Start with the light
Before choosing a finish, notice how daylight moves through a room.

Design notes
Observe before you change
Visit the space at different times of day. Notice the bright edge, the quiet corner and the surface that catches the last light. These observations are often more useful than a mood board at the beginning of a project.
Design the transition
A good room does not need to be equally bright everywhere. Contrast can give a space depth and purpose. Think about the transition from an entrance to a shared room, or from a workspace to somewhere quieter.
Test the material in place
A small finish sample can look very different beside a window and against an internal wall. Place samples where they will be used and look again throughout the day before making a final choice.

