1. Purchases to Avoid When Buying Your Initial Residential Property:
In the cutthroat marketplace, there's a high chance you'll need to stick around in your starter home longer than anticipated. That's why decorating and furnishing your first dwelling is a delicate act. You want a comfy abode that's a pleasure to spend time in for several years, but avoiding investments in lasting items that might not fit your style or layout is key.
Three seasoned designers have shared their advice on the items they discourage their clients from purchasing for their initial homes. Following their guidance can help you make wise decisions when shopping.
Get to Know the Experts:
- Laurin White, an Alabama-based designer and founder of Cambridge Row.
- Elizabeth Ryan, an interior designer hailing from Dallas, Texas.
- Amber Kamat, a professional designer and organizer based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Avoid Furniture You Detest
According to designer Laurin White, you deserve to surround yourself with furniture that brings you joy. Fast furniture may seem like a money-saver at first, but you'll find yourself forking over more cash in the long run for replacements. For instance, holding out on acquiring cheap accent chairs and waiting for high-quality ones that truly resonate with you is a sensible choice. In the meantime, utilize your couch or reposition kitchen chairs in the living room for guests.
Shy Away from Oversized Seating
While you should undoubtedly appreciate the furniture you invest in for your first home, you might not be in the best phase of life to splurge on a spacious custom sectional. Interior designer Elizabeth Ryan advises her clients to stick to standard-sized sofas and chairs that can adapt to numerous layouts. Her rule of thumb for seating is sofas no more than 8 feet long and armchairs less than 3 feet wide.
Sidestep Generic Art and Accessories
embellishments like vases, art, and shelving decor add character to your space. When decorating your first home, you have a unique opportunity to craft a collection that tells your story gradually. Buying generic art and trinkets at large retailers to serve as filler pieces won't help you make the most of this fresh start. "Styling every surface from the get-go can make your space appear cluttered instead of cozy," says professional designer and organizer Amber Kamat. "Let your home evolve with you. Inject personality as you go, not all at once."
Steer Clear of Builder-Grade Lighting
All three designers concur that investing in better lighting is crucial for illuminating your initial home. High-quality light fixtures can add value to your property when it's time to sell. If you become attached to your chandeliers or sconces, you can always take them with you to your next residence and install cheaper lights before putting your home on the market.
Opt for a Queen-Sized Bed over King-Sized
If you're calling your first home a temporary abode, it might not be the ideal time to invest in a king-sized bed. "When it comes to furnishing a first home, flexibility is crucial, particularly for big-ticket items like beds," explains Amber Kamat. "Selecting a queen-size bed instead of a king is a smart move if you're unsure about future space."
Resist the Urge for Matching Furniture Sets
Picking out new furniture for your first home can be overwhelming. While it can be tempting to opt for a matching furniture set, White advises against this common mistake. "Odds are, you'll tire of this set within months of moving into your first home," says White. "Instead, begin your journey of collecting pieces that are interesting and special to you. Even if they don't all fit in the same room of your next home, there will likely be a new way to utilize your unique finds elsewhere in every home you own throughout your lifetime."
Postpone Investing in Extra Dining Room Furnishings
If you're a first-time homeowner transitioning from an apartment, you're probably still figuring out your hosting style. That's precisely why Ryan recommends waiting on further dining room furnishings investments. A functional dining area only requires a table and chairs. Ryan explains, "Some families may find they always prefer casual backyard gatherings, and the dining room selections may not need storage for a variety of place settings. Or you may realize your best dinner parties are when everyone stays clustered around the table, and your focus may be on comfortable seating."
- Laurin White, an Alabama-based designer and founder of Cambridge Row, suggests investing in high-quality furniture that brings joy, rather than settling for fast furniture that may require frequent replacements.
- Amber Kamat, a professional designer and organizer based in Atlanta, Georgia, advises against buying generic art and trinkets for filler, encouraging homeowners to let their home evolve with them and inject personality gradually.
