New Home, Now What?

You’ve probably heard the old adage—how do you eat a whale? One bite at a time. The same goes for furnishing a home, especially when moving into a large space from a smaller city apartment. Many new homeowners face sticker shock when they realize just how much furniture is needed to fill a home. On top of that, balancing personal style with budget constraints can feel overwhelming.

New England presents its own challenges, too. Labor costs here are the highest in the country, which means even simple updates—like wallpaper installation, painting, or swapping a light fixture—can come with a hefty price tag. But while those upgrades are important, this post is all about furnishing. We’ll save the renovation talk for another time.

But First, Floor Plans

Before selecting a single piece of furniture, we start with floor plans. We’re CAD-friendly and love creating existing condition plans for every project—yes, even when there’s no major construction.

Comprehensive furniture plans help determine the best layout for every room. Sure, you can place a bed in a bedroom or a sofa in a living room, but true planning covers much more. These detailed layouts ensure proper flow, balance, and function while aligning with a realistic budget. No surprises, just a clear strategy for furnishing your home efficiently.

Interior Design Essentials

Before thinking about decor, it’s all about the basics. What do you need for each room to function? This is not the time for art or decorative accessories—those come later.

Dining tables, chairs, beds, and sofas are the foundation. We separate necessary pieces from purely decorative details, ensuring that every space has what it needs first. Once these essential pieces are in place, we can build upon them with layers that add personality and warmth.

When lead times and cost matter, we turn to trusted vendors like Room & Board. They offer great basics, made in the U.S., with suppliers across the country—including some right here in New England (always good to support locals!).

Style & Soundproofing

Moving into a new home with freshly finished floors is exciting, but protecting them is key. Area rugs do more than just add style—they help with noise control and provide softness underfoot.

We handle everything from stair runners to full-room area rugs and, yes, even wall-to-wall carpeting when needed. Lead times can be a challenge, but we have amazing sources for in-stock neutral options. If you want to add character, we also incorporate vintage rugs, color, and pattern to make a space feel unique.

Sizing is critical here. Oversized or undersized rugs throw off a room’s proportions, which is why we rely on CAD plans to ensure the perfect fit.

Window Treatments

Window coverings are non-negotiable for bedrooms, bathrooms, and any street-facing windows. Providing the obvious: privacy, light control, and—when needed—full blackout for restful sleep.

Quality window treatments can be pricey, but we mix high and low options to keep budgets reasonable. For somespaces a Roman shadw is all one needs; for other areas, drapery is a better choice and looks better. We understand where to invest and where to save, ensuring your home looks polished without unnecessary overspending.

The Final Layer.

Once the essential pieces are in place, it’s time for the finishing touches. Decor may seem frivolous, but this layer is what truly transforms a house into a home. Art, side tables, plants, vases, picture frames, throw pillows, and blankets all contribute to a space’s warmth and personality. These details create a lived-in, collected feel that reflects your personal style. We love sourcing from local artisans, incorporating vintage finds, and using fmaily heirlooms. Read more about our decorating services here.