Planning a new build can be a complex and overwhelming process, but with careful consideration and organization, you can streamline the decision-making and reduce stress.

I have gotten several questions about where to start and how to create a classic look while incorporating some of the latest trends in their new builds. Here are some steps and recommendations for creating selections for your new build.

EXTERIOR SELECTIONS

The first decision you should make on new construction homes is the exterior finish selections. Selecting the exterior finishes for a new construction home is an important decision. The exterior finish significantly affects the house’s overall appearance and curb appeal. Here are some considerations and tips to keep in mind when making these selections:

1. Research and gather inspiration: Look for inspiration in home design magazines, online platforms, or your local area. Pay attention to architectural styles, color schemes, and materials that resonate with your taste.

2. Consider the neighborhood: If you are building in a planned community or on a street with existing homes, please consider the area’s overall aesthetic. While you want your home to stand out, it should also blend harmoniously with the surrounding houses to maintain property values and prevent a disjointed appearance.

3. Review community guidelines: If you are building in a planned community, there may be specific guidelines or rules regarding exterior finishes, including restrictions on certain materials, colors, or architectural styles. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure compliance.

4. Balance individuality and cohesion: While you want your home to have its unique style, it's essential to balance identity and cohesion with the neighborhood. Consider architectural details, color palettes, and materials that complement the surrounding homes without looking too identical.

INTERIOR SELECTIONS

Now that the exterior selections are made, we can get into the fantastic looks and styles you have gathered on your Houzz and Pinterest boards. BUT WHERE DO I START?

Many start with your paint colors first because the perfect colors are already in your head. But that is the last place to start, both inside and out. A large majority of homes have brick or stone, or both. So, it’s best to start there.

DESIGNER TIP: The best sequence is:

Brick &/or Stone
The largest paint areas
Trim
Garage door and front door stains
Hardware and lighting finishes

The first question I ask is how often you will make new finish selections for your home. If you have plenty of disposable income, you may remodel about every ten years with the changing trends. But most don’t have that luxury. I recommend not being enticed by the trendy selections you won’t love for years.

DESIGNER TIP: Whatever your color scheme, remember to keep it classic for your permanent surfaces - countertops and tile - and choose trendy for selections that are easier to switch out - paint and pulls.

KITCHEN

Starting in the kitchen is always a great idea when designing a new home. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the house and is often the focal point of family gatherings and entertaining. Modern homes are designed with an open concept living space, where the family room and kitchen are combined, and other rooms flow off of them with unobstructed views from space to space.

In the kitchen, the countertops and backsplash typically run the show. What you choose here will determine the undertones of all the rest of your selections. For example, let’s say you select Carrera marble subway backsplash tile. Carrera marble has a blue undertone, so if you want paint-grade gray or white cabinets, you must choose one with a blue base or a pure white paint such as Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White.

It's important to remember that the backsplash tile should be chosen before the cabinets because it is the next option for a pattern. Suppose you’re going for a granite or quartzite countertop (full disclosure - quartzite is my top recommendation, although busier than marble and always a show stopper). In that case, choosing a neutral backsplash that will complement the countertop rather than clash with it is essential.

DESIGNER TIP: Subway tiles are a classic option but aren’t your only option. Below are examples of other terrific backsplash tiles options.

Now, it’s time to select your cabinetry. One of the first things you'll need to decide is whether you want painted or stained cabinets. Wood-stained cabinets are becoming more popular and can add warmth to your home. However, it's essential to choose a stain with a neutral undertone. Red, orange, pink, or yellow stains can be challenging to pair with other finishes. Painted cabinets are also a classic choice and come in various colors and combinations. I prefer a mix of paint and stain-grade cabinets - a painted island with all other cabinets stained. Ultimately, the final decision is yours.

BATHROOMS

The principles of the kitchen hold for the bathroom. The sequence is:

Countertops
Shower Kit
Shower/Wall Tiles
Cabinets

FLOORING

Your floors are a significant investment. Most don’t plan to replace their flooring within ten years. You should choose a durable and timeless selection when selecting flooring for your new home. Hardwood and engineered hardwood are my top recommendations. Choose a neutral undertone that blends with the other pieces, whether light, medium, or dark.

Tile and stone are excellent choices as well. Not to mention they have a lifespan of 50 years, which makes them a more cost-effective flooring option over others that require sooner replacement.

DESIGNER TIP: When considering tile, avoid tiles that is polished/slippery, and don’t select wood floors with red, orange, or yellow undertones.

FIREPLACE

Since your family area and kitchen are generally connected, your fireplace should complement your kitchen selections. Therefore, choosing fireplace selections for a new build requires consideration of your kitchen choices.

DESIGNER TIP: Fireplaces with timeless materials like classic limestone or exquisite millwork detailing won't tie you to a particular design or color.

HARDWARE

Hardware and lighting are the accessories and jewelry of the home. Ensure you coordinate the hardware throughout your house for a cohesive, designer feel.

DESIGNER TIP: If you are on a budget, go for all knobs on your cabinets instead of pulls. Do not purchase the design upgrade. Pulls, knobs, and handles can be upgraded after the build.

LIGHTING

Lighting is where you can let your personality shine! You can have fun and choose trendy selections because they are easier and cheaper to change out.

DESIGNER TIPS: Do not buy the builder’s upgrade lighting packages. Why put your lighting on a 30-year mortgage? These are selections we can upgrade after the build.

PAINT

The final decision for your house is the color palette. You can only choose paint after deciding on your hard finishes. Instead of picking neutral colors for every area in the home, I prefer to select genuine colors. Although, based on your spending limit and available funds, you could go with the builders' standard paint choices and have your house painted by a different contractor before you move in.

CONCLUSION

This post provides a general framework for making decisions and the sequence in which they should be made. However, it just touches the surface of all the choices and selections that must be made for your new construction project.

Building a new home is an exciting endeavor. Although it can become rather daunting because each choice affects the one after it, and from reading this post, you know that clashing undertones and bossy finishes should be avoided. You must admire your finishes and colors to ensure you will adore your home for many years.

We have assisted many builders, business owners, and homeowners in building their own unique, timeless, cohesive spaces, and I would love to help you do the same.

HOW TO MAKE SELECTIONS OF CUSTOM BUILD HOMES

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