Selecting your home finishes is one of the most exciting—and often overwhelming—parts of building a new home. From flooring and cabinetry to lighting and hardware, every choice shapes the feeling of your space and how it will live day to day. But beyond trends and color palettes, your finishes tell a story—your story.
At Scott Alan Custom Projects, we believe that choosing finishes isn’t about simply picking materials. It’s about discovering what feels right for how you live, how you gather, and how you want your home to welcome you.
1. Start with the Big Picture
Before diving into samples, ask yourself how you want your home to feel.
Do you imagine calm, natural tones that evoke serenity, or bold contrasts that express confidence and individuality? Understanding the emotional tone you want to create will guide every decision that follows.
Think of finishes as the visual language of your home—they should communicate your lifestyle, values, and sense of place.
2. Consider Function First
Finishes should be as practical as they are beautiful.
If you have children or pets, durable flooring and easy-to-clean surfaces may take priority. If you love to cook, your kitchen materials should be built for both elegance and endurance.
Good design balances aesthetics with everyday living. The right finishes elevate your routines while standing the test of time.
3. Choose a Cohesive Palette
Once you know how you want your home to feel, narrow your colour story.
Start with a few anchor tones—neutrals that bring balance—and then layer textures and accents for depth. This ensures your home feels intentional, not busy.
Pro tip: gather samples together in natural light. Materials look different depending on the time of day, and seeing them side-by-side helps you envision the harmony of your home.
4. Let Lighting Be Your Guide
Lighting transforms finishes more than anything else.
Warm light enhances natural wood and organic textures, while cool light emphasizes crisp whites and modern lines.
When selecting finishes, think about how light will move through your space—both natural and artificial—and how it interacts with your chosen materials.
5. Don’t Rush the Process
Designing a home takes time and reflection.
Each choice is a layer that contributes to the whole.
It’s worth pausing, visualizing, and imagining how you’ll live in the space years from now. That’s how you create something timeless, not just trendy.
6. Trust the Guidance of Your Builder and Designer
Your builder has walked hundreds of clients through these decisions.
Lean on their experience—they know which materials perform best, what complements your home’s architecture, and how to bring your vision to life without compromise.
At Scott Alan Custom Projects, we walk alongside you at every stage, ensuring your selections align with your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and your home’s design.
Choosing home finishes is about more than colours or textures—it’s about crafting the feeling of home.
When each selection is made with care and purpose, your home becomes more than a space; it becomes a reflection of who you are.
Because a home should reflect not only how you live — but who you are.