It happens to all of us, when our trip ends and we have to go home! I was a little sad when I had to leave Asia and return home, but that sadness was quickly overrun by excitement as I realised that I had a clean slate to make my apartment exactly how I wanted it. When we’re young, we tend to have mis-matched furniture, hand-me-down cups and plates and whatever else we’ve managed to collect for free, or almost for free – along the way. While there’s nothing wrong with this approach, and done well can look amazing, I knew I would relish the moment when I could start to invest in furniture for my home, for the long term.
It can be tempting to buy all your furniture as cheap as possible, but I’ve learned from doing this in the past. Cheap things tend to wear quickly and poorly, looking tatty not long after purchased. Investing in quality will ensure that your pieces last the distance. I’ve also found that if I spend a decent amount of money on something, I’m more emotionally invested in it and I’ll make sure to spend the time maintaining its care and upkeep – something to think about.
The Internet is a great place to get inspired for things to buy and I personally fell in love with ARAM’s website, filled with much of London’s best pieces. There’s an extensive range so you’ll never feel limited by what’s on offer. Personally I really like the brand Vitra and have added a few things to my Pinterest so that I can keep an eye on them. Vitra plays with form, function and design in a very modern and edgy way. I feel that a piece of Vitra furniture could quickly spice up any space.
For some tips for furnishing your home, read on:
Buy Things You Love
Within your budget, you should buy things that you love. Your home is where you go after a long’s day work. It’s where you’ll experience many of the memories you’ll create with your family. It is a special place. Chances are you may not be in a financial position to buy everything you want, but at least choose some key pieces you love. It’ll make all the difference.
Choose a Budget and Stick To It
It’s hard not to get emotional when you’re buying for your home, after all it is your home, your relaxing space. I recently went to a home wares store with a good friend of mine and he was tempted to buy a lot of unnecessarily items, a new chopping board that folds, a tool for removing the core of pineapples and so on. Individually these items are cheap, but together they really add up. Set a budget from the get-go and stick to it. You’ll be glad you did.
Think Long Term
Planning to have another child? Perhaps you should give those luxurious white leather couches a miss until the children are old enough to enjoy them. Considering relocating? Perhaps you should worry about new home wares once you’re settled in your new home, there’s nothing worse than decorating a space only to move and have it be a poor fit for your new home. Thinking long term is the smartest thing you can do.
Furnishing your home can be a lot of fun, but make sure you go in with a plan and a clear head so you don’t find yourself in a lot of debt!
