When you buy a property, you’re also buying the potential for a home. But what’s the difference between a house and a home?
A house is a roof over your head and it provides everything you need to survive. But a home is yours. A home is a sanctuary that allows you to relax and be comfortable and safe. You build a house, but you design a home.
Part of this is your furniture. Without furniture, a house is an empty shell. It’ll keep the rain off your back but you won’t feel comfortable. So, when furnishing your home, you need to make serious choices to make sure you’ll love the investment of time and funds. Here are some tips for each room.
Living Room
As the name suggests, the living room is where you sit. It’s also known as a sitting room or reception room, because you might receive and host guests.
It’s designed to be comfortable. This is the room where the whole family will relax together, so it should be welcoming and cosy. A basic living room usually consists of at least one sofa, a television set or entertainment center, and usually an end table or coffee table. Of course, most living rooms will have more than this.
The first thing to consider is seating. You should have enough seating for everyone in the house, and hopefully, extra places for visitors to sit. As well as the classic sofa, which can come in a number of designs, you can also add comfortable armchairs for people who like more space.
Tables come in handy for keeping cups nearby while you relax, and they’re also a good place to rest books, phones, or whatever you want on them.
Shelves and cupboards can be used for some extra storage and to display ornaments, but try not to make the living room cluttered. Different people have different tastes, so only you know the perfect middle ground between sparse and crowded. Still, bear in mind that the more stuff you have, the harder it is to clean.
The Kitchen and Dining Room
If the living room is the heart of your home, the kitchen is the stomach. Everyone needs to eat, which means your kitchen should be practical as well as a pleasant place to spend your time. A kitchen renovation is a huge job, so it’s worth seeing what you can work with when it comes to your existing kitchen.
Layout is one of the most important things to consider, especially if you cook a lot. You want an efficient layout that makes it easy to cook. You also want plenty of storage and enough counter space for you to cook comfortably, while also allowing other people to do things in the kitchen.
There are so many different styles you can look into, so think about what you like, as well as what’s easy to keep clean and hygienic. For example, stainless steel is very easy to clean and sanitise, which is why it’s often used in commercial kitchens. But not everyone likes how it looks.
You should also look into splashbacks and sensible tiles on walls and floors, as they look good, cope well with moisture, and are easier to clean than wood or other materials.
If the kitchen is where you cook, what about where you eat? Some homes don’t have a separate dining room, meaning that you might have a table in the kitchen itself or in the living room. Either way, bear in mind that the dining table is a statement piece, so it’s worth looking into expensive designer tables if you want something that will last and add some luxury to your home. Pair with chairs and you’re ready to eat together as a family.
Bathrooms
Speaking of practicality, the bathroom is arguably one of the most important rooms in your home, even if you don’t spend that much time in there. You can’t have a home without a bathroom, because it meets our basic needs as humans.
But just because the bathroom is a necessity, it doesn’t mean it can’t be a luxury as well. When planning a bathroom renovation, think about the time it will take to complete the project. This is especially true if you only have one bathroom because you can’t live without it.
Again, consider the layout and appliances in the bathroom first and foremost. You want things that will last, that are easy to clean, and that look great. A bath is a great addition if you have room for it because it allows you to soak and get that spa experience from home. For ultimate comfort, consider installing a modern heated towel rail or designer radiator. These functional pieces not only keep your towels warm and dry but can also serve as striking design elements in your bathroom.
Bedroom
When it comes to your bedroom, the most important piece of furniture has to be the bed itself. You need to choose the perfect bed to ensure a good night’s sleep.
First, think about size. If you have a small bedroom, a single or small double might be necessary. Bunk beds can work well in rooms where children share. But most adults prefer at least a double, and if you share a bed, it might even be worth considering a queen, king, or super-king-sized bed.
While size is important, it isn’t everything. We’re all different, and we all find different types of mattresses more comfortable depending on how we sleep. Some people might want a really soft bed that they sink into, while others prefer a firm bed that provides good lumbar support.
Test out a number of different beds so you can work out what you find more comfortable.
Finally, finish off the bedroom with storage space for your clothes and bedside tables. Children might appreciate desks for homework and toys as well.
Your Home Office
If you work from home, it’s well worth setting up a home office. A spare room is a great choice for this, but some people have been able to transform a large cupboard into a tiny office to work from. You can also set up an office space in another room, like a bedroom or a living room. It all depends on your home and your needs.
In any case, the most important pieces of furniture have to be the desk and the desk chair. If you’re working for hours at a time, you need somewhere that is comfortable and supportive, so you can work without getting a bad back or eye strain.
Even if you have a laptop, it’s a good idea to add peripherals like a monitor, mouse, and keyboard for easier working conditions. Keep your monitor at eye level so you aren’t looking down all day.
You should also make your office a pleasant place to be. Don’t just go for the most practical and boring options. Let your sense of style bleed through into your office as well. Just ensure that it’s still fairly professional and not distracting, especially if you take conference calls.
Furnishing Your Backyard
When furnishing their homes, most people focus on the interior. This makes sense, because you’re going to be spending the most time inside. But it’s still worth paying some attention to the outside of your home, especially if you have a backyard or a garden.
If you like a good barbecue, you likely like the idea of eating outside as well. This way, everyone can spend time together, including the chef.
So, find a flat area in your backyard that will support a table and chairs. Decking or patio works very well for this. You should also consider other seating options like deck chairs, loungers, or even outdoor sofas.
A table next to the barbecue can also be useful for storing food that’s either been cooked or needs to be added to the grill. This is a good balance of form and function.
Finally, if you have children, consider a place for them to play. A lawn can be good for ballgames, but a climbing frame, swingset, or slide might be nice additions as well.
Finishing Touches
We’ve mainly discussed the rooms and the larger and most important furnishings that go in them. But that’s not what makes a house a home, even if you find some signature pieces that you adore. A home comes together with all of the finishing touches.
So, once you have the big pieces of furniture set up, look for opportunities to add some smaller touches. For example, shelves are a great place to put ornaments and other small art pieces that you like.
Add wall art to each room, and make sure the art works well together and represents something you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be expensive or mean a lot, you just have to like it.
Rugs, curtains, and other soft furnishings like cushions and throws soften everything in a room and make it more cozy. Finally, add lamps and mirrors to better control the lighting in your home and make it more comfortable.
