BEFORE AND AFTER: A Full Renovation in a Historical JC Building

Just like our last post, we've finished up another extensive renovation and are ready to share all the details! This one took place in a historical Jersey City building, complete with ancient wiring, crumbling plumbing, and terra cotta walls. 

Our first step was to gut the kitchen. Though we tried to salvage that once-pretty glass front cabinet (see below), unfortunately it wouldn't come out in one piece. Similarly, removing the backsplash was a challenge, too. The tiles were double-thick and adhered to walls made of clay blocks. Once the backsplash was taken care of, we began to rewire and clean up the plumbing. 

BEFORE

Next we had to deal with the awkward closet taking up precious wall space.  It backs up to a hallway, so we decided to open it on the other side and close off the opening in the kitchen. This allowed us to move the fridge to the back wall and widen the entrance into the room, making it feel more cohesive and spacious. We added a floor to ceiling pantry to the right of the doorway, providing more storage.

BEFORE

AFTER

Though there wasn't anything worth saving in the kitchen, we did find some architectural elements to restore in the rest of the space. Hidden by some bad plaster work, mirrors, and doors, were original arched alcoves (two in the entry vestibule and one in the dining area of the LR), that were begging to be re-instated. We opened them back up, then built floating shelves for art and other small decorative items to rest on.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

The bathroom was in need of a full refresh, as well. We removed the same double-thick tile and an old vanity, tub, and toilet. Next we created a new, wider shower floor, enclosed some pipes, and tiled floor to ceiling (including around the window alcove) to create a new walk-in shower. A floating vanity and efficient toilet finished out the space. 

BEFORE

AFTER

Other upgrades included refinishing the floors, repairing and adding new moldings, and restoring some fixtures like original door knobs. We also installed closet organizers and refinished an original radiator to make the space as functional as possible. 

BEFORE

AFTER

To see the full project, visit the Jersey City project on our site!

Before and After: Our Most Recent Renovation

We've just finished up a pretty new project and we're beyond excited to share the final pictures! This full gut-reno was unfortunately prompted by a fire in our sweet client's kitchen. Thankfully no one was harmed and once their belongings had been moved out, they came to us to begin the re-build.  We laid all new floors, re-imagined the kitchen layout for a better flow, and even added a beautiful new plaster fireplace. Keep scrolling to see the transformation...

The old layout featured a peninsula that blocked off the dining area and made it difficult to fit more than two people at a time in the kitchen. Adding the island gained us some precious prep-space and opened it up, making it freer for entertaining or busy family weeknights.

For finishes, we opted for rift cut oak cabinets and durable quartz counters and backsplash to give it a more modern feel (finally, a break from shaker, ha!). We loved that they decided to bring the counters over the side in a waterfall—such a clean and crisp detail. 

BEFORE

AFTER

Next up was the Living Room. Our clients wanted to warm up a once-blank wall without overwhelming the room. We installed a new fireplace insert and custom built the sleek, minimalistic surround, finishing it in a hand-plastered treatment. 

Of course, the bathrooms were completely overhauled as well. Our clients hadn't changed out the builder-grade finishes they inherited when they moved in, so we started from scratch to create luxurious spaces that will stand the test of time (and three young kids).

BEFORE

AFTER

Lastly, to change the feel of the entire apartment, we upgraded the trim throughout and swapped the doors for fresh single panels with new chrome hardware. 

BEFORE

AFTER

For the full apartment photo tour, head over to our Shipyard Project page. And stay tuned this week—we have some fun summer-inspired spaces to share!

House Tour: Light and Bright

As winter lingers in the Northeast, it feels like a good time to pretend it's summer. So, today we're channeling warm, sunshine-filled Australia with a house tour in Palm Beach, Sydney.  You may recognize the stunning space—designed by Alexander & Co—since we've featured their bar area in a past inspiration roundup. And though it's a good indicator of the rest of the home, we couldn't have imagined the whole place would be this gorgeous!

Considered details are woven throughout (think wood-paneled ceilings and artfully designed floors) linking the different rooms for an effortless, streamlined effect. The best part? These very same relaxing ideas can be incorporated into any home, regardless of your proximity to the beach (yes, it's oceanside, of course)... Scroll down to see our new favorite space in all it's jaw-dropping glory:

The neutral palette of warm natural woods, white cabinetry and airy furnishings helps details like the ogee edge counters and a paneled island (check out the marble baseboards, too!) to stand out.  

Notice how the bordered herringbone wood floors are echoed in the bath, where the marble tile follows the same pattern. Similarly, wainscoting makes it's way around the house, and both brass and iron metal finishes are incorporated throughout. It's a sign of carefully planned design and workmanship. Whether the space is 500 square feet or 3000,  highlighting and replecating select custom details makes it feel luxurious and comfortably cohesive. 

And just in case you weren't jealous enough, here are a couple shots of the view. Unfortunately, we don't have any tips there except to save your pennies and keep your eyes peeled for some beachfront property..

All photos by Felix Forest for EST Magazine and found via Apartment 34.

Signs of Spring, Part 1

Birds are chirping again, the clocks move forward in a week, and despite the impending snowstorm, crocus and hellebore blossoms are peeking their shy little heads up around town. We're just going to ignore winter's last gasp tomorrow and focus instead on all things warm and bright. 

To welcome the new season, we've rounded up some simple, no fuss ways to refresh your space. Scroll down for a quick list of decor ideas sure to usher in some sunshine (or at least melt the snow, we hope!). 

P.S. Stay tuned later this week for Part 2—a dive into the (admittedly less glamorous) home improvement projects you should schedule now for the spring. But first, the fun stuff!

GO FLORAL

Sure it’s obvious, but the easiest way to infuse a breath of fresh air is to drop a bouquet of something colorful and sweet-scented—daffodils, hyacinth, freesia—into your favorite vase and leave it next to the sink or on a nightstand (bonus points if you sacrifice them for the guest room).  If cut flowers are too short-lived for you, then swing by Terrain for a live magnolia branch and enjoy the slow-opening blossoms for weeks!

Or, if you're looking for a more permanent solution to the winter doldrums, try a floral wallpaper. They work best in small spaces like a powder room or reading nook, and they last longer than the real thing.

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PRETTY UP YOUR PAINT

If you’re tired of all the winter whites and can’t stand to see another gray wall, then maybe it’s time to pick a new paint color. Our favorite treatment? Limewash paint, which produces a subtle, lovely variation in color and texture, perfect for days spent inside during spring showers. Check out Portola Paints for colors—we love Etcetera and Rococo. 

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SWITCH ON A SCONCE

Until the days are longer, keep things bright with the right lighting.  A bed flanked with sconces looks cozy yet polished. Choose a plug-in version for the same look without the electrician’s bill. We love this fixture and this company.

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ADD A MIRROR

Incorporating a nice big mirror is like a nice deep breath for your space.  Pick a pretty finish (like this Champagne option) and enjoy the light bouncing around the room as if it’s mid-summer. 

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Do you have any seasonal rituals to bring about Spring in your home? Certain candles? Swapping in a new hand soap scent? Let us know below!