Category: Interior Design

Renovating Your Kitchen for a Resale? 6 Considerations

Thinking of selling soon but stuck with a kitchen that screams 2008? You’re not alone. For homeowners in St. Pete, the kitchen is one of the biggest opportunities—and challenges—when it comes to prepping a home for the market. A smart, well-designed St. Petersburg kitchen remodel can boost your home’s value, attract serious buyers, and even shorten your time on the market. But the key word there? “Smart.”

Not every upgrade adds value. Not every style sells. And not every project can (or should) be done without a permit. That’s right—every kitchen renovation, big or small, requires a permit in St. Petersburg. If you skip it, you could face major headaches during inspection or closing. So, before you swing the hammer or pick the backsplash, read this. Here are six things to think about if you’re renovating your kitchen with resale in mind.

1. Put Function Over Flash

The biggest deal breaker for buyers is a poor layout. If your kitchen flow is awkward, no amount of trendy tile will save it. Make sure your stove, sink, and fridge form a practical triangle. Create space to move, prep, and gather. And if you can squeeze in an island or peninsula? That’s even better. Buyers care less about what you installed and more about how it works.

Learn More: Outdated Remodeling Trends to Skip in Your 2025 Remodel

2. Stick to the Styles That Sell

You may love a deep plum cabinet with gold veining. But will your buyer? When remodeling for resale, go neutral but not boring. Try:

• Soft whites, warm taupes, or muted greiges for cabinetry
• Brushed nickel or matte black hardware
• Clean subway tile or light stone backsplashes
• Wood-look floors in mid-tone shades

Learn More: Every Kitchen Style to Consider for Your 2025 Remodel

3. Update Appliances—But Keep Them Cohesive

Mismatched appliances are a red flag for buyers. Even if you’re not splurging on top-of-the-line brands, make sure your appliances match in color, finish, and general style. Stainless steel remains a safe bet, but black stainless or panel-ready options are gaining traction.

And yes, all the appliances need to work. That old fridge that rattles when it runs? Replace it.

4. Think Beyond the Kitchen

Buyers walk through your whole home, not just the kitchen. Make sure the updates feel consistent. If you install quartz counters in the kitchen but leave cracked laminate in the bath, it sends mixed messages. So, when budget allows, extend finishes, paint palettes, and flooring for a cohesive, well-thought-out look. Consistency builds trust—and trust sells homes.

Learn More: How Do You Want to Feel at Home? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Whole-Home Remodel

5. Don’t Over-Customize

If you aren’t planning on this to be your forever home, don’t treat it like one. Avoid over-the-top, hyper-specific features like built-in pet food stations, custom wine fridges, or ceiling-height open shelving. While these might be fun for you, they can limit your buyer pool. Focus on upgrades with mass appeal:

• Soft-close drawers and pull-outs
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Plenty of storage
• Durable surfaces that stand up to daily use

6. Permits Are Non-Negotiable

One more time for the people in the back: All kitchen renovations in St. Petersburg require a permit. This includes electrical changes, plumbing updates, moving walls, or anything that touches your home’s structure or systems. Skipping this step might save time now—but it could delay or derail your sale later.

Work with a licensed contractor who knows the local permitting process inside and out. That peace of mind? That’s priceless.

Renovate With Buyers in Mind, But Don’t Cut Corners—We Do St. Petersburg Kitchen Renovations Right

A great St. Petersburg kitchen renovation can absolutely raise your home’s value—if it’s cohesive, thoughtful, and, of course, fully permitted. Want to make smart, stylish choices that pay off? Contact Revive Design & Renovation at (813) 680-4108. We’ll help you design for resale without sacrificing quality—or your sanity.

Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets: Which Is Best for You?

Planning a Brandon kitchen remodel or Brandon bathroom renovation? Let’s talk cabinets, but not finishes or colors, though. It’s time to consider structure. Because what’s behind those doors—the frame or lack thereof—changes everything about how your cabinets look, work, and last. And it’s a choice you’ll live with every single day. So, are framed or frameless cabinets best for your space? Let’s cover it all—function, style, storage, and the stuff no one tells you until it’s too late.

What Are Framed Cabinets?

Framed cabinets are exactly what they sound like—they have a solid wood frame around the front of the box. Doors attach to this frame, creating a classic, sturdy look. It’s the cabinet construction most people in the U.S. grew up with. Here’s why framed might work for you:

• Traditional Appeal:Raised-panel doors, classic trim—framed construction just fits the vibe in heritage-style homes.
• More Installation Flexibility:Does your home have walls? Or some other old-house quirks? Framed cabinets are a bit more forgiving.
• Extra Durability: That front frame adds support, making the structure more rigid over time.
• Lots of Door Style Options:Shaker, recessed, raised—you name it. You’ve got choices.

But:

• You will lose a little storage space inside, since the frame eats up room.
• Full-access drawers? Not always an option.

Learn More: Painted vs Stained Kitchen Cabinetry: Which Is Best for You?

What Are Frameless Cabinets?

Also known as European-style cabinets, frameless construction eliminates the front frame entirely. Doors mount directly to the sides of the box, creating a smooth, flush finish. Frameless = clean lines. You get modern vibes and maximum storage. There are certainly compelling reasons to go frameless, like:

• Sleek Design: They’re ideal for contemporary, transitional, or minimalist spaces.
• More Usable Storage:No frame = more room inside, especially in drawers and shelves.
• Tighter Reveals:Doors and drawer fronts sit closer together for a seamless look.
• Better Access:You can actually reach the entire opening—no more awkward maneuvering.

Important things to keep in mind:

• Frameless cabinets require precise installation. There’s no forgiveness with crooked walls or wavy floors.
• They can be slightly more expensive, depending on the manufacturer.
• They rely more heavily on high-quality hinges and hardware—don’t go cheap.

Where Are You Installing Them?

This isn’t just a kitchen conversation. Framed cabinets work beautifully in spaces where character counts:

• Guest bathrooms with wainscoting or vintage tile
• Mudrooms with beadboard or farmhouse charm
• Laundry rooms where a touch of traditional warmth goes a long way

Frameless cabinets are ideal for sleek, space-conscious environments:

• Primary baths where floating vanities create a spa-like feel
• Kitchens with horizontal layouts and open shelves
• Home offices or built-ins where simplicity rules

And here’s something important to factor in—cabinet changes in a remodel usually go hand-in-hand with electrical, plumbing, or layout updates. Which means you’ll need a permit, whether you’re renovating in Brandon, St. Petersburg, or anywhere else in Florida—no exceptions. Skipping that step can delay inspections, create costly code violations, or hold up a future sale. That’s why we make sure the permitting process is baked into every project plan from the start.

Learn More: Need More Bathroom Storage? 4 Ways Cabinets Can Transform Your Space

Your Cabinets Deserve a Smart Upgrade—Let’s Make It Happen

Framed cabinets offer timeless appeal and rock-solid strength. Frameless cabinets deliver maximum storage and modern flair. The best choice is the one that fits your home—and how you live in it. Still unsure? Let’s walk through it together! At Revive Design and Renovation, we help homeowners across Brandon choose cabinets that aren’t just beautiful—but smart, practical, and fully permitted. Call us at (813) 680-4103 and let’s build something that lasts—and looks incredible doing it.

How Can I Tell What Type Of Kitchen Layout Is Best For My Home?

Ready to flip your old kitchen upside down? Playing with different structural layouts is a great way to make your kitchen feel fresh and new, and we have a few incredible ideas for you to try! Take a look at these popular kitchen layouts so you can find the best one for your home. When you have a vivid picture in mind, trust Revive Design and Renovation for kitchen remodeling services in your area!

Galley Kitchens = Compact Cooking Goodness!

A common excuse for not getting a kitchen remodel that we hear pretty often is the lack of space. The beauty of galleys is that you don’t need a lot of space to enjoy a gorgeous and functional kitchen. Galley kitchen layouts are designed to make the most of long, narrow spaces that tend to be common in many smaller homes. You can imagine it like a hallway lined with all of your cooking essentials!

There are many great perks to galley kitchens:

• They promote a streamlined kitchen workflow
• They encourage you to improvise with clever storage solutions
• They’re cost-effective with less space to renovate

At Revive Design and Renovation, we know how to pack all of your kitchen favorites into a galley layout in a way that feels sleek and contemporary.

L-Shaped Kitchens Never Steered Anyone Wrong

Many kitchens adopt the L-shaped kitchen layout because of its undeniable functionality. This style can easily work in any sized home and is defined by the way the counters and cabinets form an L shape.

Why are L-shaped kitchens so common? Let’s take a look:

L-shaped kitchen layouts promote optimal work triangle efficiency, keeping all of your kitchen essentials well within reach.

More possibilities can be had in an L-shaped kitchen, like enough room for a dining area, kitchen island, or other accommodating space for social gatherings.

Making the swap to an L-shaped layout is a worthy remodel that can improve your kitchen’s functionality. Reach out to your local design team to see how this layout can work for your home.

Get Everything You Want In a U-Shaped Kitchen!

When you have all the space in the world to invest in the ultimate kitchen, your remodel calls for a U-shaped layout. A U-shaped kitchen lines up all of your appliances and cabinets along 3 adjacent walls, leaving the fourth wall open for entering and exiting the kitchen.

The biggest appeal of a U-shaped kitchen is that it’s often big enough to fit everything you could ever want in your dream kitchen space. Need two ovens? Done. Want to throw a tall wine fridge into the mix? Not a problem. U-shaped kitchens give you the flexibility to get creative with your idea of the perfect kitchen.

More than one cook in the house? A U-shaped kitchen can accommodate multiple cooks with plenty of room to spare!

Let the Inspiration Flow In a Kitchen Island Layout

Sometimes, all a kitchen is missing is a decent island. And sometimes, an island is all you need to completely transform your kitchen space!

A kitchen island layout is easily accomplished by adding an island to an open floor plan. The best part about them? They can be custom-made with all of your favorite features!

Take a look at these ideas if you need inspiration for your new kitchen island:

• Make it a prep station with a small sink and knife drawer.
• Leave enough leverage under the counter to stow away bar stools.
• Use your kitchen island to house appliances like a dishwasher.
• Create a hub for your pots and pans with custom cabinet features.

Adding a functional island is an easy way to make the most of your kitchen remodel’s ROI!

Let Revive Design and Renovation Find the Perfect Kitchen Layout For You!

Schedule a consultation with Revive Design and Renovation to start imagining your new kitchen space! View our kitchen gallery for more inspiration before reaching out to our team for assistance in getting a permit so you can turn your vision into a reality.

Is Living in My Home During a Bathroom Renovation Difficult?

Any home renovation comes with a little disruption. But a Tampa bathroom renovation? That can be tough. It’s the space you use first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and every chaotic moment in between. So, is it difficult to live through a bathroom renovation in your home? It can be. But it doesn’t have to be.

With the right renovation crew and some strategic planning, you can keep your routine (and your sanity) fully intact while your bathroom gets its much-needed glow-up.

What Makes Bathroom Renovations Feel Disruptive?

Bathrooms are high-traffic, high-need spaces. You don’t realize how essential they are until one is out of commission. And unlike remodeling a guest bedroom, you can’t just close the door and forget about it for six weeks. Some common concerns we hear from homeowners include:

• “Where am I supposed to shower?”
• “How do I keep dust out of the rest of the house?”
• “Will my pets freak out from the noise?”
• “Do I need to move out?”

These are real worries. But they’re also completely manageable with the right team—and a plan.

Learn More: Trust Is a Must – 5 Ways We Ensure Our Clients’ Satisfaction & Safety

Here’s What Makes Living in a Renovation Zone Way Easier

Living through a bathroom renovation doesn’t have to feel like survival mode. When you’ve got the right team and the right systems in place, it’s surprisingly manageable—even comfortable. Here’s our promise to you:

• Clear Scheduling: A professional crew will give you a detailed timeline with key milestones. You’ll know whenyour water will be off, what days will be noisy, and how long each phase will take.
• Protective Prep Work: We use dust barriers and coverings to keep the mess contained and the rest of your home livable.
• Temporary Solutions: If you’re a one-bathroom household, we’ll help you strategize. Sometimes that means setting up a temporary outdoor shower, using a guesthouse, or partnering with a neighbor. If you’re remodeling multiple bathrooms, we stagger work to make sure at least one is always functioning.
• Daily Communication: You’ll never be in the dark. We check in often, adjust for surprises, and let you know if anything might affect your routine.

A Whole-Home Perspective Helps, Too

If you’re doing more than just a bathroom—say, a full home remodel or upgrading your kitchen at the same time—your renovation strategy matters even more. It’s not just about surviving the bathroom reno. It’s about sequencing the work in a way that works for your life.

Want to stay in the home? We build in renovation “zones” and carefully plan plumbing and electrical pauses. Want to phase the remodel room by room? We’ll space it out with breaks in between. It’s all possible—with the right partner.

Learn More: Between a Kitchen Or Bathroom Remodel? 6 Questions to Ask Yourself

One More Thing: Yes, You Need a Permit

We get it—permits sound like red tape. But for every bathroom renovation in Tampa, permits aren’t optional. They’re legally required. Any work involving plumbing, electrical, structural changes, or even certain fixture upgrades needs to be reviewed and approved by the city. We handle the entire permit process, so you don’t have to stress about it.

Renovation Doesn’t Have to Mean Relocation—We Make Bathroom Renovations Easy

Yes, you can live at home during your Tampa bathroom remodel. And, yes, it can be done without upending your entire life. Work with a crew that respects your space, communicates clearly, and plans like pros—that’s Revive Design and Renovation. Call us today at (813) 680-4103 and let’s start making your dream bathroom happen—while protecting your sanity in the process!

What Am I Able To Customize In A Whole-Home Remodel?

The only limitation to a whole home remodel is what you set yourself. As long as you have a creative mind, there are endless possibilities for your space which makes a custom interior home remodel worth it. Need some ideas? Let us help you out! Check out this helpful guide that goes over some of the best customizable features before reaching out to your expert design team at Revive Design and Renovation Brandon for award-winning whole home remodeling services in your area!

Ditch Your Old Floor Plan. Shape Your House As You Want It!

Do you find your rooms too small, or do you want to try out the modern open-concept design that’s all the rage right now? A whole home remodel allows you to change up your home’s floor plan with heavy construction. You won’t even recognize your house by the time we’re done with it! Whether you want to add new walls or tear them down, this is the ultimate way to customize your house in Brandon.

Opportunities High and Low: Floor, Wall, and Ceiling Designs

One of the more fun aspects you can customize in your home is the floors and walls. When you start a whole home remodel in Brandon, you can finally color your walls exactly how you want and get the floor materials you’ve always dreamed of. From low-maintenance and durable options to an endless array of colors and textures, this is one of the best ways to make your new home totally unique.

Go Ahead, Light It Up! Get the Lighting Fixtures You’ve Always Admired Until Now

Sometimes, it’s the smaller touches that can tie a room together. So don’t just settle for your typical light bulb. Do something extravagant with custom light fixtures in Brandon that match your whole home remodel’s theme or aesthetic! Brass and ornate lighting fixtures can show your sophisticated side while recessed lighting in the kitchen can enhance your visibility without taking up ceiling space.

Read more > Can a Remodel Improve My Kitchen’s Functionality?

Knock, Knock. It’s Your New Doors!

When we say that you should swap out your doors, we mostly mean your cabinet ones. Cabinets can transform your space in countless ways with plenty of customization choices to create your one-of-a-kind look. Cabinets in Brandon can be made in all sorts of materials, styles, and colors so there’s something for every aesthetic you want to pull off. That’s not even accounting for the available hardware.

Be On Top of Home Fashion With Custom Countertops

Have an outdated countertop? Break out of the norm by creating your own custom slabs! From large kitchen countertops to stunning bathroom counter spaces in Brandon, you can change the look of the entire room with the right choices. Countertops can be customized with different colors, patterns, materials, and edges to completely match your space!

Be Smart With Your Whole-Home Remodel

Looking for a more modern way to customize your home in Brandon? With advanced smart devices, you can adapt your home as you see fit at any time, anywhere. Smart LED lights can be manipulated in any color or brightness for an ever-changing atmosphere. Smart thermostats maintain the ideal temperature at all times even when you’re away from home. Smart security systems keep your home in your pocket so you can keep watch literally 24/7.

Start Your Fully-Customized Whole-Home Remodel With Revive Design and Renovation!

When you want all of the best custom features at your fingertips, Revive Design and Renovation Brandon has a wide range of options to choose from for your whole home remodel! Call us today to schedule a consultation and start imagining your one-of-a-kind home.