#“Renovation Experts Reveal How to Modernize Your Villa”

[nashwancostruzioni]

Ristrutturazione di Piscine di Lusso: Consigli Professionali per un Aggiornamento Scintillante

Una ristrutturazione di una piscina di lusso è un investimento gratificante che può trasformare il vostro spazio esterno in un rifugio splendente. Considerando tutti gli aspetti, dalle riparazioni strutturali ai miglioramenti estetici, e coinvolgendo i professionisti giusti, potete ottenere un aggiornamento scintillante che migliora sia la bellezza che la funzionalità della vostra piscina. Che desideriate modernizzare la vostra piscina con le ultime tecnologie o creare un'oasi naturale serena, una ristrutturazione ben eseguita eleverà senza dubbio la vostra esperienza di vita all'aperto.

[mahabirconstruction]

Building the Future: Discovering Top-notch Home Construction Services in Noida

In the active real estate market of Noida, the search for a dream home or a successful commercial project demands the support of excellent home construction services in Noida. As the city continues to grow exponentially, finding a reliable construction partner has become increasingly vital for homeowners and investors. In this blog, we reveal Mahabir Constructions, a leading name in the construction industry, renowned for its excellence in changing visions into reality.

Noida's Real Estate Landscape

The National Capital Region's flourishing city of Noida has developed into a center for both companies and residents. Demand for advanced building services has expanded as a result of rapid urbanization and infrastructural development. However, a large number of construction firms have formed, making it challenging to choose reliable partners.

Introducing Mahabir Constructions

Amidst this dynamic real estate landscape, Mahabir Constructions has fixed a position for itself as a symbol of excellence. With a well-known history and a solid commitment to delivering exceptional projects, they have established themselves as a preferred choice for a home construction company in Noida.

The company takes pride in its broad range of successful projects, ranging from luxurious residential properties to advanced commercial buildings. The company’s reputation for quality and reliability has made it a preferred name in the industry. Moreover, their passion for innovation and customer-centric approach sets them apart as a trusted partner for realizing determined construction events.

One-stop Services Offered by Mahabir Constructions

Mahabir Constructions, a home construction company in Delhi offers a wide array of services that cater to diverse construction needs:

Residential Construction Services: Whether it's building custom-designed homes, high-rise apartment complexes, or stylish gated communities and villas, our team excels in crafting living spaces that resonate with individual aspirations.

Sustainable and Green Building Initiatives: As sustainability gains importance, we are at the front of eco-friendly construction practices. 

Commercial Construction Services: For businesses seeking the ideal work environment, Mahabir Constructions delivers top-notch office spaces, retail and commercial complexes, and modern industrial facilities that promote growth and productivity.

Renovation and Remodeling: With their expertise in renovation and remodeling, the company breathes new life into existing properties. From modernizing structures to protecting heritage buildings, our team ensures that every change meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Expert Team and Advanced Technology at Mahabir Construction

We attribute our success to our talented team of architects, engineers, and project managers. Their vast experience and skills ensure that each project reflects precision and high quality.

Furthermore, the company embraces advanced construction technology to improve efficiency and accuracy in its work. The use of technology also enhances communication and clarity throughout the construction process.

How to Engage Mahabir Constructions for Your Project

Getting started with us is a simple and smooth process. Interested parties can reach out to the company through their website or contact details. The team ensures an effective consultation and project planning process, making every step comfortable for the clients.

Shaping a Dynamic Future: Mahabir Constructions - Building Dreams in Noida

Building the future in Noida requires the collaboration of a reliable and skilled Construction Company in Noida. Mahabir Constructions has constantly proven its excellence in the industry, delivering top-notch home construction services that have transformed dreams into reality. With their promise to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, We stand ready to build the future for homeowners and businesses in Noida, shaping a skyline that reflects the goal of a lively and progressive city.

[marignytotreme]

SPOT ON!

Sometimes when I look around the internet, in all it’s glory, I realise just how fucking deluded people are – especially where Meghan Markle is concerned.

A number of us dislike her, a few really don’t care either way and the rest live with their heads up her arse. For those living with their heads up her backside, I’ve noticed that a lot of what you say about Meghan online is, quite frankly, total bullshit and sometimes so utterly absurd, I wonder if most of you are simply on day release.

So below, I have tackled the most common misconceptions head-on; because we all know I don’t enjoy anything more than putting Sussex fans in their place.  

She’s a style icon

I don’t know anybody on this Earth who has access to so much money and the best stylists you can buy, but still appears to have gotten dressed in the dark most of the time. Yes, she has worn one or two nice pieces; but by and large, she looks like a cheap knock-off of Victoria Beckham and I don’t think that image exactly screams “royalty”.

Until I take my last breath on this earth, I will forever be baffled by how Meghan Markle has gotten it so spectacularly wrong in the style stakes. Some people do seem to like the way she dresses; they see her “style” (if you can call it that) as “fresh” and “modern” – but quite frankly, I prefer Kate’s dress coats and hats, which some have labelled “boring”. I don’t agree at all.

Yes, Kate is the future Queen and therefore has played it slightly safer with fashion; but I do really like her clothing which is usually a perfect mix of the traditional and modern. She looks like a ROYAL. And yes Meghan, those long trousers that sweep the floor as you walk may have looked nice on Vicky B, but she is the wife of a footballer – not a member of the royal family. Believe it or not, there is a difference.

She’s a humanitarian

This one always makes me laugh.

Show of hands please; how many of you know genuine “humanitarians” who visit the impoverished in a coat worth £7,000? I thought humanitarians were meant to have common sense?

Meghan, dear; walking down the road in Kensington with an “alleviate poverty” bag doesn’t make you a charitable person or a humanitarian – it just makes you a hypocrite. Instead of spending thousands of pounds on ugly clothing that you’ll only wear once anyway, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and donate to your chosen charities? Yes, instead of getting your fans to donate to them on your behalf under the guise of a “Global Sussex baby shower”.

And just another tip for the future; humanitarians don’t preach about climate change off the back of a million-pound trip on a private jet to New York for a party. They don’t wear £99k maternity dresses in Morocco. They don’t spend millions of pounds of the taxpayers’ money to renovate one of their many homes. And they certainly don’t visit those living in poverty dressed from head to toe in Givenchy.

She was already famous and rich in her own right and didn’t need Harry’s money

Right – we’ve been through this. How rich do you really think she was before the ring went on? I mean, seriously? Suits was a lowly cable show and she is not an A-lister. And given her knack of merching at every available opportunity, I’m guessing the woman looks for every possible chance to make money. That doesn’t scream “well off” to me.

Meghan has only really ever gone after men who have a lot of money or means to open doors for her toward new opportunities and a better life, and then drops them when they can no longer do anything for her. This is not the behaviour of an independent feminist who is able to achieve things on her own – this is the behaviour of a gold digger.

So sure – Meg had money; from her divorce settlement with Trevor, from her rumoured days as a yacht girl and Soho House regular and from all the merching she did and does for Jessica Mulroney. But was it millions and millions? Clearly not or she wouldn’t have had to marry a Prince.

She’s proud to represent Britain

In two (very British) words: my arse.

In the year and a half since Harry and Meghan became engaged, I have yet to see her wear any British designers or champion much that is British at all. In fact, I’m pretty sure she goes out of her way to actively avoid wearing anything that is British.

There are even rumours that she has apparently hired an all-American medical team to deliver her brat because in Meghan’s expert opinion, our 70-year-old NHS service isn’t good enough to deliver the second coming of Markle and Wales. It was good enough for the future Queen Consort to deliver three children in an NHS Hospital, but no, not for old Meggy.

And when charity patronages for Meghan were announced back in January, it was revealed that she would be focusing on – you guessed it – everywhere but the UK. Africa, the Middle East, Antarctica… you name it – if it’s not Britain, Meghan’s happy to back it.

She is the best thing to hit the Royal Family

I think you’ll find that was Kate eight years ago.

(Happy Anniversary for tomorrow, Cambridges!)

Despite the adamant claims of her fans, so far, I have yet to see Meghan do anything groundbreaking. If you ask her little followers for proof of anything they’re all like:

Oh, and when they’re really stumped, they’ll come out with “yeah? Well Meghan’s only been married a year but Kate’s been on the scene for eight and hasn’t done anything at all.”

Right… Apart from being an ambassador for Britain on several overseas tours, starting the Heads Together charity (amongst others) and birthing a future King?

Meghan has so far, by my tally – cooked once or twice with a few Grenfell victims and gave a bunch of bananas to some prostitutes.

While I’m all for backing any disaster that happens on my doorstep (I live around the corner from where Grenfell stood), I will say this: the tower disaster has had more money thrown at it than you can shake a stick at and it was almost two years ago now – Meghan, it’s time to find something more current to support, not just backing the first “English” cause that you could get your hands on.

As for the bananas – don’t get me started. What bright spark thought it’d be a good idea to give phallic shaped fruit to a group of sex workers? And with messages like “you’re so loved ”… yeah, I’m sure 35-year-old Louise from Dagenham is feeling totally “loved” when she’s shivering at the side of the road waiting for possible clientele to drive by or blowing some guy for a fiver at the back of his Ford Mondeo. Get real, Meghan.

If I were one of those women, I’d tell Her Royal Highness exactly where she could put those bananas – and probably not for the first time either.

She doesn’t want the limelight

Yeah, like a cat doesn’t want the canary.

I have never seen a person so adept at sniffing out a camera from at least fifty miles away. The Cambridges could’ve used her in France seven years ago when Kate was papped taking her clothes off on their villa balcony – with Meghan about, no photographer goes undetected.

Bottom line: Meghan loves herself and she loves the cameras. The two combined thrill her to no end.

The best example of this would’ve been at the British Fashion Awards earlier this year – she was so unbelievably excited to have the spotlight on her where she could squeeze the life out of her bump in front of the UK press for all to see, I’m surprised she didn’t have an orgasm.

I’d put fifty quid on this whole “privacy” thing surrounding the baby’s birth being Harry’s idea and Meghan has just been forced to go along with it. Madam? Give up the spotlight when her mealticket arrives? Once again – my arse.

She could potentially be Queen one day

I know this one sounds totally mental, but please go with me on it – her fans are actually saying this sort of crap on Twitter. They actually believe, in their tiny deluded minds, that this woman could eventually wind up as Queen Consort one day.

And how exactly do you think this will happen?

Perhaps she’ll poison Kate with the contents of one of her diamonds, divorce Harry’s balding, ginger arse and William will marry her after realising the deceptive, social-climbing grifter actress was really “The One” after all? Ah, just like Romeo and Juliet.

For any Meghan fans reading this, please let me say this for the final time, as some of you do not appear to understand how the line of succession works – Meghan will never become Queen. Say it with me now…

No fewer than five people have to cark it in order for Harry to get anywhere near the throne, and no, he does NOT take over if William were to die suddenly while George is still young. In this instance, the throne would be powered by a team of advisors until George turned eighteen, and then he would be crowned officially. Harry and Meghan are unlikely to ever sniff the material the throne is made from, let alone sit on it – sorry Sussex Stans.

She’s here to stay

Incorrect again, I’m afraid.

Given the woman’s track record, it doesn’t appear she sticks around anywhere for very long and the second something better comes along, she’s off.

No, right now, I can’t imagine what could be higher than royalty – but I’m sure Meghan has a few ideas and is probably targeting her next victim as we speak.

What will it be, Meg? A billionaire without the life of restrictions and protocol? Or maybe you’ll run for President? Nah, even though you love the sound of your own voice, that seems like it would be too stressful for madam’s liking.

Whatever her next move is, I have no doubt she’ll be hitting the road in the next two to three years.

Once the novelty of having a title wears off, the royal purse strings are tightened by the Queen and the penny finally drops for Meghan that she’ll never really have her own brand and platform to project her oh-so-wonderful ideas from, she’ll be out of there – with half of Harry’s money and his kid(s) in tow.

Of course, the list of misconceptions about Meghan goes on and on; there is so much utter rubbish spewed on social media by her fans that I can only assume they’re either paid PR people, seriously deranged or Meghan herself. Honestly, you can’t write some of the stuff that comes up – or apparently you can. It’s a crazy world out there.

If you do think any of the above is incorrect, and you believe Meghan really is a stand-up (Non-UK) citizen, you can find me on Twitter to discuss it @CrownofSapphire – I’m always ready and willing to have an argument.

Have a good one, guys!

[rachelmorris305]

It’s All in the Details for a Prewar Home

From skim coat to custom bookcases, a Fort Greene co-op makes a debut

Drawn in by the landmarked building’s beautiful casement windows and parquet floors, Cat and Jordan closed on a 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath co-op apartment in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. They loved the prewar apartment’s convenient location and proximity to Fort Greene Park but were put off by the interior’s worn and outdated appearance. The color scheme—yellowy-beige walls against the bright red brick of a nonfunctioning fireplace and tired cherry cabinets—was not to their taste.

Aside from the lackluster color, the walls had been repainted too many times to count, resulting in a “thick, uneven, mushroom-colored appearance.” The bad paint job was exacerbated by the defunct wiring that circled the baseboards. The wood floors told the same story: a lovely parquet (which Cat was partial to, having grown up in a home with it) was obscured by layers of shiny yellow varnish. The couple wanted to brighten up the space by stripping the walls and floors, adding custom built-in bookcases around the fireplace, and renovating the kitchen to make a “warm, modern home, comfortable, with spare decorations,” they explained.

Although they knew that their main goal was to make their apartment “look as big, bright, and clean as possible,” they were uncertain about how to make that goal a reality. Cat readily admits that neither she nor Jordan are design people, and “needed a lot of guidance.” With this in mind, they approached Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted contractors, to find a design-build contractor who would focus on the details and bring together a coherent aesthetic vision for the entire home. They chose a Sweeten contractor who provided direction and involved Cat and Jordan in the design process without overwhelming them with options. The couple described the process this way: “The contractor genuinely loves working with clients, explaining choices and limitations, and knew when to give us the ultimate stylistic decision and when to push back with his expert opinion.”

In the kitchen, their contractor focused on executing the two main principles behind the renovation: creating a “simple, sleek, elegant but functional design,” while preserving “the warmth and hominess of the traditional elements of the prewar apartment.” Since the kitchen opens into the living room, it was important for the materials in both rooms to echo each other. The satin-finished dark gray cabinetry, custom designed by the contractor, contrasts with the ¾”-thick white Caesarstone countertops and backsplash. The addition of a ¼” x ¼” reveal all around the countertops emphasizes the straight horizontal lines, and gives the countertop a lighter appearance. Similarly, the stainless-steel backsplash provides horizontal continuity and ties in with the appliances of the same material. Drawers have carved-out pull tabs rather than handles for a streamlined look. One of the loveliest aspects of the kitchen is hidden—the interiors of the drawers are made of a natural walnut, with perfectly-sized compartments for silverware and each kitchen implement. Cat says, “I never thought that the inside of a drawer could, or even should, be beautiful, but I appreciate seeing the woodwork every time I reach for a utensil.”

There were some minor changes made as the demolition got underway. An island was originally planned for additional prep and storage space, but when demo revealed that the dividing wall could not be knocked down as far as originally planned, they scaled the island back to a peninsula with a smaller footprint. As in this Sweeten renovation, however, an obstacle turned out to be an advantage. “In the end,” they said, “the peninsula was perfect and very functional.” On the kitchen side, the peninsula held all of the cooking kitchenware and cookware, as well as two bins (one for recycling, the other for trash). On the dining room side, cabinet space is filled with napkins and placemats, as well as cookbooks.

Additionally, a bonus was the modern and very useful bar top, which the Sweeten contractor proposed in a number of variations. The pair chose to go with a standalone reverse L-shape that complements the style and shape of the peninsula, and it provides a “comfortable and practical surface for leaning, resting a coffee mug or wine glass, or working on a laptop while sitting on a bar stool.” The open space between the bar and countertop creates a connection between the kitchen and the dining space. The couple has also used the bar for appetizers for dinner guests, and “people seem to naturally congregate around it.” They love the uniqueness of the bar, which adds a dash of unexpectedness to the room.

One of the elements Cat and Jordan were most excited about were the kitchen floor tiles. Originally, the kitchen had beige, textured, large-format tiles on the floor, which they hated. After seeing a feature in The New York Times’ Real Estate section, Cat had the idea to use cement tiles and wanted a slightly abstract, black-and-white pattern. With the guidance of their contractor, they decided on a medley of Moroccan tiles in black, white, and gray hues. As Jordan explained, “The more traditional patterns reflected the age of the apartment and the black casement windows, while the mix of different patterns loosened up the feel. We continued the same tiles in the fireplace floor, and it tied the living area and kitchen together very well. We were eager to see the finished tile floor, and we love how it turned out.”

In the living room, their contractor designed a new fireplace mantel with clean lines to complement the new built-in bookshelves. Its simplicity provided a focal point, surrounded by the more colorful books on the new shelves. The walls were also skim coated and repainted. Initially, Jordan did not see the value in spending the time and money on skim coating (a texturing technique to hide construction tape and other imperfections to give walls a smooth and plaster-like appearance) but is so glad that they did it—“I can’t believe what a difference it made—the whole place looks lighter, brighter, and fresher.” They chose a soft white for the walls with a slightly brighter, contrasting shade of white trim on the picture ledge railing, baseboards, and doors. This serene backdrop was perfect for highlighting the work of their friend, artist, and architect Shane Neufeld displayed prominently above the fireplace. The casement windows were also repainted and tidied up, while the parquet floors were stripped and refinished in a matte coating, preserving their original wood tones.

Cat and Jordan found the biggest challenge in the renovation was living through the construction, which took longer than expected due to hold-ups with the cabinetry. They weren’t able to use the kitchen and had to wash dishes in the bathroom and eat a lot of takeout. Wicket, their Norfolk Terrier, was curious about all the construction, so a baby gate was set up to keep her safe. “Wicket was pretty suspicious of the floor-sanding equipment, tiles, wood-cutting tools, floorboards, mop, and other supplies. Luckily, our contractors did a fantastic job consolidating the equipment in the construction zone and cleaning up at the end of each day, so we only had a few barking flip-outs,” said Jordan.

Lastly, the couple has a bit of advice for future renovators: watch some home renovation shows to get design ideas, but also to “inure yourself to the possibility that something unexpected can, and almost certainly will happen during a renovation, especially in an old building.” While nothing of budget-blowing proportions came up in their reno, they did learn to take construction surprises in stride. For example, when the contractor had to change the kitchen island to a slightly smaller peninsula, they realized that the overhead recessed LED lights were off-center for the new design. “Rather than rip out the new lights, call back the electrician to move them a few inches, and patch and repaint the ceiling, our Sweeten contractor came up with the easy solution of angling the adjustable beams to shine over the peninsula from their present location. Having watched so many renovation TV shows, we felt relieved that nothing major popped up and were less disturbed by minor changes in the plans.”

Thanks to Cat, Jordan, and Wicket for sharing their beautifully updated prewar home!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cement floor tiles: Villa Lagoon Tile. Custom lacquered dark gray cabinets with natural, satin-finished walnut interior drawers: Sweeten contractor. Soft-closing hinges and drawer tracks: Blum. ¾” Frosty Carina countertops: Caesarstone. Stainless steel 22-gauge backsplash: custom. Stainless steel undermount sink: Franke. Stainless steel faucet and sprayer: Franke. 24” Stainless steel refrigerator, Chef Collection: Samsung. Dishwasher: Samsung. Gas 5-Element 30” range: Samsung. Pull-out hood: Miele. LED lighting: Contrast. Undercounter Flexyled lighting: Richelieu.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Custom mantel: Sweeten contractor. Hearth cement tile: Villa Lagoon Tile and Cle Tile.

—

Prewar homes often come with unique features, like the original oak herringbone floors in Kasey’s apartment.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

A post from originally from Sweeten

[rachelmorris305]

It’s All in the Details for a Prewar Home

From skim coat to custom bookcases, a Fort Greene co-op makes a debut

Drawn in by the landmarked building’s beautiful casement windows and parquet floors, Cat and Jordan closed on a 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath co-op apartment in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. They loved the prewar apartment’s convenient location and proximity to Fort Greene Park but were put off by the interior’s worn and outdated appearance. The color scheme—yellowy-beige walls against the bright red brick of a nonfunctioning fireplace and tired cherry cabinets—was not to their taste.

Aside from the lackluster color, the walls had been repainted too many times to count, resulting in a “thick, uneven, mushroom-colored appearance.” The bad paint job was exacerbated by the defunct wiring that circled the baseboards. The wood floors told the same story: a lovely parquet (which Cat was partial to, having grown up in a home with it) was obscured by layers of shiny yellow varnish. The couple wanted to brighten up the space by stripping the walls and floors, adding custom built-in bookcases around the fireplace, and renovating the kitchen to make a “warm, modern home, comfortable, with spare decorations,” they explained.

Although they knew that their main goal was to make their apartment “look as big, bright, and clean as possible,” they were uncertain about how to make that goal a reality. Cat readily admits that neither she nor Jordan are design people, and “needed a lot of guidance.” With this in mind, they approached Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted contractors, to find a design-build contractor who would focus on the details and bring together a coherent aesthetic vision for the entire home. They chose a Sweeten contractor who provided direction and involved Cat and Jordan in the design process without overwhelming them with options. The couple described the process this way: “The contractor genuinely loves working with clients, explaining choices and limitations, and knew when to give us the ultimate stylistic decision and when to push back with his expert opinion.”

In the kitchen, their contractor focused on executing the two main principles behind the renovation: creating a “simple, sleek, elegant but functional design,” while preserving “the warmth and hominess of the traditional elements of the prewar apartment.” Since the kitchen opens into the living room, it was important for the materials in both rooms to echo each other. The satin-finished dark gray cabinetry, custom designed by the contractor, contrasts with the ¾”-thick white Caesarstone countertops and backsplash. The addition of a ¼” x ¼” reveal all around the countertops emphasizes the straight horizontal lines, and gives the countertop a lighter appearance. Similarly, the stainless-steel backsplash provides horizontal continuity and ties in with the appliances of the same material. Drawers have carved-out pull tabs rather than handles for a streamlined look. One of the loveliest aspects of the kitchen is hidden—the interiors of the drawers are made of a natural walnut, with perfectly-sized compartments for silverware and each kitchen implement. Cat says, “I never thought that the inside of a drawer could, or even should, be beautiful, but I appreciate seeing the woodwork every time I reach for a utensil.”

There were some minor changes made as the demolition got underway. An island was originally planned for additional prep and storage space, but when demo revealed that the dividing wall could not be knocked down as far as originally planned, they scaled the island back to a peninsula with a smaller footprint. As in this Sweeten renovation, however, an obstacle turned out to be an advantage. “In the end,” they said, “the peninsula was perfect and very functional.” On the kitchen side, the peninsula held all of the cooking kitchenware and cookware, as well as two bins (one for recycling, the other for trash). On the dining room side, cabinet space is filled with napkins and placemats, as well as cookbooks.

Additionally, a bonus was the modern and very useful bar top, which the Sweeten contractor proposed in a number of variations. The pair chose to go with a standalone reverse L-shape that complements the style and shape of the peninsula, and it provides a “comfortable and practical surface for leaning, resting a coffee mug or wine glass, or working on a laptop while sitting on a bar stool.” The open space between the bar and countertop creates a connection between the kitchen and the dining space. The couple has also used the bar for appetizers for dinner guests, and “people seem to naturally congregate around it.” They love the uniqueness of the bar, which adds a dash of unexpectedness to the room.

One of the elements Cat and Jordan were most excited about were the kitchen floor tiles. Originally, the kitchen had beige, textured, large-format tiles on the floor, which they hated. After seeing a feature in The New York Times’ Real Estate section, Cat had the idea to use cement tiles and wanted a slightly abstract, black-and-white pattern. With the guidance of their contractor, they decided on a medley of Moroccan tiles in black, white, and gray hues. As Jordan explained, “The more traditional patterns reflected the age of the apartment and the black casement windows, while the mix of different patterns loosened up the feel. We continued the same tiles in the fireplace floor, and it tied the living area and kitchen together very well. We were eager to see the finished tile floor, and we love how it turned out.”

In the living room, their contractor designed a new fireplace mantel with clean lines to complement the new built-in bookshelves. Its simplicity provided a focal point, surrounded by the more colorful books on the new shelves. The walls were also skim coated and repainted. Initially, Jordan did not see the value in spending the time and money on skim coating (a texturing technique to hide construction tape and other imperfections to give walls a smooth and plaster-like appearance) but is so glad that they did it—“I can’t believe what a difference it made—the whole place looks lighter, brighter, and fresher.” They chose a soft white for the walls with a slightly brighter, contrasting shade of white trim on the picture ledge railing, baseboards, and doors. This serene backdrop was perfect for highlighting the work of their friend, artist, and architect Shane Neufeld displayed prominently above the fireplace. The casement windows were also repainted and tidied up, while the parquet floors were stripped and refinished in a matte coating, preserving their original wood tones.

Cat and Jordan found the biggest challenge in the renovation was living through the construction, which took longer than expected due to hold-ups with the cabinetry. They weren’t able to use the kitchen and had to wash dishes in the bathroom and eat a lot of takeout. Wicket, their Norfolk Terrier, was curious about all the construction, so a baby gate was set up to keep her safe. “Wicket was pretty suspicious of the floor-sanding equipment, tiles, wood-cutting tools, floorboards, mop, and other supplies. Luckily, our contractors did a fantastic job consolidating the equipment in the construction zone and cleaning up at the end of each day, so we only had a few barking flip-outs,” said Jordan.

Lastly, the couple has a bit of advice for future renovators: watch some home renovation shows to get design ideas, but also to “inure yourself to the possibility that something unexpected can, and almost certainly will happen during a renovation, especially in an old building.” While nothing of budget-blowing proportions came up in their reno, they did learn to take construction surprises in stride. For example, when the contractor had to change the kitchen island to a slightly smaller peninsula, they realized that the overhead recessed LED lights were off-center for the new design. “Rather than rip out the new lights, call back the electrician to move them a few inches, and patch and repaint the ceiling, our Sweeten contractor came up with the easy solution of angling the adjustable beams to shine over the peninsula from their present location. Having watched so many renovation TV shows, we felt relieved that nothing major popped up and were less disturbed by minor changes in the plans.”

Thanks to Cat, Jordan, and Wicket for sharing their beautifully updated prewar home!

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cement floor tiles: Villa Lagoon Tile. Custom lacquered dark gray cabinets with natural, satin-finished walnut interior drawers: Sweeten contractor. Soft-closing hinges and drawer tracks: Blum. ¾” Frosty Carina countertops: Caesarstone. Stainless steel 22-gauge backsplash: custom. Stainless steel undermount sink: Franke. Stainless steel faucet and sprayer: Franke. 24” Stainless steel refrigerator, Chef Collection: Samsung. Dishwasher: Samsung. Gas 5-Element 30” range: Samsung. Pull-out hood: Miele. LED lighting: Contrast. Undercounter Flexyled lighting: Richelieu.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Custom mantel: Sweeten contractor. Hearth cement tile: Villa Lagoon Tile and Cle Tile.

—

Prewar homes often come with unique features, like the original oak herringbone floors in Kasey’s apartment.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

A post from originally from Sweeten