With just 316 units, Towner Residences at Kallang/Whampoa is the smallest BTO development launched in Aug 2021. Sandwiched between two schools and an expressway, this BTO may not be all that conducive at first glance. But on closer inspection, it does have a few redeeming qualities. We take a look at the site and see what stacks to look out for if you decide to go for a unit there. At a glance
The siteSite for Towner Residences. Surrounded by a couple of older flats and low-rise private housing as well as two schools. We visited the site on a weekday afternoon and found the area to be a hive of activity. School had just finished, and there were numerous pick-ups happening along Towner Road. Traffic also tends to be pretty congested during drop-off and pick-up hours, so make sure you account for this if you are getting a flat here. Pick-ups and drop-offs happening at Hong Wen School (left of image). Towner Residences is to the right of image. Along Towner Road. Just opposite, traffic from the Central Expressway (CTE) was roaring loudly. Towner Residences is definitely not one for those who like their peace and quiet. In terms of convenience, the nearest MRT station, Boon Keng, is just a 7-min walk away. It’s not the shortest distance, when you compare with the other BTOs in the same area that were launched earlier like Towner Crest, but it’s still walkable. What’s significant about this is that Boon Keng MRT station is just two stops to Little India interchange, which gets you to the Downtown Line, and three stops to Dhoby Ghaut Interchange, which gets you to two other MRT lines. Looking at connectivity, this is pretty decent. Foodies, you will be able to walk to the popular Whampoa Makan Place, which has a wide array of (famous) hawker fare and a wet market. It’s just past an overhead bridge across the CTE. Nearer to home, there’s a small coffee shop located at block 122 down the road and a future eating house at BTO Towner Crest (BTO’s estimated completion in 3rd quarter of 2023). Otherwise, there are a few eateries, fast-food places and a hawker centre located next to Boon Keng MRT. For supermarkets, there’s a Sheng Siong nearby, an NTUC Fairprice located close to Whampoa Makan Place as well as a future supermarket at Towner Crest. No major malls within walking distance. But City Square Mall is just one MRT stop away at Farrer Park MRT station. Which unit should you go for at Towner Residences?3-room flats You get to choose from stacks 231, 233 and 235 for 3-room flats. Stack 231 is located right next to the pavilion and the car park. You are likely going to face issues with noise, car fumes and the revving of engines if you are situated on a lower floor. However this is also the best stack for privacy, since it’s a corner unit. Stacks 233 and 235 are facing Hong Wen School, so you are definitely going to experience the noise from being located near a school. This isn’t a major issue if you aren’t at home for most part of the day, but if you work from home, consider if this is something you can tolerate. There is one advantage of a school-facing stack however. The school buildings are estimated to be about five to six storeys high. Get a unit on the higher floor to get unblocked views if you are at stacks 233 and 235. Stack 235 is the best choice for no afternoon sun, while stack 231 will experience the full brunt of it. Stack 233 will also receive some afternoon sun coming in from the northwest direction from March to September. 4-room flats Stacks 219, 221, 223, 225, 227 and 229 are available for those who are looking for a 4-room unit. There are two different layouts available for 4-room flats. Stacks 221 and 223 features a boxier layout, with the communal areas located in the middle of flat and one of the common bedrooms located on the opposite end. The other stacks feature a more conventional BTO layout, with all the bedrooms to one side. There are pros and cons for each. Here’s a summary:
If you prefer having a more open-ended kitchen with more room to be creative, go for the conventional layout. Otherwise, the boxy layout is more refreshing as far as BTOs go and feature bigger bedrooms and less wasted space. No afternoon sun: 229 is a north-south facing stack and is the best stack if you don’t want to experience any afternoon sun. East-facing stacks 219 and 221 will also not get any afternoon sun, but they will experience the morning sun. Privacy: Go with corner stack 223 for privacy. Avoid stacks 225 and 227 if you can, since they are close to the lifts as well as facing the rubbish chutes directly. Unblocked views: For stacks 223, 225, 227 and 229, get a unit on a higher floor (above the 25th storey) for unblocked views. For stacks facing the school, 219 and 221, get a unit that is above the 5th or 6th storey for unblocked views. Noise: There isn’t exactly a conducive and quiet 4-room stack. Stacks 219 and 221 are facing the school, stacks 223, 225 and 227 are facing the playgrounds and fitness corners and stack 229 is located near the car park. If we have to choose, stack 223 is located just a bit further from the activity zones, so you might experience less noise at this stack. Park views: The master bedroom and one of the common bedrooms at stacks 221 and 223 will look into the nearby park (currently under construction), putting those extra windows to good use. Park, to the left of image, is still under construction. Still got a question on Towner Residences? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on our social media platforms!
Via https://civilco.construction/towner-residences-at-kallang-whampoa/
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Okay, show of hands…who is ready for fall nesting? Who wants summer to stick around longer? I have mixed feelings. I’ve been really enjoying summer. But then again, you know how much I love fall! It’s been pretty hot (and smoky!) here in Seattle the past couple of days so I wouldn’t complain about cooler temperatures. This week I did some online window shopping at Target and found some adorable fall items. Now I’m getting even more excited! As always, I’ll be hosting my annual Fall Nesting series here on the blog (I can’t remember what year I started this series, but I’m thinking it was 2008! Who’s been here since the beginning?). Let’s consider today’s post a “pre-Fall Nesting” post. I don’t like to rush the seasons, but sometimes it helps to take just a little look into the next one to remember all the thing you love about it. It will be so fun to return to talking about all things cozy! I’ll add more fall finds to our annual ‘Cozy Fall Shop‘ as I come across pretty new things online, but you can see a peek of it so far HERE, and find sources for the above graphic below. Enjoy! Sources: 2. Rust Floral Pattern Lumbar Pillow 4. Leaf Line Illustration Wall Canvas Art (set of 3) 5. Woven Rectangular Basket Tray 8. Gray Slipcover Accent Chair 10. Red/Cream Tassel Accent Pillow 11. Cream/Rust Stripe Accent Pillow 15. Chunky Knit Pouf Ottoman (multiple colors) Find more fall decor from Target HERE! More Inspiration on The Inspired Room: The Secret Ingredient Every Room Needs 3 Take Away Tips: Make Home Your Coziest Place to Be How to Decorate: Get Decorating Inspiration By Room or Topic Via https://civilco.construction/fall-decor-from-target-the-inspired-room/ The costs to remodel in Miami: Kitchen, bath, whole home, and outdoor, plus resale value and permit tipsWhether you own a modern beach-side condo, an on-the-bay house, or a bungalow away from it all on a quiet street, the process of doing a remodel in Miami can be enjoyable—with a rewarding outcome. A budget is the start of any renovation, and every project is unique: from materials, adding value and lifestyle to your home, and working with the HOA. Sweeten, a free renovation platform that matches homeowners with licensed general contractors and tracks their project, offers this cost guide to remodeling in Miami to provide a jumping-off point to get you on your way. Remodeling costs per square foot in MiamiHere’s a breakdown of the typical costs to remodel in Miami, Florida. The costs are across five categories: full home, kitchen, bathroom, deck additions, and permits. These figures are compiled from Sweeten general contractors and Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value Report:
Keep in mind that every professional contractor will want to have a detailed conversation with you. They will also inspect your home before developing an estimate specific to your needs and wants. Pro tip: Do not wait. The pandemic has caused a backlog in the supply of materials in many sectors. For homeowners interested in renovating, it’s smart to schedule and sign with a contractor to lock in your material prices. You’ll also want to book a start date on the contractor’s schedule. If you do wait, prices will only continue to go up and your material order starts at the back of a long queue. How much does it cost to remodel a home in Miami?If you’re renovating a house in the Miami area, expect costs to range from $100 to $250+ psf with $175 psf as the middle range for a full-scale remodel. If you’re aiming for a budget that is in the upper-middle-range, Miami-based Sweeten general contractor Adrian said you can expect to pay over $200,000 or about $200 psf. However, several elements affect this, like square footage, the state of the original home, and how expensive your tastes are. “It has all to do with the finishes,” Adrian said. By finishes, he means the elements you can see such as tiles, faucets, and kitchen countertops. With materials, plan to add to the timeline for installation and materials and labor costs. Using higher-end finishes will push your budget upwards by at least $50,000, he said. With the pandemic, material and labor costs have gone up due to higher demand. “There’s been a 20 percent in materials,” said Adrian. The budget for renovating an apartment can be higher than house renovations. “If you’re doing a house, often you can work on the weekends,” said Adrian. In a condo, there are tight rules about when construction work can and can’t be done. These hours are put in place by the homeowners association (HOA) for each building. Often, this means only working within an eight-hour or so window Monday to Friday. This extends the timeline of a project, thus increasing the budget. HOAs might also charge a condo owner a fee to remodel their apartment. Disposing of trash adds to the cost of condo renovations. With a house, a general contractor can park a dumpster out the front. For condo remodels, general contractors will likely hire a separate contractor to come and lug construction trash away. This involves negotiating tight hallways and elevators as well as timeframes given by the HOA. How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in Miami?
Homeowners should look at materials like pre-made shaker-style cabinets and appliances from big-box stores like Home Depot. “I’ve also noticed a trend for concrete countertops,” said Hancen. “These can be cheaper than quartz, but they take more to maintain,” adding that a sealant needs to be applied annually.
Sweeten general contractor Domenico, also servicing Miami, recently completed a kitchen renovation in this price range. It included a countertop made from Dekton, a stain-, scratch-, heat-, and UV-resistant material. The cabinets were custom with self-closing doors, which took $40,000 from the budget. The appliances were from GE.
How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom in Miami?
The cost of tiles can add up. On a recent project, Domenico’s client picked out a tile that had the appearance of wood and cost $20 psf. Another client wanted a wave pattern created out of tiles. “It was more difficult to install adding to the labor costs,” he said. “Occasionally, breakages happen, so that also needs to be covered.” The good news is this is an investment with about 48 percent of the budget added to your home’s sale price. Adding outdoor space to your homeIn Florida, there is plenty of sun and enviable weather to take advantage of by renovating or adding an outdoor space to your home. Many Miami residents will use these spaces as an additional living space and even kitchen.
Permit costs in MiamiThe cost of permits, from a typical building permit to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits, are calculated in different ways. Some permit costs are calculated by square footage. Some are calculated by the value of a project so an exact figure can take some time to figure out. That’s why general contractor Adrian puts an estimate in the initial budget. For example, with a $250,000 renovation, he puts a budget placeholder of $1,500 for the main building permit with an additional $500 each for plumbing, electrical and mechanical, if the project requires it. Miami-Dade county covers a huge amount of land and almost three million people. Each city—such as Miami South and Miami Lakes—in the county has a building official who issues permits for projects located within that city’s jurisdiction. Residential permits typically take 30 business days to process. These Miami remodeling costs are a launchpad so you can begin creating an initial budget. Sweeten’s Renovation Checklist is a downloadable roadmap to organize all of the moving parts of a renovation. (Don’t forget to include your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves”!) ©2021 Zonda Media, a Delaware corporation. Complete data from the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com. Remodeling your home in Miami? Sweeten can help!Post your project on Sweeten and we’ll match you with vetted local general contractors to provide estimates for your remodel in Miami, plus we’ll support you throughout your project duration. Meet with your contractor to develop an accurate budget, and you’ll be on your way to the home you’ve always wanted. -- Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten. Via https://civilco.construction/2021-guide-costs-to-remodel-in-miami-florida/ Sources: Bench // Rug // Similar Wicker Chairs: One or Two // Similar Oval Table One or Two // Similar Chandelier A few years ago I got these beautiful blue and white dishes from here and I absolutely love them. They have actually become a part of our every day dishes! We also pair them with our original white set as needed. Who knew dishes could be so versatile? Awhile back I was trying to figure out what to hang on the wall above this cabinet. I just felt like we already had enough framed art. I happened to look at my pretty plates and bowls in the drawer and said to myself “hey, those are so cute, they should be on display!” So I hung them on the wall. Of course, then I had to buy more dishes because I love using them so much (hahah!). You can get them in a set of twenty or in sets of four right here. The 20-piece set includes 4 each of dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, bowls & mugs with saucers. I absolutely LOVE the mix of patterns included in the sets. We use the ‘house bowls’ for pasta, rice bowls, or salads. They’re the perfect shallow depth to keep any dressing or sauces contained, too. The plates are so pretty, the pattern on the rim perfectly frames the bowls or salad plates. We have these mugs hung up on our mug rack and we use them for coffee (see it below mixed with other mugs!), plus we use the saucers all the time like little snack plates! I love that these dishes are timeless, so versatile for any season and can easily mix and match with other dishes! They are always beautiful but can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. These fruit bowls are the only part of the set I don’t have, but how adorable are they? I love the wavy stripes! I’m putting them on my wish list. Even just seeing them in my drawer makes me happy… Click HERE for the dinnerware set! Wondering how I hung the plates on the wall? Click here for details! More blue and white plates: Via https://civilco.construction/my-favorite-blue-and-white-dishes/ With a new layout, a laundry, and a lot of tiles, this Brooklyn brownstone bathroom was worth the wait
âAfterâ photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten
Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowners Isis and Stephano Purchasing the right Brooklyn brownstonePriorities tend to shift when moving into a fixer-upper. Such was the situation of Isis and Stephanoâs family bathroom. After closing on their brownstone in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, at the end of 2018, the couple and their children moved in during the summer of 2019 after an initial renovation. The house, built in 1899, is a four-floor structure comprising of two unitsâa family-size triplex sitting above a garden-level rental unit. 69496-Isis-Bath-During-02 69496-Isis-Bath-During-01 69496-Isis-Bath-During-03 It seemed perfect to Stephano, a nurse anesthetist, and Isis, a brand and experiential marketing specialist, who had two kids and a third on the way. Theyâd been looking for a home to suit their expanding family, and needed room to accommodate guests, including their parents, who frequently come for extended visits. One factor that had made buying the house possible was that it needed work. âWe did small renovations prior to the move,â Stephano said, âbut we didnât complete everythingâwe knew we had more to do.â While getting settled, they continued bit by bit. But the bathroom, which had been on the âright awayâ To-Do list, soon found itself demoted. âWeâd gutted it but werenât able to immediately redo it,â Isis said, âbecause we had to prioritize repairs to the roof and work on the downstairs unit.â The top-floor bathroom found a role as a makeshift laundry room. Common renovation questions: How much, and How longDuring the nearly two years that followed, the family muddled through. âWe had everyone sharing one bathroom,â Stephano saidâincluding, at times, Isisâs dad. The limited bathroom space wasnât ideal for obvious reasons. So when they saw their way clear to start working on the room, they felt more than ready to begin. The couple posted their project on Sweeten and soon met several qualified contractors. âThe biggest questions we had were: How much and how long?â Isis recalled, explaining that, like everyone, theyâd heard horror stories of inflamed budgets and timeline extensions. What she and Stephano also asked the candidates was, How well do you communicate? âWe know surprises happen that can extend the life of a project,â Isis said. âWe hoped to work with a team that could convey all key info that might affect the timeline, so that we could collaborate on workarounds.â Sweeten soothed jitters in the process, she says. âThe company helped us gut-check our initial budget based on the market for our area, presented solid contractors for us to meet, and then checked in to make sure we felt pleased with our selection,â Isis recalls. âI felt good about the consultant who supported us and the insights shared.â Creating a smarter layoutOnce they had made their contractor choice, the project beganâhaltingly. Isis and Stephano had hired a designer to help them create the space, and brought the resulting plans to the table when discussing the project with the contractor. âThe designer had measured, provided renderings, and even put us in touch with vendors,â Stephano said; items theyâd already ordered for the bathroom included a barn door, a vanity, and the stone for its two-sink top. Thenâa hard stop. âOur contractor,â Stephano said, ârealized that many of the measurements didnât jibe.â
The original washer and dryer, left behind by the previous owners, wouldnât fit in the space the designer had planned for it. The vanity sizing was off, too, and the door from the recommended vendor was too heavy to be installed as intended. âIt wasnât the best experience,â Isis said, looking back on the disappointing start. But they plodded on, fueled by visions of functional space for doing the familyâs laundry, and a shower lit by the morning sun, thanks to an existing, well-placed skylight. Borrowing space to get a bigger bathroomThe original bath had been cramped, and since the new imagined design had it doubling as the laundry room, they set out to solve this major appliance problem first. When they originally gutted the bathroom, they took out the closets originally behind the bathroom. By rethinking how those spaces could work, they were able to take some square footage to accommodate. They rebuilt a closet off of the guestroom and created a custom closet for the appliances. The 24-inch washer and dryer units they purchased are lean and stackableâthe rewards of scouring the market for space-saving solutions. Finding a creative way to fit them in, Stephano said, âtook amazing Tetris skills.â With their contractorâs help, they found more square footage by opening a wall and took space from a small closet. Carving out a bit more room helped with other layout and storage challenges. âThe shower is spacious! We added a custom cabinet that can hold all of our toiletry needs and were able to obtain a larger, double-sink vanity,â Isis said, noting that they went custom in the end to find a vanity that would fit. Their general contractor was a good fitThe aesthetic they chose is a combination of natural wood, black and white, with tiles being the highlight. âSubway tile felt very NYC to us, so we led with that, but also liked hexagon tile for the floor,â Isis said. âIn the shower, we opted for all black, which we totally love, and weâre happy with the custom walnut shelving, too.â Both partners feel proud of the outcome, and the role they played in achieving it. âWe took what weâd learned from other projects,â Isis said, âand used that knowledge to work really well with our Sweeten contractor and his team.â Stephano feels that their contractor played a big part in the projectâs success. âHe seemed to always be available, and was invested in both getting the work done and making sure we were satisfied.â Having finally made its way to the top of the list, the renovated brownstone bathroom feels fresh and new. âI love the design, and how functional it is for all of our needs, including storage,â Isis said. Thanks to the skylight, the room has great natural light. âAnd,â Isis exclaims, âI love the custom door Stephano made for us!â Perfectly weighted, and smooth in its roll. Thanks for sharing your Brooklyn brownstone bathroom story with us, Isis and Stephano! Renovation Materials:BATHROOM RESOURCES: Geometrics 2â hex matte white wall tile; Silhouette black polished 2âx10â shower wall tile; Geometrics 2â hex glazed black shower floor tile; Geometrics two-inch hex glazed black floor tile; and Quartz Jet Black saddles: Brooklyn Tile & Design. Awaken and Purist X Handles shower fixtures and hardware, Adair toilet: Kohler. Matte black rolling shower door: VIGO. Custom-built double vanity cabinet with Urbania door panels in Mariposa: Tafisa. Nicoli matte black faucet: Delta. Carbon Loft Cornwall Metal Beveled Venetian wall mirror: Overstock. Keenan two-light wall sconce: ALLMODERN. Barn door: Custom hand-made by Sweeten homeowner Stephano. SmartStandard Barn door hardware: Amazon. 24â washer and dryer: Samsung. â Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each projectâs location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when youâre ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten. Via https://civilco.construction/a-brooklyn-brownstone-bathroom-laundry-gets-its-turn/ One of the seven BTOs launched for Aug 2021, Queen’s Arc at Queenstown may not be located next to an MRT station, but it is surrounded by a slew of F&B options and is within a short walking distance to IKEA Alexandra. If you are making a flat selection in this development, we consider what your best options are. At a glance
The site
The surrounds of the BTO site were bustling during our site visit. Traffic was heavy along Queensway in the afternoon and will likely become busier with the expansion of Alexandra Hospital on the adjacent site beside Queen’s Arc. The redevelopment for the hospital is scheduled for completion in 2030. Alexandra Hospital’s expansion. The site will sit adjacent to Queen’s Arc BTO. Image: The Straits Times While the BTO isn’t located next to an MRT station—Queenstown MRT on the East-West line is situated more than a 10-min walk away—there are a lot of buses (around 11!) that service the bus stops along Queensway in front of the BTO. These can take you to the CBD and most major neighbourhoods in Singapore. There are no big shopping malls nearby, but you do get IKEA Alexandra within a short walking distance away. In terms of food options, you have the option of hawker fare at popular hawker centres Alexandra Village and ABC Brickworks as well as fast food eateries and restaurants located at Alexandra Central and Anchorpoint Shopping Centre. The Queen’s Arc site itself will also see a coffee shop. For supermarkets, the nearest ones are at NTUC Fairprice along Stirling Road and the Cold Storage within Anchorpoint Shopping Centre. Within the BTO site, there will be a minimart as well. Which unit should you pick for Queen’s Arc?3-room flats Most of the stacks here are 4-room units. If you are thinking of getting a 3-room flat, you only have stacks 129 and 131 to choose from. There isn’t a huge difference in these two stacks. Both stacks are likely to get some afternoon sun, coming in from the northwest direction from March to September. The consolation is that because they are north-south facing, you are likely to experience some decent breeze. The 3-room stacks are also facing the drop-off point, so you will want to avoid units on the lower floors if you don’t want to be disturbed by drop-off activities e.g. loading and unloading of goods, passenger pick-ups, etc. The stacks are located relatively near the lifts. Consider investing in privacy screens near your front entrance to maintain more privacy in your apartment. 4-room flats Afternoon sun: For 4-room stacks, stacks 105, 107, 133 and 135 are the ones to consider if you want to get less of the afternoon sun. Both these stacks will get some afternoon sun coming from the southwest direction from September to March, but the heat will be slightly alleviated as they are partially blocked by the stack before them. Sun direction in April Sun direction in October Privacy: If you don’t want neighbours looking in through your front door when they walk by, look to stacks 107, 113, 127 and 133. However, depending on the design of the BTO, they might be able to see through your service yard as they walk along the common corridors. Check HDB’s 3D model for Queen’s Arc for more information. Traffic noise: Traffic noise is likely going to a problem for stacks 101, 103, 117 and 119, which are facing a road junction and arterial road Queensway. Queensway is a busy arterial road Car park: Don’t want to be subjected to fumes and the revving of engines? Avoid stacks near the car park if you are picking a unit on the lower floors (the car park has 6 storeys). Stacks 135 and 137 have their service yards looking into the car park, while stacks 105, 107, 109 and 111 have the main areas of the home looking into the car park. Human activity zones: Because of the higher concentration of human activity in zones like the pavilions, playgrounds and fitness corners, you are likely going to get some noise disturbance if your stack is facing them. These are the stacks most likely affected: 109, 111, 121, 123, 133, 135, 137 and 139. If you have any other questions on BTO Queen’s Arc, hit us up on our socials or in the comments below!
Via https://civilco.construction/aug-2021-bto-analysis-queens-arc/ Who doesn’t want a cosy home? And there’s no easier way to get the warm fuzzies than with soothing, neutral colours. Think light wood tones, warm white shades and natural materials like linen and rattan. Renovated recently, these homes in Singapore are some of the cosiest out there. Feel the calm and embrace the warmth as you enter these comfort zones: 1. Wooden screens and many other thingsThis home’s theme? Adaptability. Wood-framed screens are used to demarcate the different spaces. Some are sliding, which opens up a million different possibilities in the use of the space when they are left opened. Others are fixed in place to function as a privacy screen as much as a design element. Still others are combined with glass panels so light still gets to filter through. While the wooden screen for the bedroom is lined with cream laminates to look just like shoji, a Japanese paper screen. It provides enough privacy, while still allowing the space to feel light and airy. Design: Chalk Architects 2. Contrasting dark and lightRather than go with a single wood tone, this BTO at Dawson decides to juxtapose light and dark wood shades. It creates a lovely visual contrast, without taking away the warmth of the space. To create a splash of modernity, terrazzo elements (seen in the home bar and foyer) were added to the space. The bedroom features a darker, subdued palette, in contrast with the communal spaces’ lighter, medium-toned woods. Lines from the carpentry and furniture are kept simple, with gentle curves accentuating the Zen-like atmosphere. Design: Parenthesis Studio 3. Embracing the Scandinavian designWe never tire of the Scandinavian style, especially if it’s done on point like in this resale apartment. Like with many Scandinavian themed homes, it adopted a white and wood scheme with the use of light grey accents and patterns to enliven things up. An open plan creates an easy breezy vibe, which is further boosted by the generous amount of windows lining across the living and dining spaces. A large, hardworking island is the entirety of the kitchen, as it packs a sink, an induction cooker, storage and a recessed legroom for a couple of counter chairs. Design: In-Expat 4. Curve intentionsThere are perhaps more curves than lines in this flat. You see them in the doors/doorways, furnishings, the carpentry work and even at the edges of columns and ceiling beams. They present a quirky vibe, while offering a gentler, more soothing milieu. We can definitely get on board with this. Most of the home is decked out in non-standard neutrals, with blush, taupe and navy blue functioning as such. Only the common bathroom ceiling sees a burst of dark red, which almost feels like a dare but works exceptionally well in that small space. Design: Three-D Conceptwerke 5. So much woodMuch of this condominium apartment features wood tones, whether crafted from real wood or wood-lookalikes. Walls and entrances are covered in wood laminates, while wooden furnishings and furniture were used. Even the bathroom is clad in wood grain tiles. It creates a visual simplicity, lending a sense of calm and uniformity to the space. The use of wood also brings in a sense of the outdoors—and with it a sense of serenity—which is further enhanced through the use of plants, natural materials like rattan and the cement screed, stone-like TV wall. Design: Hock Hoon 6. Myriad textures and nuancesWarm hues pop against a black-and-white setting in this eclectic flat that features a colonial slant juxtaposed with modern Mid-century elements. The use of rattan, in keeping with the theme, also invites a sense of cosiness to the space. The highlight of the home has to be the home bar that takes centre stage in the living room. Above, a ceiling-hung rack provides room for plants and storage for liqueurs and spirits. Design: Fifth Avenue Interior 7. All framed upOur final home features a clean and bright palette with a whitewashed base accented with grey-hued woods. Another Scandinavian design done right. A chevron-patterned backsplash—a classic Nordic motif—stands out against the large, eat-in white kitchen. Black-framed prints and photos adorn the walls, mirroring the eye-catching black-framed glass divider that segregates the dining area from the rest of the home. The curved elements seemingly hug the eating space, creating a cosy gathering spot for friends and family. Design: Lemonfridge Studio
Via https://civilco.construction/7-cosiest-singapore-homes-in-neutral-colours/ In the bathroom, white subway tile is the perfect backdrop for classic or contemporary looksIt’s no wonder why more and more homeowners are using white subway tiles in the bathroom. Its texture ranges from minimalist to custom handmade, while its bright appearance can contrast nicely with many color palettes. They are simple yet versatile pieces that give these 7 Sweeten bathroom renovations a polished and modern look, unique to each homeowner. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free. Opening up a bathroom with a timeless finishSweeten homeowner Mickey wanted to renovate his bathroom for a timeless look that would appeal to the apartment’s prewar roots. He was going for a sleek, bright, and cohesive look. He chose clear shower doors to give a full view of the shower and make the whole room feel larger. White subway tiles go from floor-to-ceiling in the shower for simpler cleaning. Marble-honed subway tileSweeten homeowner Allyson always intended to renovate her 1920s East Flatbush Brooklyn home to be more true to her creative and vibrant personality. She posted her renovation on Sweeten, which included her full bathroom. She worked with her Sweeten contractor to select pieces that would match the vintage, mid-century modern, Afrocentrist, brass, and natural wood style that she envisioned. With so many different pieces and styles being added, she looked for simple tiling as a backdrop. Her solution: off-white marble-honed subway tiles. White subway tiles deliver a handmade look
Nazli and Larry undertook a gut renovation on their Brooklyn brownstone in the Bedford Historic District. They wanted to transform the space into a home that matched the needs and personality of their family. Since Nazli’s mom was a regular visitor, they renovated the guest bathroom to be warm and welcoming. One of Nazli’s favorite things about the guest bath is the white subway tiles that were added to the shower walls: “I love these subway tiles. They are just varied enough to give them a real handmade look rather than the flat subway tiles we usually see.” Nazli says her only regret is not using them in more spots throughout the house. Herringbone subway tiles moving upwardsJanna and her family gutted their “disgusting,” crowded, and crumbling bathroom in Morningside Heights, Manhattan. One of the main reasons for the renovation was that a seven-foot tub consumed most of the space, leaving little storage area and a messy bathroom. On top of that, the appliances were all old and in need of an upgrade. Even though Janna needed to update the bathroom, she still had an appreciation for the pre-war building and wanted to maintain that feel. Janna carefully selected the materials to achieve a refreshed and spacious bathroom, without compromising the pre-war aesthetic. When it came to deciding how to tile the walls, Janna’s first choice cost $12,000, something that was not in her budget. So instead, she utilized her creativity and chose classic white subway tile for the bathroom that had a twist. Instead of the typical horizontal layout, Janna had her subway tiles in a jaunty herringbone vertical design. This unique choice added an interesting element to the bathroom, supporting the industrial look that Janna hoped for. Freshening up a bathroomWith kids now in the picture, Courtney and Jim needed to renovate their 800-square-foot Clinton Hill apartment to have more functional storage and be more aesthetically pleasing. To update the bathroom, they installed white subway tile in splash zones for easier cleaning. The rest of the walls were left painted so they could have hanging shelves. The contrasting designs add visual variety to the mostly black and white space. Bevel white subway tiles
A bathroom leak forced Sweeten homeowners Katie and Lance to renovate. They took this opportunity to redo the design of their bathroom to better match their refined and elegant aesthetic, while still maintaining a budget. To do so, they chose bevel white subway tiles for their walls and the tub exterior. The white theme gave their bathroom the sleek, polished look they hoped to achieve. The choice of bevel subway tiles also adds an interesting texture on top of the sophisticated finish. White subway tiles straddle a vintage and modern lookAn upstairs leak ruined the ceiling of this 1940’s era co-op apartment bathroom, forcing architect Brian Kaplan to renovate. Looking at the damage, Brian knew this renovation would not be an overnighter. So, he turned to Sweeten for help to get it done. As a frequent business traveler, Brian wanted to base the renovation of his bathroom on all of the luxurious spaces he had seen while traveling. He hand-selected every material that went into the renovation. The result: a bathroom mixed with vintage charm and modern luxury. To achieve a simple yet sophisticated look, Brian chose classic white subway tiles for all four walls from floor to ceiling. The tiling complements the blue accent pieces that Brian chose for the flooring and tub. Looking to add white subway tiles to your bathroom? A Sweeten contractor can make it happen.-- See how 7 Sweeten homeowners converted their bathtubs into showers to gain useful square footage. Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten. Via https://civilco.construction/7-takes-on-a-dreamy-white-subway-tile-bathroom/ Lighting is one of the best ways to add personality and character to your home. It’s one of the first improvements I’ve always made when moving into a new place. Switching out builder basics or dated fixtures makes a world of difference in the feel of a house! I have so many favorite lighting sources that I’ve shared here over the years, but you might be as happy as I was to discover how many beautiful and affordable options you can find at Amazon! They have wonderful classic styles and designer trends that I’ve used in my own home and have seen in high end stores. I pulled together some of my favorites here, and the source links for the above graphic are listed below. Enjoy! Sources for above: 2. Glass and Brass Wall Vanity Sconce 3. Semi Flush Mount Black and Glass Ceiling Light 4. Blue and Gold Beaded Chandelier 5. Wood Beaded Ceiling Chandelier with Tassel 6. Glass and Mango Wood Pendant Light 7. Hanging Metal Farmhouse Light in Tiffany Blue Finish 8. 3 Light Bathroom Lighting Fixture in Blue Metal with Brushed Nickel 9. 2 Light Brass and Glass Wall Sconce 10. 2 Pack Black Metal and Glass Porch Wall Lights 11. 2 Pack Vintage Brass Wall Sconce with Linen Shade 12. Wood Beaded Ceiling Chandelier Light with Tassel 13. Globe Porch Wall Light with Seeded Glass and Metal 14. Blue and White Chinoiserie and Brass Table Lamp with Shade 15. Brass Pharmacy Reading Floor Lamp 18. Blue Glass Table Lamp with Linen Shade 19. Industrial Modern Farmhouse Mixed Metal and Seeded Glass Sconce 20. Modern Clear and Brass Flushmount Light 22. Iron and Seeded Glass Wall Sconce Light 23. Whitewashed Wood and Metal Flushmount Ceiling Light – Modern Farmhouse Style Click here for more lighting favorites in my Amazon Storefront. ^ Pin for later ^ More Amazon Finds: Via https://civilco.construction/beautiful-affordable-amazon-lighting/ A Connecticut garage renovation creates a ceramic studio to slow down busy city life
“After” photos by Nicki Chavoya for Sweeten
Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Samantha Recreating an under-used garageRunning their creative agency, VERSUS, in New York City takes up a lot of their time during the day. So Samantha Louise Barnes and her husband, Justin, like to relax at their weekend home in Fairfield County. It’s located in Weston, which is a quaint small town with tree-lined streets, good schools, and notable architecture. The town is known for its mid-century modern architecture and their home is no exception. It was built in 1948 by architect Lloyd Flood, who was an early associate of architect Edward Durell Stone. The couple shares the home, which was previously renovated, with their two-year-old rescue cat, Louise. Set on a dead-end street, Samantha wanted to make the most of her 1,750-square-foot home. That meant converting the garage. They rarely use the second bay. Samantha and Justin take their car to the train station every week and leave it parked there until the weekend. So what to do with this underutilized space? Create that ceramic studio Samantha had always dreamed about, of course. Researching remodeling materialsSamantha wanted to get the renovation done quickly—preferably in a month’s time. So she started researching, pricing, and locating the equipment needed for the soon-to-be ceramic studio. It was challenging but she found a kiln in South Carolina. Apparently, a lot of people had the same idea to create a ceramic studio during the pandemic. Once this was taken care of, she set her sights on hiring the right contractor for the job. She posted the project on Sweeten to find a general contractor. “[Sweeten] offered advice every step of the way,” said Samantha. “I felt confident that I would be happy with who they vetted.” Samantha and Justin hired a Sweeten contractor and the project began. Figuring out the layoutThe idea was to choose the shorter bay—made smaller by a closet located in the back—and converting it into the studio. Twenty-five percent of the closet would make space for the kiln while the other 75 percent remained as a closet accessible via the other garage bay. But Samantha also worried about getting the electric requirements correct. So, she worked closely with her Sweeten contractor and his electrician to ensure that the kiln would run safely. They gave the kiln its own outlet and dedicated breaker box. A ceramic studio comes to lifeThe result of the renovation is a beautiful, artistic space. They kept the back window to allow light to shine through behind the kiln. And added another window above the air conditioner to give a bright airiness to the space. Their contractor also assisted with picking out the double French doors that replaced the original garage door. And figured out the right air conditioner/heating unit to match the electricity needs.
Connecting with the main houseAs for the aesthetics, Samantha and Justin chose to keep some consistency with the main house’s design. For example, the flooring in the main house is a poured concrete so they went with that in the ceramic studio. The concrete fits in nicely with the artistic vibe of the space. Plus, it’s safe to use under the kiln and Samantha likes the “rough” look. The trim is the same as in the main house as well. Material choices and style were to keep a cohesive look and feel.
Finding their general contractorWhen Samantha and Justin first started thinking about renovating, they knew it wasn’t going to be a big job. However, they did want to find a trustworthy, qualified contractor. “We are only at our home on the weekends, so we still consider ourselves new to the area and needed a jumping-off place to find someone,” said Samantha. “Instead of running through a slew of contractors on the Internet, I thought of Sweeten.” The result met all the couple’s expectations. “Having my own space separate from the house is wonderful,” said Samantha. “It’s additional creative space we just love having access to.” Thank you, Samantha and Justin, for sharing your dream garage remodel with us! Renovation MaterialsDouble French doors: Therma-Tru. Paint in Alpaca: Sherwin-Williams. LED lights: Lithonia. Smart Thru-The-Wall air conditioner: Friedrich. Electric pottery wheel: Bailey. -- Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.
Via https://civilco.construction/remodeling-a-connecticut-garage-into-a-modern-art-studio/ |
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