Vegetable Nirvana

4 ways to renovate for an entertainment kitchen that’ll help gatherings go smoothly If you love to entertain, you’ll look at your living spaces for optimal flow and comfort. Whether putting together a gathering, large or small, and in any season, your space needs to be functional and efficient.  As the kitchen is the main hub for entertaining, a few changes can get your space soiree-ready. Here, we look at recent Sweeten kitchen renovations that keep homeowners entertainment-ready. Organized pantries, a peninsula or island for workspace, or removing walls so that everyone is brought in on the action are just a few ideas. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection— for free. Parties are made possible by pantries Any chef will tell you, you should always keep some basic culinary staples in the house. Even a simple stash allows you to throw together a last-minute...

An eye-grabbing bathroom redo and set of French doors to the deck are a welcome home “After” photos by Madeline Tolle for Sweeten Homeowners: Cory + Andrew posted their project on Sweeten Where: Glassell Park neighborhood in Los Angeles, California Primary renovation: A gut bathroom remodel is inspired by New York and Yves Klein blue while a pair of new entry doors open to the deck Sweeten general contractor Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. ( Above ) Family portrait courtesy of Sweeten homeowners Guest blog post written by Sweeten homeowner Cory Quailes Americans abroad return home Before the word “Covid” entered our collective consciousness, Andrew and I lived as American expats in Hong Kong. As educators, we worked long and active terms: often fulfilling, but at times thankless. We cherished our long breaks off. In...

These white subway tile kitchens showcase 5 fresh takes on a classic trend Many homeowners choose classic white subway tiles to give their kitchens a polished finish. They’re a versatile design feature, with styles and textures found in multiple materials like marble, glass, and ceramic. They also have many uses, most frequently as statement pieces in backsplashes, or as a complete wall design. Ultimately, white subway tiles have become popular because they offer a minimalist look that matches all styles and sizes of kitchens. Here, we’re sharing 6 Sweeten kitchen renovations that used white subway tiles in inspiring ways. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. Cleverly-disguised kitchen cabinets When Sweeten homeowners Tara and Brian decided it was time to update their home, they knew they wanted a modern atmosphere. They were done with their dated...

4 advantages of getting multiple estimates for your remodel Competitive bidding means inviting three to five general contractors to submit an estimate, or bid, for your remodeling project. Then, after carefully comparing the bids, you can hire the right contractor with confidence. This is standard practice in the wider world of construction. At Sweeten, our roots are in the construction industry—our founders are trained architects—and we believe competitive bidding is the ideal approach to planning home renovations. We suggest you ask for bids from at least 3 general contractors before hiring one. When it comes to getting estimates for your remodel, having multiple options gives you more flexibility and choice. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. Competitive bidding empowers you to: Know you’re getting a highly competitive price Know you’re getti...

A DIY tiling job leads to a bigger renovation the Hudson Yards homeowners had planned “After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten Homeowners: Jeremy and Chris posted their Hudson Yards renovation  on Sweeten Where: Hudson Yards neighborhood in Manhattan, New York Primary renovation: A remodel of their 778-square-foot co-op’s kitchen, bathroom, and a multi-functioning entryway.   Sweeten general contractor Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection— for free. Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Jeremy Learning to navigate a New York renovation A first—and obvious—lesson in renovating: it really is harder in New York. When my husband Chris and I embarked on this adventure, we had thought we knew what we were doing. After all, we’d undertaken a remodel of our 1914 Seattle condo before. But that was all before we decamp...

Definitions, pros and cons, special features, cleaning  tips ( Above ) Sweeten homeowner Leslie’s wet-room-style bathroom renovation Designing a more efficient bathroom often means taking down barriers and smoothing traffic flow. Can opening the shower to the rest of the room create a more efficient, luxurious-feeling space? Sweeten explores the possibilities of this intriguing approach. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with curated general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—at no cost to the homeowner. What is a wet room bathroom?  A wet room is a bathroom that typically has no enclosure separating the shower or tub from the rest of the bathroom. All of the walls and the flooring are sealed against water, just like the surfaces in a typical shower stall.  The main flooring of the wet room is on the same level as the shower floor. The section of the wet room where the shower is located has a fl...

From stamping approvals to full service, the role (and cost) of architectural services As you begin planning your remodel, the question of whether or not you need an architect will inevitably arise. Typically, if your project is a whole-home total gut remodel, you will need to hire an architect. A full-service design/build general contracting firm can also offer comprehensive architectural services. If your project requires an architect, your Sweeten general contractor may also be able to refer one. Here, Sweeten  lays out the full details on when your project will need an architect and how much you should expect to pay. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. Our vetted contractors can help homeowners access different levels of architectural services and architects.  You’ll need an architect when the DOB requires signed plans First, your city/build...

Ready to renovate? Here’s what you’ll need to calculate the cost of a bathroom remodel in NYC, including materials, labor, and permits  ( Above ) Sweeten homeowner Matthew’s bathroom renovation With an abundance of Pinterest boards and design blogs, it’s easy to imagine how your dream NYC bathroom could look. If you’re ready to turn those daydreams into reality, the first crucial step is creating a bathroom remodel budget. To get you started, Sweeten offers a roadmap of elements that will impact the cost of a bathroom remodel in New York City. Sweeten’s guide to bathroom remodeling costs, covering building requirements, permits, and design will help nail down your scope and better align real costs with a realistic budget. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. Take a look at the overall average cost to remodel a bathroom in New York City, based on...