It’s easy to narrowly focus on the first stages of a home renovation or build project. However, considering the "big picture" is crucial when starting a renovation or new build, and furniture selection plays a significant role in this process. It's essential to envision how the space will ultimately be used and how it will accommodate your family's needs.
Realizing early on that the space may not work for your family's requirements is valuable. For example, designing a dining room around a standard 6-seater table when you really need a larger 10-person table for family events can lead to a spatial layout that doesn't meet your needs. By thinking about furniture and space requirements in advance, you can make necessary adjustments to the design to ensure functionality and satisfaction.
Selecting furniture early on in a renovation has several advantages:
1. Planning and Coordination: Choosing furniture early on allows you to plan and coordinate the design of your space more effectively. By having a clear idea of the furniture you want to include, you can work with your architect, interior designer or contractor to ensure that the layout, dimensions, lighting and electrical outlets are properly considered. This early planning helps avoid potential conflicts or design limitations that may arise if furniture selection is delayed.
2. Design Integration: Furniture is an essential element in interior spaces. By selecting furniture early, you can integrate it seamlessly into the overall design concept of your space. Whether you prefer a modern, traditional, or eclectic style, knowing the furniture pieces you want to incorporate allows you to choose complementary colors, textures and finishes for other elements in the room, such as flooring, wall paint, or window treatments.
3. Sizing and Spacing: Furniture dimensions play a crucial role in determining the flow and functionality of a room. By deciding on furniture early, you can accurately measure and plan for the appropriate size and arrangement of other elements in the space. This ensures that you have adequate space for walkways, storage, and other necessary components, avoiding any last-minute adjustments or compromises.
4. Lead Times and Availability: Some furniture pieces may have longer lead times or limited availability. By starting the selection process early, you can account for any potential delays and ensure that the furniture you desire is available when you need it. Waiting until the last minute may result in rushed decisions or settling for alternatives that don't align with your vision.
5. Budgeting and Cost Management: Selecting furniture early allows you to factor it into your budget and cost estimates accurately. By knowing the costs of your desired furniture pieces up front, you can allocate funds accordingly and avoid overspending on other aspects of the renovation. This proactive approach to budgeting helps you stay within your financial limits and make informed decisions about where to invest your resources.
At Crafted, we look at the “big picture” to make sure the furniture isn’t an afterthought as it truly is the part of your home you engage with the most. It’s important it feels considered and appropriate for your lifestyle. It allows for a holistic approach to the renovation or new construction.
