1. Waiting Periods

2. Check Your Measurements
Before venturing out to your nearest furniture store, check each and every measurement possible (even the ones you think might not matter) to ensure that your new piece not only suits the space allowed for it in your home, but can also make it INTO your home!
Note down relevant measurements such as:
- The length of the space allowed for your new furniture
- The width and depth requirements allowed for your new furniture
- The best suitable height of your new furniture
- Ensure the new piece will not be blocking any walkways, doors, openings or windows/shutters from being accessible
- Ensure your new furniture will be safely and easily transported into your home. Check the width of doorways, passages, tight corners and staircase widths. Most larger pieces of furniture are sold in sections (or modules) so this will definitely make life easier for you getting it home. Ask your salesperson if your selected furniture will be delivered in separate sections and if they offer an assembly service upon delivery.

3. Plan it
- Draw up a scaled empty plan of your room: include all doors, windows and openings.
- Measure any existing furniture in this space and draw each item to scale on a separate sheet. Cut out each item individually so you can move these around your room layout plan.
- Draw up any new pieces of furniture you have your eye on and cut these out too.
- Now you have your blank room layout and all your furniture: think of it as a puzzle! Experiment with different layouts until you find the best suitable scheme.

4. Consider Functionality

5. Trends & Styling
A well designed home is full of individual character and personality. Your home should reflect you: your taste, style and interests. Let your own unique style shine through your decorating scheme!

6. Materials & Quality

7. Consider Storage

8. Consider Maintenance
Last but not least, consider just how much effort your newly selected furniture will be to maintain and keep clean. For example, when selecting a new couch, try to keep an eye out for a couch that will stand at least 150mm off the floor, leaving you just enough space to get a broom or vacuum under. Without this allowance, not only will your space appear smaller but your couch will soon become a breeding ground for dust and dirt – not so great for allergy sufferers or pet owners!

Scandinavian design at its finest! The Zeus cabinet is made of solid American white oak and provides an elegant storage solution in the home. Image: The Block Shop
Remember to keep true to your own personal and unique style and have fun creating your beautiful home!
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