The New Build Selection Process: A Queensland Designer’s Checklist

If you’re building a new home in Queensland, you’ll quickly learn how many design decisions come your way. Flooring, cabinetry, tiles, paint colours, benchtops, lighting, tapware — the list feels endless.

Without a clear plan, the process can become overwhelming, leading to rushed choices and inconsistent results. Builder deadlines often don’t leave much time to think, and once selections are locked in, changes can be costly.

Having worked with clients across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast, I’ve developed a proven step-by-step process that helps homeowners make confident, cohesive selections from start to finish.

Here’s my practical checklist for a smooth new build journey.

1. Define Your Style Direction Early

Before you choose a single tile, you need clarity on your overall look and feel. This becomes your design compass for every decision that follows.

Collect inspiration images that align with how you want your home to feel — not just how it looks. Think about texture, light, mood, and lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to relaxed coastal tones, warm organic textures, or modern minimalism, your style direction will guide consistent choices.

Tip: Create a single reference board with images that truly resonate. Less is more.

2. Understand Your Builder’s Allowances and Process

Every builder has different allowances and timelines for selections. Missing a window or exceeding an allowance can add unnecessary stress or costs.

Request a clear list of what’s included in your contract and when selections are due. This helps you plan your appointments in advance and decide which finishes you want to upgrade.

Tip: Use your designer as your advocate to navigate builder communication. It ensures decisions stay aligned with your vision and budget.

3. Prioritise the Big-Ticket Selections First

Some choices have a bigger visual and functional impact than others. Start with flooring, cabinetry, and benchtops — these anchor your home’s palette and will influence every other material.

Once these are finalised, move to tiles, paint colours, and fixtures. This sequence prevents clashing undertones and ensures all elements connect seamlessly.

Tip: Keep physical samples together in one box or tray. Seeing them side by side is the best way to maintain cohesion.

4. Choose Durable Materials for Queensland’s Climate

Our warm, humid climate means durability matters as much as aesthetics. Avoid materials that require high maintenance or aren’t suited to humidity.

Engineered timber, quality laminates, and UV-stable finishes are smart long-term choices. Steer clear of overly glossy surfaces that can show fingerprints or warp with temperature changes.

Tip: Prioritise quality in the areas you use most — kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring. It’s where you’ll see and feel the difference daily.

5. Plan Lighting and Electrical Early

Lighting often becomes an afterthought, yet it can transform a space more than any other element.

Review your electrical plan early and adjust as needed. Consider pendant placements, feature wall lights, and layered lighting for different moods and tasks.

Tip: Mark furniture layouts before electrical appointments. It ensures outlets, pendants, and switches align perfectly with your furniture placement.

6. Stick to a Cohesive Colour Palette

Cohesion creates calm. Use no more than three main colour families throughout your home — one base, one contrast, and one accent.

This applies across flooring, cabinetry, and wall finishes. Repeating materials in multiple rooms also creates a sense of flow, especially in open-plan layouts common in Queensland homes.

Tip: Natural light changes how colours appear. Always test samples in the actual space before committing.

7. Document Every Decision

Builders, suppliers, and trades all rely on accurate documentation. Keep a central record of your chosen finishes, product codes, suppliers, and installation notes.

A detailed selections schedule avoids confusion and prevents costly mistakes during construction.

Tip: Ask your designer to create a digital finishes schedule. This acts as a reference for both you and your builder throughout the build.

The new build process doesn’t have to feel stressful or rushed. With a structured plan and professional guidance, you can make confident decisions that result in a home that feels cohesive, timeless, and true to your lifestyle.

If you’re ready to make your selections process easier, book a discovery call with Manea Interiors. Together, we’ll create a clear design direction, refine your finishes, and ensure your new home reflects your vision beautifully.