Starting from scratch

12 years ago

Hi, there, I'm moving into an 850 sq. ft. one bedroom condo in a year's time. It's a new condo, so all I have right now is a layout drawing. I am intending to bring almost nothing from my current rental place to my new place (save for one persian rug and two arm chairs I'm going to reupholster). I am trying to come up with a plan for decor, etc., so I can assemble a few pieces from now until I love in. Is there anything I'm "safe" to pick up in the interim or would you recommend to wait until I'm in the space? Are there any foundation pieces that I should think about to help orient my decor choices? I feel like I need a plan so that I don't end up with things I'll regret but I don't really know where to start. Any advice?

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Comments (3)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
12 years ago
The first thing you need is a floor plan with detailed info measurements, window and door placement etc. Probably a bed, a dining table and chairs ,a sofa But if you send some floor plans and a picture of your rug we can be more helpful.
PRO
Sharon Charboneau, RESA Pro, Interior Stylist
12 years ago
Sounds like you have lots of time to dream & plan. Start with idea boards based on styles, colours you like

If you go to Ideabooks on this site, you can get lots of inspiration.

I would not recommend you start buying until closer to move in date, and pace yourself.

There are always sales. Unless you come across a particular piece you fall in love with, then go for it!!

I have an iron coffee table I fell in luv with over 15 years ago and it remains one of my fave pieces which I am keeping as we downsize. Same for soft, cocoa brown leather sofa & ottoman, which have just passed onto my niece.

Browse online & in stores & determine what your style is - what type of furniture do you prefer? what colours make you happy?

Buy quality from higher end stores when they have sales and your pieces will last & not go out of style.
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Natalia
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the responses!

I attach the floor plan - it seems the measurements have disappeared, I'll try to fix that later - but at least you can see the general layout.

The rug is very similar to the one attached. It's in storage right now so I couldn't take a picture of it.

I'm trying to collect as many photos as I can of things I like - Houzz is such a great resource!

I know I like drama and a bit of glam in materials - silk, leather, granite - but I also like things to look clean and I hate clutter and lots of things out. Right now, for example, all of my dishes are on open shelves and it makes me want to cry. I like metallics a lot and deep, bold colours - my favourite combination right now is cobalt and copper. I like how modern and old pieces look together. I prefer things off the floor in general (shelves, floating toilet and sinks, etc.) but I like pooling curtains.

I had bought a beautiful white chateau d'ax leather sectional a couple months ago because it was marked down a lot (going out of business sale) but realized after that it was way, way, way too big for the space and, although they took it back, I'm traumatized from the experience! I don't want to make any more stupid mistakes.