Keep It Cohesive: Why Less Really Is More in Home Design

When planning a renovation or new build, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of choosing all the finishes—tiles, countertops, cabinetry, flooring, hardware, paint colours... the list goes on. But at Flip Design Studio, one of our core design philosophies is this: Restraint creates beauty.

We believe the most elevated and timeless spaces are the ones where materials flow consistently from room to room. Repeating select finishes throughout a home helps create visual continuity, enhances a sense of calm, and ensures your design feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Limit Your Tile Choices: Rather than choosing different tiles for every bathroom or backsplash, we typically select one or two versatile tile options and repeat them throughout. For example, a matte white subway tile can be used vertically in a shower and horizontally as a kitchen backsplash, creating unity without monotony.

2. Repeat Your Countertops: Using the same stone on your kitchen counters and in your bathrooms brings cohesion and helps tie the spaces together. It also often results in cost savings due to fewer slab remnants and fabrication fees.

3. Coordinate Metal Finishes: While mixing metals can work in curated doses, sticking with one or two complementary finishes—like matte black and warm brass—keeps the overall look sophisticated and controlled.

4. Unify Flooring Where Possible: Continuous flooring throughout the main living spaces can make your home feel larger and more cohesive. We often recommend carrying the same hardwood or luxury vinyl plank through the kitchen, living, dining, and hallways.

5. Think in Palettes, Not Pieces: When selecting finishes, we build a material palette that flows. Each element—from cabinetry to lighting—should connect back to a central design story.

Design Tip: Before committing to any selections, lay them all out together in a sample flatlay. This helps ensure everything feels harmonious—and helps you catch any potential clashes before they’re installed.

We specialize in creating clean, curated spaces that feel both timeless and personal. Resisting the temptation to over-design is one of the most impactful ways to ensure your home stands the test of time.