5 Materials We Always Recommend for Long-Lasting Luxury

HANNAH A · August 3 2025

1. Natural Stone (Limestone, Quartzite, and Marble)

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From Spanish-style facades to serene bathrooms, natural stone brings character and timeless appeal. We often recommend limestone or quartzite for exteriors and high-traffic areas due to their incredible strength and patina over time. Marble remains a favorite for interior surfaces, adding unmatched elegance — especially in powder rooms and kitchens when sealed properly.

Where we use it: Exterior cladding, bathroom vanities, kitchen counters, fireplace surrounds.

2. Wide-Plank European Oak Flooring

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Hardwood flooring is a must in luxury homes, but not all wood is created equal. We prefer European white oak, which is both dimensionally stable and effortlessly beautiful. Wide planks with a natural or neutral matte finish give a sense of openness and warmth while aging gracefully with wear.

Where we use it: Main living areas, bedrooms, hallways.

3. Lime Plaster Finishes

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For our clients seeking a soft, organic modern feel, lime plaster finishes are unmatched. Not only are they naturally mold-resistant and breathable, but they also develop a beautiful, lived-in texture over time. Their matte finish adds a sculptural softness to walls, fireplaces, and bathrooms.

Where we use it: Accent walls, primary bathrooms, niches, showers.

4. Solid Brass Fixtures

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Finishes may change with the trends, but solid brass always holds its value. Unlike coated metals, real brass develops a natural patina that adds warmth and character. It’s a detail we love incorporating in high-end kitchens and bathrooms for that Old World-meets-modern sensibility.

Where we use it: Kitchen and bath fixtures, cabinet hardware, door handles.

5. Smooth Stucco 

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We often steer away from standard paint-over-stucco and instead opt for smooth stucco with integral color. It creates a softer, richer look that’s baked into the material, so fading and chipping are less of a concern. Ideal for the sun-drenched homes of Los Angeles, this finish maintains its integrity for decades.

Where we use it: Full home exteriors, garden walls, entryways.

Contact us today for a consultation and let us show you how we can transform your vision into a space you will love.

ENE BUILDERS | LA + OC Remodeling

Family owned affordable design+build firm

Specializing in Spanish revival , Modern Mediterranean Organic Design

From A-Z: Architecture | Design | General Contractor | Showroom Details obsessed + Planning perfection