mounted sink and toilet, the floor design is given a full view. Bonus: It’s also easier to clean the floors with no obstruction. When you’re ready to get started on your bathroom or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors. A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days. -- 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 A Bathroom Floor in Penny Tile Is Simply Elegant appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/ideas-and-inspiration/a-bathroom-floor-in-penny-tile-has-many-faces/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/07/a-bathroom-floor-in-penny-tile-is.html Sprucing up an existing fireplace can dramatically alter your space without the major expenseA refocus on the fireplace remodelEven though we don’t need a fireplace for our main heat source anymore, the home hearth maintains its mystique. However, not all existing fireplaces provide the aesthetics you want, and a complete fireplace overhaul can be both complex and costly. Fortunately, there are myriad options for a fireplace remodel well short of major work. If a remodel in the home is already being planned, discuss with your general contractor about adding the project to the main scope. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. What goes into a fireplace remodel?This is a general term, but the fireplace is made up of several parts. The firebox is the brick box inside the room that contains the fire. It must be built to certain standards of specific materials. That makes changing the area a bit more involved and costly. However, the other primary components would provide a more basic, cost-saving, and aesthetically focused fireplace remodel. This includes the hearth, which is the brick, tile, or stone “shelf” that sticks out into the room at knee or floor level; the surround, which is the wall surface outside the firebox; and the mantel, which is the shelf on the wall above the firebox. Any and all of these components lend themselves to dramatic transformations. The mantel: modern or traditional?Whether your fireplace has a mantel or not, you can change it. You can completely remove it, as well, which has become a popular choice in modern design. This approach gives a clean and sleek look, while a mantel tends to appeal to more traditional tastes. You can work with your contractor and/or interior designer, or check out Pinterest for many design ideas. People get impressively creative in re-using a variety of materials for a mantel. You can do whatever you want. You can also choose an “off the rack” wooden mantel or have your contractor or cabinet maker create one to your specs. The multipurpose hearthThe hearth is similar to the mantel in many ways. Modern and postmodern homes have dispensed with hearths for decades. Back in the day, the inner hearth, on which the fireplace grate sits, was sitting right at floor level. These days it’s more popular to have a raised hearth that you can sit on, decorate with a vase or artwork, and so on. Again, you can do nearly whatever you dream of with your hearth. Because of its location, stone, concrete, and tile are optimal. Steel looks great but it’s a conductive material so might not be safe, depending on how all the parts work together. It’s possible but it’s a good idea to ask your contractor. Framing the fireplaceThe fireplace surround is a natural choice for a fireplace remodel. Your main concern is keeping combustible materials like wood away from the firebox. This is usually not a challenge but it’s good to review with your contractor and/or designer. The surround can be stone, tile, wood, or metal. In this case metal wouldn’t necessarily be dangerous, as you’ve no need to touch the surface when the fire is roaring. Another idea for a dramatic look is simply painting an old brick surround. You can paint, stain, or whitewash brick and give it a welcome update. Wooden trim can be added, like a door or window frame, for a bit more refinement. Fireplace doorsFireplace doors are often the impetus for a remodel. There was a time when doors were energy-saving but large and unwieldy. Now, you’ll find doors, sometimes called inserts, that look great, work well, and maintain a degree of energy efficiency. A fireplace remodel can be fast, inexpensive, and dramatic. An existing fireplace surround can be painted for about $100. If your home has a plain, unadorned existing fireplace, adding stone or ceramic tile as a surround can cost $200 and up. A new mantel can cost $200 and up. When you’re ready to get started on your home remodel, discuss with your general contractor about adding this project to the main scope. You can literally remodel your fireplace in a weekend or two and have a feature you’re happy to use often. Popular questions askedA fireplace remodel can be as simple as painting, staining, or whitewashing the existing brick surround. You can also add a new set of doors or a new mantel, refinish the existing mantel, remove the existing mantel, and resurface the hearth. The whole project is about improving the aesthetics of those three parts of the fireplace. It can be a simple, fast, fun process. If remodeling plans are already planned for other areas in the home, then speak with your general contractor or designer about adding a fireplace remodel to the main scope. It will save time on permits, scheduling, and labor if these logistics are already being planned. A Sweeten contractor will have worked with specialty subcontractors who know everything about fireplaces. Your first task, after creating a general idea for the project, is to get your contractor’s opinion on the existing fireplace. It’s really tough to know what can be done to a fireplace without seeing it firsthand. It’s always wise to have a professional incorporate code compliance for a feature like a fireplace into their recommendations. You literally can paint an existing fireplace surround for under $100. If your home has a plain, unadorned existing fireplace, you could add stone or ceramic tile as a surround for $200 and up, and add a new mantel for $200 and up. Mantel materials can include wood, salvaged wood, stone, or concrete. -- 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 A Fireplace Remodel Is Simpler Than You Think appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/advice-and-faq/a-fireplace-remodel-is-simpler-than-you-think/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/07/a-fireplace-remodel-is-simpler-than-you.html Kitchens feature larger cabinets and dedicated niches for small appliances and cookwareCabinets are larger and getting smarter, according to National Kitchen & Bath Association’s latest annual report. A thoughtful design and layout also helps to create specific niches just for small kitchen appliance storage. The report provides a snapshot of kitchen renovation trends from a survey of over 700 designers, architects, contractors, and showroom managers. Small kitchen appliance storage inspire new designsHomeowners renovating their kitchens are prioritizing deeper cabinets below countertop level. Deeper draws provide more storage than multiple smaller draws with the option to hold bigger appliances and cookware. As a result, it means less storage is needed in the hard-to-reach upper levels. Trends and circumstance like the pandemic has people cooking at home more. This has called for intelligent food and cookware storage within cabinets. For example, a dedicated rollout drawer for food containers where lids are slotted in is located on top while containers are stacked below. There’s a need to store larger appliances like at-home espresso machines. Consequently, that means dedicated cabinet space where the appliance can be stored and operated. Many homeowners are also using pantries as an all-in-one coffee storage and prep area. A design-build firm could assess how your space can fit more useful storage. Small kitchen appliance storage has also found a permanent home in the pantry. About 70 percent of new kitchens have pantry space to store and use small appliances like juicers. This means they can be ready to use without clogging up the kitchen counter. In fact, pantries don’t need to be a room. Pull-out pantry cabinets can accommodate various widths and hold a chockfull of storage. Natural and luxe finishes sets up a new design comboThe look of new kitchens is sticking to a clean, minimalist philosophy with scarce accessories. However, rather than the focus on white like in years past, homeowners are opting for warmer tones. Creams are the new dominant neutral. The use of wood brings more natural tones adding to the cozy feel. Fixtures are taking a luxurious turn with brushed gold a common choice. The gold is a contrast to organic materials like stone, wood, and statement marble. When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors. A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days. -- 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 Storage for Small Kitchen Appliances and Cookware appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/ideas-and-inspiration/small-kitchen-appliance-storage-and-cookware-storage/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/06/storage-for-small-kitchen-appliances.html Double the storage and a small layout change impact a galley space in Riverdale(Above) A new office kitchen surrounded by extra storage
Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Sally. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten. Updating a loved homeThe lobby is what initially drew us to the 1939 building in Riverdale. We still love it. We purchased a 1,200-square-foot sponsor unit that had been a rental for many years. My husband, Aaron, and I live in the co-op with our children, ages 4 and 1.5 years old. With both of us working from home, renovating our kitchen and building an office kitchen would have the most impact on our daily life. The kitchen and bathrooms were very basic in budget finishes, so we had always hoped to renovate.
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Improvements in flow and functionThere were half walls midway through the kitchen that created a little breakfast nook at the end of the room. However, I started using this space to work during COVID. The plan was to knock down those walls and have a more continuous flow. We wanted a kitchen desk large enough to seat two so that our kids could use it while my husband and I cook. We’ve been eating at home a lot since COVID. Updating our appliances and creating more counter space would improve how we function in the kitchen. Another huge issue was the electrical load. There weren’t enough outlets or enough circuits. For example, we couldn’t run our dishwasher at the same time as our toaster oven. We knew we needed to spend some money on serious electrical work. An office kitchen benefits the whole familyThe only layout change was moving our refrigerator away from the kitchen entrance. That simple shift made the whole room seem larger and gave us more counter space. Our Sweeten contractors really helped us figure out the floorplan with the cabinets. Our kitchen had some wonky angles in the walls. They found solutions to make the whole design look more streamlined which incorporated an office kitchen. Our cabinets didn’t reach all the way to the wall near the entryway. The contractors suggested filling it in with open shelves and we love them. They make the space look so much homier.
Cabinetry would be a big part of the budget since it would also be used to create the hutch around the kitchen desk. We used a brand from a big box store. Originally, we wanted to install IKEA but they were sold out for months. To spruce up the cabinets, we added elegant hardware. A counter-depth refrigerator was a must-have. Our old fridge protruded out but it also didn’t have a lot of storage space; it was a lose-lose. The French-door style in counter-depth fixed both of those issues. Easy material upgradesWe went with a gray/black/white color scheme so our large collection of bright green kitchen accessories would pop against a neutral background. Our contractors recommended the gray vinyl plank flooring. It’s easier to care for than stained wood, and so far it’s been great. Our countertops switched to quartz which is such a nice upgrade from the ugly Formica we had before. How much our renovation costThe biggest challenge was living at home during the renovation. With two young children, it was hard to get by without a kitchen. We stayed at my mom’s apartment over a few of the weekends, but weeknights were a struggle. Luckily, the contractors were friendly with the kids! As first-time renovators, we knew absolutely nothing about the remodeling process. We have a strict co-op board, so our biggest questions and concerns were about going through the co-op approval process, making sure the project was completely on schedule, and not going over budget. In the end, our kitchen cost between $45,000 – $50,000, including materials, appliances, and some small upgrades. A large chunk of the budget went toward upgrading our entire electrical panel to bring it up to code. Working with our general contractorOur Sweeten contractors were helpful and spent time explaining different options for flooring, counters, and other materials. Sweeten was valuable in providing the ability to look through different contractor profiles and viewing previous work. It was nice to know that everyone on the site had been vetted. It’s so hard to pick what’s our favorite part of the kitchen! We love the countertops, the open shelves, and the workspace. For cooking, the large sink and spray faucet has been a game-changer. Renovation MaterialsKITCHEN RESOURCES: Glacier Spring Ash waterproof rigid vinyl plank flooring: LL Flooring. Townsend Pearl Gray cabinets: All Wood Fast. KitchenAid 20-cubic feet french door counter-depth refrigerator: Appliances Connection. Bosch 500 series dishwasher: Appliances Connection. GE stove: Appliances Connection. Warwick cabinet hardware in Flat Black: Emtek. Quartz countertop and backsplash in Carrara Morro: MSI Surfaces. Undermount granite composite kitchen sink in Black Onyx: Kraus. Trinsic pull-down kitchen faucet in Matte Black: Delta. Paint in Decorator’s White: Benjamin Moore. A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days. -- 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: An Office Kitchen Becomes a Busy Family Hub appeared first on Sweeten. from Sweeten https://sweeten.com/sweeten-renovations/kitchen-renovations/office-kitchen-becomes-a-family-hub/ via IFTTT Via https://vegetablenirvana.blogspot.com/2022/06/my-sweeten-story-office-kitchen-becomes.html |
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