The Art of Material Selection in Custom Renovations: Where Style Meets Substance
When it comes to home remodeling, choosing the right materials is one of the most important — and most exciting — parts of the process. From tile and countertops to flooring and fixtures, the home remodeling materials you select shape the look, feel, and function of your space for years to come.
At Everything Home Designs, we believe material selection should be thoughtful, personalized, and beautifully streamlined. Our team guides clients through every detail of the material selection process, ensuring your home reflects your lifestyle, values, and aesthetic vision.
We sat down with our founder and lead designer, Wendy Langston, to get her expert take on what really matters when choosing materials for home remodeling. Spoiler alert: it’s more fun (and more personal) than you might think.
Why Material Selection Matters
In custom renovations, materials are more than just finishing touches. They're the foundation of your home’s personality and performance. The surfaces you walk on, the cabinets you use daily, and the countertops you gather around – all of these decisions impact not just how your home looks, but how it lives.
“Choosing the right materials ensures the home not only looks beautiful but also fits the way people live,” Wendy explains. “It’s about combining durability, aesthetics, and function into one cohesive plan.”
The Everything Home Approach: Designer-Led and Fully You
Walking into a showroom full of tile samples and paint swatches can be a little overwhelming. That’s why our process is designed to keep it stress-free and (dare we say) enjoyable.
At Everything Home Designs, our premium material selection process is completely designer-led and tailored to each client.
Think of it as a concierge experience, where your personal designer schedules meetings, handles the heavy lifting, and makes sure every selection flows beautifully with the rest of your home.
What to Prioritize (Without Losing Your Mind)
When diving into the world of finishes and fixtures, Wendy recommends starting with your personal style. “Your aesthetic is the anchor for everything else. Once that’s clear, we look at lifestyle needs like durability for pets and kids, and, of course, budget.”
That last one isn’t just about pinching pennies. A smart budget helps you balance high-impact investments with thoughtful, cost-effective choices elsewhere. And with our trusted network of vendors and suppliers, we make sure every dollar goes toward materials that are built to last and look amazing doing it.
Go-To Materials We Love (And Some We Leave Behind)
There are a few MVPs (most valuable products) in our lineup that we almost always recommend:
Natural stone and high-quality hardwoods for their timeless look and resilience
Low-maintenance quartz surfaces that marry beauty with practicality
Cabinetry made from durable, solid woods that age gracefully
And while we love a good design risk, we tend to steer clear of materials that cause more headaches than wow moments – like low-grade composites or laminates that don’t hold up over time.
What’s Trending Now: Eco-Friendly with a Side of Wow
One of the most exciting parts of material selection right now? Sustainable options that look just as good as they are for the planet.
Wendy is especially excited about:
Low-VOC paints and finishes, which keep indoor air cleaner and safer for your family
Bamboo, a fast-growing, renewable option perfect for everything from floors to furniture
Reclaimed wood, which adds character and warmth while giving old materials a second life
Cork, which is cozy underfoot and offers great insulation
Recycled glass, a stylish way to reduce waste while adding color and texture to countertops and backsplashes
“Eco-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing style,” Wendy adds. “These materials are as beautiful as they are responsible.”
Final Thoughts
Material selection is where your vision becomes tangible. From the first swatch to the final reveal, we’re here to help you make smart, stylish choices that reflect who you are and how you live.
If you're embarking on a custom renovation or build, don’t worry about figuring it all out alone. With our designer-led, concierge-style process, you're in good hands [and probably also holding a latte while choosing tile – which is exactly how we like it].
Reach out to our team today to schedule your complimentary discovery call.