Hallway Bath |
We have come to the
end of my blogging for this site. I started this blog - with the hope - that sharing my experiences and research, will help someone make the right decisions when engaged in their own renovation. There is some good information here, so please enjoy!
The renovation is complete and we have fared pretty well through out this renovation. The only issue that remains
unresolved, is the issue with American Classic Kitchens, which I wrote about
recently.
We were, and remain, happy with the contractors; including the electrician and plumbers. They all worked hard, showed 'attention to detail' and remained professional at all times. To that end, and the end of the blog, I would like to share the final results of our project, by showing you the before and after pictures. In addition, I will hi-lite of what has been done, along with before and after pictures, that will hopefully give some ideas for your own renovation.
We were, and remain, happy with the contractors; including the electrician and plumbers. They all worked hard, showed 'attention to detail' and remained professional at all times. To that end, and the end of the blog, I would like to share the final results of our project, by showing you the before and after pictures. In addition, I will hi-lite of what has been done, along with before and after pictures, that will hopefully give some ideas for your own renovation.
Let us start with the
hallway bathroom. This is clearly a room that gets a lot attention by your visitors, and more importantly a potential buyer, should you decide to flip the apartment.
What you see above and below, are pictures of the original bathroom - from the 1930’s - when the building was first erected. In this apartment, both the hall and master bathrooms were identical; with the exception the master is a bit smaller.
What you see above and below, are pictures of the original bathroom - from the 1930’s - when the building was first erected. In this apartment, both the hall and master bathrooms were identical; with the exception the master is a bit smaller.
Original, Built-in Scale |
One of the most interesting pieces of the original bathroom, was the scale, that is shown, it was built
into the wall with the same 'stainless steel' look we see today. We thought it was really cool, and considered having an updated version
of a scale installed in the same fashion; but I dislike scales – they are cruel to me. I am sure at least some of you know what I mean? Needless
to say, there is no scale in the new hall bathroom - or in the entire apartment, for
that matter.
Hall Bath After |
New plumbing and electric was installed throughout the apartment, including the bathrooms and kitchen.
For both bathrooms we also have installed recessed lighting. The light over the medicine cabinet is a vintage Art Deco light that was given to us by a dear friend.
Hallway Before |
In addition, the walls and ceiling were skim coated to eliminate all the cracks, and the walls were painted white. I would like to point out an interesting relic. If you look at the wall of the 'Hallway Before' picture, there is a phone on the wall, which is the original intercom system that communicated with the concierge and doorman in the 1930's. With the advent of modern technology, the intercom system is no longer functioning.
Hall After |
The original galley kitchen was long and narrow and would not afford much space at all, specifically given the new size of standard appliances and cabinets.
Kitchen Before |
The wall between the kitchen and living room was quite thick, about 10 inches, so removing the wall and opening the kitchen to the living room would not only allow for the desperately needed depth, and provide an open and airy feel to the entire living room and kitchen, so down came the wall.
Living Room (Wall was removed) |
The kitchen cabinets are Nordic white and manufactured by Wood-Mode. Since we opened the wall between the living room and kitchen we decided to have door covers on the refrigerator and dishwasher, rather than have the stainless steel exposed.
The original kitchen floor was tile with cement sub-flooring. We had this removed and had the wood floor extended into the kitchen. This was a big job, because the cement had to be broken down so the hall floor would flow evenly into the kitchen.
The stove was moved to the far wall. Recessed lights were installed in the ceiling; as well as lights in the upper cabinets - with the glass fronts; and under the cabinet lighting for over the countertops.
For the counter tops themselves, we bought a slab of marble from a quarry, and the contractor coordinated with a marble cutter to template and install the counters and kitchen window sill.
Kitchen After |
The stove was moved to the far wall. Recessed lights were installed in the ceiling; as well as lights in the upper cabinets - with the glass fronts; and under the cabinet lighting for over the countertops.
For the counter tops themselves, we bought a slab of marble from a quarry, and the contractor coordinated with a marble cutter to template and install the counters and kitchen window sill.
Living Room After |
Guest Bedroom Before |
Master Bedroom After |
Master Bath After |
Last - but certainly not least is the doorway. You were probably wondering why I chose the original condition of the door for the main blog site. Well, it was the beginning, entering into the apartment by that door. It started our vision, to create an apartment that was in keeping with the traditional prewar style, but with a modern flair. The door was a bit battered, had too many holes for locks that were not needed, but under the layers of paint would be a beautiful silver patina door that was the original to the apartment.
We replaced all the doors in the apartment, seven to be exact, but we saved the front door because of it's true beauty, scars and all. I guess no different than the experience of dealing with an extensive renovation. I assure you, you come out with some scars too.
But in the end we love our new home, so all the effort was worth it in - The End!!