Choosing Furniture When Building a New House: Key Considerations for an Effortless Style

Building a new house is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs. People choose to build a house for various reasons, such as accommodating a growing family, downsizing in retirement, seeking a custom design that aligns with their vision, or simply wanting to invest in a space that feels uniquely theirs. Regardless of the motivation, one of the most significant aspects of this process is selecting the right furniture; it plays a crucial role in defining the look and feel of your home. Here are some key considerations to help you make informed choices as you furnish your new abode.

 

1. Define Your Style:

Before you head out shopping, take the time to define your interior design style. Are you drawn to modern minimalism, rustic charm, or maybe a traditional aesthetic? Create a mood board with colours, textures, and styles that inspire you. This will serve as a guideline when selecting furniture, ensuring a cohesive look throughout your home.

 

2. Consider Your Space:

Each room in your new home has specific dimensions, so it’s essential to measure your spaces accurately. Use a floor plan to layout potential furniture arrangements, ensuring you have a clear sense of how each piece will fit. Note the dimensions of doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure larger furniture can be moved in without issues.

Furthermore, think about how you want to use the space—will you host gatherings, or is this a more intimate setup? This can influence the size and arrangement of your furniture. Consider using painter's tape to outline where larger pieces will go, giving you a visual representation of how much room they will take up. This not only helps prevent overcrowding but also allows you to better envision flow and accessibility throughout the area. Lastly, factor in any built-in features such as windows, heating elements, and electrical outlets, as these can impact your furniture layout and choices.

 

3. Avoid Buying Everything at Once:

While the excitement of furnishing a new home might tempt you to buy everything at once, this approach can lead to rushed decisions and potential buyer's remorse. By taking your time, you can strategically select pieces that align with your evolving style and functional needs as you settle into your new space. Over time, you'll gain a better understanding of how you use each room and what you truly want or need, allowing for thoughtful additions rather than impulsive purchases.

 

4. Prioritize Functionality:

While aesthetics are important, the furniture you choose should also meet your functional needs.

Think about how you live in your space. For instance, if you have a family, consider durable materials that can withstand wear and tear, and opt for versatile pieces like a sofa bed for guests. In the context of New Zealand, direct sun exposure is also a big factor to take into account. Any furniture put under direct sunlight will suffer from UV damage over time. A good choice of material and colour can be beneficial at extending the life expectancy of that piece of furniture.

Prioritizing functionality ensures that your furniture complements your lifestyle.

 

5. Quality Over Quantity:

Investing in high-quality furniture may cost more upfront, but it pays off in the long run. Durable, well-made pieces offer longevity and maintain their appearance over time. Look for materials that are easy to maintain and require less frequent replacement. A few good quality items can create a polished look better than a room filled with cheaper, lower-quality furniture.

Better quality furniture also often comes with extended guarantees, sometimes even a lifetime ! 

 

6. Choose a Colour Palette:

Selecting a cohesive colour palette can enhance the overall aesthetic of your new home. This is also why you don't want to rush on buying all your furniture at once. More often than not, people would pick anything they like on the day without checking if all their new furniture actually match both with each others and the space.

Choose a base colour for larger items like sofas and beds, and incorporate accent colours through smaller pieces such as cushions, rugs, and art. Neutral tones provide a versatile backdrop, allowing for easy updates with seasonal accents.

But choosing and matching can be a hard process too. In fact, colours can be a whole science by itself.

 

7. Don’t Forget Comfort:

Above all, your furniture should be comfortable. Spend time testing couches, chairs, and beds; the look of the piece is just as important as how it feels. Comfort is essential for pieces that you'll use frequently, such as chairs at the dining table or the sofa in the living room.

 

8. Personal Touches:

Lastly, make your new house feel like a home by adding personal touches. Incorporate family heirlooms, artworks, or bespoke pieces that tell your story. Accessories like throw pillows, decorative items, and plants can breathe life into a space and reflect your personality. Don't feel pressure to have a house that looks like it was straight out of a design magazine. A home, in essence, is part of you, your culture, your dreams, and your imperfections. Whether things don't go well together or the colours may clash, it doesn't matter as long as it makes you feel happy !

Happy decorating!