The right finishes bring an interior together. Choosing them as a set — rather than one at a time — helps avoid spaces that feel disconnected.
Begin with a colour palette
Select a base colour, a secondary colour and one or two accents. Neutral bases such as white, beige or grey make it easier to layer wood tones and bolder accents.
Balance textures
Combine smooth and textured surfaces — matte laminates with wood grain, fabric with metal, stone with glass — to add depth without clutter.
Coordinate materials across rooms
Repeating a few materials throughout the home, such as one wood tone or a consistent hardware finish, creates continuity from room to room.
Consider maintenance
Kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas need durable, easy-to-clean surfaces. Save delicate finishes for low-use areas.
Check finishes under real lighting
Colours can look very different under warm and cool light. Always view samples in the room where they will be used, at different times of day.
Use samples together
Place laminate, fabric, paint and stone samples side by side before finalising. This is the quickest way to see whether they work as a group.
Need help putting your finishes together? Talk to the ARCHLINE design team.