Design With Me: Selecting Your Core Finishes

The Foundation of Your Design

Every great design starts with a solid foundation. Before you get to the furniture, art, and decor, you need to select the core finishes that will set the stage for your entire home. Choosing durable, beautiful, and cohesive materials for your flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and wall treatments is crucial for a design that is both stunning and practical.

Step-by-Step Selection

Think of this as a journey from the ground up. By focusing on these four key elements, you'll create a backdrop that allows the rest of your design to shine.

1. Flooring: The Groundwork

The first layer of any room, the flooring, impacts everything from the mood to the acoustics. Whether you choose the warmth of natural wood, the cool elegance of tile, or the soft comfort of carpet, this decision sets the tone for the entire space.

2. Cabinetry: The Architectural Backbone

Serving as both storage and a major design element, cabinetry defines the style of a kitchen, bathroom, or living area. From classic Shaker to sleek modern fronts, the profile and color of your cabinets will be a primary visual anchor.

3. Countertops: The Functional Showcase

These surfaces need to be both a beautiful focal point and a workhorse. Selecting the right material—like a veined marble, a durable quartz, or a butcher block with a vintage feel—balances aesthetic appeal with the practical demands of daily life.

4. Wall Treatments: The Canvas

Walls are the canvas of your home. A carefully chosen paint color can evoke calm or energy, while a textured wallpaper can add depth and personality. This is the final layer that ties all your other core finishes together.