Lovingly referred to as, “Chill-town,” “Wall Street West” and “The Sixth Borough” by transplant New Yorkers in the know. I’m talking about none other than Jersey City. It’s the second largest city in the state of New Jersey and the offering of a speedy commute to Manhattan (it’s quicker to get to NYC from Jersey City than it is from parts of Brooklyn-trust me-I’ve tried it) it’s currently one of the fastest growing cities in Northern Jersey. This ever-growing population is a cultural and artistic mash-up fostering a cosmopolitan seen that some might compare to the early days of notably hip locale, Brooklyn, which was recently named coolest city on earth by GQ Magazine.

So, from time to time, I’ll be sharing and showing my love for my hometown (by way of Somerset, NJ) via posts on local haps, eats, talent, and other cool stuff, which brings me to Basic Builders Inc. of Jersey City.

Apartment dwelling in any locale seems always to be associated with certain features like abbreviated square footage, shared habitation on a macro level with at least 5 strangers, and restrictions on painting and customization of said space. When it comes to living in an apartment in a major city the square footage often becomes increasingly…abbreviated.

Blogs like Apartment Therapy, and stores like Ikea cater specifically to this market providing creative decorating and space planning solutions that make 500 square feet seem almost palatial. Ikea, with their clever, Scandanavian, furnishings and accoutrements espouses the motto: “A home doesn’t need to be big, just smart.” and to that end they come up with modular, DIY rooms, complete with all the fixins’, to help Jay and Shay Average in apartment A1 create a swoon worth space. “But what about the kitchen?” you ask. “Surely Jay and Shay lack the skills and time allocation needed to fabricate that astonishing installation in their 80 square foot, hallway kitchen seen on page 251 of the 2012 Ikea catalogue?”

[credit]

Very true and I’ve yet to see any of those Ikea worker elves, in the Market section of the store, who I’ve imagined might be responsible for managing the legion of parts, deciphering incomprehensible directions and the ultimate build out of those shiny new kitchens. But have no fear, you with the outdated, shrunken kitchen, experienced kitchen re-modelers certified in Ikea kitchen installations are at your service via Basic Builders Inc.

Before [credit]

After [credit]

Based in Jersey City, with over 15 years of experience, the husband and wife team of Peter and Lissa Welles, aka “The Kitchen Engineers” help with measurement, design, ordering and installation of your new kitchen, as well as, removal of your old kitchen cabinets, etc. They work with spaces of all sizes and they’re obsessed with details so they’ll be sure to create the look you want.

Learn more about Basic Builders and see more Before and After phoots here.