Ah, summer–time for college graduation ceremonies, weddings and, for many graduates and newlyweds, setting up a first real adult home.
No easy task if you’re also facing the financial burdens of rent or mortgage, car payments, a career-worthy wardrobe and, yikes, student loans.
“It will be an exciting journey to create a special place of your own if you just remember to take it slow–otherwise, you risk decorating yourself into a corner,” said Davis Remignanti, lead design consultant at Furniture.com.
Remignanti offers some starter tips for the first-time apartment dweller or homeowner:
Timing is everything. Interesting interiors are created in layers and evolve as furnishings are added or removed over time.
Look around. Survey your resources–your current furnishings–and finances. Craft a budget. Then list needs (sofa, coffee table), wants (plasma TV, Oriental rug) and things you’d love down the road (complete dining room set). Reconcile accordingly.
It’s OK to splurge. Versatile pieces are a great splurge item since they will serve and shine anywhere. For example, simple but stylish Parsons chairs, depending on the occasion, can move from dining room to home office to living room.
Plan ahead. Use Furniture.com’s free online room planner to lay out your room. Create multiple plans for what you have today and what you’d love someday. A sofa bed in the living room today will accommodate overnight guests, and, later, it can move into a guest bedroom.
Utilize resources carefully. The right hand-me-downs can inspire a room, especially if they are antiques. The wrong ones (grandma’s mismatched dishes) will clutter. If offered, accept only after careful consideration. Remember: A clunky dining room table will be hard to get rid of.
Sleep on it. In the bedroom, focus first on finding a terrific-looking bed. Add the dresser and nightstand later. Buy a good mattress and box spring. Don’t rush on the little items (artwork, rugs). Let the room develop an identity.
Get personal. Showcase your unique style by accessorizing with items from your life. Frame black-and-white photos from your honeymoon, autumn leaves or favorite cards. Display shells, beach glass or river rocks from a vacation.
Invest in the basics. Find workhorse pieces to later repurpose. A bookcase showcases wedding china and crystal in the dining area. When it’s later replaced by a china cabinet, move the bookcase to a home office or child’s room for new duty.
Finally, check out neighborhood garage sales and flea markets, but only buy items in good condition (no wobbly chairs or stained linens) that you absolutely adore and know you will use–otherwise, you’ll be having a garage sale of your own in the not-too-distant future.