It’s one thing to fall in love with a marble countertop online. It’s another to live with it through spaghetti night, art projects, muddy boots, and all the beautiful messiness of real life.
When you’re selecting finishes, it’s easy to get caught up in what looks good — but the best design choices are the ones that work for you long term.
This post is all about helping you zoom out and think through what your home actually needs. Because when your materials match your lifestyle, you’ll love your space more — and second-guess less.
This post is part of my 7-Day Finish Confidence Challenge, a series that helps homeowners make thoughtful, stress-free decisions throughout the selection process.
Step 1: Look At How You Really Live
This is where design meets reality — and that’s a good thing.
Take your room list from Day 01 and walk through your day-to-day life in each space. The goal here is to pinpoint where function matters most, so your finishes support how you actually live.
Here are a few prompts to help you get specific:
- Kitchen – Are you cooking elaborate meals with lots of prep, or more quick dinners and coffee runs? Do you leave hot pans on the counter or need something that’s easy to wipe down on the go?
- Bathrooms – Is it a guest bath that’s lightly used or a high-traffic space with kids and chaos? Will it see a lot of moisture, makeup, or steam?
- Entryway or mudroom – Are you tracking in snow, red dirt, or just the occasional pair of shoes? Is it a pass-through or a true drop zone?
- Living spaces – Are you hosting, lounging, wrestling pets and toddlers — or a mix of all three?
- Laundry room – Do you need surfaces that handle cleaning products and hard water, or space to fold and organize?
Pro tip: As you walk through this, don’t be surprised if you notice a few missing items in your original selection list. That’s normal — go back and add them in!
Step 2: Ask Yourself These 7 Filter Questions
These are questions I walk through with clients all the time — not to limit your choices, but to help you make decisions that feel grounded and aligned with your priorities.
- Do I want low-maintenance finishes, or am I okay with some upkeep for a certain look?
- Am I comfortable with natural materials aging over time (think: patina, wear), or do I want things to stay looking pristine?
- Will this space see heavy use — pets, kids, frequent messes — or more occasional use?
- How much cleaning and care am I realistically willing to do on a regular basis?
- Do I want something classic that will last 10+ years, or am I okay with trends that might evolve?
- Do I prefer materials that feel soft and cozy, or ones that are more durable and hard-wearing?
- Am I drawn to real, natural materials — like stone or wood — or am I happy with engineered alternatives?
Be honest with yourself. There’s no wrong answer — just the best answer for your season of life.
Examples of Smart Swaps
Here are a few common trade-offs that give you the look you love with fewer headaches down the line:
Love the look of marble but don’t want the maintenance?
Try a quartz with subtle veining — it’s easier to clean and less likely to stain.
Worried about scratches on wood floors?
Consider engineered hardwood or high-quality vinyl plank for a similar look with more durability.
Designing a busy bathroom or laundry room?
Use slip-resistant tile and stick with low-maintenance grout or larger tile formats to minimize joints.
Why This Step Matters
This is where so many people make decisions based on aesthetics alone — and then regret it later.
But you don’t have to choose between beauty and function. When you think through how you actually live, you’ll feel way more confident about the materials you bring into your home. You’ll spend less time cleaning and stressing — and more time enjoying the space around you.
Ready for What’s Next?
👉 Day 03: Where to Splurge and Where to Save During Your Build
If you’d like help reviewing options or figuring out the best material for your space, you can book a 1:1 design call or check out DesignDirect, my messaging-based support service for homeowners navigating there new builds and remodels.
