Walk through enough remodeled homes and you start to notice a pattern: some spaces still look great years later, and others already feel dated — even if the remodel was “on trend” at the time. And nine times out of ten, the difference comes down to finishes.
Finishes are the parts of a remodel you touch, see, and live with every single day. Floors, cabinets, countertops, tile, hardware, paint. They’re also the things homeowners most often second-guess later.
So how do you choose finishes you’ll still love five years from now — not just tolerate?
Let’s talk about it.
Why Finish Regret Happens
Most finish regret doesn’t come from bad taste. It comes from making decisions too early, too quickly, or for the wrong reason.
Common causes:
- Choosing what’s trendy instead of what fits the home
- Going too bold on permanent elements
- Trying to save money in the wrong places
Finishes age. Some gracefully. Some… not so much.
Start With the Home, Not the Trend
Your house already has a personality. Ignoring it is usually where regret starts.
A 1950s ranch, a 1990s two-story, and a brand-new build should not all get the same finishes — even if Instagram says otherwise.
Ask yourself:
- What era is my home from?
- What architectural details already exist?
- What materials feel natural in this space?
Timeless finishes respect the bones of the house. Trendy ones fight them.
Rule #1: Go Neutral on the Expensive, Permanent Stuff
Here’s the simplest rule to go by:
The harder it is to change later, the quieter it should be.
That means:
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Tile that runs floor-to-ceiling
Neutral does not mean boring. It means flexible.
Think:
- Warm woods instead of gray-washed everything
- Soft whites, creams, and warm grays
- Natural stone or stone-look surfaces
You can always add personality with:
- Paint
- Lighting
- Furniture
- Decor
- Hardware
Those are easy to change. Cabinets are not.
Flooring: Where Regret Shows Up Fastest
Flooring dates a home quicker than almost anything else.
Common regrets:
- Gray LVP everywhere
- Ultra-dark floors that show every speck
- Trendy patterns that dominate the room
What holds up:
- Natural wood tones (not too light, not too dark)
- Simple, wide-plank styles
- Durable materials suited to how you live
Choose flooring for traffic, pets, kids, and sunlight, not just looks.
Cabinets: Classic Wins (Even When Trends Change)
Cabinets are one of the biggest investments in a remodel — and one of the hardest to undo.
If you’re torn between “safe” and “fun,” here’s the compromise:
- Keep cabinet style classic
- Add personality with color strategically
Painted cabinets can be great — just avoid ultra-trendy colors unless they’re easy to repaint later.
And yes, good cabinetry construction matters more than color ever will.
Tile: Texture Over Pattern
Tile regret usually comes from going too busy.
Instead of bold patterns everywhere:
- Use texture, shape, or variation
- Keep large areas calm
- Save statement tile for small, intentional moments
A timeless tile doesn’t scream for attention — it supports the room.
Hardware & Fixtures: This Is Where You Can Have Fun
Want to take a risk? Do it here.
Hardware, faucets, and lighting are:
- Relatively affordable
- Easy to change
- Huge style drivers
This is where trends belong — not in things that require demolition to replace.
Paint: Test It Like You Mean It
Paint regret is common because color behaves differently in every home.
Before committing:
- Test large samples
- Look at them morning, noon, and night
- Pay attention to undertones
And remember: Colorado sunlight is intense. Colors read brighter and cooler here than expected.
Final Thoughts
The goal isn’t to avoid style — it’s to avoid boxing yourself in.
The best remodels feel good on day one and five years later because the big decisions were made thoughtfully, not reactively. If you choose finishes that fit your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term comfort, you won’t be itching to redo them anytime soon.
At HOMEfix, we help homeowners slow down finish decisions just enough to get them right — because living with regret is way more expensive than taking an extra week to choose wisely.
