Many homeowners made improvements to accommodate changes in work and life at home. And during that time, the average spend on renovations jumped 15% compared with 2019.

Jan Lee, owner of Sinotique in Brooklyn, closed down his woodworking shop for months during the pandemic. When he reopened, his business saw a surge. The most popular custom build? Zoom call decor.  

NY1 Chief Photojournalist Dan Keese presents his story.