How to Furnish Your Home from Scratch?

It’s not simple, is it? You have to focus on designing, define its core, figure out how many things you need to buy, and finalise the budget. These factors are necessary, but they can escalate the process, making you scratch your head and leading to anxiety. So what should one do—sit around and watch how-to YouTube videos, or hire an expert interior designer who knows it all? 

Well, we have an outside-the-box solution that will save you time and money. And no, you don’t need a degree or crash course for this. 

Ask yourself, are you gonna live in this apartment forever? Or are you gonna switch the flats after a few years of settling in? 

Squandering on expensive items that won't fit in or work when you move out to another place will be a waste. Even if you are not planning to stay in the same place for the next five years, it doesn’t imply you shouldn’t decorate. Planning strategically while keeping it simple should be the approach. 

We have mapped out what you need to focus on—room-by-room—and where to splurge considering all major aspects. Remember, the more you plan, the less frustrating it’ll be, so just follow this step-by-step guide. 

Steps to Furnish Your Home Without Having a Stress Meltdown:

1. Research, Research, Research:

If you don’t know the ABCs of designing and are getting overwhelmed by the thought of it, it’s good. Not having a predefined taste or style influenced by other’s opinions and ideas is even better. 

You can look online or search the web to find what pieces you want in your home, but finding a personal vision for your home is crucial. In the end, it’s your home, and the best designs are formulated when they reflect or radiate a side of your character and personality. 

Thereby, look for inspiration, create a file to add the furniture you like, or bookmark it. Then dwell upon the thoughts that show your taste and nail it down to your style. 

Once you are clear on the style you want—whether boho, farmhouse, traditional or a mix of different styles—decide on the colour themes. Do you want to keep it warm, ambient, focused, task, accent, or sharp? Choose the texture, patterns, and wallpapers you are going to use. You can keep different styles for different rooms, and don’t immerse yourself in the million paint swatches; otherwise, you will be lost. 

2. Map Out Your Rooms:

Don’t just buy furniture sets for the sake of buying; take measurements of your space before you go shopping. Throw a loose floor plan and refer to it to see whether your selected items fit in. 

Jennifer Carter, Studio Envie’s lead designer, explains that examining your rooms beforehand will help ensure that the furniture fits well and has a good flow.

She says, ‘To create a comfortable, simple, and efficient space, allocate some space for entering, exiting, and moving. Do not leave a vast space around the furniture piece, or it’ll look too vague. The room measurement, furniture, and its layout dictate that.'

Note down the lighting, the measurement of the space, any blockers, and powerpoints you have that can obstruct the walkway. 

3. Think about Your House as a Whole:

You may think this step can be overruled, but ah-ah! One needs to sketch out the entire house plan to create a cohesive design where you can see how all the elements work. It’s also important to incorporate your lifestyle and family members' needs (kids, partners, and parents). The house must create a feeling of uplift and primates throughout your daily life. 

At this stage, think about which furniture per se—the beds, dining table, coffee table, wardrobe, or cabinets—will go in which room. This exercise will help you figure out the necessary items that easily slip from your mind. 

4. Set the Kitchen Area:

The kitchen is the focus of your family time, and if you’re foody, it’ll become your comfort place. Consider how much space is available and if it has a pantry. Nonetheless, you can invest in a large chest of drawers for storage. 

Invest in serverware and ceramics, as they tend to last longer. Vintage accessories on the countertop will make the kitchen seem more 'you'.

Look for a dining set with a similar theme to your kitchen; marble and black colours go perfectly with the modern contemporary style.  

5. Furnish the Living Room Furniture:

It’s a space where life happens—you entertain your guests, spend family time, and unwind after a long day. 

To create a welcoming oasis that you really want to live in, add a specific design element that reflects your personal style. Focus on the lighting to brighten up your living space. 

You can line your couches along the walls or pull the seating at the centre of the room to create an interesting lounge area. Adding a coffee table beside your sofa will change the entire look of the room, giving you more space to add art and storage.

It all depends upon how much space you have in your living room, so paint the canvas like a seasoned pro accordingly.

6. Design the Bedroom—Your Haven Place:

For a bedroom, comfort and functionality are the keys; styling and decor come later. Think about it: If your bedroom looks like an architectural design collection but not as per your taste and comfort, who would it benefit? No one - So focus more on what brings you that comfort.  

Invest in beds and wardrobes primarily; go for bed frames that are equipped with underlining storage options and a good warranty. 

A wardrobe will help you organise your chaos, and a nightstand for table lamps will perfectly set the mood for a good night's sleep. 

7. Don’t Rush the Process:

Furnishing your house is challenging as it involves a decision-making process, but if this is your first time, take it slow. 

Pick up one room/space at a time and then go with the flow. The most organic designs are curated when you pick away rooms and figure out what works and what doesn’t. 

8. Focus on Quality than Quantity: 

Opt for quality pieces that last at least 5 years and look for the features and functionality you need in your furniture. 

This will help you avoid redoing your entire room or living area every 6 months or year. You can check online marketplaces and branded websites to find long-lasting furniture sets.

End Note: 

Add decor items like artwork, photographs, and family knick-knacks in the bedroom, kitchen, and living area. This will make your home more lively and serene. 

Designing your home from scratch is like swimming in an ocean to collect the ‘hope diamond ornaments'; it’s beyond one’s capacity. 

Our step plan is meant to simplify this for you.