Author: Revive Design and Renovation

What Renovations Offer the Best Returns for Landlords in Tampa?

Being a landlord in Tampa is about more than just collecting rent. It’s about protecting your investment and making smart upgrades that attract quality tenants—and keep them. But, of course, not every renovation delivers the same payoff. The best ROI projects for landlords take picking upgrades that balance cost with impact. And at Revive Design and Renovation, we help landlords make those calls every day.

Kitchens and Bathrooms: Maximum Impact

These two spaces do the heavy lifting when it comes to tenant perception. They don’t need to be luxury showpieces, but they can’t feel dated either.

• Minor Kitchen Refresh:Instead of replacing every cabinet, consider refinishing them, updating hardware, and swapping outdated countertops for affordable laminate or butcher block. A new backsplash goes a long way, too.
• Modern Appliances:Matching, energy-efficient appliances—especially stainless steel—signal value and reliability. Renters notice when everything works together.
• Bathroom Updates:A new vanity, updated light fixtures, and replacing old faucets can transform the room’s vibe. Add a modern toilet, and suddenly your unit feels clean, fresh, and current.

The ROI here is less about resale and more about reduced vacancy. Tenants stay longer when kitchens and bathrooms feel cared for.

Learn More: What Wood Types Are Trending for Kitchens in 2025?

Flooring Upgrades: A Clear Winner

Old carpet is a tenant turn-off. It traps odors, stains easily, and wears out fast. In today’s rental market, hard-surface flooring is the smarter choice. It’s durable, easy to clean, and instantly elevates the look of a property.

• Best Choice:Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the obvious choice. It’s water-resistant, cost-effective, and resilient—perfect for Florida’s climate and rental wear-and-tear.
• Other Strong Options:Tile is also a great fit, especially for common areas where moisture and heavy use are common.

For landlords, the payoff is simple: better tenant satisfaction, fewer flooring replacements, and a cleaner, more modern look.

Added Amenities: Small Changes, Big Draw

The convenience factor matters. Certain amenities can make your rental stand out immediately:

• In-Unit Laundry:A washer and dryer—or even hookups—make your property instantly more attractive.
• Ample Storage:Built-in shelving, bigger closets, or clever cabinet additions add real-world value for tenants juggling Florida living.

These upgrades may not be as visible as flooring or appliances, but they’re the features tenants remember when choosing between listings.

Permits and Peace of Mind

One thing landlords sometimes overlook is that all remodeling projects require a permit. At Revive Design and Renovation, we handle that for you. From flooring installs to bathroom remodels, we ensure everything is code-compliant, fully inspected, and ready to rent. That means less stress for you—and more trust from tenants.

Learn More: Do All Home Remodeling Projects Require a Permit in Brandon?

Smarter Renovations for Better Returns

At Revive Design and Renovation, we know every landlord decision is an investment. The right upgrades don’t just boost rental income—they reduce turnover, cut down on maintenance headaches, and keep tenants happy longer. Flooring that lasts, a Tampa kitchen remodel that modernizes, or a Tampa bathroom remodel that impresses—these are the projects that deliver serious ROI. Call us today at (813) 680-4103 and let’s plan the smart renovations that will maximize your property’s return.

How Can Tile Layouts Make a Small Room Feel Bigger?

Small spaces don’t have to feel small. With the right design moves, a bathroom, laundry room, or even a compact kitchen can feel expansive, open, and inviting. One of the smartest tricks is tile. Not just the tile you pick, but how you lay it. If you’re planning a Brandon whole-home remodel, tile can become one of your best tools to visually stretch space.

We’ve seen firsthand how layout, size, and finish can transform a room that once felt tight into one that breathes. And yes—because it matters—all remodeling projects require a permit, which we handle for you so you can focus on the fun part. Here’s how tile can work wonders in a small space.

Tile Size and Color

Big spaces aren’t always about square footage. Sometimes, it’s about tricking the eye.

• Large-Format Tiles:Fewer grout lines mean less visual clutter. Whether it’s a 24”x24” porcelain tile or oversized planks, the large format creates long, uninterrupted surfaces that make rooms feel more open.
• Light & Reflective Colors:White, beige, or pale gray tiles bounce light, brightening corners and edges that normally feel cramped. Glass or glossy finishes go even further, adding reflection and airiness.
• Consistent Color Palette:When walls and floors stay within the same family of tones, boundaries blur. That continuity makes a small bathroom or galley kitchen feel more like a seamless whole.

Design Trend Alert: Monochromatic Bathrooms & Large Format Tiles

Tile Layout and Direction

Tile is more than material—it’s geometry in action. Placement changes everything. Diagonal or “diamond” patterns immediately stretch the room. Your eyes follow the widest angle, so the space seems bigger than its actual dimensions. Vertical layouts, on the other hand, can make low ceilings feel taller. And if you really want to maximize impact, extend your tile all the way from the floor to the ceiling for one continuous line. It’s a bold move—and one that pays off.

Strategic Application

Extending tile beyond standard stopping points makes walls feel taller or wider. For example, running shower tile all the way up instead of stopping at shoulder height creates the illusion of a larger, more luxurious space. Using the same tile for both floors and walls has a similar effect—removing the boundaries that usually make a room feel boxed in.

Learn More: What’s Typically Included in a Whole-Home Remodel?

Unlock the Possibilities of Every Space With Tile

Whether you’re drawn to airy neutrals, bold patterns, or sleek modern finishes, tile has the power to change not only how your room looks, but how it feels. The right size, color, and layout can trick the eye and make spaces feel expansive without adding a single square foot.

And when you partner with Revive Design and Renovation, you get more than clever tile layouts. You get a process built around your life and your goals. Every Brandon whole-home remodel we take on is designed to make your space smarter, more beautiful, and tailored to how you actually live. Ready to make your small rooms feel bigger and better? Call us today at (813) 680-4103—the home you’ve always wanted is just a conversation away!

Our Designer’s Tips For In-Law Suite Remodeling In Tampa

Do your in-laws stay over more times than you can count? They might as well have their own part of the house at this point. That’s the beauty of an in-law suite, and it’s something that benefits everybody! If having only a guest bathroom remodeled is worth it, then why not an entire living quarters for those special weekends and holidays the family comes over?

With these expert designer tips, your in-law suite remodel with Revive Design and Renovation in Tampa will be spectacular enough to impress even the strictest of parents!

Know How Much Space You’re Working With

You might have big ambitions, but it’s important to know how much space you can actually put towards your new in-law suite in Tampa. Consider rooms that are especially spacious, like the basement or the attic. These areas will have much more space to accommodate every basic need compared to the average bedroom.

After measuring how much space you have to work with, you can start planning for the essentials. Is there room for everything, or do you need to cut something out of the plan? Will there be any leftover room for luxuries? Layouts for in-law suites are entirely unique, so figuring this all out ahead of time is an unskippable step.

Learn more > Challenging Room Layout? 4 Ways Our Tampa Remodelers Can Help

Don’t Forget to Give Your In-Laws Some Privacy

No one wants to do their business out in the open. Robbing your in-laws of any privacy would be no different than letting them change right in the middle of the living room in broad daylight (a sight that we’re sure you’ll never want to see). Your in-laws might like to get up in your business, but that doesn’t mean you have to get in theirs. Plan for putting up walls or privacy screens in your in-law suite in Tampa, and consider adding soundproofing for greater isolation when they need it.

Be Accommodating With Accessibility Features

Remember, your in-laws are older than you are. At a certain point (or maybe even now), you’ll have to treat them like senior citizens. As you know, seniors need special accommodations. Your in-law suite should include features with easy accessibility so they can live comfortably under your care.

Accessibility and safety features for your in-law suite remodel in Tampa include:

• Wider doorways for walkers and wheelchairs
• Walk-in showers or bathtubs
• Step-free entry ramps
• Easy-press buttons and switches
• Grab bars and easy-grip handles

Read more > Home Remodeling for Senior Living: 5 Modifications & Additions for a Safe, Cozy Space

List Off Must-Have Essentials For Basic Living

For the next week or so, take note of what you do around the house. Any time you cook a meal, get ready for the day, or wind down for the night, write down every fixture or appliance that you come into contact with. This will give you a good idea of what your in-laws will need whenever they stay the night in your Tampa home. A sink, mini fridge, microwave, and a couple of cabinets are just a handful of many examples.

Hire a Professional For the Perfect In-Law Suite, Hassle-Free

Remodeling an in-law suite in Tampa is going to take more than just setting up a couple of tables and plugging in a few small gadgets. There will be tons of construction work involved, like adding privacy walls, rewiring electrical systems, and updating the plumbing to reach new water fixtures. This is all work that requires a permit and a team of qualified professionals.

Revive Design and Renovation Is the Trusted Remodeling Company For In-Law Suites In Tampa. Schedule a Complimentary In-House Consultation Today!

When you hire a design-build remodeling company like Revive Design and Renovation, you can rest assured that all permits, design, and construction for your in-law suite renovation in Tampa will be handled with extreme care! Call (813) 680-4103 to schedule a consultation.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Starting A Condo Remodel?

Condos deserve to be remodeled, too! But as you can imagine, renovating such a unique space is nothing like the process of remodeling a home. We’re here to hold your hand and walk you through everything you need to know, starting with what questions you should be asking before you start on your big project. When you’re ready to transform your condo, schedule a free consultation with Revive Design and Renovation St. Petersburg!

Do You Have a Condo Association to Run By Everything First?

Condo management can be a little tricky. If your property operates under a condo association in St. Petersburg, you have multiple levels of authorization to go through and an abundance of regulations to follow. Here are some of the most important questions to ask your condo association before you consider a condo remodel:

“Do I need permission to remodel?”

This is the first question you should be asking before you spend time on anything else. If your condo association doesn’t allow remodeling, then your journey ends here. If they do allow remodeling, then you can move on to the next step!

”What are the rules regarding remodeling?”

Many condo associations in St. Petersburg will have certain restrictions in place for those who are looking to remodel. Similar to an HOA, these limitations are set in place to uphold certain standards in curb appeal and functionality.

What Do You Want Out of Your Condo Remodel?

As the owner of the condo, your opinion matters, too! Before you schedule your interior design consultation in St. Petersburg, ask yourself these critical questions to make sure you’re getting what you want out of this project:

“Why am I remodeling my condo in the first place?”

It’s always good to have defined goals. With a big project like heavy renovations, setting a clear path ahead is guaranteed to end in success. Dig deep and find out why you’re looking to change things up so you have a baseline when you meet with a remodeler.

”What does my budget look like?”

A good remodel is one that doesn’t feel expensive. Know your limits and what you’re willing to invest. Vow not to spend a single penny over, and you have yourself a condo renovation in St. Petersburg that feels nothing but rewarding!

“What do I actually need, and what do I just want?”

You have big plans in store for your condo, and it’s easy to lose sight of what’s a worthwhile upgrade and what’s a non-essential trend that you’ve simply latched onto. It’s okay to want a stylish remodel, but you also need to prioritize for the sake of your budget.

Don’t Forget Your Contractor! Here’s a Questionnaire Checklist:

Have you asked every question we’ve already laid out? If you’ve made it this far, then you’re no doubt ready to meet with your reputable condo remodelers in St. Petersburg!

Here’s what to ask during your design consultation:

”Are you licensed and insured?”

”Will you handle permit acquisitions and management?”

”Have you worked on condos in the past?”

”Can you provide references or samples of previous condo renovations?”

”What is the estimated timeline for my condo remodel?”

”Do you have a system in place for protecting the property during construction?”

There’s a lot more to hiring a contractor as a condo owner (or a condo manager). For a design team that you can rely on for outstanding condo renovations in St. Petersburg, Revive Design and Renovation is the award-winning, family-owned remodeling company that gets the job done with guaranteed satisfaction!

Ready? Let’s Get Talking! Schedule a Complimentary In-House Consultation With Revive Design and Renovation St. Petersburg Today!

Call Revive Design and Renovation St. Petersburg today at (813) 680-4103 for stress-free condo remodeling services you can rely on. Learn more about our process and schedule a consultation!

Are Matte And High-Gloss Cabinet Finishes Popular In 2025?

Unpainted cabinets? Not the most durable. Painted cabinets? Not the most original choice. It’s the year 2025, and that means your options are no longer black and white (or in this case, painted or unpainted). We love playing with textures in this era, and that’s best accomplished with modern finishes that introduce a whole new way to dress your cabinets!

Explore matte and high-gloss cabinet finishes that are popular in 2025 before meeting with an interior design expert at Revive Design and Renovation.

Did you know the cabinets are the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel? Don’t squander this opportunity! Keep reading to find out how to capitalize on this investment with style.

Designer-Approved! Both Matte and High-Gloss Cabinets Are Stellar In 2025.

Think there are only so many ways to display wooden cabinets? Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Modern interior design is all about minimalism through alternative solutions. We want everything flat and out of the way, all while tickling the part of our brain that craves something new and exciting. Born of that desire, matte and high-gloss cabinet finishes have risen to the top.

One offers a gentle touch that’s just as easy on the eyes. The other brightens the room with shining brilliance that makes any color pop. Get ready to delve deeper into these cabinet finishes for a transformative kitchen or bathroom remodel!

Read more > Cabinet Refacing vs Replacing: Which One Do I Need?

Keep It Timeless In a Modern Way. Matte Cabinets Put a Spin On a Beloved Classic.

You love the natural look of wood. The rich colors in brown, beige, and red. The natural wood grain and knots in asymmetrical patterns. The only thing that could disrupt an otherwise perfect aesthetic might be the rough and bumpy texture. So, then, take away that unpleasant texture with a soft matte finish that you won’t be able to keep your hands off of!

Matte cabinets look more sophisticated with their non-reflective surface, allowing you to take in the beauty of the wood completely undisturbed. The soft-touch surface adds modern appeal with its practicality, offering a low-maintenance solution that does a better job of banishing fingerprints.

Big, Bold, and Beautiful. High-Glass Cabinets Blast Into the Future With Radiance!

When you’re not looking to re-invent the natural look of wood, another modern solution awaits. High-gloss cabinets take your color of choice and encase it in a shiny, polished layer. This brings out any hue’s full potential as the backdrop to your bathroom or kitchen renovation.

High-gloss cabinet finishes are the best choices for making the biggest impact in your freshly renovated space. This finish makes bold colors bolder, and bright spaces brighter as the sun bounces across its surface. Embrace the high-gloss finish and watch your home feel larger simply by adopting modern cabinet design.

Go Gloss or Make It Matte. Revive Design and Renovation Delivers the Cabinets You Want For a Home Remodel That Feels Personal!

Visit the Revive Design and Renovation showroom today for matte and high-gloss samples that will no doubt get you inspired. Call (813) 680-4103 today to schedule a consultation and to ask for a free estimate.