When building a custom home in East Tennessee, the materials you choose for your interiors are just as important as the floor plan or architectural style. From the look and feel to long-term durability, the right materials reflect your personal style while adapting to East TN’s climate and lifestyle.
In 2025, the world of custom interiors is seeing a beautiful convergence of luxury, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Whether you're planning a rustic retreat in Townsend or a modern farmhouse in Maryville, here's your deep dive into the most popular and practical interior materials being used in East Tennessee custom homes today.
The Role of Interior Materials in Custom Home Design
When clients begin the custom home construction process, one of the most exciting stages is choosing the interior finishes and materials. These decisions impact:
- Aesthetic style
- Daily functionality
- Maintenance requirements
- Longevity and value
- Sustainability and energy efficiency
At Richardson Construction, we help clients balance personal taste with smart choices that align with East TN’s seasonal weather shifts, regional preferences, and long-term livability.
Let’s explore the trending materials dominating luxury interiors right now.
1. Wide-Plank Hardwood Flooring (Especially White Oak)
Timeless yet modern, wide-plank hardwood flooring remains a top choice for custom home interiors. In East Tennessee, where natural textures complement scenic surroundings, white oak has become the wood of choice.
Why it’s trending:
- Soft grain and neutral color palette match both traditional and contemporary styles
- Wide planks create a clean, expansive feel
- Durable and age gracefully, especially when sealed for humidity control
- Compatible with radiant heating—popular in new luxury builds
Bonus tip: Consider a matte or satin finish for a more natural look that hides dust and scuffs.
2. Natural Stone Surfaces (Quartzite, Soapstone, and Honed Marble)
While granite still has its place, many homeowners are opting for more subtle, organic stone choices that elevate interior elegance without overpowering the design.
Quartzite is loved for its durability and bold veining. Soapstone offers a soft, honed finish with deep gray tones, perfect for rustic kitchens. Meanwhile, honed marble gives a softer matte appearance, offering classic luxury in a more lived-in feel.
Where we’re seeing it:
- Kitchen islands and countertops
- Bathroom vanities
- Fireplace surrounds
- Entryway floors and wall cladding
These materials also feature prominently in our custom home construction portfolio, showcasing how stone surfaces create depth and timeless appeal.
3. Statement Tile in Earthy Tones and Artisan Finishes
Gone are the days of plain white subway tile. Today’s luxury homes in East TN are embracing handmade and natural-tone tile for backsplashes, showers, and accent walls.
Key trends include:
- Terracotta and warm clay tiles
- Hand-glazed zellige or Moroccan tile
- Matte and textured finishes
- Bold patterns in small doses, like powder rooms or bar backsplashes
Tile isn’t just practical—it’s now a canvas for creativity and local craftsmanship.
4. Reclaimed Wood and Beams for Warmth and Character
East Tennessee's heritage and mountain aesthetics are a natural fit for reclaimed wood materials. Homeowners are incorporating these into ceilings, beams, mantels, and accent walls to create a homey, lived-in feeling even in new builds.
Why it’s popular:
- Adds instant warmth and texture
- Pairs beautifully with modern, minimalist interiors for contrast
- Supports sustainable building practices
- Evokes the rich history of Appalachian and Smoky Mountain homes
Our clients often use reclaimed wood during renovation or custom home construction projects where character and storytelling matter.
5. Plaster and Limewash Wall Finishes
In 2025, wall surfaces are becoming less about paint and more about texture. Plaster, limewash, and clay-based paints are trending as luxurious yet earthy alternatives to drywall finishes.
Advantages include:
- Naturally mold-resistant and breathable—perfect for humid Tennessee seasons
- Beautiful light diffusion and depth of color
- Excellent for Tuscan, Mediterranean, or contemporary farmhouse interiors
- Aging beautifully with a lived-in patina over time
Want to add custom wall finishes to your dream home? Let’s talk during the initial consultation phase.
6. Mixed Metals in Fixtures and Hardware
Gone are the rules that told us to match every metal. Today’s interiors feature intentional mixing of brass, matte black, bronze, and nickel finishes to create dimension and personality.
Where to mix:
- Kitchen hardware vs. faucet
- Lighting vs. door hardware
- Bathroom accessories vs. plumbing fixtures
Brass remains the top pick for warmth, while matte black adds modern structure. Together, they tell a story—especially in farmhouse, transitional, and modern cabin designs popular throughout our East Tennessee service areas.
7. Butcher Block and Natural Wood Countertops
For homeowners who want a cozier, more natural vibe—especially in kitchens, mudrooms, or offices—wood countertops are making a comeback.
Popular uses include:
- Kitchen islands with a mix of stone perimeter
- Built-in desks or workstations
- Laundry or craft rooms
- Bar tops and breakfast nooks
Maple, walnut, and oak butcher block adds warmth and is surprisingly durable when properly sealed.
8. Concrete Accents for an Industrial-Modern Edge
Concrete is no longer confined to floors and garages—it's now a featured element in luxury interiors, particularly in East Tennessee's modern builds.
Trendy applications:
- Custom concrete bathroom sinks
- Fireplace surrounds and hearths
- Floating concrete vanities or shelving
- Polished concrete floors with radiant heat
It’s especially impactful when used sparingly as a contrast to wood and soft textures.
9. Textured Natural Fabrics in Built-Ins and Upholstery
Soft materials matter just as much as hard finishes. Custom homes in East Tennessee are layering in linen, cotton canvas, and natural woven textiles for a grounded, sophisticated look.
Where we see this trend shine:
- Built-in bench cushions
- Custom drapes and Roman shades
- Upholstered walls in studies or wine rooms
- Accent chairs in organic neutral palettes
Pair these with the warmth of reclaimed wood and matte metals for an inviting, elevated atmosphere.
10. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Materials
East Tennessee homeowners are increasingly prioritizing materials that are low-VOC, recyclable, or sustainably sourced—without compromising aesthetics.
Some popular sustainable options:
- FSC-certified wood
- Bamboo flooring
- Recycled glass tile
- Zero-VOC paints and sealers
- Wool carpets and rugs
At Richardson Construction, we help clients identify green building options that align with both their values and budget. Sustainable design is integrated into our custom home planning process from day one.
Final Thoughts: Let Materials Tell Your Home’s Story
A truly custom home is more than layout and size—it’s how it feels when you walk inside. The textures underfoot, the light reflecting off a handmade tile, the subtle grain of natural wood—each choice tells a story about how you live.
That’s why we approach every build with one goal: to make your home a reflection of you.
Explore our portfolio of custom homes to see how interior materials bring each design to life—or contact us to start designing your dream home in East Tennessee today.
From sourcing reclaimed wood beams to helping you decide between marble or quartzite, we’re here to build a home as beautiful as the land it stands on.
