It’s all smiles in this pic (now that the renovation is complete), but at the outset of this project, Mina required some convincing — and a pep talk from mom — to get on board.

“The [Parkway duplex] is another one of the houses we got from the city for $4,000,” said Mina, “and it's the one that I want to give back."

In the completed renovation, the kitchen is without doubt the star of the show — with contrasting upper and lower custom cabinets, gray Carrara marble countertops, distinctive lighting choices and eye-catching wraparound tile backsplash.

One of two upstairs bedroom, this one features a feminine feel with soft pinks and blue hues, new wood flooring and a full-length window treatment that functions as a backdrop for the bed.

The new first-floor master suite includes a spacious bedroom with wall paint in a soothing cool-tone gray offset by a classic Persian rug in bold red and a king-sized bed with substantive wooden bedframe and button-tufted headboard, both in charcoal gray.