Consider fabric, function and style when selecting furniture for your remodel.
We’ve all seen cold rooms with furnishings lined inelegantly against the wall. Yes, the floor space is preserved wide and open. Yet the room doesn’t appear larger or more inviting. It isn’t conducive to conversation or drawing closer for a chat. The best rooms are not static boxes. They include furnishings that can be pulled up, dragged over or gathered around.
Design Behind the Living Room Sofa
Ottomans, coffee tables, occasional tables and other portable surfaces lend the room a congenial atmosphere, ensuring that there’s always a surface nearby for a book, drink, lamp, tray or vase. These are the pieces that catch all of our stuff — the worthwhile things that engage us and encourage us outside the rush of day-to-day commitments.
So play around with the placement of your furnishings. Pull up a chair, put up your feet and find an arrangement that encourages living in your living room.
Sofas
Styles: Bridgewater, camelback, Chesterfield, club, Knole, Lawson, midcentury modern, slipper, tuxedo
Fabrics: Cotton, linen, wool, microfiber, velvet, cotton/poly blend, faux suede, leather
Keep in mind: Stain resistance, durability, pets, loose or attached pillows and cushions, filling (often foam wrapped in polyester or down)
Occasional Chairs
Styles: Armchairs, barrel-back, club, slipper, wing
Fabrics: Cotton, linen, leather, microfiber, silk, velvet, wool, cotton/poly blend
Keep in mind: Comfort, stain resistance, durability, pets
Upholstered Ottomans, Benches and Stools
Styles: Rectangular, square, circular
Fabrics: Cotton, linen, leather, microfiber, silk, velvet, wool, cotton/poly blend
Keep in Mind: Storage capabilities, portability, stain resistance, durability
Coffee Tables, Side Tables and Accent Tables
Styles: Rectangular, square, circular, oval
Materials: Wood, Lucite, glass, metal, woven fibers, shagreen, mirror or some combination thereof
Keep in mind: Storage capabilities, shelving, durability, portability

There is nothing more exciting than that moment when you can choose your kitchen design during a renovation. In fact, I know as I have been doing just that for my family’s ‘project’ home. However, it can be tricky to decide where to start and seriously think about what you need to do. So follow my expert guide on how to choose your own design within budget to create the perfect kitchen for your home.
The planning process
This really should start when you’re packing away your existing kitchen to make room for building work for your new extension. Even if your current kitchen is remaining while building work gets underway, this room will need a thorough ‘spring clean’. This way, you can clear away your clutter and start considering exactly how much storage you will need. Think about how you can improve your existing space and create a clever working kitchen design. Storage, space, ergonomics and style are usually key contenders for improvement when a kitchen redesign is on the cards. What do you want to use this room for? Do you envisage a multifunctional area where you want to prepare meals, dine, entertain and relax on a comfy sofa? These days, open-plan kitchen design seems to be at the forefront of most people’s minds when building work is involved.
Work with a kitchen designer
If you choose to work with a kitchen designer, you may find they will come up with ideas you’ve never thought possible. They will also be able to steer you in the right direction when it comes to choosing everything which make a kitchen design. After all, this can range from lighting solutions to the location of your appliances. They can also advise on how many cabinets they think you might need and the layout to enable you to achieve an ergonomic kitchen design. Make sure you provide a clear idea of your maximum budget so your designer can work with this. Therefore, they will know whether you can afford high-end luxury appliances and a real stone worktop or perhaps you need to work to a more modest budget.
Consider plumbing
Certain products will of course require plumbing so make sure you choose their location wisely. For example, perhaps a sink on the island unit may not be the best position? After all, do you really want friends and family to be greeted to your recycling drying on the drainer? At least, if you position your sink next to one wall, it won’t be so obvious. Place your recycling bins close by behind closed doors for a neater finish once everything has dried. So, once you’ve decided where to place your sink, why not position your dishwasher nearby? In an ideal world, your washing machine should be located in a utility room. This way, you won’t need to factor this appliance into your kitchen design. However, if you really need to include a washing machine in your kitchen design, make sure you choose a model with a low sound level. Therefore, pick a model, which spins under 59dB as this is normal conversation level.
Heating solutions
When it comes to heating, underfloor heating can be a preferred option especially as it can free up valuable wall space. Don’t forget to factor this into the installation before the kitchen floor has been laid. However, if money is going to be tight to realise your renovation dream, then some stylish radiators will look good and keep you feeling toasty. Have a chat with your heating engineer who will advise you on radiator sizes to ensure you buy models, which are large enough to serve your needs.
Pick lighting options
For an open-plan kitchen design, you’ll find different lighting options will work well for certain areas. So, for a streamlined finish, you could choose spotlights, which will look stylish and provide ambient lighting overhead. In addition, pendant lights can look particularly striking above an island unit or your dining table. Task lighting can make the perfect choice under wall cabinets as this can light up your food prep areas whereas ambient lighting may suit your living area for a more relaxed feel. Ask your kitchen designer for their input.
Choose your style wisely
The kitchen style you choose will vary according to your needs and tastes. However, we suggest a classic finish can work well if you’re looking for a room that will stand the test of time. If not, a contemporary kitchen could be just what you’re looking for if you prefer a neat, streamlined finish. Either way, if you want to really enjoy the space you’re living in, make sure you choose a style that you personally like. For some, choosing a kitchen cabinet style can be daunting so why not search home and decor sites online for some styles.

Work within your budget
If extensive building work is required, chances are you’ll find you’re now working to a far tighter budget than first anticipated. Consider where to spend and where you can save and you’ll be delighted with the end result.