Just as a beautiful backyard design is built upon solid foundation plantings, an attractive room is produced by layering accessories and more compact furnishings around a few timeless, versatile pieces. Making smart decisions when it comes to choosing base pieces of furniture means a more cohesive home and fewer regrets in the future. Learning how to pick five important bits will serve you well today and for many years to come.
Cathy Schwabe Architecture
Foundation Piece Number One: The Armchair
Everyone can use a great armchair. In a tiny studio apartment, one amazing armchair could stand in for a sofa, and it could easily fit into a larger home daily. Comfort is absolutely essential, so purchase the best you are able to afford. If you like modern design, by all means splurge in a iconic chair like the Saarinen Womb Chair shown here. The majority of the time it is logical to go neutral in upholstery, however I would make an exception for classic red, which adds welcome color to a modern home.
Ryland Peters & Small | CICO Books
Not a fan of modern? Attempt a English roll-arm style. This timeless shape is beautifully comfy for curling up in and grounds any room you put it in. Look for a chair which feels really heavy, which is a sign of quality construction. Turned wood legs, a kiln-dried hardwood framework and welting or piping at which the upholstery suits the legs are other hallmarks to look for.
Shannon Malone
Foundation Piece Number Two: The Sofa
When it has to do with couches, you truly do get what you pay for. There is a time and a place for Ikea couches, but when you need something to last, it usually means investing a bit more money. Since this tends to become among the biggest purchases for your home, it is sensible to play it a little safe. Go for a traditional silhouette, high quality construction and a neutral color for the most versatility.
Tight back or loose cushions? Try out different designs to see which you prefer sitting in. Tight back, single-seat cushion sofas tend to seem more formal, while those with lots of loose cushions telegraph a relaxed vibe.
Studio William Hefner
Consider a upholstered seat or banquette. If you’ve got a little space, consider buying a sleek upholstered seat rather than a classic squashy loveseat. This piece is much more versatile, as you can pull this up to a table or even place it into a hallway or mudroom in a larger house later on.
Light or dark upholstery? A white sofa without removable slipcovers is fairly high maintenance, but add machine-washable slipcovers (which have gotten much chicer lately) and white may be a practical choice in the end. Beige, “greige,” china and espresso are also exceptionally versatile options.
usona
Beware of bits which are too site specific. Unless you have your home and plan on living there for the near future, think twice before spending big dollars on something which might not work in a different home. Extra-long and L-shape couches can be complicated to place in smaller rooms, so choose one only if it is perfect for your current space and you are staying put.
Tara Bussema – Neat Organization and Design
Kid-friendly leather. It sounds counterintuitive, but leather seats and couches are in reality a fantastic option when you have kids in the home. Spills wipe right off (of course the more quickly you get to them the better), as well as the scratches and dings that come with age add character. 1 caveat: For a look with the most longevity, choose something tailored or a classic style like the Chesterfield shown here. Bulky, overly squashy leather bits can read too bachelor pad.
Emily McCall
Foundation Piece Number Three: The Dining Table
You can not fail with a beautifully weathered farmhouse table. Match the mood with rustic wood seats or blend this up with a modern pair like the Panton chairs shown here. Other versatile dining designs to contemplate are a sleek-lined parson’s table or some version which includes removable leaves, which will work in several of spaces.
Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab
A notice on seats: nowadays, there is not any need to match your dining chairs to the table, or even to get a pair of matched chairs in any way. In case you’ve got your eye pricier seats but can not afford to purchase them all at once, fill in with cheap flea market finds. Paint them the exact same color for a cohesive look or leave them as is for a quirkier, more diverse feel.
Dufner Heighes Inc
A note on scale: if you reside in an apartment, there’s absolutely no requirement to forgo the table. A little round table like the iconic Saarinen Tulip Table revealed here can match in a tight place and do double duty for a desk.
Jeanette Lunde
Think classic is not your style? Bear in mind that classic bits can always be revamped later on if you really get bored with them (you could paint your Windsor-style seats bubble gum pink!) , but it is significantly more difficult to tone down a bit with an unusual shape.
For People design
Foundation Piece Number Four: The Bed
An upholstered seat with a fantastic contour is a tasteful option, and is fantastic for those who prefer to sit in bed and see. Even if you aren’t prepared to purchase a high-end bed frame, do put as much as possible into your mattress — great sleep is worth every cent.
Anthropologie
Woodland Slumber Canopy Bed, Beige – $2,998
Four-posters are another classic, and this version from Anthropologie has clean, modern lines that would look good in any number of settings.
Foundation Piece Number 5: Case Goods
A lovely chest, dresser or alternative storage bit which is not so large can almost always find a home somewhere. So if you discover something which catches your attention, I say do it. Dressers and glass-front closets may be utilised in the bedroom, entryway or living room, or even in a large bathroom that’s short on storage.
Shirley Meisels
Think about going vintage. For case goods especially, vintage pieces could be a better deal for high quality construction than many new bits on the marketplace. If you adore the midcentury modern look, seek a vintage chest or sideboard. Should you crave a posh decorator touch, give a classic dresser a coat of high-gloss paint for a glamorous look.
Inform us : when you’re purchasing furniture, what do you splurge and exactly what do you save on?