Large pieces of furniture with simple lines can bring presence and elegance to a space. Glenna J. Morton, About's Interior Decorating Guide    Email to a friend  Printer friendly version Related Resources • Where to Start • 10 Ways to Sabotage • What do You Want to Do? About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address:

How to accumulate furniture you love

It's an idea that runs counter to our "have it now" culture. And, it's something you may not have thought of before. Nevertheless, coming up with a 20-year furniture plan may be just the thing to get your home planning on track.

Here's the plan:

• Decide what you want
• Commit to a plan
• Purchase at least one major item of quality a year

What are the reasons for doing this, and how can it benefit you?

Filling Up Space vs. Planning

First, we've been told that things should be "perfect" from the moment we move in. As a result, we may purchase the first thing we see that we can afford, just to fill a space. But if we continue on that road, in 20 years we'll most likely end up with a mish-mash of furniture and accessories that no longer work, with cheaply made items that must be discarded, and some trendy items that don't seem to fit anywhere anymore.

How to avoid this? As with many things, planning and goals will go a long way toward accumulating furnishings of value. Unless you have money to burn, planning will help focus your decisions and provide goals for all of your home purchases (I like to call them "adoptions" since you are in essence bringing something into your home that you'll need to provide space for, clean, repair, and dust for its lifetime with you.)

Here are some suggestions to get you started on your own 20 Year Plan.

Consider Both Function and Style
Decide what you want
Think about what you really do at home, how you'd like to use your spaces, and what furniture you need. For example, if you enjoy reading you'll want book storage and some comfy sitting areas. If you play music, you'll need a music area. People who work at home need an adequate work space and useful furniture. If you sew you'll want sewing storage and counter space. Cooks will need wonderful appliances and cookware. Whatever your particular likes and needs, think them through and be clear about the furniture, appliances, and accessories that would make your space more useful, more convenient, and more beautiful. This is your "wish list". Commit to a plan
Now, once you have this focus, prepare a plan. Very few of us can afford to purchase an entire houseful, or even a roomful of furniture at one time. So, you'll need to prioritize. Let's say your dining room is your first priority. You have a table from a "put-together" furniture store and now it just seems too small and looks too much like someone's first apartment.

Go on to Page 2: Finding your style