Category: Blog
-
Cost Guide to Navigate Tariff Impacts on Home Renovations
The aspiration for a beautifully renovated home, whether a brownstone in Brooklyn or a bungalow in Los Angeles, can feel somewhat constrained by rising costs. A significant factor influencing these expenses in major US cities today is the ongoing impact of tariffs on imported building materials. From structural steel used in high-rise renovations to the…
-
Danielle Brooks Brooklyn Brownstone Embraces AphroChic Design
Step inside the Brooklyn brownstone of actress Danielle Brooks, where the vibrant energy she brings to the screen now permeates her personal space. Forget cookie-cutter design; this is a home where culture takes center stage. Guided by the visionary African-American design duo AphroChic, Danielle has transformed her five-story residence into a soulful sanctuary, a true…
-
8 Home Transformations with Stunning Exposed Beams
Step inside homes where the ceiling isn’t just a covering, but a statement. Forget drywall anonymity; these remarkable renovations, brought to life with the help of Sweeten, boldly peel back the layers to reveal the raw, architectural beauty of exposed beams. Whether original to the home’s bones or artfully introduced, prepare to be inspired by…
-
Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas from Real Renovations
Upper cabinets may be the default in kitchen design, but open shelving is the quiet disruptor bringing both airiness and artistry to culinary spaces. It’s a choice that rewards minimalism, demands organization, and invites personality—whether it’s a row of cookbooks, a favorite mug, or a pop of greenery. Across a range of Sweeten renovations, homeowners…
-
5 Must-See Designs for Your Home
The kitchen island has evolved from a humble prep station into the showpiece of the modern home—equal parts utility and statement. Today, it’s where design meets daily ritual: a workstation by morning, a social hub by evening. Whether tucked into a compact city galley or sprawling across an open-concept floor plan, these custom islands aren’t…
-
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Interior Designer in 2025?
In an age when home is both sanctuary and status symbol, the decision to hire an interior designer is less about indulgence and more about strategy. Whether you’re orchestrating a full-scale renovation or upgrading a single room, the right professional can make all the difference—guiding not just aesthetics, but budgets, timelines, and the hidden headaches…
-
Bland to Grand Family Home
With a baby on the way and a desire for more space, Idalee and Danny embarked on a transformative journey within their Clinton Hill co-op. What began as a one-bedroom apartment was carefully reconfigured, not only to carve out a cozy nursery from a former dining nook but also to open up the entire living…
-
Questions to Ask If You Need A Permit to Remodel an Attic
Well…the short answer is it depends on the scope of your attic remodeling project and your local building codes. While some minor cosmetic upgrades might not require a permit, most attic remodels that involve structural changes, adding living space, or altering essential systems like electrical or HVAC will likely need one. Post your project on…
-
Transforming a Queens Home’s Exterior with Confidence
For Gary and his husband, their Queens home held ten years of memories, but its exterior felt like a faded photograph waiting for a vibrant touch. Intimidated by the thought of a major renovation, they finally found the courage to embark on a transformation that would inject rich color and a beautifully tweaked façade into…
-
88-Year-Old Bath Gets Its First Facelift
Step inside a remarkable transformation where time stands still and then gracefully leaps forward. For Mary Ann and Frank, their Upper West Side co-op held decades of memories, including an original 1929 master bathroom that had truly seen better days. But with their children grown, the couple embarked on a long-awaited journey to breathe new…