Building a New Home? Don't Skip the Furniture Budget!
Designing and building a new home from the ground up can be exciting. Not only do you get to customise your home to meet your exact needs, but you can also enjoy a "blank slate" when it comes to furnishing and decorating.
At the same time, the prospect of furnishing an entire home can feel a bit daunting. The good news? There are some practice tips you can keep in mind when furnishing a new space.
Furnishing a Home: A New Homeowner’s Guide
Not sure where to begin when it comes to ordering furniture for your new build? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Focus on One Room at a Time
When you consider choosing furniture for your entire home, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Instead, shift your mindset to focus on just one room at a time. Start with the rooms you'll be using the most as soon as you move in, such as your main living area and primary bedroom. From there, you can move on to guest rooms and other spaces.
2. Measure Twice, Order Once
One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when buying furniture is failing to measure. In fact, it's a good idea to physically measure each room with a tape measure yourself (rather than relying on measurements written on your floor plan). This way, you'll ensure an accurate measurement and will be able to choose furniture that will fit well in the space. Always double- (or triple-) check measurements before ordering for additional peace of mind!
3. Focus on the Main Pieces
Most of the time, it's easier to select larger furniture pieces first. From there, you can select smaller pieces, decor, and accessories that will complement those larger statement items.
Main pieces may include anything from sofas and sectionals to dining room tables and bedroom sets. If you have a hard time narrowing down your options, consider exploring sites like Pinterest for the latest interior design trends and inspiration.
4. Complement Larger Pieces With the Right Accessories
Once you've selected your larger furniture pieces, you can begin accessorising with smaller items like:
- Floor and table lamps
- Wall art
- End tables and side tables
- Rugs and more
When selecting these smaller pieces, it may make sense to stick with similar materials (such as wood or metal) or complementary colour schemes for a cohesive look.
5. Don't Overlook Flow and Function
As you shop for furniture, it can be easy to get caught up in what "looks" good—but it's just as important to make sure that your furniture will work with the overall flow and function of each space.
When furnishing a new home, try to think carefully about how you'll be using each room and select furniture pieces that will maximise the use of each space.
6. When in Doubt, Get a Designer's Help
Perhaps above all else, remember that it's okay to ask for help with furnishing and decorating your new space. You have a lot on your plate already, and sometimes, it's just easier and more effective to bring in an expert opinion.
At Domaine Furnishings, our experienced team of interior designers is eager to help transform your new build into your dream home. From the initial consultation to design recommendations and placing the final order, our team is here every step of the way to take the stress out of furnishing your new space.
Your Essential Furniture Checklist for a New Home
As you prepare to shop for furniture, it can be helpful to have a checklist you can refer to that covers the typical furniture types you'll need for each major space. Feel free to use the following checklist to guide you in your furniture shopping.
Living Room Furniture
- Sofas
- Armchairs
- Sectionals
- Game tables and side tables
- Bookcases and shelving
- Area rugs and carpets
- Coffee tables or large ottomans
Dining Room Furniture
Bedroom Furniture
Office Furniture
- Office desks and chairs
- Storage (filing cabinets, secretaries, credenzas, and consoles)
For all spaces in your new home, you'll also want to consider miscellaneous items and accessories as needed, like:
Shop Luxury Furniture and More at Domaine Furnishings
There's a lot to keep in mind when it comes to choosing furniture for your new home. From making sure you select pieces that will fit with the overall size and flow of your living space to finding furniture that suits your unique home decor tastes, these tips will help you turn your new house into a home.
And, of course, if you're looking for quality, luxurious furniture pieces that are designed to last for generations, Domaine Furnishings has you covered. Shop our selection of hand-crafted furniture from the industry's top brands and designers—or get in touch with our interior design team for help furnishing your new space!