• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Threshold Homes | MinnesotaThreshold Homes | Minnesota

Flipping, Staging and Decorating Homes in Minnesota

  • Blog
  • Podcasts
  • Our Work
    • Portfolio
    • Upcoming Projects
  • The Fixer Upper Checklist
  • About
    • Contact
  • Learn to Flip

June 24, 2021 by Threshold Homes Leave a Comment

How to Make the Most of a Smaller House

When it comes to the size of homes I am equal opportunity when it comes to design and renovation. No matter what the square footage of a home there are always opportunities to create spaces that “wow.” The smallest house I’ve ever worked on was just about 1200 square feet and it was s o long ago that I don’t even have any photos to share.

When it comes to our recent projects many have been on the larger side. As one of my search strategies I typically attempt to find the most amount of overall square footage so that we can add finished square footage and add as much value as possible. Surprisingly, many of the renovation costs don’t change very much with traditional square footage. But our latest project was a bit of a change from what we’ve been doing. And if I do say so myself, the home is truly a city cottage. Blocks from one of our lakes and minutes from many of the attractions that draw people to live in Minneapolis.

This home and how it was transformed were the inspiration for sharing my tips on how to add the most to a small home. It doesn’t always take a lot of space to create major impact. Every home has potential and this is the blueprint for maxmizing the charm and efficiency for everyday living in a smaller home.

Find Opportunities for Natural Light

All of the windows in this home were original so they were on the list of replacement from the beginning. With the existing dining room, there were a couple of windows that were swapped out for a sliding glass door. Now when you walk into the home from the front door you can see through the house and out to the backyard space. A small choice that made a huge difference.

Small Kitchens Can Still Have a Big Layout

Often it’s the thought that if there’s not the room to add the large island and open the primary wall between the kitchen and living room that it may not be worth the renovation. The original kitchen in this home was closed off and short on cabinets and countertop space which are difficult when you’re using the kitchen as intended. To offset the lack of cabinetry the layout was designed as a “u-shape.” Using this layout and relocating the sink to the back window the side window was able to be eliminated and now houses the range and plenty of work surface.

Ensuites Don’t Require a Ton of Space

The ability to create a private bath space attached to a bedroom is very sought after but often very difficult to achieve. Especially in homes that are older. When planning it is common for there to be space that can be re-purposed to create a suite that can accomodate a shower, toilet and, when possible, a double vanity. But even when the space is limited and you have to go with a single vanity it’s worth adding this valuable space.

This style of home is one that we’re familiar with however, this is a home that had the type of kitchen and dining room layout many people aren’t necessarily looking for in a home. So one of my top priorities was to make sure I created a space that allowed for dining and connection to the kitchen in a very small amount of space.

Bold choices can create impact

It’s all about balance. Though this home is limited on space there is no reason that style can’t be incorporated into the renovation. The dining space is a perfect example. While adding the bench for seating creates versatility the wall presents the perfect opportunity to steal the show. By adding the grid feature this wall becomes a statement visible from the kitchen, the dining room, the living room and the entry. That’s a ton of impact for one wall.

With the close proximity to the lake and the cottage style of the home the exterior could have easily gone in a few directions. But choosing the bold dark hue with the white trim truly set this home apart for blocks. It doesn’t take a large home to carry off this deep shade.

All of these steps and renovations worked together to create a home that functions at its highest potential. Using these ideas and tips in any project is sure to lead to amazing spaces.


Ready to take that next step when it comes to flipping?

That’s why I’ve got additional resources to help you get the information you need to move forward on creating your flipping life.

Make sure you have the Fixer Upper Checklist so you know which areas are key to added value in a home.

There are several videos available on finding houses, renovations, and funding on the Threshold Homes YouTube Channel. Check out your favorite flipping topics and new videos weekly.

You can’t close a successful and profitable flip unless you start. What is your biggest challenge with getting started house flipping? Let me know. It may be an area I’ve also had questions about myself. I’m here to help so drop me a DM.

Want to buy a property and renovate it?

Get my checklist that will help you — 8 Things I look for When Purchasing a Home. Just click here to download it.

Love before and afters?

Follow us on IG @thresholdhomesmn and FB  @thresholdhomesmn to see the projects we’re working on. And for more ideas on renovating & restoring fixer-uppers!

Looking to buy a house to renovate? Check out the fixer upper checklist to help you find the house with the most “flip” potential. For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest @thresholdhomesmn

Related posts

Amber Miller Fix and Flip Home Renovation Business TipsKitchen Layout Tips to Create Top Dollar Value Amber Miller Fix and Flip Home Renovation Business TipsWatch me flip this house! The Dangers of DIY in House Flipping House Flipping Secrets the TV Shows Don’t Tell You Tips for Buying that Flip

Filed Under: Tips, design, fixer-upper, Home Purchasing, homes, house flip, In Progress, kitchen, Our Property Flips, remodel, renovations, restorations Tagged With: business tips, coaching, contractor, days on the market, fix and flip, flip for profit, flip house, flipping houses, House, house flip, house flipper, house flipping 101, how to flip for profit, how to spot a good flip, investing in real estate, investing in real estate coaching, real estate coaching, real estate course, real estate investing, real estate investor, real estate program, second income, Tips

Our Projects and Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

Threshold Homes LLC

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Contact Amber
612.559.3238
amber@thresholdhomesmn.com

Contact Alan
952.334.5469
alan@thresholdhomesmn.com

Follow Us @thresholdhomesmn

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Our Projects and Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

  • Blog
  • Podcasts
  • Upcoming Projects
  • The Fixer Upper Check List
  • About
  • Learn to Flip

© 2023 Threshold Homes LLC · Design by squishy