New Yorkers are familiar with small, cramped spaces. With sky-high rents and limited square footage, thus we've adapted making the most out of tiny bathrooms and kitchens. But even though space is at a premium in NYC, you can still settle for an outdated or inefficient room layout. With a few strategic renovations, even the smallest Manhattan studio or Brooklyn brownstone kitchen can be opened up and transformed into a relaxing oasis or state-of-the-art chef's paradise.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know before tackling an NYC kitchen orbathroom remodelling services, from setting your budget and securing permits to choosing fixtures and finishes that maximize style and functionality. Read on for renovation ideas, design inspiration, and insider tips from top interior designers and contractors who specialize in optimizing urban living spaces.
Key Considerations for Remodelling in New York City
Working Within Spatial and Structural Limitations where Older NYC buildings come with unique spatial and structural challenges. Load-bearing walls, narrow layouts, low ceilings, and limited natural light are par for the course. The first step in any kitchen or bath remodel is accepting and working within those existing limitations. Trying to forcibly create space where there is none will only result in an awkward, uncomfortable room.
Start by meticulously measuring the existing dimensions and architectural elements. Note windows, doors, pipes, radiators, gas and water lines, and anything load-bearing. This will give you a realistic sense of the rigid boundaries while also identifying areas of flexibility. For example, while you likely can't move a cast iron drain pipe, you may be able to replace a standard tub with a smaller walk-in shower to free up floor space.
Securing Necessary Permits and Approvals
The NYC Department of Buildings oversees all residential and commercial renovations through a rigorous permitting process. Doing any work without the proper permits can result in fines and orders to undo the renovation if codes were violated. The most commonly required permits include:
- Plumbing Alteration Permit - For any changes to drainage, gas piping, water lines, or fixtures
- Sprinkler Alteration Permit - If your building has a fire sprinkler system
- Construction Equipment Permit - For dumpsters, chutes, scaffolds, etc.
- Support of Excavation Permit - For structural retaining walls
Your licensed general contractor will handle securing all required permits. Be sure to choose an experienced NYC specialist used to navigating the bureaucracy. Illegal work will also invalidate insurance policies, and any issues down the road could become extremely costly.
Updating Important Infrastructure and Accessibility
Particularly in older NYC buildings, crucial plumbing, gas, electrical, ventilation, and safety systems may be outdated or on the brink of failure. A kitchen or bath overhaul is the perfect opportunity to address these critical infrastructure needs with modern replacements. This may not contribute visibly to the new aesthetic design but will significantly improve functionality.
Some key long-term updates to consider include:
- Replacing old galvanized drain and supply lines
- Installing new water pressure regulating valves for consistent flow
- Rewiring with ample GFCI-protected circuits and LED lighting
- Adding or improving bathroom fans and range hood ventilation
- Ensuring walk-in showers meet flush ADA standards
Investing in this infrastructure first is rarely glamorous. However, it's analogous to buying a beautiful new car and finding out it has a failing transmission. Pay attention to the bones and guts during your renovation planning.
Interior Design NYC Concepts for Maximizing Small Bathrooms
When dealing with a tiny NYC bath, approaching the layout, which is thoughtfully designed, can make all the difference between a relaxing oasis and a cramped, impractical space. These strategic design concepts will help you open up interior traffic flow and storage without requiring significant square footage.
Prioritizing Walking Space
The first key consideration is providing enough clear floor space for moving comfortably in and out of the bathroom. Measure carefully, then map out zones for necessary walking lanes, avoiding narrow galley-style paths and tight corners. Thirty inches width is the minimum, though 36 to 40 inches is ideal. This may mean adjusting door swings or removing vanity cabinets or built-in wall shelves. Though you'll be reducing storage, the trade-off for spacious movement is worth it.
Limiting Main Fixtures to One Wall
Placing the essential bathroom elements – toilet, sink, and shower/tub – all along the same wall conserves valuable floor space. These scattered items on varied walls or corners change space and restrict circulation. Ideally, the linear fixtures will run parallel to the entry door so anyone can easily enter and navigate the necessary bathroom functions with minimal crisscrossing traffic jams.
Using Space-Saving Fixtures and Furnishings
Once you've mapped out the most efficient layout, incorporate space-saving versions of necessary fixtures and furnishings. Some excellent options include:
- Wall-hung or floating vanities with thin profiles
- Compact elongated or round-front toilets
- Cabinetry towers or shelving units that reach the ceiling
- Fixed glass partitions rather than shower curtains
- Recessed niches for shampoo, soap, and other necessities
- Mirrored cabinets instead of freestanding storage furniture
- Towel warmers or hooks mounted on walls or behind doors
You can still obtain ample storage and functionality by selecting furnishings strategically designed for small footprints without cramping the room.
Adding Mirrors and Lighting for an Illusion of Space
Opening up a petite NYC bathroom reflects light to create airiness and depth. Turn to large mirrors and plenty of well-placed lighting to help the space appear more expansive.
Strategically hung mirrors will practically double visible floor space without requiring more inches. Install the largest size possible behind sinks or vanities, on accent walls, or across from windows. Framed beveled mirrors also add depth.
Proper lighting works hand in hand with mirrors to brighten up shadows and create the illusion of roominess. Use fixtures like recessed cans, sconces, and undercabinet lights throughout the space rather than relying solely on a single overhead fixture.
Mirrors and Lighting for an Illusion of Space
Like a cramped bathroom, New York City kitchens require smart spatial planning and storage solutions to function efficiently as a cooking and entertaining hub despite limited square footage. These strategic design concepts will help unlock your small kitchen's full potential.
Going Vertical with Storage Space
One of the best ways to increase storage capacity without expanding the footprint in a smallkitchen remodellingproject is to use vertical real estate. Floor-to-ceiling shelving, cabinetry built up to the ceiling, and two-tier countertop displays effectively double storage space.
Consider installing extra tall upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling. These can house lesser-used items that you access infrequently with the help of a step stool. For frequently used glasses, dishes, and cooking staples, install pull-out vertical drawers integrated into a section of the cabinetry for easy access.
Another excellent storage solution is to mount narrow shelving on previously unused walls. This can work wonderfully next to refrigerators, behind tables or chairs, or even above shorter cabinetry. The floating shelves act as pretty display space and additional storage for real estate.
Using Durable Multi-Purpose Furnishings
Select furnishings that can serve multiple purposes to maximize functionality in a tiny home kitchen. Key items like tables, carts, and islands should include storage space within them and have the ability to morph shapes or expand surfaces whenever needed.
For example, a kitchen island with drop leaf or butterfly extensions nearly doubles the counter space and then folds up compactly when not cooking. Mobile kitchen carts can effortlessly roll where you need additional surface area and tuck neatly out of the way.
Built-in banquette seating is a smart space saver that also adds storage underneath. The hidden compartments are perfect for large platters, placemats, and table linens. When pulled out, the bench seating provides extra guest seats that disappear back into their nook when not entertaining.
Small-space appliances and Concealed Fixtures
Finally, pay attention to the space-saving power of compact appliances and hidden additions tailored specifically for petite kitchens. These specialty items include:
- Extra narrow pull-out refrigerator columns and freezer drawers
- Slimline dishwasher drawers installed under counters
- Twenty-four-inch-wide ovens and cooktops
- Range hoods that motor out of sight
- Under-counter garbage pull-outs
- Shallow custom-built sink basins
Summary
You can contact us to schedule a meeting to discuss your design needs. With us, you will get the services of an interior designer in NYC who will always embrace your needs and requirements. Marie Burgos, along with our team, strives to create designs that surpass the boundaries of aesthetics and meet your lifestyle needs. For more information, please feel free to contact us.
