Category: Interior Design

Planning 101: 6 Tips to Prep Your Space for a Whole-Home Remodel

If you’re about to embark on a whole-home remodel in St. Petersburg, FL, congrats! You’re stepping into an exciting new chapter for your space. Remodeling your entire home is a full transformation that breathes new life into every corner. But before the sledgehammers come out and the sawdust starts to fly, there’s a bit of legwork to be done. Trust us, getting prepared isn’t just half the battle—it’s what sets the tone for a smooth and successful project. So, where do you start?

1. Get Clear on Your Vision

Before you even think about moving furniture or clearing out spaces, start with your vision. What’s your end goal? Do you want a modern coastal look that fits right in with St. Pete’s breezy vibe, or are you craving a classic, timeless home with elegant touches?

Take time to assess your current living space and visualize what each room should feel like when it’s complete. Then, make a list of non-negotiables and nice-to-haves to guide your design conversations.

2. Set a Realistic Budget (With Wiggle Room)

Money talk isn’t the most glamorous part of the process, but it’s crucial. Set a budget that not only covers your wish list but also includes a little cushion for the unexpected. Trust me, with a whole-home remodel, surprises are part of the deal—whether it’s discovering outdated wiring behind walls or falling in love with upgraded tile that’s just slightly over budget.

It helps to break down your budget room by room. It’s a great way to keep the scope manageable, so you’re investing in spaces that matter most to you.

Learn More: What Part of Your House Is the Most Worth Remodeling?

3. Plan Your Living Arrangements

When you’re remodeling your entire home, one thing’s for sure: life as you know it is about to get shaken up. Decide whether you’ll stay in your home during the renovation or make alternative living arrangements. If you’re sticking around, establish which parts of the house will be “construction-free zones” for your safety—and sanity.

Think of this as your chance to plan a mini staycation or rediscover nearby gems in St. Petersburg while your home transforms.

4. Declutter Like Your Home’s Life Depends on It

Prepping for a remodel is the perfect excuse to finally get rid of the clutter that’s been lurking in the back of your closets and cabinets. The more you can clear out before the renovation starts, the easier it will be for both you and your renovation team.

5. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

If there’s one thing that makes or breaks a whole-home remodel, it’s communication. This goes for talking with your family, your remodeling team, and even yourself (yes, really). Be clear about timelines, expectations, and what happens if any hiccups come up along the way. One way to keep everyone on the same page and connected through the process is to create a shared digital calendar or group chat where you can keep track of deadlines, progress photos, and check-ins.

6. Protect Your Valuables

A remodel means plenty of movement—people, tools, materials, you name it. Make sure your valuables and cherished items are safely stored away from the construction zones. Whether it’s an heirloom vase, a favorite piece of artwork, or sensitive electronics, give your prized possessions a temporary safe spot.

How can you do this as easily as possible? Pack up these items as if you’re sending them on a little vacation of their own. Wrap them with care, tuck them into boxes, and label everything so you can unpack them with ease when your home is ready to welcome them back.

Learn More: Updating Your Homeowner’s Insurance Pre & Post-Remodel

Embrace the Journey, Look Forward to Exceptional Results

Preparing for a whole-home remodel in St. Petersburg, FL, is as much about mindset as it is logistics. Yes, there will be noise, dust, and a few moments where you wonder why you signed up for this in the first place. But with these tips in your back pocket and the right design and installation team on your side, you’re prepping yourself for the transformation. And trust us, when you step into your newly revamped home, it will all be worth it.

So, are you ready to turn your remodeling vision into reality? Reach out to Revive Design And Renovation today—stop by our Tampa showroom or call us at (813) 730-4954 and let’s bring your dream home to life.

Kitchen Design Trend: How To Master The Cottagecore Aesthetic

There’s nothing quite like the allure of nature and the cozy feeling of the fresh outdoors. That’s why cottagecore is far from a design trend. It’s a lifestyle! If you know, you know, and Revive Design and Renovation is here with some useful tips on how to master the cottagecore aesthetic for your kitchen remodel.

Close Your Eyes and Place Yourself In An Enchanted Forest…

Where do you normally see lived-in cottages with overgrowth hugging the chimney and pebble stones leading to the rounded wooden door? The forest, of course! While you might not be able to recreate that particular scene in an urban setting, you can bring that sense of charm into your very own kitchen with the right mindset. Think about what you would normally find in a lush forest and imagine how you might incorporate those materials into your cottagecore-themed kitchen.

Here are some ideas to help you get started on your foundation:

• Wooden floors and furniture for a cabin-like look and feel.
• Floral patterns wherever they can fit, like on your walls or in your accent pieces.
• A touch of greenery here and there to mirror age-old trees or beautiful meadows.

We just gave you some useful tips, but there are really no set rules to abide by. As we said before, cottagecore is a lifestyle so you have to place yourself in your dream setting and just go for it!

Set the Stage For Playing Out Your Childhood Fantasies

Achieving a cottagecore kitchen is all about finding inspiration that speaks to you, so you have to get those creative juices flowing! Let’s play fairytale princess for a second. Imagine spending an entire day pouring your love into a beautiful pie. Proud of your creation, you carry it ever so delicately to the windowsill so it can cool to perfection. Now, what did that kitchen look like?

In this scenario, a kitchen designed for baking is essential. Your wooden cabinets may have organizational features to hold your baking pans, dough rollers, and oven mitts. You most likely imagined a lot of natural lighting coming in, so sizable windows with light curtains could be on the plan as well.

Get the Picture? Here Are More Cottagecore Kitchen Ideas to Get You Going:

While you’re dreaming up your new cottagecore kitchen, take a look at these other popular ideas that fit this timeless theme:

• Soft, muted paint colors that are easy on the eyes
• Open shelving and cubbies for spices and knick-knacks
• Copper or brass hardware and fixture finishes for a vintage look
• Decorated porcelain accents or decor
• Finishing touches like candles and wicker baskets

The Lesson Here Is to Be Yourself!

Every successful cottagecore kitchen comes from evoking a true feeling of wonder, not from following a textbook blueprint. Think woodsy atmosphere and what you might find when secluded from modern civilization. If you’re truly a cottagecore girlie, you already know how you want your kitchen space. All you need to do is express your ideas and feelings to our design team, and we’ll take it from there!

Create Your Dream Cottagecore Kitchen With Revive Design And Renovation

We’re here to give you the kitchen you want, no matter the vision. That’s why you can trust Revive Design and Renovation to deliver a cottagecore kitchen remodel that’s everything you ever dreamed of! Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.

What Is the Most Durable Vanity and Countertop Material?

When it comes to designing your dream bathroom, there’s one question that matters as much as any design choice: What’s the most durable material I can choose for my bathroom vanity and countertop? After all, this is the area of your St. Petersburg bathroom that gets the most action—constant spills, a daily dose of heat and humidity, and more than a few accidental scuffs from grooming tools and products.

If your vanity area doesn’t stand up to the test, well, all the beauty and style in the world won’t mean much if it’s scratched or damaged beyond recognition a few years down the road. So, let’s get down to it. Here’s our top choice for a bathroom vanity that won’t back down, plus a few contenders that hold their own beautifully.

The Winner: Quartz – Beauty and Strength Combined

When it comes to durability, quartz is the reigning champ, and it’s easy to see why. Quartz countertops bring together crushed natural stone and high-tech resins to create a material that’s both insanely tough and visually stunning. But what sets quartz apart in terms of durability? Let’s just say it’s got layers of reasons! Here’s why quartz wins:

1. Scratch Resistance: Unlike softer stone surfaces, quartz resists the daily wear and tear you throw its way—whether it’s a hot curling iron or a hasty swipe of your razor.
2. Non-Porous, Stain-Resistant Surface: Because quartz is non-porous, it doesn’t soak up any makeup spills or other liquids that could otherwise stain a countertop. Less scrubbing, more style? Yes, please.
3. Heat Resistance: Quartz can handle heat well enough to tolerate day-to-day hot objects without damage, though we wouldn’t recommend leaving a hot curling iron on it for too long.

Learn More: Are Floating Bathroom Vanities Timeless? Our Take

Honorable Mentions: Materials That Stand Out

While quartz takes the crown, these contenders deserve a spot on your bathroom vanity and countertop shortlist:

• Granite:A natural stone that’s known for its durability and heat resistance. Granite can withstand hot curling irons and hair straighteners without flinching. It’s also available in a variety of stunning colors and patterns, adding a touch of natural beauty to your bathroom.
• Dekton:This ultra-compact surface is a relative newcomer to the scene, but it’s quickly gaining popularity for its exceptional durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. Dekton is also UV-resistant, making it a great choice for ultra-sunny spaces.
• Solid Surface:Solid surface materials, like Corian, offer a seamless and hygienic option that’s easy to clean and maintain. They’re also less expensive than natural stone, making them a budget-friendly choice for those seeking durability without breaking the bank.
• Porcelain Slab: It’s the true “dark horse” of durability. Porcelain slabs might not be as well-known, but they’ve proven their worth in durability. Made from ultra-dense, glazed porcelain, they deliver exceptional scratch and stain resistance. They can mimic the look of marble or stone, but with a fraction of the upkeep.

Learn More: What Makes a Bathroom Luxurious? Our Favorite Features

Create a Bathroom With Craftsmanship That Endures—Get Started With Revive Design & Renovation Today

Isn’t it time your bathroom matched your vision for style and durability? At Revive Design & Renovation, we specialize in transforming St. Petersburg bathrooms into luxurious, lasting retreats. Whether you’re set on quartz or exploring other top-tier materials, our expert designers are ready to bring your dream space to life.

Let’s kick-start your St. Petersburg bathroom remodel! Reach out to us today—stop by our showroom or call us at (813) 822-9855 and let’s create a bathroom that’s not just beautiful—but built to stand the test of time.

Sustainable Kitchen Design Ideas For Eco-Friendly Homes

Are you a dedicated eco-savvy individual who does everything with sustainability in mind? You’ll be excited to hear that your kitchen remodel can help the environment, too! Leave it to your trusted experts at Revive Design and Renovation Brandon to introduce you to sustainable kitchen design ideas for eco-friendly homes.

LED Lighting Is the Easiest Fix

One of the easiest yet most impactful upgrades you can make is the switch from regular light bulbs to LED lighting fixtures. Outdated light bulbs use a ton of energy, and they need to be replaced almost as quickly as you install them. Not only is LED lighting brighter, but it uses up much less energy and can last for entire decades without needing to be replaced! These modern bulbs can work with all sorts of fixture styles for stunning kitchen layouts.

Read more > Our Lighting Ideas For the Best Kitchen Visibility

For Other Ways to Save Energy, Look For Appliances With the Star

Energy Star appliances have been a real lifesaver for every type of homeowner for ages, and that still holds true to this day. The results are hard to beat and it’s easy to reap the benefits. The next time you choose your kitchen appliances, just look for the Energy Star logo and you’re guaranteed to save on energy more than you would on an outdated stove or fridge. Many appliances nowadays qualify for this rating which makes it easy to find your exact preference and style while cutting down your energy usage.

Water Is a Precious Resource, Too!

Sustainability doesn’t just refer to electricity. Water is also a valuable resource that should be saved and preserved whenever possible, but that can be hard to do when you have to let the water run to get hot. Thanks to modern technology, this age-old problem is now a thing of the past! Instant water heaters can make your faucet produce the temperature you want without the wait so you can limit wasted water. These small boxes are a convenient size so they can fit underneath your kitchen sink with room to spare.

Go With Sustainable Materials. Here Are a Few:

As an eco-conscious homeowner, you know that ethically sourced materials can be just as important as saving energy. Why chop down precious trees when you can enjoy the look and feel of hardwood flooring with viable alternatives? You also want to watch out for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can infest the air and hurt the atmosphere.

Sustainable materials for your kitchen remodel can include:

• Bamboo flooring
• MDF flooring (medium-density fiberboard)
• Composite wood or plywood cabinets
• Stainless steel faucets
• VOC-free paint

Breathe Life Into Older Kitchen Items

Remember when they taught us about recycling in grade school? That lesson isn’t just for plastic bottles and containers. You can also reduce, reuse, and recycle home decor and furniture! Try picking and choosing select pieces to keep in your kitchen remodel, or try looking for secondhand items at your local thrift store. Whether it be a sink bowl, a set of dining chairs, or a lampshade, imagine how we might breathe new life into older items to blend in with your brand-new kitchen space.

Make Sure Your Kitchen Remodel Is Future-Proof

Planning ahead is also a great way to practice sustainability. It can take a lot of energy and resources to complete a kitchen remodel, but doing it right the first time to avoid the need for a future remodel can be seen as a way to help the environment. Go with a timeless design that won’t feel outdated decades from now, and incorporate long-lasting fixtures that won’t need to be replaced anytime soon.

Go Green With a Sustainable Kitchen From Revive Design and Renovation!

Your trusted design team at Revive Design and Renovation Brandon can help you plan out a sustainable kitchen for an eco-friendly remodel. Reach out to us today for a consultation on your kitchen remodel service!

Updating Your Homeowner’s Insurance Pre & Post-Remodel

You’ve dreamt of this moment for months (or years!)—the gorgeous new countertops, the spa-like shower, the kitchen that finally works for your family. A home remodel is an exciting investment, but with the thrill of transformation, it’s easy to overlook an important detail: your homeowner’s insurance. But how does your Tampa home remodel affect your homeowner’s insurance?

Don’t let your policy become an afterthought. Updating your coverage before and after a remodel is essential to ensure your investment is protected and you’re not caught off guard if the unexpected happens.

Checking Your Insurance Before Your Remodel

Before you set your design decisions in stone or start swinging hammers, make sure to review your current homeowner’s insurance policy. Here’s what to consider:

• Coverage Limits: Is your policy ready for the new chapter in your home’s story? With upgrades that enhance value, you’ll want your insurance to match your remodel’s worth—so you’re never left underinsured.
• Renovation Coverage: Some policies include a “renovation clause,” acting like a security blanket for your remodel. Make sure it’s in place to cover any unexpected mishaps or theft while your home is in its transformation phase.
• Building Materials: Storing pricey tile, custom cabinetry, or other luxury finishes? Double-check your policy for coverage on those materials—they’re just as important as the finished product!

Learn More: What Part of Your House Is the Most Worth Remodeling?

Staying Insured During Construction

The remodeling process is typically a chaotic time with plenty of activity, but don’t let your insurance coverage get lost in the shuffle. Keep these points in mind:

• Liability Coverage: Does your policy stand up to potential risks? Make sure it covers injuries on your property, so a stray nail or ladder mishap doesn’t leave you with headaches (or bills).
• Contractor Insurance: Not all contractors are created equal—some don’t carry the insurance needed to keep you safe. Confirm that your remodeler has robust liability and workers’ comp policies, protecting you from the unexpected.

Stay connected with your insurance agent throughout the remodel. Keep them in the loop on any new twists in your project to ensure you’re always covered.

Learn More: How to Vet a Home Remodeling Contractor

Updating Your Policy Post-Remodel

Once the dust settles and you’re enjoying your Tampa home remodel, you need to give your homeowner’s insurance policy a refresh.

• Document Your Upgrades: Keep a “remodel journal” with every detail—new fixtures, flooring, additions. Keeping receipts helps. The more thorough you are, the more likely all your investments are accounted for and properly covered.
• Schedule a Policy Review: Give your agent a call to update them on the new chapter of your home. They might suggest an appraisal to capture the true replacement cost of your transformed space.
• Review Your Coverage: Now’s your moment to reevaluate. Confirm that your policy fits your home’s fresh look and reflects its upgraded value, leaving no gap unprotected.

Finding the Perfect Partner for Your Home Transformation

Revive Design & Renovation knows your Tampa home remodel represents a whole new chapter, and we’re here to help you turn the page with confidence. Yes, we’ll craft stunning spaces that make your heart skip a beat, but we’re also the partner who won’t let the small yet significant details slip through the cracks.

Because here’s the truth: a remodel is a big deal, and it deserves a plan that covers all the bases, insurance included. We’ll work side by side with you to make sure your remodel doesn’t just look beautiful but also stands on solid ground, fully protected. Call us today at (813) 730-4954 or stop by our showroom for your free consultation. We’d love to help you create a space that feels like you—and make sure it stays that way, safe and sound, for years to come.