From Start to Finish: Selecting Finishes for Your Custom Home

09 Oct From Start to Finish: Selecting Finishes for Your Custom Home

You’ve selected the ideal location, constructed your perfect floor plan, and now it’s time to add the finishing touches. With the number of selections available to you when building a custom home, adding a list of finishes can feel intimidating. However, it’s simpler than it seems. Considering the style and intended functionality of each room will help you choose a fitting finish. Here’s some information that explains your options so that you can finish what’s been started. You’ll be moving into your custom home in no time!

Brush Up

Choosing the right paint color is hard enough. Now add five different finishes to the mix.  Remember, not all paints used in a home need to have the same finish. Different finishes serve different purposes and should be carefully selected on a room-to-room basis. Here’s what you need to know to select the right finish in each room. We won’t gloss over any details because we want you to be fully informed.

Flat/Matte: Matte paint hides wall imperfections well, but does not clean easily. Therefore, it should be used in areas that do not receive high traffic and aren’t used by children. It contains the highest amount of pigment of any paint, which gives it a rich color.

Eggshell: Paint with an eggshell finish has a bit of a sheen, but not too much. It has the luster of an eggshell and is perfect for areas where the walls receive occasional scuffs.

Satin: Satin luster gives the paint more of a velvety sheen, but easily reveals imperfections in the wall. A satin finish is great for areas of high traffic and can withstand wiping without removing the finish. It’s also resistant to mildew and mold, making it fit for more humid areas.

Gloss: There are two different types of gloss finishes: semi-gloss and high-gloss. Both highly expose imperfections in the wall but are easily cleaned and add a high luster to your home. Paints with a gloss finish contain less pigment but are not easily damaged.

Semi-gloss: This finish can be used in rooms with high levels of moisture, but may become sticky.

High-Gloss: High-gloss is perfect for adding an extra level of sheen to cabinets and trim, but is too overpowering for covering a full wall.

Hardware

Faucets. Knobs. Handles. Hinges.

Choosing the right hardware can add nice accents to a room, but must be consistent with the overall style and design. For a modern room, choose hardware that adds to the modern flair. For a more formal room, antique hardware might be a better fit. Use this guide to help navigate your options and select the most appropriate hardware for your home.

Modern

• Chrome: shiny, bright silver finish
• Silver Satin: silver finish that’s not as shiny as chrome
• Polished nickel: shiny silver but slightly warmer tone than chrome

Traditional

• Polished Brass: shiny, bright golden finish, but can appear outdated if used in excess; should be used with lighter-colored cabinets  
• Satin Nickel: popular for its warmer silver coloring that works well with stainless steel appliances and hides fingerprints nicely
• Oil-rubbed bronze: dark brownish-black in color and can add sophistication to a room
• Iron: its dark color pairs nicely with dark cabinets for a classic look; very durable

Formal

• Antique brass: brings the warmer feel and is available in many decorative designs, perfect for farmhouse style or a more formal room

Multi-purpose

• Black: adds a bold statement to the room for a clean look and can be used with either light or dark cabinets; may show sticky fingerprints

Remember, if you are choosing to mix hardware finishes, do it in moderation. A room should not exceed 2-3 different finishes. Too many can make a room appear mismatched and busy. You want your finishes to accent the room, not steal the show. If you choose to include hardware of different colors, make sure that they have the same finish. Consider buying cheap knobs of various finishes at a local home store if you’re uncertain about your hardware choices. This will allow you to test out each finish before making a major investment.

Don’t worry… you’re almost there! Putting the finishing touches on your custom home should be exciting and help you celebrate how far you’ve come. Choosing paints and hardware accents will develop your home’s unique style and set the stage for your new living space. Whether you’re at the start, finish, or somewhere in between, let us know how we can help you in the design process! We’ll help you design a finished product that your family can enjoy for years to come.