How to Furnish a Home: Your Ultimate Guide
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
Press Play
Is your home a reflection of you? Or does it feel like something's missing? Perhaps you've moved into a new space, and it's a blank canvas waiting for your touch. Or maybe you've been in the same place for years, and it's begging for a refresh. Whatever the situation, turning a house into a home is an exciting journey.
It's about more than filling rooms with furniture; it's about creating a home where memories are made, a sanctuary that speaks to your soul. From identifying your unique taste to selecting the right pieces that bring life to every room, this guide offers step-by-step insights tailored for you. We'll explore how to create spaces that not only look stunning but also feel inviting and functional.
Whether you're on a budget or ready to splurge, just starting or redoing everything, this guide has something valuable for you.
Ready to transform your living space into something truly special? Let's embark on this exciting journey together, and take your home from ordinary to extraordinary. Enjoy the process, embrace the transformation, and look forward to a home you'll cherish every day.
Chango & Co
DISCOVERING YOUR STYLE
Your home should be a reflection of who you are. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a lover of minimalism, or someone who enjoys a cozy, rustic style, your living space can showcase your personality. But how do you pinpoint your unique style? Let's explore…
Personalized Approach: How to Find Your Unique Style That Resonates with Your Personality.
Evaluate Your Preferences: Take a look at your wardrobe, your favorite artwork, or even your preferred vacation spots. What colors, textures, and styles are you drawn to? Write them down; these clues can guide your home decor choices.
Create a Mood Board: Gather images from magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, or books that resonate with you. Look for common themes and elements that excite you. This mood board can be a tangible guide for your home furnishing journey.
Experiment and Have Fun: Don't be afraid to try different things. Sometimes, a blend of styles that speaks to different parts of your personality can create a unique and exciting look. Trust your instincts and enjoy the process.
ROOM-BY-ROOM TRANSFORMATION
Sophie Burke
Living Room: Tips for Selecting Sofas, Tables, and Accessories That Create a Welcoming Environment.
Sofas: Look for a size that fits the space (usually between 72-84 inches wide) and consider your seating needs. A sectional might be ideal for families, while a sleek loveseat fits smaller spaces.
Side Chairs: Complement your sofa with side chairs that provide additional seating. Consider chairs that are around 34 to 40inches high to balance with the sofa, and ensure they align with your modern aesthetic.
Coffee Tables: Ideally, these should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa and the same height as the seat cushions. Maintain a distance of 17 to 19 inches between the coffee table and the sofa or chairs, allowing for comfortable leg room and easy access to items on the table.
Accessories: Choose items that reflect your personality but don't clutter the room. Remember, simplicity often rules.
Chango & Co.
Kitchen & Dining: Functional Spaces.
Appliances: Measure your available space for appliances, and ensure that there's an ideal distance of 36 to 42 inches between cabinets and the island. This allows sufficient space for appliance doors to open and provides a comfortable walkway.
Dining Tables: Select a table that accommodates your family size and guest needs. Typically, allow 24 inches of space per seat, and consider durable woods like oak, maple, or walnut. For example:
4 People: 36 to 48 inches in diameter
6 People: 54 to 72 inches in diameter
8+ People: 72+ inches in diameter
Lighting: Consider adjustable lighting with the chandelier bottom hanging 36 inches above the dining table for optimal illumination and aesthetics. Warm LED lights or halogen bulbs can create a cozy dining atmosphere.
Jenna Barton
Bedrooms: A Restful Retreat.
Bed Size & Headboard: Know the dimensions of your room when selecting a bed. For most couples, a queen (60 x 80 inches) or king (76 x 80 inches) is comfortable. Consider the headboard's style and comfort level. Upholstered headboards can add a plush feel, while wooden or metal designs can bring a sleek, modern touch.
Nightstands: These should be about the same height as the top of your mattress for easy access. Consider the storage needs: drawer nightstands can hide daily essentials, while open designs offer an airy, minimalist look.
Lighting: Opt for soft, warm lighting that creates a peaceful ambiance. Wall sconces with adjustable arms can be perfect for reading, and dimmable ceiling lights allow for mood customization. Consider the placement of switches for accessibility.
Closet Organization: Consider built-in wardrobes or organizers that maximize space and maintain a clean, modern look.
Chango & Co.
Bathrooms: Achieving a Spa-like Feel.
Vanities: A height of 34 to 36 inches is standard. Quartzite or granite surfaces are often ideal for resisting scratches and stains. Select durable woods like oak or walnut. Wood stains allow the natural grain to show and can be easier to touch up, while paints provide a broader range of color options but show wear more easily.
Mirrors: Add a larger mirror to bounce light around the room, creating a more open and inviting space.
Tubs and Showers: Allow at least 24 inches of clear space in front of showers and tubs.
Shampoo Niche: Positioning the niche at approx. 48 in from the floor.
Accessories Installation: Towel bars should generally be installed at a height of 48 inches.
Lighting: Soft, diffuse lighting works well for mirrors, with sconces ideally placed at eye level to reduce shadows. approx. 5’-2” to 5’-4”
QUALITY VS. BUDGET
Investment Pieces: Where It Pays to Invest More for Quality.
Sofas and Chairs: Expect to invest in well-built furniture with hard wood frames, quality fabrics, and sturdy construction. High-range options provide longevity and comfort, often starting at several thousand dollars.
Mattresses: Premium mattresses that offer support and durability can range from $1,000 to over $5,000, depending on the brand and materials.
Lighting Fixtures: Statement lighting pieces or adjustable fixtures that offer both aesthetics and functionality may range from $500 to several thousand dollars.
Artwork and Decor: Original artwork can start at a few hundred dollars and go well into the thousands, depending on the artist and medium.
Kitchen Appliances: High-quality kitchen appliances known for reliability and efficiency typically start at around $5,000 and can exceed $12,000 for premium brands and features.
Chango & Co
Budget Finds: How to Save Without Sacrificing Style (Mid-Range Pricing).
Accent Tables: These pieces can be found at mid-range prices, often between $500 to $1,500, allowing for stylish options without heavy investment.
Decorative Accessories: Unique and affordable decor items can be found in the $100 to $500 range, depending on the item and where you shop.
Outdoor Accessories: Look for mid-range options for patio or garden accessories, that still align with your style.
Wall Paint: Quality wall paint can range from $50 to $120 per gallon, offering a wide variety of colors and finishes at affordable prices. We prefer brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams.
Rugs and Curtains: Consider budget-friendly options for area rugs and curtains, typically ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 depending on size and materials.
NOTE: Cost vs. Value Consideration: Price does not always equate to quality. Understanding the materials, craftsmanship, and warranty can help in making an informed decision. Mixing High and Low: Pairing a high-end sofa with more affordable accent tables. Long-term Perspective: It's not just about the immediate look and feel but how the item will serve over time, considering aspects like durability, timelessness, and adaptability to different styles.
Paulina Carcach
COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Top Mistakes: A Rundown of Common Furnishing Mistakes.
01. Ignoring Scale and Proportion: Purchasing furniture that's too big or small for the space. Solution: Measure the space and consider the scale of other furnishings to ensure a good fit.
02. Choosing Style Over Comfort: Picking items solely for aesthetics, ignoring functionality. Solution: Consider how you'll use the item daily and pick something that's both beautiful and functional.
03. Overcommitting To Trends: Investing heavily in trendy items that might soon go out of style. Solution: Stick to classic pieces for significant investments and use accessories for trendy touches.
04. Overdecorating: Cluttering spaces with too many decorative items. Solution: Less is often more. Focus on key pieces that resonate with your style.
05. Lack of Lighting: Inadequate or harsh lighting that doesn't suit the room's purpose. Solution: Use layered lighting that includes ambient, task, and accent lights to create a pleasing atmosphere.
06. Mismatching Wood Tones: Using too many conflicting wood tones. Solution: Stick to 2-3 wood tones and keep them in harmony with each other.
Troubleshooting: Solutions for Common Problems
01. Space Feels Cramped: Use multifunctional furniture and mirrors to create a sense of spaciousness.
02. Room Lacks Coherence: Establish a color scheme and repeat certain elements to create unity.
03. Furniture Shows Wear and Tear Quickly: Invest in quality, durable materials for heavily-used items and follow proper care guidelines.
04. Difficulty Balancing Open Concept Spaces: Use rugs and furniture arrangements to define spaces without closing them off.
05. Struggling with Accessories: Choose accessories that complement the primary colors and styles in the room and don’t overdo it.
06. Unsure How to Incorporate Family Heirlooms or Sentimental Pieces: Treat these items as focal points or incorporate them into a designated display area.
Sophie Burke
TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY: YOUR NEXT STEPS.
Your home is more than just a shelter; it's a reflection of you. Whether it's finding the perfect balance between quality and budget or avoiding common mistakes, you have the tools to make thoughtful and informed decisions.
Embrace the transformation, enjoy the process, and take pride in the space you create. Remember, a well-furnished home isn't just about appearance; it's about crafting an environment that resonates with your personality and life's passions. Let your home tell your story!
Ready to take it to the next level? Want personalized guidance to transform your vision into reality? Connect with us to make your dream home come alive. From fine-tuning your style to selecting the perfect pieces, we're here to walk you through every step, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.