Building or renovating your dream home? Congratulations, this is your chance to create a space that reflects your style and meets your needs. But with so many materials out there, wood, brick, tiles, marble, Oh my, how do you even begin to choose? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with these five simple tips to help you pick the best materials for your new house without losing your mind in the process.
- Think about durability first. Materials are an investment. If you’re going to be shelling out cash for new floors, countertops, and walls, you want them to last. Start by asking yourself how long you want the material to last. For example, timber floors are gorgeous and bring a lot of warmth, but they can scratch easily in high traffic areas or with pets. If you’ve got kids or a fairy friend, you might want to go for something more durable, like ceramic tiles or engineered hardwood that’s built to withstand the test of time.
- Think about your budget. This one is obvious, but it is worth mentioning. Knowing your budget is important because it’s easy to get carried away with all the beautiful options, but remember that some materials come with hefty price tags. If you’ve got a tighter budget, there are plenty of affordable alternatives that look just as good. For example, if you love the look of marble but can’t quite swing the price, try quartz or engineered stone. They’re both beautiful and cost effective. The key here is to find the balance.
- Think about the aesthetic vibe that you want. Your material sets the tone for the entire house. Are you going for a cosy, rustic vibe? Try reclaimed wood, stone accents, and warm earthy tones. You want sleek and modern? Go for polished concrete, glass and metal finishes. Don’t forget about the cohesion of your materials either. For example, if you’ve got a super industrial vibe in the living room, maybe consider using something softer like timber or fabric in your bedrooms to balance the space.
- Prioritize function first. It’s super easy to fall in love with the material just because it looks good, but it’s super important to think about how well it will work in your everyday life. For example, if you’re planning to install floor to ceiling windows – Hello Natural light, make sure that you’re choosing the right kind of glass or window frame that will offer both insulation and durability. For kitchens and bathrooms, choose materials that are water resistant and easy to clean. Porcelain tiles are a great option for both floors and walls, while quartz is a solid choice for countertops.
- Don’t forget to think about the environment. With the environment on everyone’s mind these days, choosing eco-friendly materials is a smart move for both your conscience and your house. Look for materials that are sustainably sourced, energy efficient with low environmental impact.
It’s an exciting job to choose materials for your house, but just remember to keep your overall vision in mind.