Details that Define: The Power of Finishes
When you first step into a space, what do you notice? Perhaps the scale of the room, the sweep of light across the floor, or the furniture that anchors it. But linger a little longer and it is the details that captivate you. The curve of a stair banister, the softness of a fabric, the sheen of a lacquered surface. These finishing touches are more than decoration; they are the elements that elevate a space from well-designed to unforgettable.
At murfo, we often say that finishes are where design meets experience. They are the parts of a project that you interact with every day. The door handle you grasp, the texture underfoot, the way light reflects on a stone countertop - these details define not just how a space looks, but how it feels to live in.
The Language of Materials
Every finish tells a story. Timber speaks of warmth and permanence. Marble brings a sense of timeless luxury. Linen curtains filter light with softness, while burnished metals introduce a quiet strength. Selecting finishes is about more than aesthetics; it’s about curating a vocabulary that expresses the identity of a home or venue.
Cherie approaches this process like an editor - paring back, layering carefully, and ensuring every choice contributes to a coherent atmosphere. It is rarely about excess. In fact, restraint often creates the most impact: one exquisite stone in a kitchen island, or a perfectly tailored piece of upholstery that anchors a living room.
Homes, Bars, and Beyond
The importance of finishes extends across all our projects, whether residential or commercial. In a private residence, the right material can transform the daily rituals of home life into moments of quiet pleasure. A silk rug underfoot in a bedroom, for example, can shift the entire mood of a morning.
In hospitality projects; bars, restaurants, and boutique spaces, finishes carry equal weight but in different ways. Here, they must balance beauty with durability, creating an atmosphere that welcomes guests while standing up to constant use. A leather banquette that softens with age, a stone bar top that tells its own story over time - these are the kinds of details that make a venue memorable and encourage people to return.
Craftsmanship and Collaboration
Finishes are also where craftsmanship shines. We work closely with trusted makers and suppliers who understand that luxury lies in precision. A millimetre matters. A polish must be flawless. A stitch line must follow the intended curve. These partnerships ensure that our vision is not just imagined but executed with integrity.
Kevin, our Project Manager, often says that on site “finishes are the true test.” A project can look promising in its rough build, but it is only when the finishes are installed that the design comes alive. This is where the difference between good and exceptional becomes undeniable.
Why Finishes Matter
For clients, finishes may sometimes seem like small decisions - a tap fitting here, a flooring option there. But taken together, they are the elements that define the lived experience of a space. We see them not as afterthoughts, but as the culmination of everything that has gone before.
Ultimately, it is the finishes that clients and their guests will touch, notice, and remember. They are the final expression of luxury, translating vision into reality with clarity and beauty.
The murfo Approach
Whether we are completing a family home in Warwickshire, a chalet in Switzerland, or a contemporary bar in London, our philosophy remains the same: every finish must feel intentional, considered, and timeless. By obsessing over the details, we create spaces that resonate on an emotional level - spaces that feel not only designed, but truly crafted.
Because in the end, it is the details that define.