Is there anything Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum of The Brownstone Boys can't do? They design, build, and find homes that are truly simple. And today, they are the proud authors of a new book, “For the Love of Renovating: Tips, Tricks & Inspiration for Creating Your Dream Home.” This book is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to renovate a historic home, or any space.
This is the kind of book they wish existed when they were just starting out on their blog. “When we started our blog, we struggled to find answers to a lot of questions about historic renovations,” Slocum says. The book takes readers room by room (the bathroom chapter is Slocum's favorite!) and also provides comprehensive information on renovating, including setting a budget, hiring the right contractor, and DIY decisions.
The title, “For the Love of Decorating,” has many meanings and great significance to them. “First and foremost, we literally love renovating and transforming spaces,” Bordelon says. “But we're also a couple who run a business together, and that's what the book is about. Our relationship and the love we have for each other is a secondary meaning to the title.”
Whether you’re looking to embark on your own renovation or simply want to know how to go about it, we’ve got all the information for you here: our kitchen guide to get you started.
From the love of renovation
Where do you start?
There's so much information. You might be wondering where to start and how to put it all together. Start by measuring the space. Draw it out on paper if necessary (there are apps and easy-to-use software, and big-box stores like IKEA have online tools for this). Add windows, doors and any other design features you want. Then decide on the basic layout: which wall will the fridge and stove go on, will it be an island, where will the sink be, do you need tall storage or pantry storage, etc. Here are some tips and tricks:
- For an efficient workflow, try to adhere to the “Kitchen Triangle Rule.”
- The stove, sink, and refrigerator should form a triangle, or at least be positioned so that each is just a few steps away from the others.
- Place a tall storage/pantry unit at the end or in a corner of a row of cabinets as an anchor for the design.
- Place the dishwasher next to the sink.
- It's often easier to put a sink on an island than a stovetop — just remember that you'll likely need a ventilation hood over your stove — and it usually makes more sense to place it along a wall rather than in the center of the room over an island (though we do like some designs in that configuration).
- Be sure to leave space for the panels you need, which are typically ¾ inch thick.
- Incorporating pull-out cabinets for trash and recycling may be useful.
- Add lighting under your cabinets (or under your shelves). Because this is low voltage, you'll probably need to find a place to hide a small transformer, such as inside a cabinet or wall.
- All aisles should have a minimum of 36 inches of space, but 40 to 42 inches is preferable for a more spacious feel. On the other hand, placing your island more than 48 inches from the range wall may make it feel unnaturally spaced.
Excerpted with permission from For the Love of Renovating by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum © 2024. Published by Union Square & Co.
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