So you just purchased the perfect vacation or weekend home. While the rush of excitement is great, for many, the task of furnishing it may be a bit overwhelming. Often, the weekend home becomes the dumping ground for a hodgepodge of excess furniture or whatever may be collecting dust in storage.
Getting Started
The first aspect to think about when furnishing your weekend or vacation home is how you will use the space. Will it be solely for you and your family to enjoy, or will you rent it out partially as an investment property?Furniture
Vacation and weekend homes are often places where people desire to bring and invite guests. How you plan to entertain may also play a role in your furniture selections. An investment in a good quality sofa should top your list.When looking for a sofa, here are some aspects to consider:
— Choose a sofa made of kiln dried hardwood as opposed to a soft wood such as pine.
— Learn about how the foundation of the sofa is created, as the sturdiness of the frame will impact its longevity. In general, the more springs, ties and reinforcement, the better.
— Choose partial down or foam-filled seat cushions, as opposed to those filled with pure down. While down is cozy and soft, there comes a point where begins to flatten and will not look as plump as it once did.
Flooring
Beyond your sofa selection, the next important selection should be the flooring material or floor covering.Colors
When it comes to colors for your vacation home, consider soft, soothing hues. As this is a home in which you wish to get away from it all, creating an inviting oasis will help increase your enjoyment. Some colors to consider include:
— Charcoal gray. Charcoal gray pairs well with light and bright colors, and it will also hide potential stains.
— Blue. In general, blue is a calming, soothing, cool color that helps a space feel more relaxing.
— Yellow. Yellow is a bright, happy color that can help perk up potentially dark spaces.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend?
Furniture, lighting and accessories can be little or big-ticket items depending on your budget and taste. Expect to pay the most for your larger items such as sofas and beds. When making your purchasing decisions, consider how long you plan to keep the home. Buying long-lasting furniture has its advantages; however, if you only plan to keep a home short term, you may wish to consider furnishing your home using a blend of high and low pieces.
Keep in mind, however, that just because an item isn’t expensive doesn’t mean it isn’t well designed, so be sure to pay attention to quality of construction. Don’t forget to include artwork and accessories, as these can really help a space feel finished, while artificial blooms and succulents can serve as icing on the cake.
