What to know before choosing finishes for a custom home

Key takeaways

• Custom-home finish choices require balancing personal style and budget, with experts advising buyers to prioritize spending on elements that are costly or disruptive to replace later — such as flooring, cabinetry, countertops and tile — while saving on decorative accents.
• Timeless, durable materials tend to age better than trend-driven finishes, especially for permanent features, with designers recommending neutral palettes and natural materials that can be updated over time with easier, lower-cost changes like paint, lighting and hardware.
• Lifestyle should drive finish decisions, from choosing stain-resistant surfaces for families with kids and pets to investing in kitchens, outdoor spaces or specialty rooms that align with how homeowners plan to live and use their space.

Choosing the details that make a house feel like home is exciting, though the sheer number of options can quickly become overwhelming.

If you’re opting to build a custom home, you probably have a good sense of the design you’re after. You also have a budget for how much you can afford to spend on the home. Lining up your dream aesthetic and budget is not always simple.
When it comes to interior design, buyers can either select to curate finishes themselves or consult an interior designer. Some high-end architects might offer this in-house, but if not, you can hire a decorator to help bring your vision to life.

Some finishes will be chosen earlier on in the custom home project, but others like paint color can be chosen later.

Some upgrades are advised over others because they are seen as an investment in the home’s value. Finishes are an area where buyers can opt to splurge or save.

"Budget influences every decision, so I encourage buyers to be strategic on when they spend and where they save," said Craig Gritzen, founder and principal designer at Curated Style Collective in Los Angeles, California. "I generally recommend spending more on finishes that are expensive or disruptive to replace later, such as flooring, cabinetry, tile and countertops. Smart places to save are in decorative lighting and other accent materials where you can still achieve a beautiful result without breaking the bank."

Buyers tend to have a few things they really want, so the upgrade is worth it to them, but upgrading every element is likely not necessary.

“Homebuyers are most passionate about finishes they touch every day. This is generally flooring, countertops, hardware, tile and fixtures," Gritzen said. “These selections feel the most personal for them to select.”

The impact design choices have on resale value should not be completely ignored, but this custom home is for you and should feel like it.

“It ultimately depends on an individual or family’s long-term goals,” said Philip J. Consalvo, principal at PJC Architecture based in New York City. “Is this going to be your forever home, or are you thinking of selling five years down the line? That said, we always advise clients to design for themselves. Even if you plan to sell it a few years down the line, you want to enjoy the space you live in. Too many people make the mistake of designing for the next owner, who may come in and change everything anyway.”

Every few years, trends in home design change. If your home is built to a current trend, it might start to look dated in a few years. If you love it, that shouldn’t matter, but if you are making a choice simply because it is a trend, consider going with a more timeless option.

“I usually recommend keeping the foundational finishes more timeless while sprinkling in trends on easily updated items,” Gritzen said. “Layout, flooring, cabinetry and tile should feel timeless and grounding while working with the architecture of the home. Trend-forward choices are better expressed through lighting, paint, hardware and furnishings, since these can be easily updated in the future.”

In general, natural materials like wood and stone are durable and timeless. For color, neutral tones are typically recommended.

“We recommend establishing a largely neutral, timeless palette for more permanent elements and incorporating color, pattern or texture through accents that can be easily updated — such as paint, lighting, hardware or furnishings,” Consalvo said. “This approach allows the home to evolve without requiring major renovations.”

The photo you found on Pinterest is a good place to start for inspiration, but execution of the look might not transfer.

“A common challenge faced, however, is aligning inspiration with the constraints behind the scenes, such as budget, lighting and finish upgrades, along with hidden maintenance costs,” Gritzen said. “Inspiration is useful to find the homeowners’ style as long as it’s filtered through the lens of the specific project.”

You also need to consider your lifestyle and whether having a butcher block counter, for instance, is durable enough for your life. Builders and architects have more experience choosing materials, so use their guidance when possible.

“Another important factor that is easily overlooked is location within the home,” Consalvo said. “For example, a wood wall in direct sunlight may bleach over time, and steam showers require materials that can withstand high moisture levels. Architects should always consider how each material will perform in its specific environment.”

When considering what will be durable for your life, here are some suggestions based on different lifestyles.

• Choose durable, stain-resistant flooring (luxury vinyl, engineered hardwood, tile)
• Opt for performance fabrics and washable wall paints
• Add rounded edges, soft-close cabinetry and slip-resistant surfaces
• Prioritize easy-to-clean materials throughout high-traffic areas

• Invest in a high-end kitchen with ample counter space and upgraded appliances
• Enhance open living and dining areas for seamless flow
• Add or upgrade wine rooms, bars or beverage centers
• Focus splurges on lighting, cabinetry and finishes guests will notice most

• Upgrade guest bedrooms or suites with quality finishes
• Add private or adjacent bathrooms with spa-like touches
• Include thoughtful details like built-in storage, lighting and sound separation

• Enhance patios with fire pits or outdoor fireplaces
• Add hot tubs, plunge pools or lounge seating
• Incorporate outdoor kitchens or built-in barbecues
• Use weather-resistant flooring, cabinetry and lighting

• Design space for a home gym or fitness studio
• Add specialty features such as saunas, cold plunges or steam showers
• Consider golf simulators or multipurpose recreation rooms
• Prioritize ventilation, flooring and sound control

• Create a dedicated theater or media room
• Include surround sound, acoustic treatments and blackout shades
• Install projectors or large-format screens
• Add comfort features like theater seating, risers and snack or popcorn bars