Purchasing a pre-construction home or condominium comes with many benefits; one of the most exciting being the opportunity to personalize your space from a clean slate. The process of selecting interior finishes is a pivotal step in your homebuying journey. While thrilling, it can also feel overwhelming. Having worked on numerous model homes and guided many homebuyers through their decor appointments, I’m excited to share insights and practical tips to help make this experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Preparing for your decor appointment

Every builder follows a slightly different process, but most offer a consultation to assist with selecting interior finishes. If you’re given the chance to preview the available samples before your appointment, I highly recommend you take advantage of it. Seeing your options in advance will help you feel more confident when it’s time to make decisions about flooring, cabinetry, countertops and more.

TIP: Start with colour

When designing a model home, I always begin by establishing a colour palette – choosing base colours (often neutrals) and accent colours that add personality. To make this step easier for yourself, consider this key question: What is my style?

Do you lean toward modern, traditional, transitional, farmhouse or another aesthetic? If you’re unsure, gather inspiration from photos, magazines and online sources that reflect your tastes. Also, keep in mind any existing furniture you plan to bring to your new home. Creating a visual reference will help both you and your decor consultant make choices that align with your vision.

Where to begin?

1. Understand your layout and lifestyle

Studying your floorplan can guide your decisions. Ask yourself:

• Where are the natural transitions between spaces and how can you optimize your space?
• What areas will experience the most foot traffic?
• Is there ample storage for your needs?
• Do you have pets?
• What will be visible from the front entrance?
• Do you cook and entertain frequently?
• Do you require a work from home space?
• Are there any specific ceiling details you would like to explore, specialized lighting or plumbing requirements?

Your answers will shape how you allocate your budget and which materials best suit your lifestyle.

2. Prioritize the kitchen

In my experience, the kitchen is the heart of the home, no matter the size. In today’s open-concept designs, the kitchen seamlessly connects with main living areas, making it a focal point. This is why I recommend starting your selection process here.

A well-designed kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality. Consider:

• Will you be supervising homework while preparing meals?
• Will most meals be eaten in the kitchen?
• Do you need display space for special collections?
• Do you require extra storage for small appliances?
• Will you be entertaining in your kitchen?

Discussing these details with your decor consultant will help ensure your kitchen is both beautiful and practical – one that truly supports how you live.

Balancing trends with timelessness

As you make your selections, focus on features that enhance both the beauty and functionality of your home while also adding long-term value.

TIP: Trends come and go – stay true to your style

While you may be tempted to follow the latest trends, remember that your home should reflect you. Choose timeless finishes for big-ticket items such as cabinetry, flooring and countertops. If a current trend inspires you, incorporate it through accent colours and accessories, which are easier and more affordable to update in the future.

By approaching your decor selections with confidence and a clear vision, you’ll create a home that feels uniquely yours, a place where you love to live.

Coming up next…

In my next column, I’ll take a deeper dive into kitchen design, covering everything from flooring, cabinetry and countertops to the finishing touches such as hardware that bring the space to life.