The case for the considered home
* FIRST PUBLISHED BY STUFF *
Sure, I can order that for you. It should be here in 4-6 weeks".
It's hard to get excited by that statement, especially when you're trying to finish a room in time for June and Gary coming to stay, or Sarah's graduation dinner, or – insert important event here –. Without deadlines, we wouldn't finish projects.
Yet, an unrealistic timeframe can result in a space that is unsustainable – 'fine for now' but not the future.
The window furnishings in this room are a timeless backdrop, and the size of the chofa makes is a multi-functional furniture item, working as either a couch or a chair
I'm an advocate for quick changes, styling thrives on it. Equally, I believe in creating considered interiors. Spaces that last the distance. Here are some ideas to help you design for the long haul.
The rug in this room was repurposed from a piece of overlocked carpet. The chairs and artwork are on long-term loan from family.
Do the fundamentals well, once
Flooring and window furnishings are significant investments. A sharp intake of breath may be required when you get a quote for a houseful of louvres or to resurface your wooden floors. But, if you make a timeless choice with a quality product, you will be rewarded with years of loyal service.
Architect Harry Siedler was juts one of the mid-century designers who championed built-in furniture
Custom made
We all have one. The shelf that's not quite tall enough to make the most of the wall. Or a desk that overhangs a window because the standard sizes are too high. Money can be wasted trying to fit off-the-shelf furniture into a unique space. Custom and built-in furniture is your friend here. And an area that functions to its full capacity will be the prize for your patience.
The built-in cabinetry in this room makes maximum use of the wall space.
A good brief will deliver a sound outcome. And when you know what you're searching for, the hunt is easy. What kind of space is this going to be, who will be using it, and what will they need? What is the budget, timeframe and mandatories? And, to be sustainable, consider your brief in the future. What do you need to consider for the nursery to transition into a tweens pad? Or the den into a guest room?
Stools are the ultimate multi-taskers
Flexible furniture
Which brings me to multi-tasking - my favourite kind of furniture. The transformers of interiors. What looks like just an Ottoman can also be a coffee table. The bench that's equally practical inside and out. A table that can one day be used as a desk. Multi-functional pieces are an excellent place to make your budget work hard.
Before you swipe your card, ask if you can take the item on appro or find a way to hire something similar. Nothing beats physically experiencing how a piece of furniture or art interacts with its surroundings. With three dimensions, there are multiple facets to consider, even the natural light in a room can alter the colour of fabric. Use the time to test your brief and ensure your final purchase will be the right fit.
The combination of blinds and built-in window seat in this nook utilise all the useable height and width of this space. The circular cushion was repurposed with a pom-pom, taking it from serious to fun.
Renovation and relocation can leave some furnishings redundant. Before discarding them consider if they can be repurposed. When we pulled up the carpet in our lounge to make it open plan, we turned the carpet from one room into a rug for three, and all it took was a Stanley knife and a trip to the overlockers. Also on our repurpose list is our dining table, now on its fourth iteration. Each dining room our table has graced has been a different size, and each time we've changed out the top for one in the right dimensions.
This shelf, repurposed from vintage louvres, was explicitly sourced for its shallow depth to fit the available space in the room
Swapsies
Now, this idea is a little left-field. How about swapping with a friend? Your couch is too big for your new lounge, but you love it and know that one day you might have just the spot. Rather than live in an awkward space, find a friend with the opposite problem. Or, if you don't have room for something, loan it to a family member. This is a useful trick to keep up your sleeve for when you have a temporary change in how you need your room to function. As long as there are guidelines for care and repatriation, it makes sense for an item to be used and loved rather than sitting sadly in storage.
In the long run, a considered home should save you money because you've taken time to examine the options. Whether you're buying high or low, test lots and buy once. Define your brief, do the research. Invest in the foundations. And, although you may not have time, take your time. The wait will be worth it.