If you’ve ever walked into a freshly remodeled space and thought, “Something feels off,” you’re not imagining it.
Most design problems don’t come from bad taste. They come from disconnects—when color, lighting, and materials are chosen separately instead of working together.
That exact issue was discussed in a recent Hire It Done radio show episode, where Adam Helfman sat down with Veronica Simmons of Simmons + Co. Design, a Principal Interior Designer and Licensed Builder, to explain why homeowners struggle with design decisions—and how to fix it.
If you’re planning a remodel in Southeast Michigan, understanding how these three elements interact will save you money, frustration, and regret.
Color Is Never Just Color
One of the most important points Veronica made is something most homeowners overlook:
Color is relative.
A paint color doesn’t exist in isolation. It changes depending on what’s around it—floors, cabinetry, tile, trim, furniture, and especially lighting.
That’s why a shade you loved in the showroom suddenly looks wrong at home.
When color is chosen without considering materials and light, it can:
- Appear too dark or washed out
- Clash with cabinetry or flooring
- Feel cold, flat, or uninviting
This is why experienced designers don’t start with paint chips. They start with the entire visual system of the room.
Lighting Changes Everything You See
Lighting isn’t just functional—it controls how color and materials behave.
Veronica was clear: lighting temperature dramatically affects how finishes read in a space. What looks warm and inviting under one light can feel harsh or dull under another.
That’s especially true in homes across Metro Detroit, where natural light changes dramatically by season.
When lighting isn’t planned correctly:
- Whites can look gray or yellow
- Wood tones can lose depth
- Tile textures disappear
- Colors feel inconsistent from room to room
Lighting should always be selected before finalizing colors and materials—not after.
Why Kelvin Temperature Matters
Lighting temperature, measured in Kelvin, plays a huge role in how your home feels.
Veronica strongly emphasized staying within the right range for residential spaces. Extremely bright or cool lighting can make even high-end finishes feel sterile and uncomfortable.
The goal isn’t brightness—it’s natural balance.
Proper lighting allows:
- True color representation
- Comfortable contrast
- Better depth and texture
This is especially important in kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and basements, where poor lighting choices are common.
Materials Have Thickness, Texture, and Impact
Another major takeaway from the episode is that materials don’t just affect aesthetics—they affect construction.
Tile thickness, slab size, cabinetry depth, and surface texture all influence:
- Wall build-outs
- Plumbing rough-ins
- Electrical placement
- Structural requirements
Veronica explained how even small changes—like switching tile types—can create a domino effect during construction if not planned early.
That’s why materials can’t be selected in isolation. Every finish has physical requirements that must align with the design and build.
Why Mixing Without a Plan Fails
Many homeowners start by collecting things they love.
A rug from one store. Cabinets from another. A tile seen online. A paint color from Pinterest.
Individually, each item is appealing. Together, the room feels chaotic.
As Veronica put it during the show, loving everything doesn’t guarantee harmony. Design requires balance, not accumulation.
When color, lighting, and materials aren’t coordinated:
- Spaces feel visually cluttered
- Focal points compete instead of complement
- The room lacks flow and cohesion
That’s why professional designers think in recipes, not shopping lists.
How Lighting Affects Material Texture
Lighting doesn’t just change color—it changes how materials feel.
Glossy surfaces reflect light differently than matte ones. Textured tiles create shadows. Wood grain can either pop or flatten depending on light placement.
When lighting is planned alongside materials:
- Tile niches feel intentional
- Floating vanities look elevated
- Accent walls gain depth
- Architectural details stand out
When it’s not, those same features disappear—or worse, look sloppy.
Why Design-Build Prevents These Mistakes
This is where design-build becomes critical.
In the Hire It Done episode, Adam and Veronica explained how design-build teams prevent mismatches by having designers and builders collaborate daily.
That collaboration ensures:
- Materials are chosen with construction in mind
- Lighting supports both function and aesthetics
- Color decisions align with real-world conditions
Instead of fixing problems mid-project, design-build teams anticipate them.
Color Should Reflect How You Live
Another powerful insight from the conversation is that your home should reflect you, not trends.
Veronica pointed out how many homeowners dress boldly, live confidently, yet design neutral, lifeless interiors out of fear.
Good design isn’t about copying Instagram—it’s about creating a space that matches your personality and lifestyle.
That means:
- Choosing colors you actually enjoy
- Selecting materials that support your daily routines
- Using lighting to enhance comfort, not overwhelm
When color, lighting, and materials work together, your home feels intentional—not staged.
Why Older Homes Need Extra Coordination
Homes throughout Southeast Michigan often come with quirks—lower ceilings, limited natural light, dated layouts, or layered renovations.
In these cases, coordination matters even more.
Lighting can compensate for low ceilings. Color can open tight spaces. Materials can modernize without erasing character.
But only if they’re planned together.
What Homeowners Should Do First
If you’re starting a remodel, the takeaway from this Hire It Done episode is clear:
Don’t pick finishes in isolation.
Instead:
- Define how you want the space to feel
- Consider how the room will be used
- Work with professionals who plan holistically
Design decisions made early prevent expensive fixes later.
The Bottom Line
Color, lighting, and materials are not separate decisions.
They’re a system.
As discussed in this recent Hire It Done episode with Veronica Simmons of Simmons + Co. Design, the best remodels happen when these elements are designed together—not pieced together.
If you want a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and timeless, coordination isn’t optional. It’s essential.
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