How to Flip Your House (without It Screaming "I Was Flipped!")

By Brittany McNab

These days, the term “house flipper” tends to come with a negative connotation. It brings up imagery of all-grey everything, hastily done finishing, and a lack of character — a quick turnaround to get the house sold as quickly as possible. However, it doesn’t have to be like that. A house flip can be a beautiful thing when done in a strategic way, with the end result being a home that potential buyers can’t wait to move into. Here are a few tips for success:

Choose Simple Yet Affordable and Timeless Finishes

Oftentimes flippers default to what’s cheap and trending, which shows its age in both wear and style within a few years. Instead, go with tried-and-true finishes. Examples:

• Classic cabinetry styles like shaker. White is a classic, but so is a soft greige or a neutral wood tone.
  

• Hardware in satin black or polished nickel. Mix metals in lighting, hardware, and plumbing fixtures for a layered look.
  

• Tile with a bit more texture and variation, laid in a ⅓ offset for a play on the classic subway tile.
  

• Neutral-coloured wood floors — it can be LVT, LVP, or laminate, but make sure any colour you choose feels natural. Don’t be tempted by weathered grey barnwood-style floors that scream "flipper."
  

• Taller baseboards for more of a custom look.

Pro Tip: Consider paying for a consultation with an interior designer who can advise on what “low hanging fruit” could be picked to make the biggest impact on the space and what finishes are current.

Add Details That Make a Space Feel Like Home

Buyers can instantly tell if a house was loved or simply listed. Adding thoughtful touches can help a house feel more considered and personal:

• A peg rail in the entryway
  

• Picture-frame trim in a living room or bedroom
  

• Layered lighting — think beyond pot lights to under-cabinet lighting, sconces, overhead fixtures, picture lights, and outlets for future floor or table lamps
  

• Upgrading closet storage from wire shelving to custom solutions that actually function, such as shoe storage or additional hanging racks

Pro Tip: Consider what touches would make you and your family feel at home in a space. What can you add to make it feel special?

A Little Effort and Care is Better Than Nothing

Decision fatigue can really get you — especially when you're elbow-deep in a renovation and can’t figure out what to do with a space. This is especially tough when you're nearing the end of your budget. Ask yourself: can you refinish, repaint, or repurpose some of the existing materials in a considered and intentional way? Painting cabinets, refinishing existing hardwood, embracing historical or period details like stained glass, or updating hardware can have a significant impact — bringing a space into 2025 and making it feel special.

Pro Tip: Ask for as much advice as possible from the pros at the hardware store, specialty shops, and online. Figuring out what products will last the longest — and the best building techniques — will make a huge difference in how your project ends up looking and feeling.

A flipped home can feel just as personal, warm, and intentional as a custom build — if you add in thoughtful touches that aren’t expensive but make a lasting impression. Cut the builder-grade shortcuts and design for the people who’ll actually live there. Adding functionality and elements that feel like home will go a long way — because no one wants to buy a house that feels like no one ever lived in it.

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