Working through LVP and paint samples to complement existing warm hardwood floor. Selecting the final three paint colours with thoughtful, intentional choices to create a cohesive design.

The Process Matters

Before we pick up a hammer, we spend time with materials. We touch, compare, and hold samples against existing finishes and natural light. This is where the real design work happens.

Every selection is made with intention — nothing random, nothing “close enough.” When you invest in professional design, you get colours and finishes that work together from day one.

Why Material Selection Deserves Its Own Step

Most homeowners start shopping for finishes at the store, surrounded by fluorescent lighting and tiny swatches that look nothing like they will at home. That is how you end up with a floor that clashes with your cabinets or a paint colour that reads completely differently on a north-facing wall versus a south-facing one.

We bring the samples into the actual space whenever possible. When that is not practical, we recreate the conditions: gathering samples together, viewing them under the same type of light the room gets, and placing them next to any existing finishes that need to coordinate. A warm-toned LVP next to cool-toned hardwood will always look off, no matter how nice each one is on its own.

How We Narrow Down Paint Colours

Paint selection is one of the areas where professional guidance saves the most headaches. A single colour can appear completely different depending on the light, the undertone of the surrounding materials, and the finish (matte, eggshell, satin). We typically start with eight to ten options and work down to three finalists that get painted directly on the wall in large test patches.

The test patches should be at least 12 by 12 inches, ideally on two different walls in the room so you can see how the colour shifts with light direction. Live with the samples for a full day — what looks perfect at noon can feel too yellow under evening lamplight.

For rooms that connect to spaces with different finishes, we also check the transition. An open floor plan needs colours that flow naturally from room to room. That does not mean every room has to be the same colour, but the undertones should belong to the same family.

LVP Selection Tips

Luxury vinyl plank has become a go-to for renovations because of its durability and water resistance, but not all LVP is equal. Thickness matters: look for planks that are at least 6mm with a rigid core for stability underfoot. The wear layer should be 20 mil or higher for any high-traffic area.

When matching LVP to existing hardwood in an adjacent room, pay close attention to the width and texture of the plank. A 5-inch wide LVP next to a 3-inch wide hardwood will look mismatched even if the colour is close. Matching the plank width and going slightly lighter (rather than trying for an exact match) usually reads more intentionally.

Presenting to Clients

Once the final selections are made, we present them as a complete package: flooring, paint, trim, hardware, and any accent materials, all shown together. Clients can see exactly how their space will feel before any work begins. That confidence is worth the extra time at this stage.

Excited to present these selections to my clients.