The Design Process
One of the most enjoyable aspects of buying a new home is the design selections process – choosing the colors and finishes for the home of your dreams. As you make your selections, you will want to consider your current and future lifestyle, family hobbies, and the type of entertaining you like to do.
Your designer will advise you on the standard design selections included in the purchase price of your home, as well as available upgrades. This is your opportunity to make your new home uniquely yours! You are welcome to bring cushions or color swatches to your appointment to coordinate colors, and pages from your favorite design magazine can be helpful, too. Keep in mind when selecting a color palette that it is important to consider the possible future resale of your home, and “neutral” colors tend to appeal to a larger number of buyers. As a general rule, it’s usually best to save bright bold colors for accent and interest areas in fabrics or pictures.
Cabinet color and style are usually the first design decisions you will make, followed by flooring choices, paint, and countertop selections to complement the cabinetry. It is a good idea to view color samples in both natural and artificial lighting to get an accurate view of the color. Be aware that it’s not unusual to have slight differences in color between the samples you see and the actual material installed in your home, due to dye lot or natural variations.
Some colors will also appear different when applied to a large area versus the sample. Installed carpet, for example, tends to appear lighter in color than the sample swatch.
Natural materials such as stone and granite will require more maintenance than man-made products. Natural surfaces need ph-balanced cleansers and require periodic resealing. The length of time between sealing depends on traffic and use. Consider the wear certain floor areas of your home will experience, such as hallways and entries from exterior doors. Hard surfaces will hold up better over time.
You can expect the selections appointment to take several hours and require attention to detail, so it is best if children are left with a childcare provider. Once your design selections are complete, please make sure the paperwork accurately reflects your choices. Request samples of the materials you have selected so they are readily available for coordinating as you select other furniture and accessory items. Now relax and get ready to enjoy your beautiful new Cachet Home!