Category: Remodel

You received a detailed quote for your dream home renovation, and you’re excited to start. But the budget is filled with terms like “allowances” for flooring, tile, and fixtures. It’s natural to feel a little nervous. Without a clear understanding, these numbers can feel like a risky guess.

Are these numbers realistic? What if your taste is more expensive than the builder planned for? Hidden costs are the biggest fear for any homeowner starting a major project. Continue reading “Understanding Allowances in Your Home Renovation Budget” →

Remodeling your home is one of the most exciting projects you can take on. It’s also a big investment, and you want every dollar to count. So how do you decide what’s worth a larger slice of the budget and where you can be more frugal? The key is balancing long-term value with short-term costs.

At Total Design Source, we help Tampa homeowners navigate this all the time. You’re often trying to get a home that not only feels great to live in today but also delivers a solid return if you ever decide to sell. With smart planning, you can absolutely do both. Continue reading “Budget Smart: What to Splurge On and Where to Save in Home Design” →

Thinking about updating your home? You probably have big ideas and maybe a few questions about where to start. At Total Design Source, guiding you from the first sketch to the last finishing touch is what we do best. Here’s what you can expect when you partner with our team.

It All Starts with Your Story

Every great space begins with a conversation. During your first visit to our Tampa studio, we want to hear about your routine, style, and what you wish your home could do for you. Maybe it’s a kitchen that finally fits everyone for Sunday breakfast or a bathroom that feels like a retreat after a long day. Bring your inspiration, your questions, and even your favorite paint colors. We love it all. Continue reading “From Floor Plans to Finishing Touches: How Our Design Studio Process Works” →

Looking to make a worthwhile renovation that truly improves your home’s style and functionality? Look no further than custom built-ins! This popular home upgrade is a fuss-free way to enhance the appearance of your interiors while streamlining the storage you use every day. 

Here’s why built-ins are our go-to customization for Tampa homeowners while adding top-value features:  Continue reading “Why Built-Ins Are the Ultimate Home Upgrade for Style and Functionality” →

When you think about home design, lighting may not come to mind first. But, it’s absolutely crucial in creating your dream Tampa home! Beyond illuminating your living spaces, lighting can set the mood in each room and highlight specific design elements. 

Let’s explore the year’s top lighting trends and how they can shed new light on your next renovation project!

Our Top Lighting Trends for a Luminous Home

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting systems grant you greater control over your lights by connecting to a smart home device or app. Smart lighting can also operate with voice commands, making it easier than ever to illuminate your spaces. You may want to consider smart lighting for your Tampa home for its unsurpassed convenience and customization.  Continue reading “Illuminate Your Space: Total Design Source’s Lighting Trends” →

Welcome to Total Design Source’s comprehensive guide to plantation shutters, where style meets functionality in window treatments. Plantation shutters are a timeless and elegant choice for any home, offering a perfect blend of aesthetics, privacy, and light control. Read on to learn more! 

What Makes Plantation Shutters Unique?

Plantation shutters are characterized by their wide louvers, which provide a classic and sophisticated look to any room. Unlike traditional blinds, these shutters offer a seamless and clean appearance, enhancing both modern and traditional interiors. Available in various materials such as wood, faux wood, and composite, plantation shutters can be customized to match any decor. Continue reading “Shutter Style: Total Design Source’s Guide to Plantation Shutters” →

Is your home’s flooring looking a bit worse for wear? Or, perhaps it no longer suits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. In any case, the experienced team at Total Design Source in Tampa is here to help you find the perfect flooring fit. 

The following flooring types are among the best for aesthetics and durability. Read on to learn if they could be the right match for your Florida home! Continue reading “6 Best Floorings for Aesthetics and Durability” →

With the rise of DIY, many homeowners are taking on renovation projects on their own. While DIY renovations can be fun, fulfilling, and budget-friendly, certain projects are better (and more safely) left to the pros, including:

Closet Installation

When they’re designed and installed professionally, closets can seamlessly organize your belongings and simplify your daily routines. But, creating and installing a functional closet isn’t a simple task. To get the most out of your closet (and avoid costly errors), it’s best to leave it to the pros – especially if you’re interested in a built-in design.  Continue reading “Home Renovations to Leave to the Pros” →

Remodeling your home is an investment in your future, whether you’re bringing your dream home to fruition or planning to sell the property for a profit. As such, ensuring the success of the remodel can secure your return on investment.

From a single-room remodel to a complete home transformation, we’re here to help streamline the process. Here are our top tips to make sure that your remodel goes off without a hitch: Continue reading “Tips for a Successful Remodel” →

While shopping for a home, you’re faced with many options and dilemmas. One such option is to purchase a fixer-upper. A home that needs renovations requires more planning and forethought but can be an excellent investment in your future. 

If you’re considering buying a home that needs renovations, take a closer look at these common issues:

Outdated Fixtures and Paint Colors

Given that home design trends change, some home sellers don’t bother to update their interiors before putting the property up for sale. Thankfully, issues like outdated fixtures and paint colors can be addressed relatively cheaply and easily.  Continue reading “Common Issues To Look For When Buying a House That Needs Renovations” →