Create your indoor layout gradually
Consider your long-term needs when it comes to home decor, furniture, storage concepts and housewares.
The idea that a home might not have enough “stuff” in it may sound silly. But those who have been planning for a long time to find, build and move into a new home may have spent just as long downsizing their belongings.
Suddenly, it seems, the house is only a few months from move-in ready and all indications point to echoing corridors. Or family rooms with lots of space and not enough seating. Or dining rooms and kitchens better suited for picnics than gourmet meals.
Avoid the urge to rush
Apart from essentials, such as paper products, linens and even temporary seating options, focus on long-term needs when choosing decor, furniture, storage concepts and housewares. Doing so will give you more enjoyment from each item over the years.
In the interim, there’s nothing wrong with eating off reusable plasticware or using a mismatched set of towels in the new bathroom.
There’s also nothing wrong with acquiring a few giveaways from community give-and-receive pages on social media. Ask the builder which Nextdoor or Facebook groups to join for this purpose.
Someone’s always looking to unload something. And the item you acquire may be just the transition piece another future buyer on your street needs to tide them over.
Blend in some flexible furnishings
New homes are intentionally built with flexibility and multiuse rooms. Furniture choices can extend that flexibility. But the beauty lies in symmetry.
Choose furniture that will blend with — not exactly match or clash with — pieces that will make the move from the existing home. Also, consider new spaces or purposes for those existing pieces.
Find furnishings that don’t fill entire spaces. A large sectional sofa is comfortable and inviting in a living room or great room but may overpower a family room.
A sectional that can be turned in multiple directions or separated without looking like it’s missing pieces will create flexibility. Alternatively, a long sofa with separate loveseat or two chairs may provide more options for lounging or gathering.
Ottomans make for cozy seating areas. Some include storage for blankets, pillows, games and more.
Ottomans of different sizes in the same room can provide alternate arrangements. Two smaller ottomans can be separated to improve flow or pushed together as a longer footrest.
Next, if the home office doubles as a guest room, look at Murphy beds with built-in cabinets or shelves. Contemporary sofa beds also look stylish. Choose one with a good mattress that’s easy to set up and collapse.
Elsewhere, perhaps the kids have moved out and their twin beds can be turned into bunks for guests or grandkids? All you may need is new mattresses and attractive bed coverings. Position them in a spare room or office that will be out of view during videoconferences.
Think geometrically
Mixing straight lines and curves is just as important as blending cool and warm colors when it comes to creating livable, comfortable spaces.
An example is a kitchen table that can convert from a small, square or rectangular shape to a larger round or oval surface with attachments or folding sides. These provide more dining space for larger groups, but won’t take up as much space for regular, daily use.
Pedestal-style dining tables, which only have one table leg, allow more freedom of movement. Just make sure the pedestal isn’t so wide that people’s feet will touch under the table.
Take your time with art
Whether wall hangings or tabletop decor, resist the urge to fill spaces just because they’re empty. Instead, let inspiration and personality drive any additions of new artwork.
While inspiration is brewing, consider the most sensible sizes for pieces of artwork in each space. Let yourself have some fun mapping out where art will eventually go, by cutting pieces of fabric or paper and taping them to the walls with painter’s tape to determine scale.
Consider hanging framed photography while looking for inspiration. One room, hallway or staircase might feature the people you love, while another features the places you love.
Framed mirrors express your style and make spaces appear larger. From ornate or traditional wood frames to minimalistic or industrial metal frames and colored farmhouse or country-style frames, there’s a frame for every type of decor. With mirrors, the art reflects you.