Buying your first home is one of the most exciting moments in your life. The purchasing process can be arduous and stressful but when you’re holding the keys in your hand you’ll be nothing but thrilled.
However, it can take a while to transform a new build property into your personal and private refuge. Wall colour, flooring, and décor are all essential parts of putting your stamp on a house. As the focal point of every room, furniture is arguably even more influential in personalising your space.
Use this guide to furnishing your first home to avoid common mistakes and make sure your new home is both stylish and functional.
Assess the property
First things first: assess the property that you have your name against. This will enable you to establish what furniture you need.
If you are buying a new build home in the area, you will have a completely blank canvas. This means you will need to build your furniture collection from the bed up. When purchasing an older property, there may be some items you can include in the purchase, especially if the owner is downsizing.
As part of your assessment, work out what there is space for. For example, can you fit in a dining table, is there an office? This will prevent you from buying unnecessary furniture before moving in.
Begin by taking accurate measurements, providing a better idea of the space you have left after essential pieces are in place. Make use of digital layout tools to visualize your future space before the move in date. This will give you the confidence to furnish a new home, transforming it into a reflection of your unique style.
Appoint the rooms
When the keys are in your hand, it’s time to appoint the rooms.
Measuring each room and designating the spaces according to their size is the most straightforward option. The largest upstairs room is often chosen as the master bedroom, but you might find it more suitable for children sharing or a luxury guest room.
As you’re measuring, work out the maximum dimensions of the furniture that you want in the room. Make sure to leave plenty of space for walking between the objects and be aware of layout mistakes that can make small rooms feel crowded.
This is also an opportunity for you to prioritise which rooms need to be furnished and which can wait. For example, your bedroom is a precedence whereas a future nursery can be delayed.
The trick is to be detail-oriented but innovative, spending on furniture that not only meets your needs but also reflects your unique style.
Invest in essentials
You do not need to have your home fully furnished straightaway. The most important thing is to invest in essentials, and the rest can be bought bit by bit. This is helpful to keeping you in budget.
Balancing new items with previously owned pieces is a cost-effective and sustainable approach. The best furniture to buy new is your bed and mattress because these are vital to your wellbeing.
Other items that are worth splurging on are sofas and any other furniture key to your comfort like an ergonomic chair, desk and lamp if you work from home.
For everyday items that do not need to provide comfort such as a coffee table and bedroom furniture, investigate upcycling options. You can find incredibly cheap deals on good-as-new pieces at charity shops, and your family might have hand-me-downs available.
Sanding, varnishing, and a lick of paint will give pre-used items a new lease of life.
Remember, your furniture might not be a perfect ensemble initially, but getting exactly what you need takes time.
As you continue to invest in essentials, you’ll find your space gradually transforming into a place that truly feels like home.
