Stone, timber, metal and fabric need to speak in the same light. A restrained material library often makes a stronger project than an extensive one.
A material library should be more than a collection of attractive swatches. It is a tool for comparing texture, colour, durability, maintenance and behaviour under different lighting conditions.
We begin with the base: flooring, walls and large surfaces. Only then do we introduce contrast through darker metal, handmade ceramic or a textured textile. This order stops every object from competing for attention.
Materials benefit from specific names and finishes rather than decorative adjectives. Oiled oak and lacquered oak can radically change the reading of the same room; polished and honed stone behave just as differently.
Visualization helps test combinations before ordering physical samples. Final specifications, especially for heavy-use environments, require a careful review of performance and upkeep.