Tips on Interior Finish Selections

Selecting interior finishes can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks the process into a practical sequence, beginning with foundational decisions and ending with details that should coordinate with the materials already selected.

1. DEFINE YOUR CONCEPT AND BUDGET

• Establish a budget - Set a clear spending limit for each category and prioritize high-impact selections, such as flooring.

• Determine your style - Choose the overall design direction, color palette, and core materials.

• Create a color board - Gather inspiration images, textures, and physical samples to confirm that the selections work together.

2. WALL FINISH

• Select the Sheetrock texture early - Wall texture influences the home’s overall style and may affect the construction schedule. Common options include smooth, Old World, hand-troweled, and orange peel finishes.

3. FLOORING

• Select the main flooring first - As one of the home’s largest visual surfaces, flooring establishes the foundation for the overall palette and style.

• Maintain consistency - Use the same primary flooring through main hallways and shared living spaces to create a cohesive flow.

4. CABINETRY AND BUILT-INS

• Plan kitchen and bathroom cabinets - Select door styles, wood stains, or painted finishes that complement the flooring.

• Coordinate materials - Choose cabinetry tones that support, rather than clash with or overpower, the floor coverings.

5. COUNTERTOPS AND BACKSPLASH

• Choose countertop materials - Select surfaces that coordinate with the cabinetry. Options include laminate, solid surface, quartz, marble, and granite.

• Plan the backsplash - Decide whether it will match the countertop, use coordinating wall tile, or feature a decorative mosaic. Select a grout color that supports the material and overall palette.

6. CUSTOM SHOWERS

• Locate built-in niches before framing is complete - Confirm each niche’s size, style, and location early enough to coordinate the framing.

• Choose shower wall and floor materials - Select marble, granite, or tile that complements the home’s flooring and design style. For tile installations, also choose the grout color and grout-joint width.

7. CHOOSE TRIM, DOORS AND MILLWORK

• Select interior doors and trim profiles - Decide on door styles, baseboards, window casings and sills, and crown molding.

• Finalize specialty features - Confirm details such as wainscoting, decorative beams, and coffered ceiling layouts.

8. HARDWARE AND FIXTURES

• Select metal finishes - Choose finishes—such as black, brass, or chrome—that complement the home’s design. Coordinate faucets, doorknobs, hinges, towel bars, toilet paper holders, and bathroom mirrors.

• Choose plumbing fixtures - Select faucets, sinks, tubs, and toilets that coordinate with the other finishes and create a consistent look throughout the home.

• Choose electrical fixtures - Select decorative lighting and ceiling fans that support the design style, including wall lights, ceiling lights, and chandeliers.

9. SELECT PAINT COLORS

• Test paint in the space - Choose colors and sheens, such as eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss, after the other permanent surfaces have been selected. This makes it easier to coordinate undertones with installed finishes and the home’s lighting.

• Observe changing light - Paint large sample boards and view them at different times of day to see how natural and artificial light affect the undertones.

We can help you with the process and give you additional ideas when thinking about interior finishes. We have years of experience helping homeowners design and build their dream home. Let us help you navigate the complex building process and set you up for a successful project. Get in touch today for a free, no-pressure consultation: https://www.timphavendesign.com/contact