Author: Revive Design and Renovation

Should I Get Quartz or Marble Countertops in My St. Pete Kitchen Remodel?

If you’re planning a St. Pete kitchen remodel, chances are you’ve already asked yourself this question at least once: Is quartz or marble better? It’s the classic clash—modern durability vs. old-world luxury. The answer isn’t so clear cut, so here’s what you need to know to make the right call for your kitchen, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.

Marble: The Romantic Classic That Loves Attention

Marble is what you choose when you want your kitchen to whisper custom. Think soft veining, dramatic slabs, and a natural elegance that ages with grace. But this stone is certainly not low maintenance. And that’s perfectly fine—as long as you know what you’re signing up for. Here’s why marble might be the one for you:

• You want a truly one-of-a-kind look (no two marble slabs are ever the same).
• You’re okay with a little patina over time.
• You love the character that comes with natural stone.
• You’re designing for forever, not resale.

Something important to keep in mind: marble scratches and etches more easily than quartz, especially with acids like lemon juice or vinegar. It also requires regular sealing. If you cook a lot, entertain often, or want something totally worry-free, this might not be the best match.

Learn More: Renovating Your Kitchen for a Resale? 6 Considerations

Quartz: The Low-Maintenance Beauty

Quartz isn’t mined—it’s engineered, and that’s a huge benefit. You get consistent color, incredible durability, and no sealing required. It’s perfect for busy households or for people who want their kitchen to look clean without thinking about it. Quartz works for modern life because it’s:

• Stain, scratch, and chip-resistant.
• Available in tons of styles, from ultra-modern to faux-marble looks.
• Non-porous and hygienic—great for cooking and cleanup.
• Predictable in terms of finishes, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

There are important trade-offs to note. Quartz can’t quite replicate the depth and coolness of real marble. And while it’s tough, it’s not invincible—excessive heat or hard impacts can still cause damage.

Learn More: How Do I Select Quality Countertops?

What Should You Pick? Marble or Quartz?

It all depends on your priorities. If you want a showstopper and don’t mind babying it a bit? Go marble. If you need your counters to work as hard as you do? Quartz has your back. And if you’re somewhere in between, our designers can help you blend both. Maybe quartz on the perimeter and marble on the island—or vice versa.

Your St. Pete kitchen remodel doesn’t need to follow anyone’s rules but yours. We’ll help you create a space that looks incredible, works for your daily life, and—best of all—stands the test of time.

Let’s Talk Countertops—And Everything Else

At Revive Design and Renovation, we believe the best kitchens in St. Pete are built with care, clarity, and collaboration. That’s why every project we take on is fully permitted, beautifully designed, and tailored to how you actually live. Ready to create an unforgettable St. Pete kitchen remodel? We’re ready when you are—give us a call at (813) 680-4103!

Shower Wall Panels vs Tiles: Which Is Best For My Bathroom Remodel?

The world is your oyster, and your shower is the pretty pearl at the center of it all. This is your space, where you can enjoy a bit of privacy in the best way you know how. What does this little nook look like in your perfect bathroom? This guide will help you find out if shower wall panels or tiles are better for making your bathroom remodeling fantasies come true! For 5-star bathroom remodel services near you, meet with our award-winning team at Revive Design and Renovation. We handle everything from getting your permits to walking you through the design process and more!

Never Heard of Wall Panels? They’re the Next Big Thing In Home Design!

What are shower wall panels, anyway? Kind of like how customizable and durable quartz has become the major breakthrough in modern countertops, shower wall panels are emerging as the easier way to get the personalized style that you want (backed by simple installation) and with lasting durability.

Shower wall panels can be made from a combination of different materials:

• Laminate surfaces with engineered wood cores
• Laminate surfaces with foam cores
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Acrylic

Tiles are a must-have for bathroom floors, but when it comes to lining your shower space, wall panels might be the alternative that you’re looking for.

Shower Wall Panels Are a Breeze to Install

The thing with tiles is that they can be tedious to install. You need to line up multiple pieces absolutely perfectly and finish it off with grout. The one perk to using tiles is that they’re more flexible. You can easily fit them around tight spaces and awkward corners, but if that’s not an issue, then you might have an easier time with wall panels.

Wall panels come in large slabs. They’re appealing for creating a smooth and seamless look, but there are some hidden benefits as well. Compare installing stacks upon stacks of individual tiles compared to just a few large slabs. You can imagine how installing shower wall panels will go by much faster and easier.

A Page or Two of Available Designs, Or Endless Possibilities?

Tiles are nice and simple. They come in white, blue, green, square, round, hexagonal, you name it. But what if you wanted to surround yourself in elegant floral imagery or convincing wood grain? Shower wall panels can be made in custom-printed designs for a truly unique bathroom renovation. When you have big dreams, wall panels are there to carry your wishes into tomorrow.

Learn more > Timeless Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring: 8 Ways Our Designers Can Make Your Remodel Unique

How Often Are You Willing to Clean? Don’t Waste Time!

Can’t find enough hours in the day? Shower wall panels can work in your favor. With its simple layout, it doesn’t take much to keep the wall panels sparkling clean. A spray here and a rinse there, and you can keep it looking fresh just by sparing a couple of minutes every now and then. Meanwhile, every homeowner knows how hard it can be to clean grout between tiles.

Shower Wall Panels Make You Feel Like a Budgeting Mastermind

Given all of the wonderful perks of shower wall panels, you might be imagining big dollar signs at the thought of using them in your bathroom remodel. Well, you’re about to be proven wrong! These meticulously designed panels with layers of economic materials are actually less expensive than tiles made of porcelain or ceramic.

Revive Design and Renovation Helps Find the Best Materials For Your New Bathroom Remodel!

From economic shower wall panels to intricate tile walls, Revive Design and Renovation is here to bring your vision to life with a transformative bathroom remodel from a family-owned remodeling company you can trust. Call us today at (813) 680-4103 to schedule a consultation or visit our showroom to see the possibilities in person.

Range vs Wall Oven: Which Should I Choose For My Tampa Remodel?

You already know which stove is best for your remodel, but what about your oven? Old ovens kept for a kitchen renovation stick out like a sore thumb. You want to swap it out for a truly jaw-dropping transformation, and this would be the time for a huge upgrade. Are you going to stick to the good ‘ol range, or will you change things up with a wall oven? Not sure what the difference is? You’ve found the right guide!

For a personalized recommendation, schedule a complimentary consultation with Revive Design and Renovation Tampa. We handle everything from producing the design concept to obtaining all of the necessary permits and more for a 5-star design-build kitchen renovation you will love.

A Short Guide to Identifying Your Ovens:

The main difference between range and wall ovens is that range ovens are the traditional kind that are fitted alongside your countertops, while a wall oven is mounted onto the wall. Sounds simple enough, but there are countless underlying pros and cons that drive every smart decision.

So don’t just choose one haphazardly. Let’s dive into the details so you can choose the right oven for your Tampa home!

Range Ovens Are More Affordable

What makes range ovens so budget-friendly? You just buy one and plug it in, no additional installation or assembly required! This saves you money on additional labor, and this kitchen appliance just tends to come cheaper, anyway. This is why you’ll see them in most Tampa homes. With new features and modern styles to choose from, range ovens are far from boring but also far from expensive.

Wall Ovens Are Incredibly Ergonomic

Tired of crouching down or bending over just to see if your cookies are getting those golden brown edges? You don’t really have a say in the matter with range ovens, but wall ovens can be installed at just the right height to meet your eye level. Wall ovens also free up more room for extra counter space, giving them incredible home value in Tampa for delightful ergonomic design.

Range Ovens Are Easier to Install

As we mentioned earlier, range ovens offer plug-and-go convenience. The hardest part would be lugging such a heavy thing into the house, but that’s what professionals are for! Wall-mounted ovens may be more flexible in where they can be installed, but you can imagine the complications that might come with the installation process. If you’re looking for an easy oven for your Tampa kitchen remodel, range ovens will no doubt save you some time and hassle.

Wall Ovens Are More Energy-Efficient

The thing about range ovens is that they take up a lot of energy to get things heated. Even if you go with a more energy-efficient model, it’s hard for a range oven to beat the energy efficiency of a much smaller wall oven. Meeting your set temps goes by much faster with less interior volume in a wall oven, making it a more practical option for your Tampa kitchen renovation that will save you more in the long run.

Range Ovens Are Bigger

How are you going to host Thanksgiving if you can’t fit a turkey in your oven? Get two small turkeys to go in two small ovens? You can do that, or you can play it safe with a much larger range oven. We typically recommend range ovens for homeowners in Tampa who love to invite people over for parties and gatherings, and smaller wall ovens for people who cook conservatively.

Feeling the Heat? Let Us Help! Schedule a Consultation With Our Design Team at Revive Design and Renovation Tampa

For a 5-star kitchen remodel that effortlessly meets your cooking and hosting needs, schedule a complimentary consultation with Revive Design and Renovation Tampa today! Call (813) 680-4103 to meet with our award-winning team of interior designers in your area who can help you pinpoint the best oven type for you. We’ll start by helping you get your permit so we can move on to the fun stuff!

Kitchen Design For Effortless Hosting & Entertaining

Hosting is hard work. Rewarding, but hard. What if your kitchen’s layout could make things easier on you? You could be getting things done in a fraction of the time and saving yourself a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Your award-winning design team at Revive Design and Renovation is here to show you how to remodel your space for effortless hosting and entertaining! Schedule a complimentary consultation today for 5-star kitchen remodel services near you.

Keep Your Party Essentials Close By With Smart Storage

You don’t want to be the host who misses the entire party running around looking for stuff the whole time. There should be a place for everything with everything in its place, so you can get back to what matters: Making priceless memories. It’s not always enough to have a dedicated party cabinet. When you have a lot to work with, smart storage solutions with easy-to-access compartments designed for optimal organization limit the amount of time you waste searching for just the right item.

Not enough storage space? You might want to consider adding a butler’s pantry to your kitchen remodel for additional storage space right where you need it!

Go With the Flow In An Open Concept Kitchen

Hosting is effortless with the more room you have to walk around. With an open-concept kitchen layout, you won’t have to hug and shimmy along the walls or worm your way between people just to make it across the house. This open layout also makes it easier for guests to socialize, so it’s a win-win for everybody!

If you need to see what an open-concept kitchen looks like, view our kitchen inspiration gallery to start imagining the possibilities for your remodel.

Your Secret Weapon? An Ergonomic Multi-Purpose Kitchen Island

You’re the one running the show, and so you need a hub where you can get things done behind the scenes. A multi-purpose kitchen island can be kitted out with everything you could possibly need for hosting. A single burner and miniature sink can be used to whip up fresh snacks on the spot, a built-in mini fridge can keep cool refreshments on hand, and smart storage features like pull-out organizers make finding essentials a breeze.

Refreshments Taste Better Made From a Dedicated Drink Station

You could mix up drinks over the kitchen sink away from the party, or you can make it part of the show at the party. A wet bar can carry everything you need for mixing cocktails at late-night celebrations, and a fully-equipped coffee bar is a luxury to have at morning gatherings like book clubs. Any way you like to socialize, there’s a drink station for that!

Get Food Out at Lightning Speed With Modern Kitchen Appliances

Is your calendar lined up with hosting plans? You need smart kitchen appliances that can keep up with demand. We suggest modern must-haves for 2025 kitchen remodels! Some of these upgrades we’ve already mentioned, but there’s so much more to explore that is perfect for entertaining guests with minimal effort. Need to make appetizers and dessert at the same time? Consider a two-oven combo mounted on your wall to cook dishes at double the rate. There’s so much you can do. You just need to think outside the box.

Bring Out Your Best Hosting Skills With a 5-Star Kitchen Remodel From Revive Design and Renovation!

Make your new kitchen the perfect arena for hosting and socializing with effortless finesse. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Revive Design and Renovation today to get started on your stunning kitchen transformation! Call (813) 680-4103 to ask about our award-winning design services. We’ll help you get the right permits to get started on your luxury kitchen remodel.

Should I Add A Wet Bar vs Dry Bar In My Kitchen Remodel?

You know how to have a good time, but what could help you have the best time? We’ve all dreamed of the perfect bar setup. What that looks like is up to you, and we’re here to help you imagine your next kitchen remodel with the most optimal and practical design. Learn the difference between a wet and dry bar before scheduling a complimentary consultation with Revive Design and Renovation Brandon! We’ll walk you through getting your permit for a bar that’ll keep your favorite people coming over every night.

Dry Bar, Wet Bar…What Does It Mean?

Wet bars aren’t the ones they tack on by the poolside. Well, they can be, but that’s not what defines them. A wet bar is just a bar that includes access to running water, like a small sink. That would make a dry bar, you guessed it, a bar without a sink. This simple distinction can make all the difference when designing a kitchen remodel that fits your needs in Brandon without doing too much or too little.

You might say it doesn’t matter, but maybe these scenarios will help bring some perspective to this important decision:

Cut Ties With Your Kitchen. Go With a Self-Sufficient Wet Bar!

The reason why those poolside bars just so happen to also be wet bars is purely for convenience’s sake. You need to be able to clean cups and rinse utensils on the fly when serving a crowd, and running into the kitchen and back out to the bar every time is just impractical. If you know your new bar for your Brandon kitchen remodel will be far from the main sink, it’s better to just have one on you with a wet bar setup.

Save Kitchen Space With a Hidden or Compact Dry Bar

Do you plan on using your bar right smack in your kitchen? You won’t need a wet bar since you’ll be within spitting distance of a sink. What you might need instead is the ability to stash away a dry bar when you’re not using it. Portable carts come in handy for the occasional party, but many Brandon homeowners are starting to love pull-out dry bars that can easily slide and fit into their kitchen cabinets.

The Party Never Ends With An All-Encompassing Wet Bar

No one likes a warm drink, and yet these lukewarm fluids tend to plague ongoing gatherings. For entertaining guests throughout the night, kitchen wet bars have the capacity to hold mini fridges, ice machines, the works! Keep things cold and make drinks fresh for a lively party in Brandon that doesn’t grow stale.

Play It Smart With a More Affordable Dry Bar

When designing a budget-friendly kitchen remodel, you’ll find out that cabinets are the most expensive part. Bars are essentially cabinets to store your cups, bottles, and mixing utensils. If you want to keep costs low, sticking with a dry bar will be your most affordable option in Brandon. With a wet bar, you’ll also have to account for plumbing and additional appliances or features.

Let Us Sketch Out Your Perfect Bar Area at Revive Design and Renovation Brandon!

Did we help you get your creative juices flowing? If you’re eager to start conjuring up delicious drinks with your new bar area, call Revive Design and Renovation Brandon today at (813) 680-4103 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Visit our showroom and be inspired for your big kitchen remodel!