Let’s be frank…furnishing a home is expensive, especially for a first time buyer.
I bought my first home at the end of last year and after shelling out for the deposit, stamp duty and legal fees, the last thing on my mind was turning my flat in to a show home. I was more concerned about having to live on beans on toast for the next couple of months!
My other half however had other ideas. She was extremely excited about heading out to buy furniture and all of the accessories that do indeed make a vacant property a home. Fortunately enough for me, she has a real eye for interior design and convinced me that making your place plush does not have to be pricey!
Lighten Up!
Lighting makes the biggest difference to a home in my opinion, especially in a one or two bedroom flat.
If you’re going for the lavish look, a small chandelier will do the trick or for something more rustic or minimal, hanging downlights are really popular, working best in bedrooms. These really aren’t expensive and can be picked up from most home stores.
Miracle Mirrors
You can pick up a good value mirror at many high street shops, specialist antique furniture places and for peanuts at boot sales or charity shops. Hanging a large mirror at the end of a corridor instantly opens up the entrance to your flat giving the illusion of extra space as well as adding light.
Large framed mirrors can also be used as a statement piece in your place to compliment art or special bits of furniture you may have.
Splash of Colour
Grey is very much ‘in’ and has been for the past couple of years. It works brilliantly in lounges or bedrooms to create a calming mood and goes perfectly with minimalist or rustic style décor.
As an agent I get to see my fair share of properties and I’m starting to see a splash of colour used more and more and it’s refreshing. Duck Egg Blue is a popular choice in adding warmth to a room whilst alcoves painted with dark blue tones add a hint of sophistication.
Layer Up
Now…my Mrs may have gone overboard on this one as we have more cushions on the bed than I know what to do with but I can see her reasoning.
A mustard coloured throw on a grey sofa and a couple of well-placed cushions do make the sofa look more inviting after work and also add a touch of opulence. Geometric rugs and pillows also seem a popular choice in West Hampstead!
There are loads of cheap and easy ways to give an opulent feel to your place including flowers and quirky shelving but at the end of the day it’s all down to personal taste and I’ve seen many clever ideas in my day to day role.
Be safe in the knowledge that although you’ve invested a huge chunk of your hard earned savings in to purchasing your first home, you don’t have to settle for basic furnishings!
If you are looking for an estate or letting agent in the West Hampstead area then look no further than Paramoun!
