New Yorkers are the biggest spenders when it comes to renovations, investing more than $12 billion in home projects last year alone.

At Gallery KBNY, we’re proud to have helped bring many busy NYC professionals’ home remodeling ideas to life. Every project is a memorable experience, and we want to take you on a trip down memory lane with six of our favorite projects. Each one was a unique adventure that could provide the inspiration you need to get your next project off the ground.

1. Soho Loft Renovation

This quintessential NYC loft located on Broome Street in SoHo was one of our most challenging projects. We had to work around columns and duct work for the central air, all while maximizing the space to create home improvements that add value.

The idea behind the loft’s interior design and renovation was to turn its challenges into its smartest and most creative design features. We used oval central air ducts and painted them white to blend in. We incorporated existing columns into the layout, added custom built-ins for storage, refinished a brick wall, and added a reclaimed wood entertainment centerpiece for warmth and character. The combination of modern, contemporary, and industrial elements created a truly beautiful space.

Our clients were busy professionals with a young child, and we were honored that they entrusted us to handle their entire project. The creative solutions we came up with to meet the loft’s challenges earned us a raving review:

“Gallery did an excellent job with a high-end gut renovation of our loft space in Soho ... They maintained constant contact and worked with us until we were 100% satisfied with the punch list. My wife and I are extremely happy with the results. We would not hesitate to use them on any future projects.”

See before + afters of the full gut renovation.

2. Clinton Hill Brownstone Renovation

This Clinton Hill brownstone project made its way onto our list because of its sheer scope. The owners specifically requested opulence, so we spared no expense when renovating every inch of the home. We converted the space into a quadplex with a rental garden apartment and a master bathroom that’s larger than most NYC bedrooms. In fact, the entire quadplex was a tremendous amount of space for one family.

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Aesthetically speaking, the ample space allowed for the “a place for everything and everything in its place” approach to interior design. Our goal was to create a modern, luxurious interior that still resembled the inside of a brownstone. We offered suggestions throughout the entire space, including heated bathroom floors, a steam shower, and an integrated smart home system that controls the lighting, climate, music, and blinds.

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The client originally wanted to renovate the space and move in, but the interior design and renovations added so much value to the property that the client ended up selling it, netting are cord-high sale price for the Clinton Hill area.

3. Tribeca Bold Green Bathroom Project

This unique Tribeca bathroom renovation make sour list of top home renovations for two reasons. First, we loved that our clients were willing to use bold colors. Second and perhaps more important, the idea behind the renovation was personal and meaningful.

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Our typical process includes asking lots of questions to dig deep into our clients’ wants and needs for a project. This time, we discovered that NYC’s 6 train held a deep meaning for our clients. Before getting married, they often rode the 6 to meet for dates.That line meant so much to them that they asked us to use the bright green color in their bathroom. We were able to match the color, and we used it to paint the bathroom vanity.

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To continue the subway theme beyond the vanity, we used white subway tile in a stacked pattern on the walls and a herringbone pattern on the floor. The matte black fixtures and monochromatic wallpaper tie the space together. To date, this project — and the equally bold powder room —remains one of the most popular renovations we’ve completed. See before + afters of the Manhattan loft renovation.

4. The Prohibition House

This Hudson Square town home, which was built in 1826, is rich with so much history that it was love at first sight for our team. The client wanted to transform the outdated historic property that hadn’t been touched since the 1950 s into a modern multi unit property, and we were game to tackle that challenge.

To implement modern home remodeling ideas, we took everything down to the studs and created new framing, plumbing, electrical, and structural support throughout. We also made sure to incorporate design features that were most fitting for the type of property and the area surrounding it.

When we started this pre-war apartment renovation, Hudson Square was still up-and-coming. The owners saw the writing on the wall before the area became an NYC hot spot. So did we, and their willingness to let us transform their historic home will always be one of our greatest honors. Oh — and during our careful inspection of the property during demolition, we uncovered more than 50 bottles of Prohibition-era wine, which cemented this project in our memory. See more images from this landmarked townhome gut reno.

5. Park Slope Brownstone Kitchen Project

Who doesn’t love a brownstone? This Park Slope home has been around since about 1875, so when the owners hired us to remodel it, we helped them understand upfront that we might encounter some unexpected issues during the build. With everyone on board, we got to work. Anytime a new issue cropped up, we worked closely with the clients to find the best solution.

Together, we made the final outcome look as effortless as it is elegant, with a large eat-in kitchen that provides the perfect canvas for the family to do what they love most — cook and entertain.The kitchen interior design and renovation respects the historic elements of the property by including 4-inch-thick counter tops, Shaker cabinets, and refinished woodwork. But we also added subway tile and open shelving to bring the design into the 21st century.

The owners wanted to stay true to the spirit of the brownstone, but they needed more modern touches where they wanted to entertain guests. We gave them both, and their reaction was the only thing we loved more than the final result:

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“We were particularly attracted to GKB’s promise to manage the project entirely from design to demolition to construction using their own employees and regular licensed mechanics to perform all of the work... we could not be more delighted with the quality work and beautiful look of our new kitchen, pantry and closets. We recommend GKB without hesitation!” See before + afters from the Brooklyn brownstone kitchen renovation.

6. Murray Street Kitchen Project

The Murray Street kitchen project featured one of the largest kitchen renovations we’ve completed to date, but it wasn’t the size that earned this project a spot on our favorites list. It was the level of detail and subtle design features that we loved.

The owners’ home remodeling ideas included creating a large luxury kitchen within their loft space, which meant accounting for ceiling height, structural columns, and exposed plumbing when creating our design. We were able to do just that. We installed white Shaker cabinets, black matte accessories, a quartz counter top and backsplash, and wood flooring to update the space in a cohesive way.

We also included paneled appliances, a full-size wine fridge, a farmhouse sink, under-cabinet LED lighting, and a contrasting island with a waterfall edge. Using some color and design tricks like grounding and contrast, we created a look and feel that illustrates a clean, calming finish with luxury touches. See more images from the Tribeca kitchen renovation here.

These and the rest of our favorite projects list are just some of what we show clients to help them articulate their own home remodeling ideas. To see more, head to our portfolio of renovation Before + Afters. Or, to learn more about how we can bring your interior design and renovation ideas to life, contact us today. Your project might might earn a spot on our next top home renovations list.