How did you feel that last time you walked into your open-plan living space or family room?
Inspired? Comforted? Happy? A successfully furnished room is one you enjoy entering time and time again by creating a convivial vibe and a sense of appreciation that endures.
The key component lies in not how many furnishings you have in the room, but rather the quality of certain pieces in the room. In many respects, outfitting a home can be daunting, but approaching the endeavor as a three-tiered process, may make it easier on the psyche—and the wallet.
Tier 1: Major Components
There are four major components most closely associated with investment furnishing: sofas, dining tables, beds, and rugs. That first item on the list for many is a non-negotiable and the expectation of having to splurge on a good sofa is a given when one can afford to do so. It can set the tone for the entire room and it’s most likely the largest component in the largest area of your home.
That is why when it comes to making this particular investment, there are some questions you should ask yourself first: What do I need this piece to accomplish for me? This is another of those, “Think of how you actually live” scenarios. Do you wish the piece to afford versatility—a sleeper sofa, a sectional perhaps, that has options for how it works in the room? What makes the most sense when it comes to fabric? Will I be able to snuggle with my pet on this sofa? Should I consider performance fabric?
Will I be content with a neutral tone over the years? (This question is an easy yes for many homeowners, as layering your sofa with texture, swapping out pillows seasonally, and adding a colorful throw atop the cushions, instantly gives it a different look.)
Do you wish this to be the statement piece in the room? If so, then a rich, deep-colored fabric may be your thing.
One abiding expert piece of advice is to forego a busy pattern or any look that could become dated. The point being, whatever you need or want this sofa to do in the long-term, should be considered for this investment piece.
Your dining table performs a dual role in the home, that of the ultimate multitasker and that of a central feature, so it must be able to blend form with function. As we trend away from traditional dining rooms with their matching sets of Chippendale that we hardly ever use, we have opened our lives and home plans up to be more versatile. Sturdy, well-constructed wood tables come in many styles, from rich slabs with live edges, to sleek and trim lighter woods with great lines. Once you have chosen the proper size for your family and the space, you will appreciate this investment purchase every time you sit to dine, play a board game, or use it as an extra work-from-home space.
Your bed is life’s daily refuge, so it makes sense not to skimp on any aspect when it comes to choosing the right mattress. There are many new options when it comes to where and how to buy a mattress. For more inspiration, check back to our July issue interior column for a thorough primer.
A common mistake made when shopping for a bed is undervaluing the bed frame or what supports it from beneath. While platform beds are becoming increasingly popular, there are many other types of frames to consider, including the canopy style, the sleigh bed frame, and the storage bed frame, each with its own pros and cons when it comes to support and comfort level, as well as the mobility this large piece of furniture has once it is placed. So do your research!
Whether they be area rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting, the investment you walk across every day, needs to be top of mind when it comes to investment furnishings. And while it may be tempting to try and save money by purchasing a lower-quality, blended synthetic rug, interiors experts agree that cheap rugs that don’t last are never a good idea. A quality rug that you love will serve its purpose in your home for many years and will save you the hassle of having to replace it too soon.
Another mistake commonly made when choosing area rugs is buying an ill-fitting rug that is too small for the space. This, experts say, can make or break the look of your entire room, so never economize by buying the wrong size.
Tier 2: Lighting
While some must-lists in this area of interior design may not consider lighting a “furnishing,” in the heavy sense, it is important not to undervalue how your room is lit. Harsh, distracting, or underwhelming elements of lighting can affect the quality of its well-furnished appearance.
Every room of your home should have a well-designed lighting scheme that includes multiple sources of light in the form of table lamps, floor lamps, task and/or recessed lighting, and a statement-making central feature such as a chandelier or over-the kitchen island grouping. Steering clear of quirky, flashy, or style-of-the-moment pieces will keep your home beautifully illuminated for years to come.
Sofa image courtesy of lumens.com; Dining Table image courtesy of remodelista.com; Bed image courtesy of potterybarn.com; Lighting image courtesy of lumens.com; Art image courtesy of Nancyhammond.com.
Tier 3: Layering
There are two ways to enhance your home from a layering approach that can be considered investments in its overall tone and style: window coverings and the addition of fine art to your walls.
While every home needs basic shades, blinds, or panels to provide a sufficient amount of privacy, custom drapery and window treatments such as hardwood plantation shutters or upholstered valances add the next level of sophistication to a home. Again, the rule of thumb here is think of classic fabrics and patterns that are trend-resistant, and you will be enjoying the aesthetic they add to your home for many years.
Always, always, always resist layering the home with too many tchotchkes and put that money toward building a collection of works over time that not only enhance your home, but your life.
While choosing art can be a highly subjective endeavor, start with your home’s style as an indicator as to the type of art, be it sculpture, painting, and/or photography, you should choose. What you choose should complement, not overwhelm or be distracting within the space.
Always think local, as well, for some of your art choices. In our area especially, there are many wonderful artists and craftspeople who make one-of-kind and perennial works that truly capture the feeling—or convivial, inspirational vibe of living here—you’ll be happy to experience every time you enter your home.
