The right furniture can make a space more functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, choosing the best items for a particular interior design project requires more work than most homeowners realize. While personal preference is important, creating a cohesive design that is both beautiful and accessible requires consideration of a few other factors as well. This article will offer an introduction to how to choose the right furniture to spruce up your home and complement its interior design.

Decide on Scope

Refurnishing a room will mean something different to everyone. Some people think of it as just replacing an existing living room or bedroom set. Others get far more involved in the process, using it as an opportunity to redecorate the entire room or even rethink its intended function completely. 

The scope of the project will impact what kinds of products you will purchase and will define your budget. Give some thought to how much of the room’s design will be changed and use that information to decide what types of furniture to purchase, how much space each piece needs, and whether to add design elements. Consider using an interior designer at this key stage of your project in order to help you efficiently plan your project.

Think About Style

Well-developed styles are important in both residential and commercial interior design. If the room already has an established style consider how new elements will tie in. If not, you can use magazines, furniture showrooms and the internet for inspiration.  

Remember that residential interior design styles don’t have to be set in stone. Think of it more as an opportunity to consider how color palettes intersect with personal taste. Some people like to stick to formal styles and purchase only period-appropriate antiques. Others like to incorporate elements of the local culture into their homes’ decor. Treat your preferred style as inspiration rather than a strict constraining factor.

Consider Architecture and Layout

Failing to take architectural elements into account is a great way to wind up with furniture that doesn’t look appropriate for the space. Our designers help homeowners figure out how to incorporate existing architectural features into the overall interior design.  

The right furniture can highlight interesting architectural elements in unique ways or draw attention away from the less-desirable aspects of the room’s architecture and layout. These intractable design elements can also help to narrow down options when it comes time to choose specific pieces of furniture. This is true not just in terms of available space and furniture dimensions, but also regarding style.

Maximize Value

High-quality furniture is an investment, so homeowners should try to make the most of their budgets. One of the best ways to maximize the value of any refurnishing project is to consult an interior designer before purchasing new furniture. 

Professional interior designers aren’t just up-to-date on all the latest trends; their industry insight allows them to judge the quality of pieces based on factors beyond the knowledge base of the average consumer. Furthermore, they often have working relationships with popular brands and may be able to help clients get better deals on quality pieces. 

Understand Textiles and Textures

Unlike artwork and accessories, furniture will be used regularly and therefore selections need to be based on comfort and durability. The choice of textiles and textures is an important one, and it often goes overlooked since so many people have transitioned to purchasing furniture online.

Certain textiles are known for their longevity, which makes them good options for furniture and accent pieces. Each material has its unique pros and cons. Leather, for example, is considered a premium textile for sofas and chairs. However, it requires more maintenance than synthetic materials, and it’s not great for hot environments. 

Texture is an often overlooked element that can take your interior to the next level. Using contrasting materials will give your rooms variety and depth. Consider how different finishes, textiles, artwork and even plants will respond to each other in order to create an interesting space. 

Where to Turn For Design Help

Want to invest in new furniture but don’t know where to start? Consider a consultation with our interior designers at Tran + Thomas Design Studio. We offer a wealth of residential design services, including furniture selection, furniture sales and furniture installation. We can help clients turn otherwise boring rooms into stunning, distinctive spaces. Call (913) 268-9595 to schedule a consultation today.