They might call it the summer holidays – but it has certainly not been a holiday for you. It’s been six whole weeks of the kind of joyful, noisy chaos that only a houseful of kids can create. You might not remember transforming your house into a dance studio, an amusement arcade, a sports hall, or a taxi office, but it’s been all those things and more over the last few weeks.
Now it’s eerily quiet, and you’re loving every moment.
Sure, you’ll miss them now that they are back at school, but you’ll be forgiven if you don’t feel too guilty about packing them off for the day in their new school uniforms. It’s time to re-invest in yourself and reclaim your home.
This transition back to normality offers the perfect opportunity to focus on refreshing and furnishing your home. Without the constant whirlwind of kids distracting you, you can take your time to reimagine your space, declutter, and finally tackle those home projects you’ve been putting off.
Furnishing your home after the school holidays brings a sense of calm and order and allows you to create a more functional, stylish home that fits your family’s routine.
The home furnishing experts at Impact Furniture have compiled the following ten tips to help you reclaim and furnish your home.
Assess the space: Take the time to walk through each room, noting its dimensions and the existing furniture layout. Visualise how you want the room to function in the future. Is it a place for relaxation, work, or entertainment? Knowing the purpose of each room will guide your furniture choices.
Prioritise rooms: Begin with the most essential spaces, such as the living room, kitchen, or bedrooms. These areas are typically used the most and will have an immediate impact on daily life.
Create a budget: It’s easy to get carried away when furnishing a home, so setting a realistic budget will keep spending in check. Break down the budget by room or category (e.g., furniture, lighting, décor) to help you stay organised.
Clear out unused items: A new school year often comes with fresh routines, so now is a great time to get rid of furniture, toys, and household items that no longer serve a purpose. This will free up space for new pieces and help you start with a clean slate.
Consider your lifestyle: With children around, durability is key. Choose materials that are easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear. These are especially useful for high-traffic areas like the living room or dining room.
Multifunctional furniture: Look for items that can serve more than one purpose, like a sofa bed for guests or an ottoman with hidden storage for extra blankets and pillows. Multifunctional pieces save space and increase the practicality of your rooms.
Let kids personalise their rooms: Give your children some input when furnishing their bedrooms or study spaces. Let them choose the colours, furniture, or décor. This fosters a sense of ownership and encourages them to take care of their space.
Design a family-friendly living space: While aesthetics are important, comfort is essential in shared spaces. Make sure seating is cosy and durable and includes plenty of storage for toys, games, and books. The goal is to create a home that everyone enjoys spending time in.
Upcycle old furniture: Instead of throwing away old furniture, consider giving it new life with a DIY project. A fresh coat of paint, new upholstery, or modern hardware can completely transform a piece at a fraction of the cost of buying a new one.
Mix and match: You don’t have to replace everything at once. Blend new purchases with older pieces for an eclectic look. Sometimes, simply rearranging furniture or updating accessories can make a room feel fresh and new.
Choose neutral, timeless furniture: Choose neutral colours or classic designs that work year-round. Then, layer in seasonal accents like pillows, throws and artwork that you can easily swap out to keep the space feeling current.
Add warmth for autumn and winter: Since you’re furnishing post-summer, think about adding cosy elements like soft rugs, textured blankets, and warm lighting. These will make your home feel inviting as the cooler months approach.
Take advantage of sales: Many stores are running back-to-school promotions or end-of-season sales, which is a great time to find discounts on furniture and home décor. Keep an eye out for online deals or clearance sections. By the way, there’s a great deal at the bottom of this blog post.
Buy what you love: Don’t settle for pieces just because they’re on sale. Make sure the furniture you buy fits your style and long-term needs. A well-curated home should reflect your personality and lifestyle.
Comfort matters: With kids back in school, you may be spending more time at home during the day. Invest in comfortable seating for your living areas, whether it’s a supportive couch or a cosy reading chair. The key is to make your home a place where you can relax.
Balance style and practicality: Opt for pieces that are stylish but functional. For instance, a sleek coffee table with hidden storage can serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. You want a home that looks good but also works for your day-to-day life.
Consider ergonomics: If you’re setting up a home office or study space, ensure that desks and chairs are ergonomic to promote good posture, especially for kids doing homework.
Maximise storage: Once your home is furnished, organisation becomes key. Add storage solutions like shelving units, baskets, and cabinets to help manage clutter. These additions will help you keep your home neat and functional.
Designate storage for school items: Create specific areas for school supplies, sports gear, and extracurricular items so they don’t end up scattered throughout the house. A mudroom or entryway with hooks, cubbies, and a bench can keep things organised.
Furnishing is a process: Don’t feel the pressure to finish everything all at once. Take your time selecting the right pieces and allow the home to evolve naturally. A well-furnished home reflects careful thought and consideration rather than rushed decisions.
Build over time: If your budget is tight or you want to refine your style, it’s okay to furnish one room at a time or wait for that perfect piece of furniture. Doing it gradually ensures you choose items you truly love rather than buying everything just to fill the space.
If these tips have inspired you to reclaim and re-furnish your home, we’d like to offer another incentive. To say thank you for reading this blog, you can save £15 off your next purchase (minimum purchase £100) by simply entering the discount code “Blog15” at the checkout when prompted.
Impact Furniture customers can save 20% off their first EASEFIX installation with code impact20
Web Design by Make Us Visible
