What Brooklyn homeowners should plan before a kitchen or bathroom remodel: co-op and condo approvals, layout, materials, lighting and storage.
Know your building's approval process
Co-op and condo buildings typically require an alteration agreement, board approval and proof of insurance before work begins, and many limit work hours or summer-only 'wet' work. Ask your managing agent for the requirements before finalizing a design.
Decide what moves — and what stays
Keeping sinks, toilets and showers near existing plumbing lines simplifies a remodel considerably. Moving them is possible, but it affects scope, approvals and the floors below in multi-family buildings.
Pick durable, timeless materials
Natural stone, quality porcelain, solid wood and living-finish brass age gracefully. Use bolder colors or patterns in elements that are easy to change later, like paint, hardware or lighting.
Plan storage and light in detail
Brooklyn kitchens and baths are often compact, so every inch counts: full-height cabinetry, drawers instead of deep base cabinets, recessed medicine cabinets and layered lighting with under-cabinet and mirror lights.
Photos are design inspiration images, not client projects.