Five No-Sweat Steps for Sourcing Project Materials
In our office, the materials selection process is one of the most fun and fulfilling parts of our job. We get to play with colors, textures, and patterns—pulling it all together in a beautiful way that speaks to the wants and needs of our clients.
That being said, I can still remember my early days as a designer. You know, the days before I had a wealth of knowledge and a roster of incredible vendor resources. And WOW was the materials selection process stressful! I understand and empathize with the challenges of making your material selections without a design degree or designer experience.
Let’s make this a less painful experience! My goal is to share my finely honed strategy for selecting materials in an effort to increase your success during your home renovation planning process.
Photography by: Emily Keeney
5 Steps for Choosing the Right Renovation Materials
Step One: Own Your Design Style
The most important step BEFORE you start selecting materials for your home renovation project is to own your design style. This is a great time to revisit the Pinterest or Houzz boards you have been building ever since you started dreaming up your renovation.
If you have not started a mood board, take our quiz to help you define your renovation design style. In our office, we ask our clients to complete design homework ahead of the project start date so that we have a clear vision for what they are hoping to accomplish before we arrive for the first meeting. An essential piece of this homework is collecting inspirational images. This can be a carefully curated Pinterest board or a tear sheet from your favorite magazine. Do whatever works best for you!
TIP: Before you finalize the design style for your project, take a close look at your home’s architecture. Will the style of your dreams feel harmonious with the architectural style of your home? You might love traditional Victorian, but an edgy modern build might not love it back!
Step Two: Make a List of the Materials You Need to Source
Now that you have your design style confidently identified, you are ready to make a list of all the things you need to select for your project.
If you already have a set of plans from a design professional or cabinet maker, you are ahead of the game! Those plans will help guide you to know what you need to choose.
If you don't have plans yet and have no idea where to begin, I’ve got you covered! I am going to outline the typical things that you need to pick for several room types below.
TIP: If you are using tile, you will also need to select grout. You can ask your tile installer or the expert at the tile showroom to make a recommendation.
Step Three: Ask the Experts
This is when things can get fun or really, really overwhelming! Let’s focus on keeping things fun.
The first step in this part of the process is to identify where to go. Do your research by asking friends and neighbors who have completed renovations where they found their materials. Do a Google search and read the reviews.
Our firm is located in Seattle, WA where we have a seemingly unlimited amount of incredible resources within a 30-minute drive of the office. If you are also in a city, chances are you will have some great options for where to source your materials too. If you live in a more rural area, online sourcing may be a great option for you!
You might luck out and find a one-stop shop that magically has everything to fit your needs and wants for your project. Or, you might need to visit several showrooms and do some online sourcing to meet all of the project sourcing goals.
The second step is to set up a time to visit. Some showrooms might require that you make an appointment. Others will welcome walk-ins. Either way, call in advance so that you are prepared for your visit.
Be sure to bring your design style inspiration images and your list. When you arrive, be ready to share information about your project and ask for help finding the materials on your list. Lean on the experts to help guide your decision-making.
Step Four: Collect Materials Samples
Before you leave the showrooms, ask for samples! It is really important to have physical samples to take back to your home. This will give you an opportunity to see materials in your light and get a sense for how they work with the permanent features already in your home.
Step Five: Organize Your Materials
In our studio, we like to place each project’s finishes in a white tray that is large enough to spread out the materials without overlapping.
TIP: A box top lined with white paper will have the same effect!
This also helps us understand if we have holes or items that still need to be selected. We often have two or three options per material type and work and rework the scheme until it comes together harmoniously and represents our client’s vision.
Once we land on our final scheme, we create a spreadsheet that describes each material including where it will be used.
TIP: You can add tags or a numbering system for each material type and then link that to your floor plans. For example, a floor tile might be tagged (T-1). A tagging system helps to clarify where each finish will be used. Your general contractor and tile installer will be thrilled that you are so organized. Not to mention that you have reduced the margin for error.
Now, in some cases, you may have completed all of these steps but that whole harmony thing? Still elusive.
Go back to the experts if you find yourself spinning on which tile and counter options work best together or what floor material works with everything else you have assembled.
You can reach out to the tile showroom that helped you find first-round samples. Or, if you are really struggling, it might be time to stretch your budget and hire an interior designer for a materials review.
A trained interior designer can help you finalize your palette and make recommendations for items you are struggling to find. I can’t emphasize enough how much value the professionals will bring to your project.
Our Favorite Online Materials Resources
Are there limited material sourcing options in your neck of the woods? Or maybe you’re just doing some renovation research on your lunch break. Good news, there are some fantastic solutions online! Some of our favorite online sellers include:
If you follow these five steps, you’ll become a materials-sourcing superstar in no time!
