Whether you are building a new home or you are remodeling your exisitng home and need to select interior finishes, here are some interior designer tips & tricks for finding the best finishes for your home.
photo courtesy of The Neighborhoods of EYA flickr.com/photos/eyahomes/18903109366/Just because it looks pretty and it is expensive does not mean it is the best quality.
You can go to a fancy designer boutique and purchase a plain white $50 T-shirt from a major designer, however it may not perform as well as a plain white $5 T-shirt from a discount store.
The same goes for interior finishes.
Do your homework, read the research, and find the best performing interior finishes.
Not all interior finishes perform well in all situations
Wood floors do not usually perform well in wet areas like a bathroom or kitchen.
White carpeting does not usually perform well in rooms that are right off of an exterior door.
Don't select an interior finish just because it is beautiful - select it for its functionality and durability.
Don't purchase interior finishes that try to mimic another more expensive finish
If you are using laminate countertops, do not get laminate that tries to look like granite because it will look cheap.
Instead, select an understated laminate that looks like laminate.
When in doubt, get the "real" granite, wood, metal, or natural interior product instead of the man made product because it generally stays in fashion for longer and adds a rich aesthetic to your home.
Get a reputable installer
The installation of interior finishes is just as important as the material itself.
If you install it yourself, make sure you are comfortable with the installation process.
If you hire someone, make sure they have experience with that specific material and have references of satisfied customers.
Install what is appropriate for a home in your neighborhood
If everyone in your neighborhood has plain tile flooring, expensive designer stone flooring will be beautiful but you will likely not recoup your investment when you go to sell. Of course, feel free to install whatever upgrades that you like in your home if you are planning on living there for a long time.
In contrast, if everyone in your neighborhood has granite countertops, don't install laminate countertops because your home may have difficulties being sold if buyers in the neighborhood want more high end finishes.
If you can't afford what you want, then start saving
Don't install an inferior product because you can't currently afford what you really want and what is best for your home.
Save up to get what you really want so you are not disappointed with the end result.
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