Forget hiding money in the sofa.
These days, homeowners and tenants alike are putting those dollars to good use, skipping the scrimping and splurging on pieces they will keep forever.
“We spend almost a third of our day sleeping, the dining table brings the family together, and the sofa offers relaxation and comfort at the end of the day,” Freedom Furniture WA interior decorator Aislinn Crowe said.
“These are the key household items we tend to use most on a daily basis and can make a real difference in your home.”
SOFA
The sofa is not just the central focus of the living room but can often create the room by dividing an open-plan space.
Start by future-proofing your sofa – select a design and materials that you will continue to love through the life of the
piece.
“A clean-lined, wide-arm sofa is a contemporary style and is likely not to date quickly,” Aislinn said.
“If choosing a particular replica style from a previous era, then be sure this is a style you have always admired and are likely not to tire from even when trends change.”
For families, especially those with young children, Aislinn recommends a leather sofa for a carefree, wipe-down option.
“Make sure it is a good-quality leather as you will find it will not only last longer but it will also breathe better and adapt to your natural body temperature, keeping you comfortable from winter through to summer,” she said.
“If selecting fabric, opt for a cross weave that has several colours combined, which hides day-to-day wear very well.
“It’s also important to follow the care instructions to get the best years out of any sofa.”
DINING TABLE
From lavish dinner parties to the kids’ makeshift arts and crafts corner, the dining table needs to be robust and functional while still acting as a beautiful statement piece.
“When looking at dining tables, assess each individual family’s needs, such as how many people are in the family, the daily use, as well as function, size and proportion to the space,” Aislinn said.
“Think about how it is likely to be used other than just for family meals as well, such as how often you entertain, how many seats are ideal, will it be practical when used for homework or arts and craft.”
“If it’s a small space, I often suggest a glass top as this gives an optical illusion that you are creating more space by seeing through the table, or if it is a large open-plan living area, then perhaps choose a solid table in wood or stone.”
Different colours and shapes can be brought in with the chairs, which can easily be changed depending on your space and the style of your home.
BED
Investing in the right bed is investing in an all-important good night’s sleep.
“The size of the room and of the occupiers will influence what size bed to opt for; for example, in small rooms I usually suggest keeping the profile low, especially the foot end of the bed, to give a sense of space,” Aislinn said.
“Following the same rule of thumb for sofas, if you are wanting a more sleek and modern look then opt for simple styling with clean lines; for the more eclectic perhaps scrolled timber detailing or a fabric bed head with details such as pullbutton stitching or stud borders.
“Make sure the colour or pattern of the fabric is something you absolutely love as you would be more likely to tire of busy patterns and vivid colours than something more neutral.”
Aislinn advises as well as a solid frame, a great quality mattress that suits your individual needs is very important in a bed.
Don’t be afraid to try out beds in-store and if you sleep with a partner, be sure to test them out together to make sure you both get enough room.
“If you want something that stands the test of time, it’s best to wait until you find the perfect item for you that ticks all the right boxes,” she said.
“Grab a copy of an in-store product directory or catalogue, write a list of all the important things you want the sofa, table and bed to have and do your research.”
Article written by Lucy Rutherford, Your Home
