How to choose finishing materials

A material that looks great in a showroom can become a daily burden. Four questions will help you choose well.

What's the real use?

An entrance doesn't wear like a bedroom. For busy areas and outdoor floors, check the resistance to wear and slipping.

How much upkeep are you willing to do?

Natural marble and tadelakt are magnificent, but sensitive to acidic products. Marrakech's hard water leaves marks on dark, glossy surfaces. Choose with this in mind.

How does it look in real light?

Ask for a sample and look at it at home, morning and evening, next to your other materials. A shade can change a lot between lighting conditions.

What suits this building?

• Old walls: favour compatible plasters, such as lime.
• Direct sun: prefer pale colours and products designed for outdoor use.
• Wet rooms: check the waterproofing under the finish.
• Terraces: avoid materials that heat up strongly in the sun.

Limit the number of materials

Two or three well-chosen materials generally give a calmer, longer-lasting result than an assortment of effects. Keep a small stock of tiles for future repairs too, since a range can disappear from the market.