Design 101: Finishes And Materials
Updated Sept 28, 2024Understanding what finishes are best for kitchen & bath design projects (and why)
Most clients begin kitchen & bath design projects by asking "what materials do you propose?”
It’s understandable that a client wants to move quickly to select the materials and finishes for their project, because it is where the design really begins to pull together.
Yes, it is an important part of your design journey for a custom kitchen or bathroom, but maybe a little later. A smarter place to start is to learn about the different types of options a designer will, and can put in front of you, their client. This is what we recommend to do first.
This client resource is created to help you understand the advantages of each of the choices available for flooring, tile, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing hardware.
So when we dive into the “fun part” after working out the functional design from your project! You will be ready for the technical, and aesthetic reasons we will provide about the material or finish recommendation for your residential project’s design, budget and it’s goals.
Our design palettes (pictured above) might provide a stepping stone for you to investigate colour. Each are a curated collection of the types of finishes you would need for renovation or new build construction project. Each selection has already been evaluated based upon testing standards and industry certifications a qualified designer would recommend. As a grouping each palette is based upon a past project, or a unique in-house designer curated colour collection.
Click on the images throughout our article. You will be able to access the projects represented and the “flatlays” will take you to a different opportunity related to the types of finishes we are discussing.
Our Top 5 Resources:
What we will be covering in this client tutorial:
We will touch upon what goes into selecting each type of finish or material, as well as provide the value of working with a designer compared to the limitations of retail.
*We hyperlinked our index below so you can easily navigate our resource.
4. Plumbing Fixtures
Chrome
Stainless Steel
Gold / Brass
Powder Coated
Designer Tip No 4
5. Flooring
Laminate
Vinyl
Engineered Hardwood
Tile
Polished Concrete
6. The difference between Residential & Commercial
7. Rise of Ai and Big Box Free Design
Digital Sources + The Human Eye
Materials + Availability
Lighting Conditions
Can It Replace Qualified Designer?
Designer tip No 5 Select your materials together.
Is there a way to get the materials and finishes selected all at once?
What is a design palette?
Conclusion
The right white
Introduction
Our why
Billable hours
Providing the most value to your project
High-Pressure Laminate
Wood
Painted
Functional Accessories
Designer tip No 1
2. Countertop & Work Surfaces
Laminate
Solid Surface
Natural Stones
Engineered Quartz
Designer tip No 2
3. Floor & Wall Tile
Porcelain Versus Ceramic
Wall VS Floor Tile
Tile Sizes
Designer Tip No 3
Introduction
We know that selecting the final colours, materials and finishes for your project is sometimes the most exciting of your design journey with us and your project. It is for us also. Our design process always begins with dealing with the functional details of your bathroom or kitchen design project first. This resource will help you understand the characteristics of each selection a designer can put in front of you. Also identifying our process to select the colourful finishes in our projects, and our design palettes
There are so many selections a qualified designer can recommend depending upon your goals and your budget. We created this client resource to articulate the value of each in relation to the available choices. There are trade-only materials designers have access to that are not on the shelves of your local big box store or hardware store. More choices to sort through than you might expect.
Kitchens and bathrooms can have different levels of complexity so unless you already like the look of a specific project or have a pre-selected list of finishes colour coordinated for your type of project then we need to start with function first and then select finishes according to your project parameters.
It will allow you to be open to ideas as your design evolves through its different project phases.
It is important to note that not all finishes and materials work well together. This resource is a shortlist providing a foundation to learning about the types of finishes we work with. Not every situation, client, particular application, or type of use will be suitable for every finish.
Final material selections will happen after we have dug into your unique project details. We want to make solid choices without multiple revisions as this can add billable hours on your project.
Our Solid Design Process is a sure-fire method to achieve successful results with finishes
If you are looking for colour inspirations and ideas to start a project?
Click on the images throughout our article. You will be able to access the projects represented and the “flatlays” will take you to a different opportunity related to the types of finishes we are discussing.
Design 101: Materials & Finishes
Cabinetry & Casework
High-Pressure Laminate
If you desire a consistent look and low cost, HPL is the type of cabinet door you want. There are limited colour options but mostly these are ideal for commercial and residential settings. There are even wood-grain effects that look more consistent than natural wood.
Wood
Wood cabinet doors come in maple, oak, walnut, and some specialty species. The cut of the veneer will showcase the grain of the wood. Cabinet doors are never solid wood and they are natural, meaning they will vary in depth, tone, and grain.
Painted
This is the most common cabinet finish and it comes in flat matte, satin and high-gloss with any colour and door style you can imagine. There are some limitations, but notably high-gloss should never be used where anything may scratch its finish (e.g., base cabinets.)
Functional Accessories
Functional storage accessories installed inside cabinets make the space easier to use and more adaptable. We do not recommend trash/recycling under sinks any longer because these accessories often will not fit after the plumbing is installed.
Designer Tip
**No cabinet is scratch, dent, stain or moisture proof.** This is a urban myth. Always pull your toasters, kettles and coffee makers forward and ensure that your hood-fan is turned on 20 minutes before and after cooking to keep moisture away from all cabinet finishes. Also, cabinets require professional installation and other conditions.
2. Countertops & Work Surfaces
Laminate
Laminate counters are outstanding and the most cost effective. They often last 25 years or more and are ideal for most applications. However, they are prone to heat, moisture, and staining. No sink can be under-mount on laminate.
Solid Surface
Solid surfacing is a polymer product and has some great uses. Sinks can be integrated and match the material, but they are also not heat proof or damage proof.
Natural Stones
The most common natural stones are granite and marble. While granite is priced just above laminate, marble is often more expensive than engineered quartz. There is a lot of variation in natural stones and some fabricators will work with us to make sure the beauty of the slab is featured, but no two slabs will ever look alike and natural stones require regular quarterly maintenance to maintain their brilliance. No, hot pots can not be rested on any stone surface without shattering like glass.
Engineered Quartz
The most flexible counter surface out there has the widest range of quality and price. They have many patterns, colours, thicknesses, and edge detail options. The quality brands have testing data, certifications, warranties and they perform well.
Off-shore manufacturers are to be very cautious about. They do not have certifications and testing data available and they are often not safe for cooking spaces. They may chip and stain but they are also not heat resistant. Buyer beware.
Designer Tip
No countertop is stain, stratch, dent or heat proof. This too is another urban myth. Lemon, currey, wine, turmeric, tomatoes, greens, berries, and iodine will stain. Always use a cutting board, trivet, and clean up after every task. There is an adjustment period when you're use to laminate counters and now have quartz tops where being gentle with placing items down on the surface is important.
3. Floor & Wall Tile
Porcelain vs. Ceramic
Ceramic tile is ideally used on wall surfaces where there isn't a lot of walking, while porcelain is often "thru-body" meaning the colour carries throughout. Porcelain is suitable for all surfaces and comes in large sizes, but no tile is slip-proof.
Wall vs. Floor Tile
Not every tile is suitable for every application. The manufacturer will provide testing data that confirms where it can be used and these standards must be followed. Keep in mind that some tiles can not be cleaned with household cleaners and therefore would not be suitable for commercial.
Tile Sizes
We love to mix tile sizes and there are numerous options of tile patterns that can be made from a simple tile.
Grout lines, alignment in the room, and trimming are all considerations to think about. Some smaller tiles have many sizes and installation methods, but keep in mind that not all tiles are suitable for all applications.
Designer Tip
Associated costs include labour and materials. These are important to keep in mind when selecting a tile because there are a lot of different options and methods that can be utilized.
4. Plumbing Fixture Finishes
Chrome
Chrome is the most common, most accessible, easy to clean and cost effective fixture finish. It is shiny but may have a blue or silver undertone. Not all chromes match across brands. A new finish is black-chrome - we're excited about this one!
Stainless Steel
Mostly used in kitchen faucets and sinks, there is a difference between brushed and satin finish, but the longevity and use is the same.
Gold/Brass
Warm metals are still popular but there is also a wide variety of finishes available. Brass, polished, gold, rose gold, and lacquered brass are all options.
Powder Coated
Many fixtures and hardware come in black, white or other colours. This give the option to customize a space further and make it your own.
Designer Tip
Mixing and matching is great. Except when mixing and matching bathroom accessories from brand to brand and collection to collection. Stick with one finish, one brand, one collection. Also, we think that the faucet should match the all hardware finish throughout, but not necessarily the drapes.
5. Flooring
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a paper image laminated to a composite wood base, giving it the low cost. There is a range of durability; however the main disadvantage to laminate floor is that it does not wear well over time. Meaning, it dents, scratches and even swells if something is spilled on it. It's really only ideal for very low-traffic residential settings and can not be installed on heated floors or when a wheelchair will be used in the space.
Vinyl
Vinyl may be a natural linoleum or a composite. It comes is hundreds of styles, colours, and patterns making is very versatile for residential and commercial settings. Laminate is harder wearing than laminate and has an advantage of being resistant to spills, less slippery, and even softer on the bare foot.
Engineered Hardwood
This flooring chose is complex because it comes in so many different types, sizes, species, and finishes. Essentially, a "wear layer" and the sub-straight is what drives the cost of engineered hardwood but it is the most durable and cost effective options of all the woods. Adding a underlayment will reduce the noise transfer between floors. Most engineered hardwoods can not have heated floors. Be warned that dents, scratches, and body-accidents will permanently damage the finishes.
Tile
Tile is a great option for wet spaces and can have a heat mat underneath to warm the tile. Tile patterns and colours number in the hundreds, but keep in mind that they are not sound absorbing and noise will carry. In addition, if something hard drops on it then it will likely need a replacement. This surface is great for all project types.
Polished Concrete
We wish this look would disappear because it's overly done. It's expensive, time consuming, and fusy to take care of.
6. Commercial vs Residential Quality
The finishes we recommend for commercial projects will differ from the finishes we select for a home not matter the type of residence. To address this simply. Commercial spaces are designed to function differently. A physical interior space for a successful enterprise will take much more use than a single family home. Both the commercial products and finishes we select need to withstand heavier wear and tear. Using materials and finishes not specified for a commercial space will mean that they will probably need to be replaced much sooner than expected.
This will cost more labour to remove and replace than just choosing the right material the first time. We saw over the global pandemic how materials performed differently because of the type of cleaning methods recommended for public health measures. This happened across many different types of commercial settings. Vinyl upholstery cracking from the beach that was being used to clean it. Plastic dividers scratching because of the different types of cleaners being used by the staff working in the business. Specifying tested materials that are designed for high use and commercial cleaning products is a responsible part of our design process when we work on commercial projects.
An example of the residential application of commercial quality finishes are the common areas of most condo strata buildings. We recommend commercial quality materials and finishes as there will be a building code requirement for many of the spaces that would be considered a fire corridor. In the case of emergency spaces like hallways, stairwells, elevators, as well as entryways need to function within specific safety conditions so people can vacate efficiently. Many developers can make their projects feel like a luxury hotel. It is sometimes an art to meet these types of safety requirements.
*Commercial kitchen designs are completely different than a residential kitchen. When designed for a cold shell tenant improvement (from scratch), they are quite costly as engineers are required. They are constructed mainly of stainless steel to meet the public safety requirements of your region in the areas of food preservation and preparation.
7. Rise of Ai + Big Box Free Design Advice.
Digital Sources + The Human Eye
When it comes to coordinating colours of finishes together it is important to note that this is a physical process at our design studio. Meaning we do not use digital images to select your project finishes like an Ai app or big box free design advice consultation. We test in-person the finishes under multiple light conditions together with eachother as a group. Also evaluating the testing data and certifications provided by each manufacturer. Ensuring that each hue is in harmony with the other elements of your designed space. That throughout the different times of day and the time of year your project will remain timeless and all of the different finishes will be in balance with eachother.
Lighting Conditions
This is because each material has a unique manufacturing process and chemical structure from each of the other finishes of your project. They will each reflect and/or refract light differently. Each colour of a finish will perform differently under lighting conditions that range from natural to incandescent to LED, Halogen, and the colour temperatures of each source. Only a human eye can physically determine and evaluate the situations where finishes will not match or not compliment each other.
We say this because of the rise of Ai home design apps and services, as well as big box retailers with free design advice. These are machines which only utilize digital images, concepts and the digital information supplied to it. Can it possibly replace a human to select colour combinations for the most expensive selections in your home renovation?
Having no physical experience with the materials will not replace what your human eye will see in the end result.
Can It Replace Qualified Designer?
A qualified interior designer will always follow a process to get it right the first time. A designer or decorator not following this process is just as risky for you as an Ai bot instantly selecting a material selection out of thin air. Or the free design advice of your retailer saying what they need to meet their sales target, only recommending what they have available as a brand. Not providing you all the options which could have been made available to you by an independent qualified process.
These are added risks for you to consider. After the final installation of your project there are many types of products which can not be returned. It can be a waste of the money you have spent to get to this point.
Material Availability
What also comes into play with Ai, social media, and internet searches are that materials are not available in Canada or your home region. It’s a common issue we keep hearing about, we do not think it is worth your time getting inspired about something not available in your marketplace.
What If we told you that we could simplify this if you want to dive into colour while we work out the functional details?
This article will provide you give you a taste of both colour and functional qualities. Our design palettes do provide a type of stepping stone might simplify your design journey. As a collection of finishes that have been evaluated using our qualified design expertise. They allow us to innovate with colourful online design services, and are more than a design in a box or an Ai design from an app.
8. What other designer option?
For those of you that want to “dive into” colour and texture we have the perfect opportunity, especially if you are looking for inspirations and ideas. Designer options based upon decades of our past projects, as well as our knowledge of colour and design expertise. Our Design Palettes are carefully curated and pre-set finish packages for all types of applications and use including kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
They allow you the experience of considering colours and materials while we work on the boring stuff.
Keep in mind that: This Design 101 resource is still the backbone of helping you understand the finishes of each palette selection. Yes there is still homework. But at least you have something to consider, and each can be customised to your tastes.
They are an interior finish specification package that can be built into each of our online design services integrated with your smart devices (Android and iOS).
We designed them to be the most versatile “design in a box” concept.
You benefit from past projects in our portfolio you might already like the look of
You benefit from our knowledge of certified + tested finishes will perform best for your project
Each are colour coordinated with just the right white and neutrals for each grouping
If you want to carry the look over to as related space like a living room or bedroom we already have upholstery fabrics included.
Written by Corey Klassen CMKBD NCIDQ IIDA
