Stepping into a new home is like having a blank canvas; you can do anything you want with it, after all, it’s yours. In the rush to decorate their home, many people feel the urge to buy everything at once; however, that doesn’t always work in their best interest. Sometimes, allowing yourself time to gradually accumulate pieces that are memorable and treasured often works better with your budget and design needs.
To help you get started, we compiled a list of the essentials you must work with first; it can make your home gradually take shape without spending a fortune.
Invest in the Essentials
Interior designers always advise people moving into a new home to invest in bigger-ticket items like sofas, beds, and dining tables first. These elements form the backbone of your home and act as its foundation. Spending more money on pieces like that can reduce the need for frequent replacement. These pieces also directly affect how you experience your home. A comfortable mattress, an ergonomic chair, and effective lighting can make your space feel better every day. You can always accessorize with inexpensive things like pillows, bedding, and lighting to pull everything together later. The key is to start with the foundation.
Make Sure you Can Take it with You
If this is your first home or apartment, you will most likely move in the next few years; after all, you might get more money and invest in something bigger. That’s why you should ensure that any pieces of furniture you buy, whether it’s a sofa or a bed, can go with you. Look for foldable or statement pieces that are light and not bulky; these pieces will most likely be easier to move when the time comes for packing.
On the other hand, it doesn’t make sense to splurge on wallpaper or expensive curtains. Although these pieces can add beauty to your home, you can’t take them with you. Curtains, for example, won’t necessarily fit the same windows in your new home or apartment. Nevertheless, art lasts. Art can make a huge impact in how you decorate your space. You can look for vintage paintings that you can buy from flea markets or antique stores, or you can splurge on timeless pieces from your favourite artists. Art can turn a space into a home.
Upgrade your Lighting
Most homes come with basic lighting; if you are going to turn a space into a home, you need to personalize it. When you upgrade your lighting, you will also improve the comfort, functionality, and overall look of your space. When the time comes for you to move out, you can swap the old light fixtures back in and take your new lights with you.
Don’t Forget the Kitchen
Your kitchen plays an essential role in your home. A couple of strategically placed bottles of wine, a fruit basket, or a good cutting board will add warmth and elegance to any countertop. If you don’t have enough glasses and plates, you could also invest in a few quality pieces to entertain guests. Buy quality plates and really good pots and pans that you can keep forever; these pieces can then gradually increase as you save more money or move to a bigger place.
Go Vintage
Antique pieces are always unique to have in a home; not only do they add a touch of luxury, but they also bring history, character, and a sense of connection that newer items don’t provide. They can also play an important role in reflecting your personal sense of style. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 25 per cent of your furniture from vintage stores. Mixing old and new pieces can make your home feel cozy by creating a layered, lived-in look rather than a space that feels like a showroom.
Decorating a new home can feel overwhelming with so many choices ahead. Building a style that truly reflects you takes patience. Resist the urge to fill every corner right away; instead, enjoy investing in one special piece at a time!
David Messiha | Staff Writer
