Just moved into your family’s dream home? Not sure which renovations to start with? Or which furniture to save on versus splurge on? Been there!

When it feels like there’s just so much to be done, it can be downright difficult knowing how to start or what’s your best investment.

From working with many new homeowners (not to mention doing it ourselves!), we’ve seen it all. Here’s our best advice for pulling together a family home you’ll be able to enjoy and love for a long time…

 

Where Should You Start with New Home Renovations?

1. What Needs to Be Done?

My best advice is to do what needs to be done first, not necessarily what you want to get done.

In my case, that lavender bedroom had to get a different coat of paint ASAP. The living room built-in had to be removed to make room for the big furniture pieces we already owned. Those were the musts.

The rest can wait, especially because it’s very likely that you’ll change your mind about those things anyway! After 5 years, I completely changed what I had originally been thinking that I wanted—and I’m so glad I waited. (Kitchen reno, here I come!)

 

2. Paint & Refinish Flooring Before Move-In

Second, if you need to paint or refinish any flooring, I highly suggest you do these BEFORE moving in. It’s very messy and very difficult to navigate once you’re living in the home.

Think plastic strewn everywhere, toxic fumes, tiny nails on the ground, and roped off areas. Better if you’re absent for these. 😉

Once the spaces have been taken care of, it’s time to fill them…

 

Which Furnishings Are Your Best Long-Term Investments?

When it comes to furnishing your new home, it’s rarely a good idea to splurge on the latest and greatest everything. 

Why?

• Your style and tastes often change from year to year
• A house-wide splurge can be expensive for a first-time homeowner
• While a high-quality sofa is going to pay-off in the long-run, things like high-end glassware and accessories might not

So which pieces are your best long-term investments?

1. High-Quality, Comfortable Sofa & Chairs

Here’s the thing about sofas. If you buy an inexpensive sofa, chances are high that it will last up to 3 years. So keep in mind, each 3 years, it’ll get saggy, start falling apart, and you’ll have to buy another one or repair it.

Meanwhile, a high-quality fabric or leather sofa can last 10 years or more with little to no doctoring.

So, which is the better long-term investment… 3 cheap sofas in under 10 years or ONE high-quality, more expensive (and likely more comfortable) sofa that can be loved for 10-15+ years?

You got it. 😉 The same goes for armchairs!

 

2. Comfy Bed That Supports Your Best Life

Good sleep can make us more active with our kids, sharper at work, and happier in our daily lives… so why would you settle for anything less?

Yes, high-quality mattresses do cost more, but this is a purchase that will pay off long into the future—and in the best way.

Also, though it can be tempting to rush this purchase for the sake of setting up your bed ASAP, I highly recommend taking your time. Discomfort for a few nights is well worth the fantastic sleep for years to come.

 

3. Handwoven, Top-Quality Rug

Did this one surprise you? High-quality rugs provide huge bang for your buck. From an aesthetic standpoint, they raise the elegance of your home and look classic in nearly any space.

From an investment standpoint, top quality rugs can survive decades of daily use and even accrue value over time. It’s not uncommon for one-of-a-kind, handwoven rugs to be passed through generations and eventually become valuable antiques!

My husband would add a #4 best investment and say “the biggest TV…” Bless his heart. I’ll leave that one up to you, though!

I hope these lists have given you some clarity and peace of mind for creating your special home. If nothing else, start with the big items and layer in the family memories as you go. 🙂

If you need help deciding which possessions to keep, which to seek out, and how to style your forever home, let us know! We can’t wait for your beautiful home to inspire your family’s best life.

Much love,

Sheri