Small Changes-Big Impact: How Doing Small Home Upgrades Can Make A Huge Difference

When it comes to home renovations, even some of the smallest changes can make a huge impact on the look and feel of your home. This means that doing small things like refreshing your paint choice, adding some lighting, or switching out carpet for vinyl planking can make your space feel more beautiful and functional, and have you ready to show it off. 

As a home renovation company we do a lot of big changes, sure, but getting to see the absolutely amazing transformations that take shape within budget and a shorter timeline is one of our favorite things to do. 

Let’s take a look at some.

Brighten Up Your Space

With a new paint color, some overhead lighting, and a gorgeous focal point fireplace some small changes took this living room and made it a welcoming, comfortable place for this family to entertain and spend their evenings. Notice that the couches are the same, the rug is the same, and the window stayed right where it always was. This is what we call Small Changes-Big Impact. Brightening up a room with paint, lighting, and small changes can take a room that previously felt like somewhere you might dread bringing your family and friends, to the new place everyone wants to watch a movie marathon or host a family game night. 

"Before" Image of a living room remodel done on a home in Minnesota. "After" Image of a living room remodel in a home in Minnesota.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen Update

I know what you’re thinking, is this even the same kitchen? There’s no way all of this is considered “small changes”!

It may look like tons and tons of work was done on this kitchen to get it to looks just like the homeowners wanted, and to be a more functional space, so let’s break it down. 

  • 1 wall got removed. Walls like this are often only for separation and really just require getting knocked down (the demolition is the fun part anyway)
  • New cabinets – one of the easiest ways to update your kitchen is new or painted cabinets. While these homeowners chose new cabinets, they could have easily gotten a similar look with just some white paint.
  • Island to peninsula.  It gives more working space in the kitchen and opens the space up for entertaining
  • Backsplash change out
  • New flooring

   

But wait those are some huge changes!

Not really, but they bring out the exact point that I am looking to make here. There was no massive re-design involved, no plumbing had to be moved, and the changes that were made, are things we do every single day in this business. Taking a kitchen and living area space and changing up floors, paint colors, cabinets, and lighting gave this space a huge upgrade and was exactly what the homeowners were looking for. Their space is more functional and looks amazing, and in their neighborhood making these changes gives them an opportunity to get some ROI (Return on Investment) should they decide to sell the home.  

Are you interested in getting big impact from small changes around your home? Visit www.satintouch.us/contact or call 763-954-0744 to schedule your free estimate today! 

Your Minnesota Home Flooring Guide – Choosing the Right Flooring for Minnesota Homes

This is the flooring guide for your Minnesota Home. New flooring can be a major upgrade for your home, and when you make an upgrade like that you want to make sure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck. When you pick out new flooring for your home it can be important to consider where you live. Here in Minnesota we experience some major temperature swings as well as extremely wet and dry conditions. 

Your floors are arguably the most hard working surface in your home, they take a beating, and are used all day, every day. Whether you’re walking into your entryway with snowy boots, padding around your basement in socks, or you have kids running around your living room choosing the right flooring for your home is more essential that you may have thought. 

Best Flooring For Minnesota Homes

Waterproof 

Consider a feature like the waterproof feature of some luxury vinyl plank, this is great for entryways, mudrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. 

Looks

Comfort, safety, and durability should be the number one priority when it comes to picking out flooring, but we all know that looks are important. What’s great is that many flooring companies have thousands of different options for look, texture, pattern, and feel. Consider the look you want for your room when choosing your flooring, as it is one of the most visible pieces in a room. 

Cost

As with any project, cost is going to be a major factor, but remember what we said above, your flooring is one of, if not the most used thing in your home so this may be a place to splurge a little so it can last you as long as possible.

Types of Flooring for your Home

Hardwood Flooring

While this is one of the most costly types of floor you can put in your home, a well maintained hardwood floor can last decades, even centuries leaving you with a gorgeous, durable, base for your home. Hardwood flooring generally costs $5-$10 per square foot.

Laminate Flooring

This engineered product, a layer of veneer bonded to layers on plywood, uses an image of real wood or stone over a more cost effective material giving you the gorgeous look of wood or stone floors without the upkeep or cost. One thing to note is that while it looks amazing, some people may notice that it does not feel like true wood or stone. Laminate flooring generally costs between $3-$7 per square foot.

Vinyl Flooring

This is a rising trend and one of the most popular types of flooring we install at Satin Touch. With a range of pricing, and installation modes vinyl flooring is made up of a design layer, durable top layer, and cushion layers making this a fashionable, comfortable, and affordable choice. This type of flooring is also waterproof, making it a great choice for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. Vinyl flooring generally costs between $2-$6 per square foot.

Carpet

With its popularity dwindling, carpet is still a great choice and the biggest flooring category in the U.S. Tufted carpet can come in many lengths, textures, colors, and vibes. Carpet is comfortable, warm, and cost-effective. It’s also easy to install, and is easy to maintain, even boasting stain resistant versions making regular vacuuming your only upkeep. Carpet usually costs between $3-$10 per square foot.

Tile

Tile floors have a wide array of options depending on your budget, style, and needs. Because of the material it is made from, ceramic or porcelain, the design possibilities are nearly endless. It is also extremely hard-wearing, and scratch and dent resistant. The biggest drawback is that it is difficult to install, so having a professional to do this may be great for your sanity. Tile generally costs between $4-$15 per square foot. 

How To Choose

How will you use the area you are flooring?

When choosing flooring for a specific room it’s important to consider the use of the room. Bathroom? Consider a waterproof flooring material like vinyl or tile. Bedroom? This is one area where carpet is almost always a winner. Kitchen? A cushioned vinyl or laminate is usually your best bet here.

How often is maintenance required?

The most resilient and versatile flooring mentioned above is hardwood, and its definitely worth the investment to have flooring that you can re-finish and change with the times of the home. There is some maintenance and careful cleaning involved though, so a less time-consuming option would be vinyl (I personally have luxury vinyl plank and carpet throughout my whole house, and it looks great!).

Do you still want some help?

That’s ok! And we’re here to answer any questions you have. Leave a comment below or send us an email. If you’re in Minnesota we would also love to get out and write up a free estimate for whatever project you need for your home.