JOIN USCongratulations on your first home! You’ve probably waited for the day when the keys are handed over to you. Stepping across that threshold, your new home has already started taking shape in your mind, bit by bit, into the space you’ve always dreamed of. This can be an exciting yet a rather stressful time for you. So calm down, help is here.
First things first, you need sort out the wall paint, wallpaper and flooring. Going in for neutral colours is ideal. Once that’s done, you can invest in essential furniture. Let’s take a walk through your home. If you want to start off on a minimalist note (which is all the rage these days), you can do away with shoe racks by making sure you’ve sorted out a space for your shoes in your wardrobe with external drawers. Otherwise, you can pick up a shoe rack-cum-seater for your foyer. It will hold your footwear, give you some display room and seating space.
If you’re considering a coat room, you can choose from a wide range of beautiful customised wall-mounted coat hooks. From distressed to elaborate ornamental hooks, many options are available.
The living room
You will be spending a lot of time in your living room. Pick out a comfortable three-seater (at least), which can double up as a day bed and a chunky reading chair with an ottoman, for the days you want to curl up with a book. The ottoman can also be used as a coffee table.
If you do go in for a coffee table, why not opt for low-seater tables with
storage to hold your magazines and remotes? Dual-use, space-saving furniture can be found on several online furniture stores. An entertainment unit with basic drawers and a combination of shelves is also a must, as it won’t take up a lot of space. It will cover your display and
storage needs without cramping your style.
The dining area
In our fast-paced lives, dining area is a sacred zone, where the family gathers at least once a day. You can pick out a six-seater table if you have the space for it. But if space is a constraint, buy a foldable or extending table, which can seat four people on a regular day and six on days you have guests over. Tables like this can give you more space to move around. Crockery units are a great addition if you have a little wall space to spare. When designed well, these can give you ample space for your crystal ware and some open display space to show off your favourite china. The drawers can hold cutlery and napkins.
Smart kitchens
Kitchens are a lifetime investment. While you can tighten your purse strings on other lavish indulgences around your home, it is important to splurge on your kitchen. You might redo other aspects of your home from time to time, but not the kitchen. Pick out easy-to-clean laminates in stunning colours that will last for at least five years. Ensure you get waterproof cabinets for the sink and drinking water units. Pick out an adequately-powered chimney, based on your cooking habits. Factors that can increase your kitchen cost are handle-less cabinets, tall units and drawers or accessories. If the crockery shelf seems like too much of an investment on the first go, select framed glass shutters for your kitchen wall units that will double up as a much-needed crockery display case.
Functional bedrooms
The idea behind any design or selection of furniture is to combine comfort with functionality, to create a space you can call your own. The master bedroom essentials include a wardrobe and loft. Don’t skimp out on loft space, which can hold travel luggage and cartons. Get enough drawers internally and externally. You’ll do well to add adequate hanger space for your coats and dresses. Hinged wardrobes will take care of your basic storage needs. However, if style and space are essential factors, you can pick out sliding wardrobes or Armadio, which can make your room more contemporary and save additional space required to open shutters.
Kids’ zone
Kids’ bedroom or nursery is an exciting space to do up. Opt for bright colours on a hinged wardrobe with a lot of external drawers to double up as storage for toys and clothes. A study unit is optional and depends on your child’s age. If you have more than one child and a bunk bed is an expensive solution, you can always buy a trundle bed. It’s easy-to-use and comes with additional storage options.
Guest spaces can be minimal. All you need is a hinged wardrobe, which can double up as your linen cupboard. Beds with storage are convenient and provide additional space for sheets and comforters.
While a plain framed mirror should suffice for your bathrooms, a few extra thousands spent on a vanity unit can give you a neat counter and easy storage.
The average homeowner spends around 10% of the project value on his interiors. As new owners, you can budget for much lesser, but ensure that you
have a little extra to cover any contingencies. Careful planning and budgeting will help you make affordable choices. Don’t buy everything at once. Once your essentials (kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, etc.) are in place, you can keep adding new elements and dimensions to your home with time.
(The author is interior designer, HomeLane.com)