Room for Improvement

Room for Improvement: A cookie cutter cure, back-up power, and soundproof floors

By Mayra David  | April 10, 2013 - 12:48PM
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From character and soundproofing to an emergency generator, five New Yorkers share the items on the top of their apartment-improvement wish list:

  • Living outside the box I’m in ‘cookie cutter’ building and it’s a rental so I can’t do much. If it was my place I’d jazz up the walls with some molding and nice baseboards or something.  And I’d paint the place with something other than decorator’s white. But I don’t want to put in the effort for a rental - Joey, Upper West Side
  • A larger room/library I'd like to push back a wall to enlarge the third bedroom, install floor-to-ceiling bookcases and have a guest room/ library.  -Dominique, Flatiron District
  • New cabinets, fixtures and floor tiles I’d gut the kitchen and the bathroom. Start fresh with new cabinets and fixtures, and floor tiles. But I can’t even stomach the thought of prepping for a paint job, even if I don’t have to do it myself. I just don’t have a renovation in me. - Ann Marie, West Village
  • Runway madness I’m in a brownstone and hate the landlord’s cheap renovation and cheap appliances. The fridge never stops whirring and blowing hot air into the apartment.  There’s absolutely no acoustic insulation and unfortunately for me,  my neighbor upstairs likes to test walk her shoes all over the place before deciding on what pair to go with. -Alyson, Upper West Side
  • An ounce of prevention I’d give my building its own generator, because I live on the 36th floor. -Confidence, Madison Square Park

See all Room for Improvement

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