How do you like your pizza? The Astarita of Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn, serves its pies with a helping of affordable remodeling ideas. Architects Thom Dalmas and Bretaigne Walliser of Remodelista favorite TBo (for Thom Bretaigne Office) specialize in the domestic sphere, but when longstanding clients, Carmine and Tina Casale, decided to open a pizzeria, the couple agreed to design it.

The Casales both hail from Italy and Tiny grew up in her family’s Neapolitan pizza business. They also happened to own a single-story historic brick building just right for reinvention. Of course, their longstanding dream required a quick turn-around on a tight budget. Masters at applying humble materials in inventive ways, Bretaigne and Thom eagerly rose to the task—and gained a new favorite hangout: “We sought out a few impactful moves to highlight the charm of this little spot, and to create something earthy and comforting—and, we hope, just a little unexpected,” says Bretaigne, who adds, “The food is insanely good; everyone we know in the neighborhood is hooked.”

Here are five TBo approaches worth considering for own cost-conscious remodel, add your own toppings.

Photography by Jonathan Hokklo, courtesy of TBo (@tbo_architecture).

1. Mix custom elements with off-the-rack supplies.