STEP BY STEP: From Empty to Elegant
Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.
How to furnish your home with ease
Now that the summer holiday period is well and truly over, I’ve been contacted by a number of potential clients who are looking to refurnish their homes on the North Shore of Sydney. The cost of living crisis is certainly impactful, but many of these people have planned meticulously for their projects, and are proceeding regardless. A key benefit for my clients (and not all designers do this, it’s a very personal choice) is that I pass on my trade prices. This can result in substantial savings to clients, and although I charge a small procurement fee to recognise the work that goes into placing orders, arranging deliveries, dealing with delays and any warranty or delivery issues, the savings add up. Some of my clients find that they actually save more than they spend on my fee!
This month’s blog explores the factors you should consider if you’re purchasing new furniture. If you’re fully furnishing a home like my Lane Cove client who is only retaining his sofa and completely replacing everything else in his two-bedroom apartment, you’ll probably have questions. Where should you start? How much should you budget? How long will it take and what advantages can you achieve by hiring a designer to assist?
Moving into a new home is an exciting fresh start, but if you're starting from scratch with furniture it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re downsizing from a larger family home or simply looking for a refresh, there are plenty of factors to consider. From budgeting and timelines to making sure your space feels cohesive and functional, it pays to approach the process with a plan. If you’re wondering where to start, how much to budget or whether it’s worth bringing in a designer, read on.
Downsizer Pam replaced most of her living room furniture to warm up her favourite spaces.
Photography: Kat Hatfield Creative (@kathatfieldcreative)
Where to Start When Furnishing a Home
The best place to start is with a clear understanding of your needs and lifestyle. Consider:
How you use your space – Will you be entertaining often? Do you need a home office? Do you want a guest room for visiting family? Thinking about how you’ll live in the home will help guide your choices.
What you already own – Downsizers often bring cherished pieces from their previous home, so take stock of what will make the transition with you. Keep in mind that large-scale furniture from a bigger house may not always work in a smaller space.
Your design vision – Do you want a modern, streamlined look? Something more classic and timeless? Having a clear idea of your style will make shopping easier and ensure a cohesive end result.
Your must-haves versus nice-to-haves – Make a list of essential pieces like a sofa, bed and dining table before getting carried away with decorative extras. Prioritising big-ticket items will help you stay focused.
How Much Should You Budget for Furniture?
Furniture is an investment, and while everyone’s budget will be different, it’s helpful to have a ballpark figure in mind before you begin. A good rule of thumb is to allocate around 10–20% of your property’s value to furniture and decor, but this depends on the scale of your purchase and the level of quality you’re after.
Breaking it down further:
Living room – A quality sofa can range from $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on brand and fabric choices. Add in armchairs, a coffee table and rugs, and you’re looking at $8,000–$20,000 for a well-furnished space.
Dining area – A solid timber dining table can cost $3,000–$8,000, with chairs adding another $300–$1,500 each. A statement light fixture or sideboard may bring the total to $10,000+.
Bedrooms – A well-made bed frame and mattress can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000. Add bedside tables, storage and soft furnishings, and you may spend $8,000–$15,000 per room.
Outdoor furniture – If you have a balcony, courtyard or terrace, setting aside $5,000–$15,000 will allow you to create a comfortable outdoor retreat.
These figures are estimates, and costs can vary based on the brands you choose, whether you opt for custom-made pieces and whether you take advantage of trade discounts through an interior designer.
Choose furniture that suits your budget but is the best quality you can afford.
How Long Will It Take?
Furnishing an entire home isn’t something that happens overnight. While it’s tempting to want everything ready as soon as you move in, it’s better to approach the process with patience to ensure you’re making the right choices.
Stock availability – Off-the-shelf furniture from big retailers can be delivered quickly, but custom or made-to-order pieces often have lead times of 8–16 weeks and even longer if they’re coming from overseas.
Delivery schedules – If you’re ordering from multiple suppliers, coordinating deliveries can be a logistical challenge, especially for larger items.
Styling and finishing touches – Beyond furniture, elements like artwork, lighting and soft furnishings can take time to source and install properly.
Realistically, if you’re fully furnishing a home, allow at least 3–6 months to get everything in place. If you’re after a truly bespoke look, it may take even longer. If you’re purchasing or building a new home, your interior designer can work off the floorplan to select and even order items before you have access to the home. Timing can be tricky, but it’s possible and sometimes sensible to do a lot of the planning before you move into your new home. You can finish off the details later, but having key pieces such as beds, sofas and a dining table will make you feel at home much faster.
The Benefits of Working with an Interior Designer
While it’s possible to furnish a home on your own, working with an interior designer can make the process far more efficient and enjoyable. Here’s why:
Cohesion and balance – A designer will ensure that all pieces work together seamlessly, rather than feeling like a mismatched collection of items.
Access to exclusive suppliers – Designers have access to trade-only furniture, artwork and accessories that aren’t available to the general public.
Time-saving – From sourcing pieces to managing orders and deliveries, a designer handles the details so you don’t have to.
Maximising your budget – A good designer knows where to invest and where to save, helping you get the best value for your money. Some, like Kate Kerin Interiors, pass on their trade prices to further stretch your budget.
Personalised advice – Whether it’s choosing the right scale of furniture for your space or selecting finishes that will stand the test of time, a designer provides tailored guidance to ensure your home is both beautiful and functional.
Use colour to enhance the mood of the room, ensuring the furniture works well with the palette.
Ready to Create a Home You Love?
Furnishing a new home is an exciting process, but it’s also a significant investment of time, money and energy. If you’d like expert guidance to create a beautifully curated space that feels like home from day one, Kate Kerin Interiors can help. From selecting the perfect pieces to managing orders and styling the finishing touches, we take the stress out of furnishing a home. Based on Sydney’s North Shore, we service clients in the North Shore, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches areas. Get in touch today to find out how we can bring your vision to life.
Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly people who are considering downsizing or other major milestone moves. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.
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