The Art of Finish Selection: Materials That Brought the San Ramon Home to Life
Our team recently completed a full-scope material and finishes selection for a couple in San Ramon. The property features a Southern-style design with a touch of contemporary, and the clients wanted to preserve that character while remodeling the entire home to make it their own. The goal was to create a more personalized and functional space as they begin their new chapter together.
WSG Selection Process​
After our initial walkthrough and assessment of the property, we sent a design questionnaire to the clients to begin gathering insight into their vision, preferences, and lifestyle. We then scheduled a follow-up meeting to review their responses in detail, allowing us to better understand each client's individual style and expectations.
Color Palette:
Establishing a cohesive color palette is the first and most essential step in the material selection process. A well-defined palette sets the tone for the entire home, guiding the selection of finishes and ensuring visual harmony throughout. It also helps streamline decisions by narrowing down the range of options to those that align with the overall design direction.
Inspiring Images:
Once the color palette is finalized, we present it to the clients using a curated selection of inspiring images. These visuals help communicate the design direction clearly and allow clients to better imagine how the chosen colors will look and feel within the space. This step bridges the gap between concept and reality, offering a preview of the potential final result.
Selecting Material:
With the color palette confirmed, we move on to selecting materials and finishes for each space, room by room. This step ensures that every element—flooring, cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, and more—aligns with the overall design vision while also addressing the specific function and character of each area.
Accent Wall Ideas
In every home, certain walls naturally become focal points—and in this project, the TV wall served as the centerpiece of the family room. To meet the clients' desire for both functionality and aesthetics, we proposed relocating the fireplace to the center of the wall to create a strong vertical axis. Above it, the TV would be mounted to establish a clean and balanced focal point.
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Beneath the modern electric linear fireplace, we designed a custom low-profile bench with integrated drawers. This element not only provides practical storage but also doubles as a cozy seating area, enhancing the warmth and comfort of the family space. On either side of the fireplace, built-in shelving units were added to showcase decorative accessories, books, and personal items—reinforcing the wall as a central feature of the room.
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To maintain a cohesive design flow, the color palette for this space was matched with the kitchen cabinetry. Since the family room is adjacent to the kitchen, using similar tones ensures a seamless and harmonious transition between the two areas.
Breakfast Nook Design
To make the most of the space and improve flow within the kitchen area, we designed a built-in bench for the breakfast nook. This solution minimizes the footprint of the dining area, allowing for easier circulation between the kitchen island and the adjacent dining zone.
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To enhance both functionality and visual balance, we flanked the bench with tall custom units. These can be tailored to suit a variety of needs—such as a coffee station, additional pantry storage, or open shelving for display.
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The wall above the bench presents a perfect opportunity to introduce a subtle focal point without adding clutter. We recommend styling it with a family photo or curated artwork to bring personality and warmth to the space.
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To maintain design consistency throughout the home, an arched detail above the tall units reflects architectural elements used elsewhere in the project. As with other key areas, the color palette here aligns with the kitchen cabinetry, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious transition between connected spaces.
Vendor Selection:
The final step, after confirming all materials and finishes, is sourcing the selected items from our trusted network of vendors around the world. At this stage, clients can simply relax while we coordinate the purchasing and ensure that each item is delivered directly to their doorstep.
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Note: If the client prefers to handle the purchasing themselves, we will provide a detailed vendor list, including sources for each item, to make the shopping process as smooth and efficient as possible.
At WSG, we are committed to delivering personalized, detail-oriented design packages tailored to each client’s unique vision and style. With every project, we strive to create a comprehensive material and finish selection that not only reflects the client’s taste but also aligns with their budget. Our goal is to make the design process seamless, inspiring, and truly reflective of the people we’re designing for.
