Have you ever been able to picture exactly what you want in your head… but had absolutely no idea how to explain it to someone else?
This happens with my clients ALL THE TIME.
And I actually love it.
They’ll say:
“I want it dark… but not too dark.”
“I want movement, but I don’t want it busy.”
“Can we add copper?”
“I like this colour, but can it be warmer?”
“I don’t know what I want. I just know I’ll know it when I see it.”
Yep.
I get it.
Because trying to choose a custom finish from a tiny colour swatch is hard.
That’s why one of my favourite parts of the design process is creating samples.
Samples are where we get to play.
We can change colours. Add metallics. Pull something back. Make it moodier. Add movement. Try a different wood. Change the sheen. Put two ideas beside each other and realize neither one was right. Have a paint swatch… want this to match that.
There isn’t the same pressure as working on the final piece.
It’s experimentation.
And sometimes the sample I was convinced would be the winner isn’t the one the client chooses at all.
That’s what makes it fun.
One small change can completely transform a finish.
A little more black.
Less gold.
A different metallic.
More contrast.
Suddenly…
That’s it.
And you can see it on a client’s face.
That’s the moment I love.
Because custom work shouldn’t mean choosing Option A, B or C from a catalogue.
If we’re creating something specifically for your home or business, I want it to actually feel like yours.
Samples also let clients be part of the creative process.
You don’t need to know anything about epoxy, wood species, metallic pigments or finishes.
That’s my job.
Your job is much easier:
How do you want the space to feel?
Warm?
Dramatic?
Organic?
Clean?
A little wild?
From there, we start experimenting.
And honestly, some of my favourite finishes have come from a client asking:
“What happens if we try this?”
I usually have the same answer.
Let’s find out.