CURATING A CLASSIC MATERIAL PALETTE
HOW TO SELECT SURFACE FINISHES FOR BOTH LONGEVITY AND STYLE
Before the first piece of furniture is placed or a hint of color hits the walls, something else is already shaping the feel of your home: the material palette. These are the fixed, foundational elements designers often refer to as hard surfaces or finishes.
From the hardwood beneath your feet to the stone on your countertops and the tile lining your shower walls—even the sheen of your paint or the reflection on a metal fixture—these choices influence how your home looks, feels, and functions every day. And because they’re typically long-term decisions, they matter even more.
Put simply: getting them right is one of the most important investments in your home’s design.
Still, selecting a classic, cohesive palette isn’t always easy. And while beauty is part of the story, function and comfort play just as big a role.
So, let’s look at six key considerations for choosing materials that feel timeless, grounded, and livable:
01. LAYERING TEXTURE, NOT JUST COLOR
The most memorable spaces all have one thing in common: dimension. And that starts with texture.
A room with only smooth surfaces or similar finishes can feel flat. But when you layer contrast—like a wire-brushed oak floor beneath a smooth, painted island, or honed limestone next to polished marble—you bring the space to life.
Even in a neutral palette, texture adds warmth, depth, and visual interest. Without it, things can quickly slip into “sterile showroom” territory.
02. KNOW WHERE TO PLAY IT SAFE (AND WHERE TO GO BOLD)
Here’s a design truth that holds up over time: not everything needs to be a showstopper.
Long-term finishes, such as flooring or countertops, benefit from timeless, enduring choices. Meanwhile, bolder elements are better reserved for areas that allow for easier (and less expensive) updates. Think a playful tile in a powder bath or a statement ceiling in a guest room.
The calm of foundational finishes sets the stage. Well-placed accents bring in personality.
03. MIND THE UNDERTONES
This is where many well-intentioned palettes unravel.
Two neutrals may seem like a safe match—until one leans warm and doesn’t quite work with a cooler counterpart. Or suddenly, your beige walls are clashing with your so-called “neutral” floors.
And it’s not just paint. Different material have different undertones: wood, stone, tile, metals. Spotting those subtle differences (and making sure they harmonize) is key to creating a cohesive space that truly flows.
A palette can be all-warm, all-cool, or a carefully balanced mix of the two—each approach works when done with intention.
04. DESIGN FOR THE SENSES
We don’t just see our homes, we feel them.
Natural stone under bare feet. Brushed brass that softens to the touch. The quiet matte wall versus the crispness of satin built-ins.
These aren’t just finishing touches—they’re details that create comfort and character. They make your home feel grounded, real, and genuinely lived in.
05. PRIORITIZE FUNCTION, NOT JUST BEAUTY
A beautiful material isn’t timeless if it can’t stand up to everyday life.
It’s easy to fall in love with something in a showroom. But will that marble countertop stain with a splash of red wine? Will your beautiful floors show every mark from kids or pets? Will humidity ruin that hand-applied wall finish before the year’s out?
True luxury isn’t only about appearance, but about materials that support everyday life without constant upkeep or compromise.
06. THE OVERLOOKED DETAILS
Let’s finish with two details that often go unnoticed: sheen and scale.
For instance, glossy versus matte—and how you combine them—can completely change the way a material looks and how light moves through the room. And the difference between a mosaic tile and a large-format slab? It’s not just about size, it’s about the effect. Even the width of a floor plank or a shiplap panel can shift the entire rhythm of a space.
These nuances may seem small, but they will significantly elevate the result. And they always deserve just as much consideration as the larger decisions.
