The Insider: Ridgewood Row House Reno Highlights Cheap and Cheerful Furnishings

This article details the renovation of a Queens row house that had been in the same family for generations. Architect Otto Ruano of LEAD Studios undertook the project, transforming the three-story, 3,000-square-foot brick structure into a multi-unit dwelling. The building now features an open one-bedroom apartment on the middle floor for the new homeowners, an author and an artist/professor, along with his-and-hers studios on the garden level and a rental apartment on the top floor. A significant challenge of the renovation was the house's untouched state, necessitating the replacement of all plumbing, which alone cost approximately $50,000, representing nearly a third of the overall budget. The budget also covered new electrical and heating systems, a new kitchen and bathroom, plaster restoration, painting, and some new flooring. Despite the budgetary constraints, several original details were preserved and integrated into the new design. These included tin ceilings that required minimal patching, a tile floor in the entry vestibule, a carved oak newel post on the staircase, and some early electric light fixtures. A deep kitchen sink on legs was also salvaged and repurposed downstairs. The most significant architectural modification involved opening up the walls between the new kitchen, the dining room, and the central living room. This was achieved by creating wide archways designed to enhance the sense of spaciousness and draw attention to the tin ceilings, maintaining a prewar aesthetic. To manage tight finances, the homeowners were resourceful in sourcing materials, undertook some of the painting themselves, and furnished the apartment with existing pieces or inexpensive purchases from retailers like IKEA and Craigslist. The decor is further personalized by artwork created by the husband, accessories collected during their travels, and gifts from artist friends, contributing to a casual and free-spirited atmosphere. The homeowners aimed for a balance between an eclectic style, incorporating their collected items, and a calm, serene environment. The kitchen, a focal point of the renovation, features IKEA cabinet boxes enhanced with fronts from Semihandmade and brass-toned pulls sourced from Etsy, providing ample storage. A Caesarstone-topped center island incorporates a deep sink, designed to foster a more sociable washing-up experience as it faces the rest of the apartment. A marble tile backsplash and white-painted exposed brick back floating shelves above the range. Bar stools from IKEA complement the setup, while high-end appliances, including a Bosch dishwasher and a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator concealed behind cabinetry, were considered justifiable splurges. The living spaces are adorned with rugs from Tunisia and Morocco and the homeowner's artwork, adding color and warmth. The desire for a cozy sectional was met with a floor model sofa from Bo Concept, now a central piece in the living room. The bedroom is intentionally designed as a cocoon-like space, contrasting with the public areas' white walls. The bedroom features dark-colored walls, molding, and trim. Leftover wall paint was utilized for unfinished IKEA nightstands, which the homeowners painted themselves. A massive farmhouse sink was relocated from the old kitchen to the lower level, serving as both a hand-washing sink outside the WC and an artist's slop sink, underscoring the project's blend of practicality and personal touch. The renovation successfully transformed a historic family home into a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and budget-conscious living space while preserving its inherent character. #RidgewoodRowHouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #HistoricPreservation #DIYHome #OttoRuano #LEADStudios #QueensRealEstate #RidgewoodRowHouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #HistoricPreservation #DIYHome #OttoRuano #LEADStudios #QueensRealEstate

82 months ago

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