Rookie Furnishing Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid
Moving into your first house can be overwhelming— understandably so, since you've already gone through the onerous offer-approval-closing process first. Some first-time homeowners rush into the process of furnishing their home, thinking it's a simple process to put the finishing touches on and have it "done"— but this can often lead to regrets down the line. We've put together 8 of the most common furnishing mistakes new homeowners can make, and our advice on how to avoid them.
4 Big Picture Do's and Don'ts
Furnishing mistakes can generally be divided into two basic categories: not seeing the big picture, and taking the details for granted. Or more specifically, it's a problem to think of each room as a discrete space and not see the house as a whole— but it's also a problem when you only think about the space as a whole, and ignore the little things that can make or break it. Let's tackle the big picture first.
Don't buy everything all at once.
Moving is a great opportunity to toss some old pieces and buy new things, but furnishing your whole house in one fell swoop can be a mistake. Things will change once you get to know your house and how you're going to end up using each room. Maybe the room you thought was going to need a big dining table actually works better with a cafe table and a desk where you'll work from home. The point is, you're moving into a home where you'll live for at least a few years before you move again— so take your time decorating it.
Do take measurements.
It may sound like a no-brainer, but just because a space looks like your couch or bed will fit perfectly in it, doesn't mean it will actually fit. You'll want to measure your spaces well in advance of going furniture shopping, so you know whether or not something will fit before you fall in love with it. Also, don't discount the importance of measuring hallways, doors, and transitional spaces. Nothing is worse than bringing home a coffee table or armchair and discovering you can barely squeeze past it on your way to the couch.
Don't overfill the space.
Even if you're a maximalist, there is a point at which any room can feel crowded. You want to be able to see each room, not just all the stuff you've put in it— and of course, you need to be able to move around each room in a way that's comfortable and uninhibited. And similar to what we said in the first point, there's no rush to fill each room beyond the essentials to start. Finding the right balance of functional pieces that fit your style may take time, but it's time you've got, so use it.
Do think outside the box.
And by box, we mean square. Putting all your furniture against the walls of a room is a common choice, but it's one that can lead to rooms feeling stagnant and boring. Don't be afraid to break up your layout with angles and spacing— even something as simple as bringing a couch or chair a few feet away from the wall can make a room feel cozier and more interesting. Furniture and decor can be just the thing to break up a big space or connect two smaller ones.
4 Details To Consider
Lighting.
Many homes have overhead fixtures built in, but these don't provide much atmosphere to a room. Adding floor and table lamps— especially with smart light bulbs that give you the power to change the color and brightness— will let you control the mood of each room depending on how you use it.
Wall color.
People moving from apartments may be so used to white walls, you may not even consider the other options. But color is one of the biggest factors in giving a room character and developing its unique feel. Paint and wallpaper can take a room from fine to outstanding, so don't ignore your walls when decorating.
Style confusion.
Having too many styles in one room can lead to making even the most well-organized space feel chaotic. Try to pick one style and a unified color palette, and stick to them. If you're not sure what to call your style, do some research— the internet abounds with sources.
Transitions.
Hallways, foyers, stairwells, and other transitional spaces often get overlooked when decorating, but this falls under the category of furnishing mistakes, as they're some of the most important spaces in your home. Organizational pieces like benches, coat racks, and shoe mats help keep these spaces tidy and stylish— not to mention entryways are the first thing guests see when they visit, so don't miss this opportunity to make a good impression!
How Clearview Realty Can Help
Clearview Realty has more than 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry – just the expertise you need for a successful outcome. Our team of mortgage consultants work to simplify the process for you, while educating you on this complex process. Our priority is customer service. It is our goal to make this process as easy and convenient as possible while getting you the best deal on your loan. We work with borrowers of every type from those who want to buy their first home, refinance the house they are in now or have credit challenges. Whether its your first home or you’re an experienced home buyer, we’re here to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.