Vegetable Nirvana

Leah decided to renovate her bathroom in her Upper West Side apartment. She wanted the bathroom to match the upgraded look of the rest of her home and used Sweeten to complete her renovation.  Touches of gold and marble make this bathroom feel warm and luxurious.  Even at a cozy 39 square feet, this bathroom make a great use of a small space. Using two mirrors makes the space feel larger. To create a “Get the Look” for this project, we connected with a NY-based interior designer. We partnered with Kroesser + Strat Design to source an inspired kit of fixtures and finishes. Their product recommendations are as stylish as the designer pieces and can work on any budget. The best part – these affordable materials are from the home remodeling collections available at Walmart !   This pre-war bathroom is a glamorous mix of brass fixtures with classic elements. The clean lines of the vanity and lighting mixed with the traditional curves of the plumbing fixtures create an elegant bathi

Stifled by work-at-home requirements, a newly-purchased 1950s home transforms with a remodel “After” photos by Advanced Focus Photography for Sweeten Homeowners: Amy and Kevin posted their 1950s home remodel project on Sweeten Where: Westchester neighborhood, Los Angeles, California Primary renovation: Updating the 1,538-square-foot house, the couple revised the living room, kitchen, and “his” and “her” bathrooms—one even got a skylight. Sweeten general contractor Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches homeowners with vetted general contractors for residential renovation projects, offering knowledge, support, and up to $50,000 in job-related financial protection— for free. Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Amy Making the decision in a work-from-home moment When it came to this renovation and our decisions about it, the pandemic was a true influence. Kevin and I previously lived in a two-bedroom apartment, using one bedroom as an office—but working from home, we n

Semihandmade cabinet doors transform Sweeten kitchens without breaking the bank Homeowners have a personal style that they express through their designs. Kitchen cabinetry uses a good percentage of an overall renovation budget. So, how do you stay true to your design aesthetic without breaking the bank? One way is to opt for the look of custom cabinets without actually ordering custom. That’s where Semihandmade kitchen cabinets come in! Semihandmade makes doors specifically for standard Ikea kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, media, and storage units. Here, we round up some top Sweeten renovations which used these doors transforming a wow-level on an affordable budget. (See if you can tell the difference!) Bonus: Semihandmade’s president, Beth Brenner, shares some tips on the different ways a kitchen can be customized. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. Duo-

The most popular kitchen design trends of 2021 are guaranteed to draw eyes—and guests—into the room With new hope of the pandemic giving way to some sense of normalcy, people are continuing to rethink the look of their spaces. Design statements come through not only in color but in finishes and materials. What trends can you expect to see in kitchen design in 2021? We have noticed several reoccurring design themes, which are sure to be big this year. Sweeten  matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. A bold backsplash Backsplashes make, well, a splash! Yes, the white subway tile that has dominated the past few years is still around. However, many homeowners are breaking out and going bold. You can make a big statement with an eye-catching geometric pattern or with a bright color choice.  Dawn and Dave did both —they wanted to infuse their kitchen with a bit of their own

In 2021, bathroom trends are breaking traditional rules about materials, style, and function In 2020, we looked for a respite from the outside world. We needed to focus on self-care to help us navigate the stress of the pandemic. Enter the bathroom! It was a key spot to take time to ourselves, to relax with a glass of wine and a soak, or to nourish ourselves through daily beauty routines. Naturally, with a renewed focus on the bathroom comes the desire to renovate and refresh. Sweeten sees thousands of renovations a year, and in 2021, these bathroom trends are appearing in more and more homes. Sweeten  matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. 2021 Bathroom Trend: Doorless showers Walk right in! Homeowners are forgoing shower doors in their bathroom renovations. It’s all about the look and feel of the bath, and without a shower door to close off the space; bathrooms can

Small changes, from a banquette and grout to salvaged shelves, make all the difference Before: Unify a mismatched and inefficient kitchen Sarah, a managing director at an international nonprofit, WaterAid, and her husband, Eddy, a medical consultant, thought their co-op in Washington Heights, New York, was ideal for raising their two daughters. They loved the location (near Fort Tryon Park) and the design aesthetic of their 1939 Art Deco building. The problem? An outdated kitchen that had been (seemingly) randomly renovated over the years, with one section updated at a time. It resulted in what Sarah called a “hodgepodge” layout and design.    “Overall, it was dark and dated,” said Sarah. “The cabinets seemed to be original, but we don’t know that for a fact, but they sure looked like it.” The couple also desperately needed more counter space. “There was more space for dining than food prep,” commented Sarah. After: A united dining area and cook space Sarah and Eddy posted the