Removing the overwhelm from selecting your Interior finishes

When building a new home there is literally hundreds of decisions to make about which fixtures, finishes and fittings you’ll choose. It can be incredibly overwhelming and fatiguing. Here’s my top tips to help remove the overwhelm from our Interior Selections journey.

Choosing tiles for a bathroom renovation

Establish a budget

Set a realistic budget for your major finishes - like tiles, flooring, cabinetry and appliances. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure your not making choices outside your financial comfort zone. Your builder will often give you a $psm rate for items such as tiles or carpets or a provisional sum allowance which you can use as a guide.

Define your style

Before you start its important to define the overall style you want for your home. Look for inspiration in magazines, online platforms and home design websites. Pinterest is a great tool to help collate your ideas and define the style. Creating a mood board for each room will help keep you on track and ensure the entire home will come together at the end.

Prioritise the most important rooms

Start by focusing on the rooms that are most important to you, such as the kitchen, master bedroom and main living area. This will help you allocated your budget and attention more effectively.

Define your colour scheme

Select an overall colour scheme for your home early in the piece. Consider the overall mood you want to create, your interior design style and the amount of natural light coming in. Strive for balance by mixing warm and cool tones. Warm tones (reds, yellows, oranges) can create a cosy feel, while cool tones (blues, greens, purples) can bring a sense of calm. Suppliers like Dulux, Taubmans & Laminex have colour scheme examples on their website you can use as a guide.

Research & Collect Samples

Take the time to research different materials, finishes and trends. Understanding the pros and cons of each option can help you make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and preferences. You want to consider the practicality of your choices in terms of maintenance and durability. Factors like ease of cleaning, resistance to wear and how the materials will hold up over time. Visit suppliers so you can see the products in person (website images can vary greatly from actual representations). Collect samples wherever possible and start to build a materials board make sure you’re selections are all coming together.

Trust Your Instincts

While it’s essential to gather information and seek advice, trust your instincts and personal preferences. Afterall, its your home and should reflect your style and taste.

Remember, the key is to approach the process with patience and a well though out plan. If you simply don’t have the time or the confidence to do this yourself, engage an Interior Design professional to take the lead.