When it comes to home renovations or building from scratch, the devil is in the details. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or revamping your entire home, interior finishing can make or break the look and feel of your space. But with so many details to consider, it can be easy to overlook some essential elements. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with an interior finishing checklist that ensures you don’t miss a thing.
1. Perfecting Your Walls: Trim, Molding, and Paint
Let’s start with the basics: your walls. This is where the magic happens. But getting it right isn’t just about slapping a fresh coat of paint on. Think trim and molding. These small details can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of a room.
- Trim and Molding – Adding baseboards, crown molding, or wainscoting creates depth and character. In fact, adding trim to your walls can increase your home’s value by making it feel polished and more custom. According to Remodeling Magazine’s “2023 Cost vs. Value” report, interior trim has an impressive return on investment, especially in high-traffic areas like the living room and hallways.
- Paint – The right paint colors can make a room feel bigger, cozier, or brighter. However, choosing the right type of paint is just as important. Look for high-quality finishes that can withstand wear and tear while keeping the room looking fresh. Matt, satin, and eggshell finishes are great for most interiors, while semi-gloss is ideal for high-touch areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Flooring That Lasts
From hardwood to tile to carpet, flooring is one of the most important elements when it comes to interior finishing. Not only does it affect the overall look of your home, but it also impacts its functionality and longevity.
- Hardwood – If you’re thinking about adding hardwood, it’s a great investment for any room. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes with hardwood floors sell for an average of 2.5% more than those with other flooring types. It’s timeless, durable, and easy to maintain.
- Tile and Stone – For kitchens and bathrooms, tile or stone is an excellent choice. It’s easy to clean, resists moisture, and adds a touch of luxury to any space. Whether you go for classic subway tiles or sleek modern stone floors, these finishes are both stylish and functional.
- Carpet – While carpet may not always have the same ROI as hardwood, it’s a great option for bedrooms or living rooms where comfort is key. Opt for high-quality, stain-resistant carpet to keep it looking fresh for years.
3. Lighting: Setting the Right Mood
Lighting is often one of the most overlooked finishing touches in a home. However, the right lighting can completely transform a room.
- Ambient Lighting – This is your primary light source, like overhead fixtures or recessed lighting. It creates an even glow throughout a room, setting the stage for everything else.
- Task Lighting – Task lighting is focused lighting used for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working. Pendant lights over a kitchen island or desk lamps are great examples of task lighting.
- Accent Lighting – Accent lighting adds drama and visual interest. Think wall sconces, under-cabinet lighting, or picture lights that highlight architectural features or artwork.
By layering different types of lighting, you can create a room that’s both functional and beautiful. Make sure to install dimmers so you can adjust the ambiance depending on the time of day or mood you want to create.
4. Windows and Doors: Don’t Overlook These Details
While they may seem like an afterthought, windows and doors are key to completing the look of your space.
- Windows – If you’ve installed new windows, make sure the trim is up to snuff. New windows often mean new opportunities for adding character with custom trim. Additionally, don’t forget window treatments like blinds, shades, or curtains. These not only enhance privacy but also add a layer of warmth and style to your home.
- Doors – Your interior doors can make a statement, so don’t settle for generic options. Whether you choose sleek, modern doors or traditional wood-paneled ones, they can significantly impact the room’s aesthetic. Be sure to install quality hardware, like handles and hinges, to complement your door style.
5. Cabinetry and Built-ins: Customization Is Key
Cabinets are another major component of interior finishing. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or living room, custom cabinetry can elevate the space and increase functionality.
- Kitchen Cabinets – In the kitchen, consider adding soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, or built-in dividers for utensils. Custom cabinets allow for optimal use of space and can completely transform the flow of the room.
- Bathroom Cabinets – Custom bathroom cabinets provide both style and storage. Think about adding built-in shelves for extra towels or pull-out organizers for toiletries.
- Built-ins – Built-in shelving and storage units are a great way to maximize space and add architectural detail to a room. Whether in the living room, hallway, or entryway, built-ins make your home feel like a bespoke masterpiece.
6. The Final Touches: Hardware, Fixtures, and Accents
Finally, don’t forget the finishing touches like hardware, fixtures, and decor accents. The right cabinet knobs, faucets, and light fixtures can make all the difference in your home’s overall aesthetic.
Opt for high-quality finishes in materials like brass, chrome, or matte black for a modern touch. These small updates can completely elevate a room’s design, and they’re often one of the first things potential buyers notice.
Wrapping Up Your Interior Finishing
Interior finishing might seem like a collection of small details, but they all come together to create the overall feel of your home. From choosing the right flooring and paint colors to ensuring your lighting and hardware are on point, every decision matters. With the right attention to detail, your home will not only look fantastic but will also stand out to potential buyers — if you decide to sell.
At TRIFORCE BUILD, we specialize in bringing these finishing touches to life, with a keen eye for design and quality. Ready to elevate your space? Let us help you create the home you’ve always dreamed of!