How to choose finishes for your home renovation (without the stress and second-guessing)

"I thought choosing finishes would be the fun part..."

That's what most first-tine renovators say, until they're surrounded by tile samples, trying to decide between ten near identical whites, and suddenly everything feels overwhelming. 

If you're feeling the pressure to "get it right" and you're scared you'll regret your choices later- you are not alone. 

The good news? There is a process.  And once you know it, you'll finally feel confident locking in your finishes without constantly second-guessing yourself. 

 

Step 1: Start with what's staying

 

Already have flooring, cabinetry or stone that you're keeping?  That's your starting point.  You'll want everything else to work with these core elements. 

Don't skip this step - forcing a new scheme that doesn't work with existing materials is the fastest way to blow your budget and lose cohesion. 

 

Step 2: Choose one 'hero' finish

 

Pick the one finish you're obsessed with.  Maybe it's a beautiful stone benchtop, timber floor or a feature tile. 

This is your anchor.  Everything else will support it, not compete with it. 

💡 Pro tip: It’s easier to build a scheme around a finish you love than to try and match five things at once.

 

Step 3: Build a simple colour palette

 

You don't need 12 samples to make a good decision.  Keep it simple and intentional:

• 1–2 neutrals (like warm white or soft grey)

• 1-2 natural textures (stone, timber, or tile)

• 1 accent or contrast (a pop of brass, black, colour, etc.)

The goal is harmony, not variety. Everything should feel like it belongs together.

 

Step 4: Mix textures and sheens

Even a neutral colour scheme can look high-end if you layer different materias and finishes.

Think: matte cabinetry + gloss tiles + natural stone

This adds depth and that polished, designer feel, even on a tight budget. 

 

Step 5: Test in the lighting you'll live in 

 

Light changes everything.

What looks warm and soft in the showroom might look cold and flat in different lighting.  

View your finishes together in natural light and your actual home lighting before you commit. 

 

Step 6: Lay it all out together

This is the step most people skip. 

Don't choose tiles on Monday and cabinetry on Thursday.  You'll end up with pieces that technically work, but don't feel right together. 

Create a flatlay of all your samples so you can see how they interact as a whole scheme.  It makes a world of a difference. 

Step 7: Ask yourself - will I still love this in 5 years?

Pinterst can be tempting, but trends fade fast.

Choose finishes that work for your home and lifestyle. 

 

Questions to ask yourself:

• Is this durable?
• Is it easy to clean?
• Will I still love it when the trend is over?
• Does it suit my lifestyle?

 

You want timeless, not temporary.

 

Final thoughts: You can feel confident choosing finishes

 

Yes, it's a big decision.

But it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one. 

When you follow a step-by-step process and view your finishes as a whole, you'll make smarter, more cohesive decisions - and avoid costly renovation regret. 

 

Need a shortcut? 

Thats exactly why I created Styl Sets - professionally curated flatlays delivered to your door. 

Eacj set includes real samples that work together so you can see, touch, and confidently choose without spending hours second-guessing yourself. 

👉 Explore the Styl Sets here

 

Renovators FAQs

 

Q: Should all finishes match?

No, but they should coordinate.  Think "complement" not "copy".  Too matchy-matchy can feel flat and boring. 

 

Q: What's the most forgiving finish to live with? 

Mid-tone flooring (like warm oak) and satin cabinetry tend to be the most forgiving for wear and cleaning. 

 

Q: How many finishes is too many? 

Stick to 4-5 max. More than that and you risk visual clutter or mismatched tones. 

 

If this part feels harder than you expected, I get it. 

Most first-time renovators struggle with finishes - it’s not just you.

Just remember: you don’t need to have all the answers on day one.

Take it one decision at a time. You’ve got this.

 

Until next time,

Michal x