Home with Nicole:
The Revival Designs Blog
Redfin recently reached out asking us to share our thoughts and tips with home buyers who are considering buying a fixer upper. We weighed in on topics such as:
Is a fixer upper right for everyone?
What to look for and costly issues to avoid when buying a home that needs a lot of work
Why would you want to consider buying a home that needs renovation vs. turnkey?
And more!
Check out the Redfin article here: What Does TLC Mean In Real Estate? Everything You Should Know
Nicole Nichols (center), owner of Revival Designs, accepting the residential renovation award from representatives of the Cincinnati Preservation Association. Photo credit: Cincinnati Preservation Association
On May 9, 2024, the Cincinnati Preservation Association hosted an inaugural Preservation Awards event to honor both people and projects in several categories related to excellence in historic preservation.
The Wedge Haus won the Preservation Excellence award in the competitive category of residential renovation. You can read more about the event, details about The Wedge Haus’s history and renovation, and all award recipients on the Cincinnati Preservation Association website and via this published piece from Movers and Makers Cincinnati, in which Nicole is quoted about the event. To see more photos of The Wedge Haus, visit our Portfolio page.
Although this was posted nearly a year ago, we finally got around to sharing a wonderful roundup that Cincinnati Magazine published online last July: Seven Local Home Flippers You Should Know. Revival Designs is listed (along with some of our home renovation tips) in some wonderful company of colleagues who are creating some beautifully designed remodels around the tri-state area. We are in great company and excited to be included! Thank you, Cincinnati Magazine, for including us in the feature!
Because I get asked so often where are various fixtures, furniture and decor items in our personal home, the Big Brick Bungalow, are from, I decided start working on one detailed post of sources. I’m always updating my home and making small decor changes, so expect this post will grow and continue to get updated over time. Oh, and in full transparency, this post does contain affiliate links.
LIVING ROOM
Ceiling fan (Home Depot) | Couch (vintage) | Rug (no longer available) | DIY Electric fireplace Insert (Amazon) | Brass side table (Target | Wingback chairs (Target) | Faux fiddle tree (World Market) | Fireplace art (Target, no longer available | Curtain rod (Amazon) | Curtains (IKEA) | Cordless roman shades (JCPenney.com) | Wall color: Benjamin More Intense White
FRONT PORCH
Door color: Sherwin Williams Privilege Green | Porch floor color: Sherwin Williams Minimalist Grey | Black bench (Target) | Large white planter (No longer available) | Loveseat (Target) | Side chairs (Target) | Black side tables (No longer available) | Geometric area rug (Target) | Door mat (Target) | Indoor/outdoor pendant (no longer available) | Flush mount lights (Home Depot) | Mailbox (Amazon) | Custom address plaque (Amazon)
KITCHEN
Chandelier (West Elm) | Drawer pulls (Amazon) | Cabinet knobs (Amazon) | Mint green counter stools (Target) | Copper faucet (No longer available; similar from Signature Hardware) | Copper wall sconces (no longer available—similar) | Wall color: Benjamin Moore Intense White | Quartz countertops: DuPont London Sky | Island countertops: Soapstone | Farmhouse sink (Signature Hardware) | Teak floating wall shelf (CustomFloatingShelves.com)
POWDER ROOM
Wall sconce (Etsy) | Wallpaper (Etsy) | Round mirror (Homegoods; similar at Target) | Faucet (Amazon) | Amber soap dispenser (Target) | Clean/streamlined toilet (Lowe’s) | Hex tile floor (Floor & Decor with Charcoal Mapei grout) | Vanity (Home Depot, no longer available; similar from Lowe’s)
DINING ROOM
Headboard (Target) | Grey and white coverlets (No longer available) | Rug (Wayfair) | Wall mirror (Amazon) | “These are the days” wall art (SmallWoods) | Nightstands (No longer available) | Table lamps (Target) | Ceiling fan (Home Depot) | Cordless light-filtering white Roman shades (JCPenney.com) | Faux fiddle tree (Homegoods) | Desk and desk chair (vintage Paul McCobb planner group desk; vintage Eero Saarinen chair) | Wall color: Sherwin Williams Pure White
FAMILY ROOM
Light fixture (CB2) | Curtain rod (Amazon) | Curtains (IKEA) | Wall mirror (No longer available) | Brass storage coffee table (World Market) | Credenza (vintage) | Sectional sofa (No longer available) | Rug (Target) | Wall mounted TV with customizable art print (The Frame TV by Samsung with beige add-on frame | Wall color: Magnolia Home Mineral Green
We are thrilled to share that our very own house, a home we completely designed and renovated just over two years ago, was selected as a set for a national television commercial that has begun airing on HGTV!
Check out the ad for Signature Hardware that was shot in our kitchen below:
If you don’t know anyone who has ever hired a designer for an in-home consultation, or you’re not sure whether the service right for you or what you’ll “get” from it, you are not alone. Many clients I meet (aside from those whose friends referred them my way) aren’t exactly sure how it works or what happens during that meeting. Since I get asked so often, I decided to shed some light on what happens and what you can expect when you book your appointment.
I have been decorating homes, managing renovations, DIYing projects, working with contractors, and doing it all on a budget since 2015 when I started my business…but you could say I’ve been doing it even longer—ever since I bought my first personal home in 2007. I work almost exclusively in old neighborhoods of Cincinnati, where homes average around 100 years old, so I’m quite experienced in what is going on behind these walls and in these basements and how quirky these small spaces with that lack storage and functionality can be. While these popular old neighborhoods and character homes are appealing, the way the houses were designed back then doesn’t always reflect what we need and want today. You may feel like your home is a problem or the hardest puzzle to solve, but I have seen it all: kitchens with 6 doorways, 2 full depth windows and a small footprint; bathrooms so awkward you can barely fit a sink; dated decor you’re trying to mesh with your contemporary furniture; old basements and attics just waiting to be finished. I can see the potential in any home. And I can also see what would be involved in getting it where you want it to be (from costs to extent of renovation to whether it’s worth opening that wall or not).
“The best part about our consultation was your perspective and experience! I liked that you kept it real with me and were really able to help me bring an empty space to life. Also you are a human Rolodex of information on where to shop local or online for everything and anything—especially discount finds. To me, that is priceless!” — Colleen R., Hyde Park
I have been invited into HUNDREDS of people’s homes to share tips, advice and ideas with them based on my experience designing, rehabbing and decorating houses. I have been in houses over a century old, track homes in the suburbs built in the ‘70s to ‘00s, and even fully renovated homes that need a little help with decor and furniture layout. I’ve helped people getting ready to put their house on the market to know what to do and where to focus to get it sold fast and for top dollar. Solving these puzzles aesthetically and on a budget is my passion—and my experience.
I often put on my “flipper’s hat” during an appointment to discuss what I would do to create the maximum value return and impact for the least amount of money because let’s face it: Budget constraints are real. Working with someone who understands real-world budgets and real-life scenarios—and has lived in, renovated and revamped old houses for a decade and a half has its advantages. Whether your kitchen renovation budget is $5,000 or $150,000, whether you want to hire someone to do all the work or you want to tackle some DIY, I’m able to provide ideas to help your situation. Even if you have no realm of what you want to do or what it might cost, I can help with that, too.
Because I understand real estate and the ROI for the dollars you put into your home, I can help advise you on the best way to prioritize your projects, whether your ideas make financial sense based on the current real estate market and what you paid for your home, and plenty of ways to mask or minimize the flaws of your home while playing up and showcasing its best assets.
“Working with Nicole literally saved me THOUSANDS of dollars on my kitchen remodel. What a fantastic resource!” -- Chris, Wyoming
I have consulted with homeowners in modest starter-level homes and up to $2 million+ homes. I’ve helped with brand new construction and houses more than 120 years old. I’ve worked with people who feel overwhelmed to set a plan of action and a list of priorities to tackle, as well as been the neutral tie-breaker for couples who have very different ideas on what they should be doing. It doesn’t matter the budget, the age or the style of the home.
“I loved having the consult! I had already done a lot of work on my house but was having a hard time with the little finishes to make it all come together. It was so helpful to have a fresh set of eyes to give perspective! I made the small kitchen changes you recommended and it made all the difference in that room—and your tip on how to select paint to make the marble inset on my fireplace pop was one I would have never thought of.” — Grace S., Clintonville (Columbus)
I have been brought in by homeowners who already got architectural plans drawn up to have another set of eyes review them and consider anything else to make the space better, more aesthetic or even cost-saving before they gave a final stamp of approval. And on the flip side, I have given homeowners the space planning and design direction they need BEFORE they hire other design professionals to begin drafting. Often, getting a solid direction before hiring someone to create blueprints can save hours of expensive designer/architect design time later.
As a landlord, flipper, home stager, real estate investor and even Airbnb Superhost, I can cover a wide variety of topics related under these hats as well if you’re considering renting a property, starting an Airbnb, flipping a house or getting your home (or investment property) ready for the market. The majority of my consultation clients are homeowners, but I have worked with all sorts of investors (new and experienced) to help with direction on their properties. We can even help who want to make aesthetic (yet impermanent) updates to their spaces and decor, as well as condo dwellers. Wherever you live, whatever your space is like, whether you own or you rent, our design service can help.
A consultation is a verbal, in-person meeting at your home. While I bring basic tools (paint decks, measuring tapes, graph paper for quick sketches), homeowners usually take extensive notes (and sometimes even record audio for our meeting). Every single appointment is different because everyone’s home and area(s) of concern are different. I have spent the entire appointment just talking about remodeling ideas to consider for a bathroom or kitchen; and I have spent the time going over details and ideas for an entire house (inside and out). Sometimes we drill down specific paint colors or tile. Sometimes we sketch a rough kitchen layout you can take to your preferred supplier. We can cover furniture and decor ideas as well as mini renovations or updates or full-scale remodels. I have talked homeowners through the pitfalls of their home and helped them decide whether to renovate or put on an addition or to sell their home and look for something that better suits their needs. You lead. You talk and share your concerns, ideas or questions and then I answer based on my design aesthetic, what I would personally do to solve or attack the problem to make it both beautiful and more functional—without overspending.
I also share vetted contractors and tradespeople I personally use that do excellent and professional work as well as places most homeowners aren’t even aware of where they can purchase fixtures (like cabinets) at competitive prices. In addition, for those who have never tackled any home renovation but want to, I can share useful insider information about how long it would take to complete, approximately what they can expect it to cost, what it would be like to live through, how to get the best and most accurate contractor bids.
“I was so attached to my own perspectives about my houses, so I appreciated you seeing things from a different—perhaps more accurate—perspective. It was valuable for me to hear I could get a good result with a reasonable budget and that I didn’t need to tear down various walls just because open spaces are on trend. I am mostly grateful you put me in touch with the best contacts that I have used for every house project since!” — Rebecca V., Hyde Park
You don’t have to do anything at all to prepare, but I do suggest having childcare lined up if possible. I’m a mom too, and I know how hard it is to focus and retain information when young children are around vying for attention. For all you Type A’s, feel free to make a list of questions and ideas that have been in your head so we can be sure to cover it all and not miss anything, because typically, we cover SO MUCH information including ideas you may not have even considered yet. Also be prepared to take notes (or record the audio of our conversation). If you’re going for a certain decor style and need advice on whether it works with your space or how to achieve it, feel free to save a few inspiration images to share with me during our visit. But honestly, NONE of this is necessary—don’t stress. Most homeowners do nothing to prepare and that’s totally fine! If you do want help with making a decision on the exact flooring, carpet, custom drapery material or upholstery, please have all samples you’re considering on site when we meet.
Yes! I have consulted with homeowners prior to hiring an architect AND after getting plans drawn up—and sometimes at both phases! Some homes are easy to envision how an addition would flow, but not all homes are incredibly straightforward upon an initial consultation alone. Some DO require an architect to measure the existing home and require architectural collaboration in order to see what the possibilities are.
That said, I have consulted with numerous homeowners on the concept of additions in various stages of planning: before they meet with an architect (so they have directional ideas to steer the design), after they have some preliminary plans (to provide objective, experienced feedback for flow and cost engineering etc.), and sometimes even after that to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Some homeowners can also meet with a lender as a first step to get a sense of their home's current value and then what they can afford to put into the home in terms of additional construction costs, which can inform whether an addition is even financially feasible and what their firm budget ceiling is.
“Nicole’s consultation gave me vision and clarity for a much-needed kitchen and bathroom update in my tiny 600 square foot home. From providing a list of trusted contractors & suppliers to suggesting layouts & materials that made sense, she helped me transform outdated and challenging rooms into beautiful, functional spaces I absolutely love.” — Jen L., Hyde Park
Overwhelmingly, when we wrap up our appointment, my clients are filled with excitement and even relief at all the ideas and direction they received. The vast majority have everything they need to confidently take the next steps toward making it happen.
The consultation is a total of two hours and doesn’t include additional design work or follow-up. If a client needs more technical documentation (such as architectural plans or a fully resolved kitchen layout), I’ll help guide them toward the appropriate next steps or professionals during our appointment.
For larger or more involved projects—whether that’s a full renovation, new construction, or furnishing and decor across multiple spaces—some clients choose to continue with Full Service Design. In those cases, the consultation serves as the foundation for that work, and I’ll outline next steps and prepare a custom proposal for your space.
Yes! Some clients choose bring me back again, whether for other areas of their house we didn’t cover OR to help give them confidence and another set of eyes once they are finalizing their design plans or finish selections. Sometimes this can be done virtually and at a prorated cost if we don’t need a full two hours and the follow-up scope doesn’t require another site visit.
I accept cash, check or Venmo at the completion of our appointment. Tips are not expected or accepted.
Please just click the Contact Us tab and fill out the form. I will reply with any answers or clarifying information as needed, along with a link for clients to self-schedule their appointment during my available hours. Please note that our spots do fill quickly and we are often scheduling up to a month into the future. Please keep your email confirmation after scheduling.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, the links in your confirmation email make that easy to do. Because consultation appointments reserve dedicated working time and are rarely able to be rebooked on short notice, I ask that clients schedule only when they’re reasonably certain they can maintain our scheduled appointment time. Clients who repeatedly cancel or reschedule with short notice may become ineligible for future consultation bookings.
Sorry, but I do not offer e-design or virtual appointments at this time. I feel it is absolutely necessary to be present in a space to fully understand and “see” it in order to share valid and accurate ideas.
I have traveled outside Cincinnati (up to two hours) for an added fee based on the distance when my workload schedule allows. If you’re curious about whether I’ll come to you or what it might cost, please contact us and share your address to inquire.
I was excited when a local writer contacted me several months ago and asked if I would like to be interviewed for a regional magazine about current home trends. I remember driving to our Airbnb to drop off some supplies while doing the interview over the phone—talk about multitasking!
Not only did I get to share some decor tips and trends I had been seeing (and using in my designs), but to my surprise, when the article was published (Fall/Winter 2019 issue), my own work even made it on the cover! The living room image on newsstands was a house I designed, staged and photographed for an area investor (see more of Park Place on my Portfolio page). The magazine also featured a couple other photos I shot of my previous design work, the Eileen flip and our Big Brick Bungalow! You can see more images of these incredible spaces in the Portfolio section on this very website.
We were proud to lend a small hand in bringing this beautiful renovation to the market. Designed by Flippin Wendy Design and renovated by Flipping Cincy, the homeowner/renovator Kevin Geraci hired Revival Designs to do a light staging of the key rooms in the house (kitchen and bathrooms) and take all of its listing photos! Check out the final product of this amazing collaboration on CincinnatiMagazine.com!
Anyone who has ever sold a home, whether their personal home or an investment property (such as a flip) knows how much hinges on the appraisal. If the appraisal comes back low, you make less money on the sale than anticipated or go back to the market hoping for another shot with a different buyer and appraiser. Or if you’re trying to refinance your property to get rid of PMI, secure a home equity line of credit (HELOC), your bank will order an appraisal. So what is an appraisal, why does it matter, and is there anything YOU can do to help your property appraise as high as you need (or want) it to? The answer is YES. Check out this video I created sharing what I personally do each time I’m selling or refinancing a property to ensure I get a strong appraisal—it hasn’t failed me yet!
We love our friends at Cincinnati Refined. They feature all kinds of great arts/cultural happenings in Cincinnati, and always showcase the most amazing homes from local designers. They also recently featured a design project we did for local investor/flipper Kevin Geraci of Flipping Cincy (see more pics of “Park Place” on our Portfolio Place). Here’s the slideshow of our work along with the brief story of how Kevin brought a community together and made his flip into a charitable cause.
Soon after, Local 12 chatted with a Cincinnati Refined editor live about the flip, which you can see below (note that our segment begins at about the 2:00 mark):
I am honored to have been invited to the morning show at Local 12 WKRC to talk about how I transitioned from a 10-year career in the fitness industry into flipping homes and doing design work for homeowners. It was a fun experience and I think turned out nicely. Here is a link to the segment that aired live this morning.
I didn't get a chance to specifically talk about how one would go about getting started in the flipping business, but people contact me frequently asking just that. It's not something I can easily answer in a simple email or an Instagram message, but I often refer people to a getting-started e-book from my own mentor Wendy Doris of Flippin Wendy Design. She's been at it 10+ years and was critical to helping me to started. If a career change into flipping homes is something that interests you, definitely check out her book!
The 100-year-old duplex we purchased on Eileen Drive in Oakley was in excellent rental condition, one of the nicest and most well-maintained houses we have ever bought as a renovation--but we had big plans to convert it into a large single family home with the kinds of amenities that families in Oakley have a hard time finding in their beloved neighborhood. The fact that it was formerly two apartments made for some astonishing before and after photos that are almost too difficult to believe: A second floor kitchen that became a master bathroom, a first floor bedroom that was transformed into a dining room, and a new facade that included a brand new front porch and the removal of an extra entrance, to name a few. We also put an addition on the home (a master bedroom), which you'll see in the exterior photo of the back of the house.
The board and batten wall features you see in the foyer and master bedroom, as well as the shiplap wall in the kitchen are all painted with Benjamin Moore "Smokestack Grey." The other blue walls (half bath, hall bath) are Benjamin Moore "Nimbus Grey." On the exterior, the light grey siding is a stock color, but the blue details are Sherwin Williams "Anchors Aweigh" and the front and back door are both painted Sherwin Williams "Alexandrite."
We were thrilled to have our latest renovation on Eileen Drive in Oakley featured on the Cincinnati Refined website in November 2017. Their glowing praise of the design work as "HGTV worthy" was a surprise that we are especially thankful for.
A few days later, their partner Local 12 (WKRC) also plugged the home as worthy of "Architectural Digest" live on the news! Watch the video clip here. The station asked us to appear on the news a couple of weeks later, so watch for that video clip soon.
I post a lot of before, during and after photos of our projects on Instagram, but if you don't follow us there, you could have missed the amazing transformations of our renovated homes. Here's a collection of before and afters of our "modern farmhouse" renovation completed in the fall of 2016. Hover over the slideshow to see sources for paint colors and finishes. Enjoy!
Main siding color is Sherwin Williams "Softened Green" (SW3246). Third story color is slightly darker: Sherwin Williams "Green Onyx" (SW9128).
Accent wall color is Benjamin Moore "Cheating Heart".
Accent wall color is Benjamin Moore "Cheating Heart". Walls are Sherwin Williams "Nebulous White".
Refreshed the fireplace by painting it white.
Pendant light is from Target.
GE Artistry appliances are retro-modern cool. Range hood is from Signature Hardware.
Delta Trinsic faucet. Backsplash is by Merola (special order online from Home Depot). Appliances are GE Artistry series, now discontinued. Pendant light is West Elm. Cabinet knobs and pulls are from Schoolhouse Electric.
We transformed the former pantry into a half bath. Kitchen/bath floor tile is from Floor & Decor. Counter tops are marble. Shelves are from Etsy seller "DeliriousByDesign".
Wall color is Benjamin Moore "Cheating Heart".
Wall color is Sherwin Williams "Nebulous White". Rug is from Target.
Water closet color is Benjamin Moore "Cheating Heart". Grey hexagon floor tiles from Floor & Decor.
Vanity, sink, faucet and granite top from Signature Hardware. Light is from Home Depot. Mirror is from HomeGoods. Subway tile from Floor & Decor.
A former third floor attic was transformed into a spacious master suite. Accent wall color is Benjamin Moore "Cheating Heart". Mirrors are Target. Lights from AllModern.com. Vanities are Home Depot.
All interior walls are Sherwin Williams "Nebulous White" unless otherwise noted. Trim is off-the-shelf base white.
Considering a white kitchen but afraid it'll look too plain? Think again! I'm a fan of simple white cabinetry because it's classic. It never goes out of style, it goes with any appliances (white, black, stainless, teal!), it reflects light (and therefore adds brightness), and it really acts like a blank slate that allows you to accessorize and dress up your kitchen in countless ways without necessitating a full blown renovation a couple years later. I'm all for color or experimenting with design trends, but considering your appliances, countertops, and cabinets are the highest-priced items in the kitchen, you don't want to waste money on trends here when they could look dated in a few years and need yet another renovation.
Take a look at how I used the same exact white cabinets (this door style is called shaker, and it works great in both classic/traditional homes as well as modern ones) to create four unique kitchens that are anything but boring. Notice how we add interest and personality in each kitchen by mixing up hardware, flooring, appliance finishes, countertops, wall color and backsplash options.
You can't go wrong with subway tile laid in a classic brick pattern. I chose a beveled edge subway tile here to add a little dimension and interest since the cabinets were also white. We added color to the walls (Sherwin Williams Sea Salt) and warmed up the room by choosing a wood-look porcelain tile floor. Marble countertops complete the classic look and the simple floating shelves are an inexpensive way to experiment with the kitchen trend of fewer upper cabinets and more open shelving. Cabinet knobs and pulls are brushed nickel, matching the faucet. Simple accessories and colorful dishes add just enough interest to this kitchen.
These are the same cabinets and they look completely different in this kitchen. We used painter's tape to mark off a simple painted backsplash in an accent color (Sherwin Williams Liveable Green), which is a budget-friendly way to add color and still looks sophisticated. These countertops are granite and we mixed metals: a brushed nickel faucet and industrial light paired with black knobs and pulls. We kept the colors light everywhere else since the room was small. A white-washed wood-look tile floor laid in a herringbone pattern is eye catching but not overwhelming for the small space.
A black and white kitchen fits a variety of design styles. It's classic, traditional, but also very modern depending on how you accessorize. The matte black range hood and faucet gives this kitchen some modern flair. Thanks to the warm wood floors and just a few accessories to bring in some color and warmth (wood crates, cutting boards, plants), what would otherwise feel boring or "cold" looks warm and inviting. Simple subway tile with light grey grout blends with the bright white walls. We chose retro-style black appliances by GE, black granite countertops, and matte black knobs and pulls in classic shapes, another modern trend that also fits this classic styling.
In this kitchen we went bold and graphic with a patterned backsplash tile. Notice how everything else in the kitchen is simple: Appliances are white to blend with the white cabinetry, walls are light grey (Sherwin Williams Nebulous White), tile is medium grey and countertops are marble (grey/white) so your eye isn't bothered by too many different colors or distractions. The backsplash really is the star of the show, but there are plenty of other surprises, from the retro-cool appliances to the mod white range hood. We added trendy brass accents for the knobs, pulls, faucet and pendant light. If brass falls out of fashion, this kitchen could get a simple facelift just by changing out those few details! Industrial wood shelves add some interest and warmth to the space and give the kitchen a custom look that stands out from the competition.
There you have it: four completely unique and different ways to use simple white cabinetry that are fun, interesting and will stand the test of time. Check out our Portfolio page to see more angles and details of all of the kitchens pictured here.
Cincinnati Refined did an awesome feature about Revival Designs back in September 2015, which was just around the time we celebrated our anniversary for being in business for a full year. It also features some awesome side-by-side before and after photos of some of our projects. Be sure to check it out!
