sourcing materials

the details

We believe the details make the design. And when it comes to crafting a truly unique and functional home, selecting the right hard finishes and materials is an art form. These elements – from flooring and countertops to tile and light fixtures – set the stage for your entire space, influencing aesthetics, durability, and overall ambiance.

Our guide details will give you a glimpse into our designer brains, and ultimately what makes a good decision for such a big investment.  

Step 1: Crafting a Plan
We take a lot of time to research and plan the vision for the home, as we call it, crafting ‘The Muse’. It’s what sets the foundation for the design, and helps create an initial visual for our clients. Understanding the aesthetic will help you narrow down your material options and ensure a cohesive look throughout your space (we can’t say this enough).

 - Find inspiration images
 - Curate a color palette 
 - Identity the direction for each room
 - Create your priority list 
 - Finalized a budget

Step 2: Prioritize Function
While aesthetics are important, functionality is equally crucial. It’s our job to understand how you live or envision living in the space, and then provide the next step of the plan, a floor plan. One of our favorite parts of starting a project is asking our client's questions about their lifestyle, family, hobbies, etc. It’s a fun bonding moment that allows us to see the home from your eyes. Function is essential for us, and it's non-negotiable when starting a new project. Remember, the best materials will not only look beautiful but also suit your lifestyle needs.

Step 3: Designing
Okay, we can finally start designing. Depending on the project scope, we like to build out the design virtually, allowing us to visualize what is needed, what colors are blending well, and all the small details. Only after our visuals come to life do we start ordering or making appointments to see materials. 

Paint: There’s always the go to, but we like to make a space original and pull the right colors based on the palette (and of course, we have an entire briefcase of paint samples). It's a collaborative adventure, exploring every shade until we land on the perfect color 

Flooring: We leverage our network of local vendors to offer a wide variety of flooring samples. This allows you to see, feel, and compare materials in your own light.

Countertops: Granite, quartz, marble, butcher block – we’ll hunt until we find the perfect one! Think about aesthetics, budget, and how you'll utilize the counter space (e.g., frequent cooking demands a heat-resistant surface).

Tile: We loveeee tile! Tile brings so much dimension to a space. From backsplashes to bathroom floors, tile adds a decorative touch. 

Plumbing Fixtures: Don't underestimate the impact of faucets, showerheads, and hardware! This part is often overlooked or spec’d by a builder that isn’t thinking of the overall design style. We are detail oriented and provide a full package to our clients. 

Step 4: Why Using a Designer is important 
Not to brag, but this is what we do all day, every day. When you are hitting a deadline with your GC and have to make selections, sometimes the pressure takes away the vision and the fun of the sourcing. Because sourcing hard finishes can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting. At Sage & Stone Interiors, our team of experienced interior designers possesses the knowledge and resources to guide you through the process. We can help you navigate showrooms, identify high-quality materials within your budget, and ensure your selections seamlessly integrate into your design vision.


If you are doing this on your own, follow our tips and start with a plan. If you need a starting point, here’s a guide to download to get you started.