1. Design the tactile contrast
Three materials in equal weight reads as flat. Coarse stone × fine-grain timber × neutral RC — give each a clear sensory identity. The materials you'll touch most deserve the most selection time.
2. Balance the colour temperature
Concrete reads cold, timber reads warm. When they meet, let warm timber neutralise the cool concrete. Roughly: timber 60% / RC 30% / stone 10%.
3. Visual hierarchy
| Floor (most seen) | Premium stone or oak |
| Wall (medium) | Plaster, timber panelling, tile |
| Ceiling (least seen) | Timber panel or paint |
4. Predict how materials age
Timber turns amber over a decade. RC develops carbonation patterns and stains (embrace or shield). Stone is the most stable, holding its face for 20+ years. Build around the material that ages best.
5. Budget allocation
Concentrate 60% of the materials budget at sight-height 1.2–1.8 m. Eye-level walls and joinery deliver more than expensive floors or ceilings.
Materials shouldn't be lined up; they should converse. Cap any single space at three materials — beyond that lies chaos.