Welcome.

My name is John Burton, and I have designed and built some of the finest homes in New York City and Westchester County. I have had the privilege of collaborating with the world’s best architects and decorators on projects from 4,000 square foot apartments overlooking Central Park to 18,000 square foot homes on the Long Island Sound.

Kitchen combining classical design and room to live. Our chapter on Kitchens tells you how to do this in your own home, using alternative materials and techniques, for less than you would spend on a vacation.

Kitchen combining classical design and room to live. Our chapter on Kitchens tells you how to do this in your own home, using alternative materials and techniques, for less than you would spend on a vacation.

In my office, the walls are venetian plaster. That is a finish you find in almost every McMansion, every penthouse. It is a textured, colored plaster with a wax polish to highlight the layers and tones. I have worked with the finest faux finishers in the world, and they priced the job at anywhere between $12,000 and $17,000. I did it for $600. How? Bowling lane wax. Then I had the finishers back to see the job. No one saw a difference.

Live Like The Other Half Used To describes how to accomplish the exact same designs, architecture, and finishes that I’ve used in my work – in your own home, for a fraction of the cost. Classic design feels better, looks better, and is worth more. And there is no reason why you cannot have the same luxuries and appointments as my clients.

I invite you to take a look around the site. It is my hope that you become inspired.