New York City apartments come with character—sometimes too much of it. Cramped bathrooms, outdated kitchens, and obsolete layouts that make you wonder what on Earth the original designer was thinking. Luckily, with the right renovations, those spaces can become part of your vision! Let’s dive into real transformations across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan that prove anything is possible.
Brooklyn Brownstone: From Dungeon to Dream Kitchen
In Park Slope, a couple inherited a kitchen that felt like it was straight from the 70s —think avocado appliances and linoleum that had seen better decades. The 120-square-foot galley kitchen was also dark and depressing.
During the transformation, the Zicklin team removed a non-load-bearing wall to open the space. We also added reclaimed wood shelving and brass subway tile for a modern touch. Modern quartz countertops replaced the chipped laminate, and new pendant lighting brought the room to life.
Cost breakdown:
- Full kitchen renovation: $45,000–$65,000
- Structural work and permits: $8,000–$12,000
- Custom cabinetry and fixtures: $15,000–$20,000
The result? A kitchen that’s now the heart of their home, where natural light floods in and cooking actually feels enjoyable.
Queens Condo: Small Bathroom, Big Impact
An Astoria condo from the 90s had one big problem: the bathroom. Extremely small, 50 square feet, and every inch was filled. Previous owners had installed a ridiculously big corner tub, leaving barely enough room to dry off.
The Smart Solution
The tub was replaced with a sleek walk-in shower with frameless glass, instantly enlarging the room. A floating vanity, wall-mounted fixtures, and large-format tiles further enhanced the space. A skylight addition brought in natural light that bounced off the new white and gray palette.
What it cost:
- Complete bathroom gut renovation: $25,000–$35,000
- Plumbing updates: $5,000–$8,000
- Skylight installation: $3,000–$5,000
Now? The bathroom feels twice its actual size, and morning routines are infinitely more pleasant.
