You’re building towards your dream. You’ve bought your dream house. But boy, did it drain your pockets and you may or may not have accounted for that part. Now you’re left with furnishing and decorating it.
You’re seeing ideas of what you love. Although picturing the exquisite furniture pieces in your new home makes your heart melt, there is a budget you need to keep in mind.
You may have people telling you to 'wait it out' and move in with half the furniture. So what about that ideal decor you had pictured?
There are some things you can follow to furnish your dream home, while still staying within your budget. You do not have to give up on your dream decor, you just need to prioritize it.
We’ve created a checklist for you to keep in mind when furnishing your dream home.
Picture it
Move around your house. Take a moment to understand its layout. Now try to set a design theme. Think of what colors you would like to see on what wall. Picture things on different corners of your home.
Sit in different rooms and areas and list things that come to your mind. Make a rough idea of what you are picturing your interior to be like.
Needs Before Wants
Now that you have a rough picture of what you want, take a look at the list you made. Do you need all that stuff? Try to prioritize what you need before what you want.
Take your time to first cover every requirement and necessity for your new home, and then move on to the other parts that aren't necessarily things you need to live.
Plan Your Budget
Set your practical budget per your savings. Do keep in mind your monthly expenses and unexpected overheads when making your budget.
A good rule of thumb is to 3x your estimated monthly spending, and subtract it from what you have. The number you’re left with is your furnishing budget.
Fill Rooms Efficiently
Use the priority list and look for sales. Buy the items you need for your room first. We recommend trying out secondhand furniture to help your budget. Prioritize items that give a homey feeling to your rooms to make it more 'yours.'
Quality Precedes Quantity
Filling the rooms doesn’t mean you go overboard with furniture pieces. The idea to fill your room is to focus on quality before quantity. A high-quality, simplistic look is better than a loud cramped up room.
Follow a strategic approach to furnish your home and it’ll be easier than you think. Breaking things down in steps will help you decorate beautifully while keeping within your budget.
FAQ
How much does it cost to furnish a home?
The cost depends entirely on the square footage of your home and the interior you plan to build for it. It can range widely according to your outlook for the furnishing.
When should you buy the furniture?
Moving without furniture might make you feel empty and not at home, but it helps you get the furniture fitted perfectly. On the flipside, if you shop beforehand, you get a better timeframe to gauge your options.
