The best thing about buying your first house (or your new home) is being able to furnish and decorate it exactly how you want.
If the task ahead is looking a little daunting, never fear. We have some tips for furnishing your new home!
With a bit of careful planning, list writing, budgeting, and not rushing into things, you can make your new house a home, while not spending more than you can afford, and hopefully with a few less headaches and sleepless nights.
Tip #1:
Know the dimensions of your rooms.
If your old furniture is too big / too bulky / too small /to frumpy use Kijiji or craigslist to sell it and put that money towards your new furniture. Or, if your new home has a basement you can move your old furniture down there.
If you bought a brand new home, a large open showroom will make items look smaller than they actually are, so be smart and measure the dimensions of your rooms, and the hallways/doors to ensure you can actually get the furniture in.
Tip #2:
Start with one room at a time.
Decorating a new home, or your first home can be overwhelming. The sheer cost or fear of getting it ‘right’ will be suppressed if you take your time, and do it one room at a time.
Start with a room that does not need as much measuring or color scheming – for example the bathroom. Start furnishing your bathrooms and move into larger rooms.
Living rooms typically need the most furniture, they are the most expensive, they are usually a focal point of the house and they have to be coordinated with the kitchen and dining room. So, spend a little extra time on a room you are going to be spending the majority of your time in.
Tip #3:
Don’t buy everything all at once.
Price out furniture, decorative pieces and textiles. Look for similar items at different stores for better prices or wait for a few of your items to go on sale.
Also, buying everything all at once is pretty hard on the bank account. Spreading out purchases over time will allow you to save up money.
Tip #4:
Mix and Match your furniture.
Not everything has to be from the same store with the same contemporary feeling. You can have new couches with an old rustic book shelf – as long as it is within the same color palette.
Tip #5:
Enjoy.
You worked to build your new house and to create a comfortable homy feel throughout. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
