Purchasing a house is only half the job – furnishing it is what really converts the four walls into a home. Furnishings reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle, taste and are of course the ultimate status symbol.
One can design a spacious looking flat in minimum expenses or spend lavishly but end up with a cramped and congested looking home. Therefore, the golden rule before buying any interior related items is to first factor in how many people will be residing in the house, whether there is a possibility of additions in the future, the daily routine of family members and above all, their storage requirements.A proper layout plan, careful utilization or innovation in the existing items combined with some new items in the house can make it look unique.A good idea is to opt for good quality furniture that ca be used for multiple tasks and folded away when not required. For example - a drop down dining table or chairs that can be stacked one upon the other are good options in a small size home.
Increasingly, people are opting for the modular kitchen concept as it not only looks snazzy but is also handy, compact and avoids space crunch. Modular kitchen come in four basic designs, straight, L-shaped, C or U shaped and parallel. Each modular kitchen is different because its tailor made to suit the buyer needs and budgets. Prices vary depending on the size and type of platform, fittings and the material used on the cabinet doors. The knockdown fittings allow the entire apparatus to be dismantled, opened flat and carted around in cases one has to shift homes.
Glass shelves have gained much popularity over the past few years. These enhance the visible free space and give the room a classy touch. Colors also play a vital role in terms of perceiving the size of the room. Dark colors make the room look smaller, while coordinated furniture and upholstery; perfect proportions and well chosen colors create an optical illusion that can make even a small room look big. Imported furniture is also in vogue as it is durable and available in various contemporary designs. More and more people are even opting for wrought iron furniture not just for its aesthetic value but also for its comfort and low-maintenance.
Choices are many and the variety – mind boggling. It is up to every designer and his client to decide what suits them the best.