When you start to visualize new opportunities for your home, surfaces and finishes many not be the first thing that comes to mind. You might be thinking instead of:
- A new kitchen design,
- A garage turned ADU,
- The creation of new family room.
The possibilities are only limited by your budget, lot size (and local regulations) and imagination. It is a safe bet, however, that surfaces, and finishes may not be your first priority. Since they are often what their names imply, the surface and finish don’t come into full view until your project is close to, or at, completion. These finishing touches can improve the functionality of a design, or they can be something that enhances the look and feel of a project.
Form Follows Function
Countertops and kitchen islands may sport a variety of surfaces, though a smooth finish is desired for function. In addition to that, proper care of the surface may vary widely depending on its functionality.
Courtesy usenaturalstone.org/https://usenaturalstone.org/countertop-comparison-chart/
Other surfaces besides stone are becoming popular or cycling back into vogue. Stainless steel, butcher block, porcelain and even laminates have been around for some time, but a newer option is contemporary cement, a surface that is gaining popularity in countertops and flooring surfaces. Again, function and then style should be the determining factors.
The same could be said of flooring choices. The surface will depend on the function. Carpeting is not the type of surface recommended for kitchens or bathrooms. Neither is wood, in most cases. Surfaces made of laminates that mimic wood are an exception.
Finishes for Look and Feel
Finishes come in when you start to weigh the look and feel of a surface. Do you want a honed or polished look to your countertops or floors? What are the options for your walls?
The flat look of simple sheetrock seems to be losing its appeal. Plaster, and Venetian plaster in particular, layered to give a wall more interest and depth has been gaining in popularity for a few years now.
If you are looking for an interior finish that will promote a light and airy living space, large areas of glass windows and white or light pastel painted walls are a good choice. Paint is a versatile, easy way to make a great first impression and comes in a staggering array of colors and a wide variety of finishes, from flat, to eggshell, to degrees of shiny. Again, you’ll want to consider how functional a surface needs to be. Flat finishes are often not as easy to clean, so not a great choice for a nursery or a kitchen.
Different types of wood offer a range of shades and patterns and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Stains and oil finishes add to the variety. If you are looking for a bit of drama, reclaimed wood makes a visual impact.
Metal, on the other hand, whether it is brushed or polished can provide an industrial look or capture the feel of ultra-modern. Bricks and stone offer an earthy feel to a room or entryway. The choice is up to you and the space you have to work within.
Color and Contrast
Remember, darker shades can make a space appear smaller and the reverse is also true, so if you want to create a feeling of openness, lighter shades are best.
Let’s not forget color and contrast, which appear to be trending for 2021. Black paired with bright turquoise or bright red make a room pop. It’s fun to bring in bright contrast colors through throw pillows and paintings, as a way of carrying a theme.
Many of us are concentrating on making our homes a more inviting place to live and work. Perhaps that is a reflection on viewing our homes through a new lens. Whatever the reason, choices for interior surfaces and finishes are expanding, as creativity thrives.