What Are the Best Home Design Materials to Use For You?
Designing a new home is an exciting journey filled with countless decisions, from layout and color schemes to the materials that shape your living spaces. Among these decisions, choosing the right materials is crucial, as they contribute to more than aesthetics. They also impact functionality, durability, and maintenance. At Ernest Homes, we have a variety of options available to choose from in our Design Studio. It’s all about choosing the best option for you and your home. Let's look at the materials you may use for various areas of your home, including kitchen and bathroom countertops, flooring options, tile selections, and exterior materials, to help you make informed choices that align with your lifestyle and preferences.
1. Kitchen Countertops
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and selecting the right countertop material is key. Granite countertops, known for their natural beauty and durability, are a standard in our homes. However, upgrading to manufactured quartz countertops brings added benefits such as non-porous surfaces, resistance to stains and scratches, and a wider range of color options. Another plus to quartz countertops is they do not need to be resealed like granite countertops.
2. Bathroom Countertops
In bathrooms, laminate is the standard in some of our communities while manufactured cultured marble is standard in others (or a first upgrade). In this area where moisture resistance and durability are paramount, the choice of countertop material varies. Laminate countertops are typically made of plywood covered with a thin layer of plastic resin. They’re much less expensive than marble, quartz, and granite, and are heat, scratch, and stain resistant. However, if it’s seriously scorched or scratched, the countertop must be replaced; it cannot be repaired. Both laminate and manufactured cultured marble offer easy maintenance, but laminate is more affordable. Granite and quartz countertops are upgrades that enhance durability and aesthetics, making them popular choices for homeowners seeking a touch of luxury in their bathrooms.
3. Flooring
Flooring plays a significant role in both aesthetics and functionality throughout your home. Ernest Homes has embraced Luxury Vinyl Plank/Flooring (LVP/LVF) as a standard in wet areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. LVP is a great option for these areas due to its water-resistant properties and durability. Wood and tile flooring options are available as upgrades. While wood is a popular choice for some homeowners in the kitchen, we do not recommend wood in wet areas. LVP or tile is a better option for durability and easy maintenance.
4. Tile Selection
When it comes to tile selections, ceramic tiles offer affordability and versatility in design options. Porcelain tiles, while slightly more expensive, boast greater durability, water resistance, and suitability for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Understanding these differences allows you to prioritize features based on your specific needs and budget.
5. Exterior Materials
The exterior of your home contributes to curb appeal and plays a crucial role in weather resistance and maintenance. Vinyl siding is a common standard choice, offering affordability and easy upkeep. Upgrading to Hardie Board (cement) siding provides enhanced durability, resistance to moisture and pests, and a more upscale appearance, albeit at a higher initial cost.
Ernest Homes' commitment to offering a range of standard and upgraded materials ensures that you can tailor your home to reflect your unique tastes, lifestyle needs, and budget considerations. With the help of our expert team members and the endless options in our Design Studio, you can make informed decisions during the design process, resulting in beautiful and functional spaces for years to come.
As you embark on your home design journey with Ernest Homes, we want to exceed your expectations in terms of style, durability, and overall livability. Your dream home begins with the right materials chosen with care and foresight. Connect with our team today. We look forward to assisting you!
