How We Source the Best Materials & Finishes for Our Clients

Designing a home that feels effortless takes intention and a deep understanding of not just what looks beautiful, but what lives beautifully. From flooring and tile to cabinetry hardware and upholstery, the materials and finishes we choose shape how a space functions, feels, and lasts over time.

At Grounded Homes, sourcing is a thoughtful and layered part of our process. We believe in pairing form with function, beauty with quality, and timelessness with just the right touch of personal style.

Here’s how we do it, and why it matters.

It Starts with the Big Picture

Before we ever pull samples or place orders, we ground ourselves in your project’s full story: your lifestyle, your routines, how you want to feel in your home, and how you want it to work for you. This bigger-picture view helps guide every sourcing decision, from the sheen on your paint to the stone on your kitchen island.

We also consider the architecture and natural light of the home, as well as how each room flows into the next. Materials aren’t chosen in isolation—they’re part of a larger conversation.

We Balance Aesthetic & Durability

Your home should look beautiful, but it also needs to hold up. We consider how each material will perform in the context of real life: kids, pets, beach air, frequent entertaining. That means recommending finishes that resist wear, fabrics that clean easily, and surfaces that age gracefully.

We love natural materials like limestone, oak, marble, and unlacquered brass, but only when they’re right for the space and the people living in it. And we’re always transparent about what to expect in terms of patina, maintenance, and longevity.

We Source from Trusted Vendors & Craftspeople

Years of hands-on experience mean we’ve built strong relationships with showrooms, artisans, and trade partners who share our standards. Many of the materials we specify aren’t found on shelves or in big-box stores—they come from makers and suppliers we trust to deliver exceptional quality, every time.

This also allows us to source more sustainably and with intention. From FSC-certified wood to low-VOC finishes and handmade tiles, we seek out vendors who care about process and integrity as much as the final product.

We Believe in Layers, Contrast & Restraint

A sophisticated interior isn’t built from one “wow” material. It’s curated from a thoughtful mix of textures, tones, and finishes that speak to one another. We layer soft against structured, matte against polished, quiet neutrals against organic movement.

That balance creates spaces that feel considered but never overdesigned. Spaces where you can live comfortably and grow into them over time.

Customization Makes All the Difference

Where it makes sense, we customize. That might mean designing built-ins with custom wood detailing, selecting edge profiles for stone countertops, or choosing hand-applied finishes on cabinetry hardware. These details may feel subtle, but they add up to a space that feels undeniably yours.

Final Thoughts

Our goal is never to chase trends or fill a home with what's popular. We source to serve you. That means asking the right questions, collaborating closely with trusted partners, and bringing our experience to the table to help you make smart, lasting choices.

Because at the end of the day, the best materials aren’t just the ones that look beautiful on installation day. They’re the ones that continue to serve your home, your family, and your lifestyle for years to come.