Guide to Selecting Interior Finishes: Door Hardware, Cabinets, Plumbing, Lighting & More This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into selecting interior finishes for your space. Covering a wide range of elements such as door hardware, cabinets, plumbing, lighting, and more, it offers expert advice and recommendations to help you make informed decisions. With its formal tone and concise information, this guide is essential for anyone seeking to create a visually appealing and functional interior design.
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we unveil the art of selecting interior finishes. Welcome to our latest blog post, where we unveil the art of selecting interior finishes. From hardware and cabinets to lighting and more, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting a space that truly reflects your style. At Elizabeth Erin Designs, we know that choosing the perfect elements for your home can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you achieve your vision with ease, along with a few of our favorite products.
Selecting Cabinets
When it comes to cabinets, the possibilities are endless. The first step is finding a door style you love. Whether you prefer inset doors, panel doors, slab doors, or the classic shaker style, each option contributes to the overall style of your home. You can never go wrong with a shaker door style—it’s a timeless choice that works with a variety of styles. As designers, we also adore slab door styles for their modern and clean aesthetic.
Next, consider the finish. You can choose from standard finishes, custom-matched paints, or unique stains to achieve the perfect look. One of our current favorites is the Yorktowne White Icing—a classic, warm white that offers timeless elegance. If you’re looking to make a statement, the Yorktowne Eucalyptus is a stunning earthy green tone that adds just the right contrast. Remember, greens and blues are classic colors that can make your home stand out while blending beautifully with various finishes. For a natural touch, consider the natural white oak stain. Wood cabinets are making a comeback, bringing warmth and a touch of nature into homes. Mixing cabinet colors, like combining natural white oak with the White Icing finish, can create a custom look for your kitchen.
Selecting Lighting
Lighting is a key element that can transform any space. With numerous sizes, shapes, and finishes available, it’s important to choose wisely. The first and most crucial factor is size. One common conversation we have with clients is about the importance of scale. A light fixture that is too small or too large can disrupt the harmony of a room. You want your light fixtures to be proportional in width and height. At EED, we ensure this by providing an electrical plan that shows placement of light fixtures to scale.
Shape is another essential consideration, especially for fixtures above a dining table. For a long rectangular table, a linear light fixture may be ideal. Alternatively, you could choose two circular fixtures to fill the space. Lastly, select the right finish for your light fixtures. Matching them to the hardware used throughout your home can create a cohesive look, or you might choose to mix metals and textures for a more curated appearance.
Lighting isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality. Ambient lighting provides general illumination in every room, while task lighting focuses on specific areas that need more light, like a reading nook. When selecting table lamps for a bedroom or living room, ensure they are between 26-30” tall for better scale and accessibility.
Overall, lighting is a great way to add dimension and personality to your space. Check out some of our favorite lighting fixtures below.
Selecting Hardware
Hardware may seem like a small detail, but it has a significant impact on your kitchen’s overall style. When selecting hardware, consider the kitchen’s style and choose pieces that complement it. For modern slab doors, opt for hardware with clean, simple lines. If you’re going for a more traditional look, select hardware with intricate details. Whether you choose all pulls for a sleek appearance or mix knobs and pulls, both options work beautifully.
For cabinet pulls, we recommend sizes between 5-6” to make the hardware stand out and feel proportional to the cabinets. With the trend of ceiling-high cabinets, larger hardware can complement the extended height and create a cohesive look. As for finishes, this will depend on your cabinet choice. Popular options include black, steel, brass, gold, or silver. Our current favorite is brushed gold, which adds a touch of glam and sophistication. Explore some of our favorite bathroom pulls below.
Selecting Flooring
Flooring is an integral part of any design, tailored to each client’s preferences and budget. Here’s how we approach different flooring types:
- LVP: Luxury Vinyl Plank is perfect for families with children or pets. It’s water-resistant and scratch-proof, making it ideal for busy households. Modern LVP options mimic the appearance of real wood, and we often recommend lighter shades to conceal pet hair and dust.
- Carpet: Carpeting adds warmth and coziness, especially in bedrooms and basements. We look for carpets with textural elements, varying pile heights, and color variations to effectively hide dirt and spills.
- Tile: Tile offers endless creativity, particularly in bathrooms. With various sizes, colors, and installation patterns, we love experimenting in these spaces to create unique looks that differ from the rest of the home.
Selecting finishes can be challenging, but we hope this guide provides helpful tips and insights into our approach. Whether you’re updating your kitchen or refreshing your entire home, Elizabeth Erin Designs is here to make the process seamless and enjoyable.