When it comes to updating a home, most people assume big change requires a big budget. Marc Mandell, owner of Select Flooring Designs, knows better.
“I always think of it like a car facelift,” he says with a laugh. “The Germans do it perfectly. Every few years they adjust the grill, tweak the headlights and suddenly the car feels brand new. It’s not a total overhaul, it’s a refresh.”
That same philosophy guides his approach to flooring and to other high-impact details like wall paneling and wainscoting.
“You don’t need to spend $150,000 on a kitchen remodel or $75,000 on a bathroom to make your home feel different,” Marc explains. “If your carpet is worn out, your hardwood looks tired or your walls feel flat and unfinished, you can transform the entire feel of your space for a fraction of the cost.”
For homeowners who feel stuck but don’t know where to begin, Marc says flooring is often the smartest first step. But it’s not the only one.
“Sometimes it’s the floors, sometimes it’s the walls and sometimes it’s both working together,” he says. “Adding wainscoting, shiplap or decorative wall paneling can completely change the character of a room without touching anything else. It’s amazing how much warmth and dimension those details bring in."
In the Colorado market, Marc is seeing homeowners gravitate toward durable, natural-looking materials that can stand up to real life.
“Right now, textured LVP — luxury vinyl plank — is huge,” he says. “The thicker products that mimic real wood grain are incredibly popular. They give you that warm, natural look without the stress of scratching hardwood or staining carpet.”
He jokes that modern LVP is “waterproof, dog-proof and husband-proof,” a description many busy households can appreciate.
Carpet is also very much in the mix, particularly high-quality, tight-knit styles that hold up over time. “Laminate used to be big, but LVP has really taken over because of how well it performs,” Marc notes. “Hardwood will always be timeless, especially if it just needs to be refinished, but these days the big three are LVP, carpet, and hardwood.”
And when it comes to walls, Marc says simple architectural upgrades can be just as transformative.
“A clean, classic wainscoting in a hallway or dining room can make a space feel more polished and intentional,” he explains. “Even a subtle panel detail behind a bed or along a staircase adds personality without overwhelming the room. It’s those finishing touches that make a house feel custom.”
As for how materials affect a room’s mood, Marc says both floors and walls play a bigger role than people realize. “It’s subjective,” he explains. “If you want a space to feel warm and inviting, flooring and wall details can do that. If you want it to feel clean and modern, they can do that too. It really becomes whatever the homeowner wants it to be.”
And when it comes to value? He doesn’t hesitate.
“LVP is the biggest bang for your buck, no question,” he says. “It looks great, it lasts, and it gives you a major transformation without a major price tag.”
What truly sets Select Flooring Designs apart isn’t just product knowledge, but mainly the experience.
Marc has learned that many homeowners approach renovations with hesitation. “Everybody has a horror story,” he says. “A bad contractor experience, a project that went way over budget, something that made them nervous to try again.”
Because of that, he focuses first on creating trust. “It’s very important to me that I hold a safe space for clients to share what they’ve been through,” he says. “Renovating your home is personal. It can make people feel vulnerable and I never want to take advantage of that.”
Select Flooring Designs even offers services most flooring companies don’t: professional packing, moving assistance and full project coordination.
“When you hire us, you’re sitting at your kitchen table with a cup of coffee while we handle everything,” Marc says. “Whether it’s new floors or adding custom wall paneling, you don’t have to worry about a thing. We take care of it.”
“I joke that Colorado is a big state, but Denver is a small town,” he says. “It’s great working with good people. Select Flooring Designs is mainly about relationships, not just transactions.”
And that, he believes, is what makes all the difference.
To inquire about a project call (720) 698-3209 or visit www.selectflooringdesign.com.
Why Flooring First?
A flooring update can transform a home faster than almost any other project. According to Marc Mandell of Select Flooring Designs, new floors instantly brighten a space, improve comfort, and refresh the overall look — without the disruption or price tag of a full remodel. Today’s top choice is luxury vinyl plank (LVP), valued for its durability, realistic wood look, and easy maintenance. Homeowners also love updated carpet for warmth and refinished hardwood for timeless appeal. With professional design guidance, visualization tools, and full-service installation, Select Flooring Designs helps clients achieve a high-impact makeover with minimal stress.
For more information you can visit: https://selectflooringdesign.com/