Essential Items to Avoid When Purchasing Your First Residential Property:
In today's competitive housing market, it's likely you'll find yourself settling into your starter home for longer than expected. So, when it comes to furnishing and decorating your humble abode, a balance is essential—make it cozy and comfortable, but steer clear of long-term investments that may become outdated or inflexible.
Three seasoned designers generously shared their insights with us to help you make wise buying decisions for your starting-out space. Here's what the experts recommend avoiding:
Furniture That Misses the Mark
According to Laurin White, life's too short to live with furniture you don't love. Opt for pieces that speak to you, and avoid fast furniture that might seem more affordable in the short term but will require replacement down the line.
Oversized Seating
Big, custom sectionals might seem tempting, but they may not suit every stage of life. Stick with standard-sized sofas and chairs that fit into various layouts, as recommended by Elizabeth Ryan. Aim for sofas no longer than 8 feet long and armchairs that don't exceed 3 feet in width.
Run-of-the-Mill Decor
Artwork, vases, and shelves are ideal for adding personality to your home. As you start decorating your first space, curate a collection of unique pieces that tell a story. Avoid generic decor from big-box stores that can lead to a cluttered, less-cozy vibe.
Builder-Grade Lighting
Upgrading your lighting fixtures is a wise investment, according to all three designers. Say goodbye to builder-grade versions and hello to chandeliers and sconces that add warmth and character. Quality lighting will improve your day-to-day life and even boost your home's resale value.
King-Sized Beds
Investing in a king bed might not be the best idea for your first home, as future space requirements may vary. Opt for a queen-sized bed instead—it's often more affordable, versatile, and easier to replace or adjust as needed.
Coordinated Furniture Sets
While matching furniture sets can seem appealing, resist the urge. Choose unique and special pieces that reflect your personal taste. You're more likely to tire of a set than individual items, which can find new life in other rooms as you move forward.
Extra Dining Room Accessories
If you're transitioning from an apartment to your first home, you might be figuring out your hosting style. Start with the basics (table and chairs) and scale up as needed. Your dining room requirements may change based on your hosting preferences and changing lifestyle.
In summary, prioritize pieces that align with your personal style and lifestyle needs, and avoid generic, oversized, or overly-matched items that may lack versatility. Invest in quality, curate as you go, and enjoy a cozy yet adaptable living space that grows with you.
Background Insights:
- Procuring furniture that aligns with your personal style ensures a more enjoyable living experience and helps you avoid becoming displeased with your choices in the long run[1][2].
- Spending more on high-quality items will save you money in the long run, as cheap furniture tends to require frequent replacement[1].
- Curating a collection of pieces that tell a story helps maintain a cohesive aesthetic and adds personality to your space over time[2].
- Southern Living magazine offers home decor ideas that emphasize balance, comfort, and long-term investment considerations for your starter home.
- To create a personalized and adaptable living space, it's recommended to opt for furniture pieces that resonate with you, such as furniture that Laurin White suggests, which you'll love and not regret.
- Elizabeth Ryan suggests avoiding oversized seating like custom sectionals, limiting the size of sofas to no longer than 8 feet long and armchairs to less than 3 feet in width to accommodate various layouts.
- Instead of run-of-the-mill decor from big-box stores, decorate your first home with unique and personally curated pieces, avoiding generic decor that may lead to a cluttered and less cozy vibe.
- When investing in furniture, it's suggested to prioritize quality items that will improve your lifestyle, such as upgraded lighting fixtures, which may boost your home's resale value and add warmth and character.
