A beautiful design is only as good as its materials. They are an essential part of shaping how a home feels, ages, and supports everyday life. Luxury in home design isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality.

We completely understand working within a budget, but our aim is always to source the highest materials possible when designing a home. When it comes down to it, flimsy craftsmanship won’t stand the test of time and will ultimately cost you more in the long run as you have to replace items sooner.

Let’s explore the various reasons why choosing the right materials matters.

Aesthetics

Start with the most obvious: the look. Most people can immediately sense the difference between a high-quality material and a lower-quality one. For example, there is a clear winner between solid wood and particleboard. And, real marble exhibits a beauty that faux stone can’t replicate.

From wood and stone to cotton, silk, and wool, natural materials remain the gold standard. Over time, some may develop a patina, adding a lived-in richness. That said, exceptions do exist when it comes to practicality, such as high-quality indoor/outdoor rugs made from performance fibers.

Comfort

The next thing to consider when choosing materials is comfort. No one wants to sit on an uncomfortable sofa, just as no one wants to wear a scratchy sweater. The materials in your home should bring a sense of ease, making it feel like the most welcoming place in the world.

This is why we always recommend cotton bedding with a high thread count. You want to feel like you are relaxing in a five-star hotel at the end of a long day. The same applies to upholstery, rugs, and carpeting. Wherever possible, we advise ordering a swatch of the material to see how it feels before committing.

Durability

Over time, the difference between well-made pieces and their “cheaper” counterparts becomes very apparent. Items made from high-quality materials tend to hold up well, developing character rather than showing wear and tear. Where lower-quality alternatives may warp, fray, or deteriorate, well-constructed pieces are far more likely to withstand daily use. This longevity isn’t just about durability; it’s about peace of mind as you have fewer replacements to worry about.

Maintenance

Before committing to an item, it’s worth asking how often a material will need to be cleaned and how simple that process will be in everyday life. Some surfaces require regular care, while others are designed to be more forgiving. If you are shopping for a highly trafficked area of the home, like a children’s playroom or the living room, you might consider performance materials that have been manufactured to be hard-wearing. Your lifestyle is the biggest clue to which materials you should go for.

Sustainability

Finally, it’s important to consider where your materials come from and their environmental impact. Choosing higher-quality materials is often the more sustainable option because their longevity reduces the need for frequent replacement. When materials last, waste is minimized, and the overall environmental footprint of a home is lowered. For inspiration, here are some tips to shopping more sustainably for your home decor.

Thoughtful Material Choices at Every Budget

For those working within a tighter budget, we are happy to help identify high-quality pieces that provide lasting value without unnecessary expense. Our relationships with furniture makers, artists, lighting partners, and builders allow us to extend designer pricing in ways that help your budget go further.

Antique shops and local markets are also great places to shop, as they allow you to see firsthand how the materials age over time. Plus, shopping this way is inherently sustainable as it gives new life to existing pieces.
Ultimately, material choices should be guided by more than appearance alone. Choosing wisely leads to greater longevity, fewer replacements, and more satisfaction in daily use, whether you’re looking for furniture, a rug, countertops, etc. If you’re planning a project and would like guidance on choosing the right materials, we’re always here to advise. Contact us today!