Renovating or remodeling a home is an exciting journey that allows homeowners and renters alike to breathe new life into their homes and spaces. From selecting new paint colors to updating fixtures, the process can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. However, amidst all the planning and budgeting, there’s one critical step that often gets overlooked, and only gets realized after the renovation is done and you step into a fresh new home. That’s when the realization of allocating money for new furniture sets in. This is one of the common themes I learned while working in retail detail.
Why Furniture Matters When Renovating a Home
Amidst all the planning and budgeting, there’s one critical step that often gets overlooked, and only gets realized after the renovation is done and you step into a fresh new home. That's when the realization of allocating money for new furniture sets in.
The hard part is over! You’ve walked into your newly renovated home and realize you need and WANT new furniture. This is when the realization of not including new furniture into your renovation budget sets in.
You’ve focus on structural changes, such as knocking down walls, installing new floors, or upgrading appliances. While these are undoubtedly important, they often forget about how the existing furniture will fit into the newly transformed space.
Furniture is the essential accessories of the home, it adds style cohesion, functionality and comfort.
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- Style Cohesion: After a renovation, the aesthetic of your home may change dramatically. New materials, colors, and layouts can make your old furniture feel out of place. Investing in new quality pieces can create a harmonious and cohesive look that reflects your updated style.
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- Functionality: The layout of your home may be altered during renovations, leading to a need for different furniture arrangements or even entirely new furniture. Take for example, if you’ve opened up your living space, a larger sofa or even a sectional might be more suitable than your previous sofa.
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- Comfort and Usability: Renovations can change how you use your space. With an updated kitchen, you might find that a new dining table is needed to accommodate family gatherings or entertaining friends. Similarly, a revamped home office may require ergonomic furniture to enhance productivity.
Budgeting for a Renovation and What to Allocate
It is very common to find yourself short on funds after renovations are complete. So how much should be allocated? Well, that is going to depend on the scope and type of work being done. It’s also going to depend on the pieces of furniture you plan on keeping.
Tip for Budgeting
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- Create a Realistic Budget: At the outset of your project, develop a detailed budget that includes not just construction and materials, but also a realistic estimate for new furniture. Research the prices for your favorite store and plan for both essential and optional items. You can also hire an interior designer to do the work for you.
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- Prioritize Purchases: Identify which furniture pieces are most important for your newly renovated space. Prioritize essential items first, such as beds, sofas, or dining tables, and consider waiting on decorative pieces until your budget allows.
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- Shop Smart: Look for sales and coupons, consider second-hand items, or explore financing options to spread out the cost of new furniture. There are many ways to furnish your home without breaking the bank.
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- Visualize Your Space: Use apps like Pinterest to visualize and create mood boards of your dream space. Hiring an interior designer takes the work our of sourcing and curating for your new space. Budgeting for design services from an interior designer can make the last part of the renovation process fun and help you avoid making costly mistakes.
- Visualize Your Space: Use apps like Pinterest to visualize and create mood boards of your dream space. Hiring an interior designer takes the work our of sourcing and curating for your new space. Budgeting for design services from an interior designer can make the last part of the renovation process fun and help you avoid making costly mistakes.
Don’t forget to budget for new furniture! It’s an essential part of renovation process!