A bathroom remodel is a very exciting project, one of our favorite things to do. But before jumping to choosing the latest and greatest fixtures or finishes, there are some less exciting things to consider so your project turns out just the way you dream it. Because renovating a bathroom can be overwhelming, time-consuming and costly, we put together a simple checklist to make sure that your project stays on track and the remodeling runs smoothly.

1. Get Your Budget
   If you don’t already know it, you should work up an idea of how much you want to spend on your bathroom remodel. Setting a budget will help guide you as you make decisions about what to include in the remodel. Once you’ve figured out what you can spend, and subtracted the amount allocated to labor, you’ll have a better idea of what you can spend on tile, fixtures, and extras.
2. Planning
   Tons of people assume that if they are remodeling a small bathroom it will only take a few days, at least it will take much less time than a larger one. That’s not always the case. Depending on how much you are changing in the bathroom, your remodeling contractor will have to go through most of the same steps as a larger bathroom. However, planning refers not only to defining the time it takes to finish the renovation works, but also steps in-between such as ordering and purchasing tiles, fixtures, custom-built vanity or cabinets that your contractor will need to do.  Planning time is also crucial for those with only one bathroom in their house as they will have to make arrangements where to take a shower and use the toilet while the bathroom is taken apart.
3. Design (Style & Function)
   First start out start by thinking about the look you want for your bathroom. There are many things to consider like paint color, tile choices, vanities, showers, tubs, faucets, etc. It can get overwhelming very quickly so start with some research. Pinterest is always a good choice to get you started. You can start to piece together elements that you like into what will become the final design of the bathroom or you may choose a design item you want to feature in the bathroom and then work the rest of the bathroom design around it. Making a story-board or collage can help your contractor.Things to include in your story-board are:
   • Plumbing Fixtures and Features: Shower, Bathtub, Sink, Faucets & Showerheads
   • Cabinets, Storage and Shelving
   • Walls and Flooring
   • Lighting (we’re partial to a chandelier in the bathroom)
   • Accessories: Towels, Mirrors, Bath Mats, Etc.

   Design should work hand in hand with functionality, so consider who will use the bathroom and how, consider an eventual resale of the house and also take a moment to think how the bathroom design will fit in with the rest of the house.

4. Hiring a Contractor
   Hiring a contract for a conceivably DIY job? Well, yes, that is a smart thing to do given the complexity of the job and difficult operations involved (electrical, tiling, plumbing, etc.). So don’t overlook the advantages of hiring a bathroom contractor and save yourself a load of misery and time.
5. Go Green
   Even if you personally don’t care about going green one way or the other, the market is trending toward this so it’s something to consider. And there are many budget friendly options for adding a green touch to your bathroom: a low flow toilet that uses less water and saves you money in water bills; vanities made from sustainably harvested wood; recycled glass tile surface counter tops, etc.

Hi Everyone! Happy Friday.

Earlier this week we had a question that came from a client and we wanted to share it with you:

We’ve been working on a full kitchen renovation with her for the past few weeks and are getting close to wrapping it up (more on that later). We started talking about some of the finishes in other rooms where the kitchen is seen. Of course the topic of lighting came up and she mentioned she loves a great chandelier, but didn’t know which room she should put one in.

“Which Room Should I Put a Chandelier?”

Much like what a fabulous pair of Prada shoes will do for any outfit, a chandelier will help elevate any room that it’s in. Chandeliers aren’t reserved for traditional or formal rooms much anymore, but in fact work beautifully in even the most modern rooms too. They’re being used more and more in just about any room; laundry rooms, mud rooms, closets, dressing rooms, bathrooms. So many unexpected places and of course as expected in bedrooms, living, dining rooms and kitchens.

The point is this, there’s no “right” room to put a chandelier in. Just put one in.

Here are some of our favorite finds for using a chandelier in different rooms. Have a look and get inspired. And of course, as always, let us know your thoughts.

CLOSET:

HALLWAY:

CHILDREN’S ROOM/ NURSERY:

WINE CELLAR:

OFFICE:

BATHROOM:

KITCHEN/DINING ROOM:

BEDROOM:

LIVING ROOM:

When we do apartment renovations, particularly on older buildings, one of the things we try hard to do is to preserve the original parts as much as possible. From doorknobs to lighting fixtures, cabinets to windows – they all have this certain history with the apartment that we think should remain intact.

Sometimes, though, the owners aren’t so sure. Other times, these historical pieces are so badly damaged that restoration isn’t possible. In this case, we need to find replacements. Having done this for so many years, we’ve been to most of the best antique stores in New York City, so we thought we’d share with you some of our favorites.

Dorset Finds
Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
(646) 460-2810
dorsetfindsstore.com

Gramercy Vintage Furniture & Consignment
250 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 477-7156
gramercyvintagefurniture.com

Luddite Antiques
201 Franklin Street
Brooklyn
718-387-3450
www.luddite.us/store

Manhattan Art and Antiques Center
1050 Second Avenue at 56th Street
New York, NY 10022
212.355.4400
www.the-maac.com

New York Vintage 
117 West 25th Street
212-647-1107
newyorkvintage.com

Olde Good Things
124 West 24th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-989-8401
www.ogtstore.com

White Trash
304 E. 5th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 598-5956
whitetrashnyc.com

Yesterday’s News / Brownstone Treasures
428 Court St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 875-0546
brownstonetreasures.com

Happy Hunting and don’t forget to let us know how your search went…