Renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry is an exciting process, but choosing the right selections can feel overwhelming. From benchtops to tapware, cabinetry to lighting, every choice impacts the final look, durability, and functionality of your space.
At B&S Nelson Building Services, we’ve been helping homeowners create practical and stylish spaces for over 30 years. Here’s our expert guide on making confident, well-informed selections for your renovation.
What Are Selections in a Renovation?
Selections refer to all the materials, finishes, fixtures, and fittings that make up your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. They determine the aesthetics and usability of your space.
Here’s a breakdown of key selections in a renovation:
- Cabinetry & Joinery – Materials, finishes, handles, and storage solutions.
- Benchtops & Splashbacks – Stone, laminate, or timber surfaces and tiled or glass splashbacks.
- Flooring – Tiles, vinyl, engineered timber, or polished concrete.
- Fixtures & Fittings – Tapware, sinks, basins, and bathtubs.
- Appliances (for kitchens and laundries) – Ovens, dishwashers, washing machines.
- Lighting & Electrical – Task lighting, power points, exhaust fans.
- Wall & Ceiling Finishes – Paint, tiles, or wall cladding.
- Accessories & Storage Solutions – Mirrors, shelving, towel rails.
Making thoughtful selections ensures your renovation is both visually appealing and highly functional.
How to Choose the Right Selections for Your Home
1. Start with Functionality
Before you get caught up in colour schemes and styles, consider how you use your space. Ask yourself:
- Kitchen: Do you need more prep space, storage, or an easy-to-clean splashback?
- Bathroom: Do you need double vanities, a larger shower, or extra towel storage?
- Laundry: Do you want overhead cabinets, a drying rack, or a built-in ironing station?
By prioritising function first, you’ll create a space that works for your lifestyle.
2. Choose Timeless Over Trendy
While bold colours and patterns can look great, remember that your renovation should last for years. Timeless, neutral tones in cabinetry, tiles, and benchtops allow you to refresh your space with accessories rather than major renovations.
Want a modern touch? Incorporate trends into small elements—such as tapware, handles, or feature splashbacks—that can be updated more easily.
3. Invest in Quality Materials
Your selections will impact how well your renovation holds up over time. Opt for durable, moisture-resistant materials, especially in wet areas.
- Benchtops: Engineered stone is durable and easy to maintain, while laminate is a cost-effective alternative.
- Cabinetry: Choose high-quality laminates or polyurethane finishes for longevity.
- Tiles & Flooring: Porcelain tiles are ideal for wet areas, while waterproof laminate or vinyl can be good for kitchens and laundries.
- Tapware & Fixtures: Invest in reputable brands that offer warranties to ensure long-term performance.
4. Maintain a Cohesive Look
If you’re renovating multiple spaces, consider how they flow together. A cohesive design creates a sense of harmony throughout your home.
- Use consistent finishes – Matching cabinetry colours or tapware finishes across the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry creates a seamless aesthetic.
- Stick to a similar palette – Even if each space has its own character, keeping a consistent base colour helps tie everything together.
5. Test Samples in Your Home
Lighting plays a huge role in how selections appear. A tile or benchtop that looks perfect in a showroom might look completely different in your home.
- Check paint samples on your walls at different times of the day.
- Place tile and benchtop samples in your space to see how they work with your lighting.
- Compare cabinetry, flooring, and wall finishes together before making a final decision.
6. Get Expert Guidance
Making selections can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With over 30 years of experience, B&S Nelson Building Services can guide you through the process, ensuring your choices align with your style, budget, and functionality needs.
Planning a Renovation? Let’s Talk!
At B&S Nelson Building Services, we help homeowners create beautiful, practical spaces that stand the test of time. If you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry renovation, we’ll help you make the right selections for a space that looks great and works for you. Get in touch today!