These days we’re all having to adjust to shopping more wisely as the cost of living soars ever upwards. The good news though is that you don’t have to sacrifice style in the process. A little careful planning and research combined with some handy tips can achieve impressive results. Here are our top tips to get you started.
Sounds obvious doesn’t it? That first flush of enthusiasm can lead to impulsive decisions that you may end up regretting later. First of all work out what you want to achieve and plan accordingly. An important follow on to this question is deciding how much you have to spend. If you need more than just a simple revamp, start by prioritising the important pieces. Remember you don’t have to do it all at once, start slowly and add pieces as your budget allows and your vision becomes clearer. Start with the practical, functional areas – you need to be able to sleep, sit and eat comfortably. After a bed, a table,chairs and stools are often next on the list. Take time to think about exactly how you and others use the space. Although there are no hard and fast rules anymore, remember to consider balance and proportion. Check measurements before you buy. A simple trick to see if something will fit, such as a coffee table, is to get the dimensions. Then use a sheet or towel to block out the space on the floor. This is more effective than using just a tape measure. You will be able to gauge how easy it will be to move around the item. It will also help to experiment with different arrangements before settling on a final layout.
Research
If you aren’t certain about your style or the look you want to create, look around for inspiration. Collect ideas and images, then work out what it is that appeals to you. Do you have a preference for Scandi design, maybe minimal, retro or industrial style? Is it the shapes, the colours or an overall theme that captured your imagination? These images may showcase high end, expensive furniture but don’t despair. Good design is an affordable option – look for similar items to create the same effect without blowing the budget. At Replica Furniture our ethos has always been to provide durable, premium reproduction furniture at the lowest cost. Replica furniture is an easy way to own an iconic chairs or designer lamp at a bargain price. Many of our pieces are based on classic designs of the 20th Century. These designs have endured for good reason as they follow the fundamental principles of form and function. This means they look good and serve their purpose perfectly.
The old adage of buy once, buy well is even more relevant today. This doesn’t mean “buy expensive”, but “buy smart”. As with fashion, avoid always going with the latest trend or gimmick, a piece of furniture is not so easy to hide at the back of the wardrobe! This doesn’t mean you can’t mix things up, however. By keeping key furniture pieces more classic and adding some on trend décor items you can still have fun. Unless you favour a full on bold and vibrant colour scheme, keep to a more muted or natural palette. This way you will find it easier to source furniture that will work harmoniously in the space. Again you can add in those extra pops of colour as accent pieces, easily changed if you have second thoughts. Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials. It can be an impossible task to try to match natural timbers as every piece has unique tones and grain. White chairs with a light timber table give a fresh feel, perfectly in keeping with a Scandi theme. Using black items, or those with black detailing will introduce more of an edge. Keep a lookout for versatile furniture that can be used in different ways. A simple hall table will make a stylish bedroom dressing table or laptop desk. Similarly use a side table as a bedside table, or a bench as a seat, coffee table or tv stand. Ultimately you need to ensure that your home reflects your own unique style and personality.
Help and advice can be invaluable – but the right sort. Of course consult friends and family for their opinions, but get some more objective advice too. Remember to choose what you like, not what others have or think you should have. You’re the one who will be living with it! Once again this doesn’t have to be a costly exercise. As part of your research find a store that has a wide range and staff you can talk to. At Replica Furniture we know our products well and love to give honest, helpful advice. Our Brisbane showroom provides a loan service for dining chairs and stools. This is an easy and zero cost way to see how a chair looks with your own table. For non local customers we will send photos from our showroom floor, giving examples of different combinations, styles and finishes. A Members Discount is available to help the budget stretch even further. Members also receive updates when we have sales or are announcing a new arrival. Our warehouse is well stocked, and we dispatch orders quickly for fast affordable delivery anywhere in Australia. This means that once you’ve made your decision you don’t have an agonising long wait for your goods to arrive.
Trying to figure out how to furnish your home on a budget can be a daunting prospect. Whether you are furnishing a new home, starting from scratch or just need a quick refresh it can seem overwhelming. The good news is that it can be done, and you’re not alone! Just spend a little while thinking it through, plan ahead and don’t feel you have to rush into anything. Take it a step at a time and you will be amazed at the results. Take your inspiration from things you really like, don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit. Good design really is an affordable option, so take a deep breath and get started. Above all, furnishing your home should be an enjoyable experience, so have fun!
For help or more information contact our Team on 1300 338 978 or visit our Brisbane showroom.