How to Choose the Right Material Palette for Your Home
A timeless guide to selecting materials that age beautifully
Design That Stands the Test of Time
Trends come and go, but the materials you select for your home are there to stay for years — sometimes decades. Choosing wisely is one of the most powerful design decisions you’ll ever make.
At Formery, we believe that every surface should tell a story — one of function, texture, and longevity. Whether you’re renovating or building new, a cohesive material palette sets the tone for your entire space. It defines how your home feels, how light moves, and how it will age gracefully through the years.
Start with Purpose and Function
Before exploring textures or colours, think about how each space will be used.
A kitchen requires durability and easy maintenance. A bedroom calls for warmth and calm. Bathrooms demand water resistance and low-porosity materials.
Ask yourself:
Who uses this space most often?
What activities happen here?
How much natural light enters the room?
By defining function first, you naturally narrow down materials that not only look beautiful but perform seamlessly over time.
Create a Cohesive Foundation
A successful material palette begins with a base tone — this could be your flooring, cabinetry, or main wall finish.
At Formery, we often use neutral foundations such as oak timber, warm stone, or soft white render to create calm and continuity across spaces. This doesn’t mean your home will feel bland — it’s a framework that allows texture and detail to shine without visual chaos.
From there, build layers of material hierarchy:
Primary Material: Floors or main walls (timber, tile, render)
Secondary Material: Cabinets, joinery, benchtops
Accent Material: Hardware, feature wall, lighting trim, or furniture
Focus on Texture and Balance
Texture adds depth, character, and movement. Pairing smooth and tactile surfaces brings harmony to your design.
For example:
Combine matte cabinetry with polished stone benchtops for contrast.
Offset rough natural stone with fine-grain timber.
Mix woven textiles with metallic accents for balance.
When in doubt, limit your materials to three to five finishes per space to maintain cohesion and calm.
Consider Light and Tone
Lighting dramatically affects how materials appear. A cool grey tile may look blue under daylight but neutral under warm light.
Natural light reveals the truest tones, while artificial light brings mood and intimacy. Always test samples under both conditions before finalizing your choices.
If your home has generous windows and plenty of daylight, you can confidently use deeper hues. For dimmer rooms, light-reflective finishes help create brightness and warmth.
Sustainability Matters
Timeless design is also responsible design. Choose materials that age gracefully and respect the environment.
Consider:
Locally sourced materials to reduce your carbon footprint
Recycled or reclaimed timber and metals
Low-VOC paints and sealants for healthier air
Durable finishes that reduce the need for replacement
Even small choices — like opting for natural fibers over synthetics or water-based sealants — make a meaningful difference to your wellbeing and the planet.
Colour Harmony: The Emotional Layer
Colour brings emotion and rhythm to a home. Choose a cohesive palette that connects every room while allowing subtle variation.
For timeless appeal, consider:
Warm Neutrals: Beige, soft taupe, or light oak for inviting calm
Cool Greys and Whites: Perfect for minimal or coastal interiors
Earthy Tones: Olive, terracotta, and sand for grounded warmth
These tones complement most architectural styles and adapt easily as trends evolve.
Don’t Forget Touch and Sound
Good design is sensory. Materials should not only look appealing but also feel and sound right.
Timber feels warm underfoot. Stone carries a reassuring weight. Upholstered walls or curtains soften acoustics. These details influence how a home feels to live in — quietly shaping the experience of comfort and belonging.
The Formery Way: Timeless, Tactile, Thoughtful
At Formery, we believe that great homes combine craftsmanship and restraint. We select materials that look beautiful today — and even more beautiful ten years from now.
Our design process focuses on harmony between architecture and interiors, ensuring that texture, tone, and light come together in a cohesive, timeless language.
Selecting your home’s material palette can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
✨ Book a Discovery Call with Formery and let our team guide you through the process of crafting a material story that perfectly suits your lifestyle and vision.