This is the phase most people look forward to — and the one they’re most nervous about. Because this is where you start making all the selections that define how your home will look and feel. And yes… there are a lot of decisions. But when it’s done the right way, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It feels exciting.

The Design Process series 

May 15th, 2026

A Process That Brings Clarity, Not Chaos

Step One: Designing the Exterior

Step Two: The Core Interior Elements

Step Three: Lighting the Home

Once your layout is finalized, we move into the materials and details phase, and we don’t just start picking things at random. We follow a clear, intentional order so every decision builds on the last. This is how we keep everything cohesive — and make the process feel manageable.

We always begin with the exterior of the home. This is what grounds the house into the land and sets the tone for everything else.

You’ll work through selections like:

Windows and door styles

Roofing materials

Siding and exterior finishes

Stone and wood accents

This is where the home starts to take on its identity from the outside.

Once the exterior is defined, we move inside. This is where we select the pieces that drive both function and style:

Appliances

Cabinetry

Plumbing fixtures

These decisions shape how your home lives day to day — not just how it looks.

Lighting is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of design. We guide you through:

Statement lighting

Recessed and functional lighting

Accent lighting

Because lighting is what brings warmth, depth, and mood into each space.

Step Four: Surfaces That Define the Space

From there, we move into the larger surface selections:

Tile

Countertops

Flooring

This is where texture, tone, and contrast begin to define the overall aesthetic of your home.

Step Five: The Final Details

Finally, we bring everything together with the details:

Hardware

Finishes

Smaller design elements

These are the pieces that tie the entire home together.

Guided Every Step of the Way

This is where Eris plays a huge role. She walks through every selection with you, helping you understand:

What works together

What will last over time

What fits your vision and lifestyle

She has a strong eye for mountain modern design, but more importantly — she knows how to bring your personal style into the home. It’s not about designing her version of a home. It’s about helping you create yours.

We don’t expect you to make decisions blindly. We take you to showrooms, order samples, and lay materials out together. 
We can also create 3D CAD renderings so you can actually see how your selections will come together in real space.

This gives you confidence in your decisions before anything is installed

This phase can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the right guidance, but with the right process, it becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of building.
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Thinking About Building?

If the idea of making all these decisions feels overwhelming — you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we guide you through it.

If you want to understand how this phase fits into the full custom home process, we’ve put together a step-by-step design checklist to walk you through it.

From Selections to Breaking Ground

Once all selections are finalized, everything is documented and aligned. At that point, we’re able to move forward with permits and begin preparing for construction. This is where everything transitions from planning… to building.