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 (ARA)
- Chances are, after saving every penny for a down payment (not
to mention paying off all the wedding expenses), you don't have
much money left to spend on decorating your first house. But
don't worry; with a little planning and creativity, you can turn
your house into home sweet home without breaking the bank. And
you won't have to give up comfort, individual expression or warmth.
Furnishing a home on a budget
is simple if you pay attention to some basic money-saving tips.
First, figure out what your needs are by asking yourself the
following questions:
* How long do you plan to be
in the house? Is it a starter home, or will you live there for
a long time?
* What furniture do you need
for your lifestyle? For example, do you entertain frequently?
Do you expect many overnight guests?
* What do you use each room of
the house for?
* Do you have enough storage?
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Second, dream big. Read through
decorating and lifestyle magazines to find your "dream"
rooms. What would your house look like if money were no object?
Start a file with pictures and ideas that you'd like to copy.
Draw up a floor plan of the room or rooms you will be decorating.
Make a list of the furniture you currently own, noting what you
want to keep and what you'd like to replace.
Finally, draw up a budget. How
much can you realistically afford to spend? Now it's time to
go shopping. |
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One way to save money is to buy
"flat-pack," or ready-to-assemble furniture. Ready-to-assemble
furniture offers several advantages. First, you don't have to
wait for delivery. Because the furniture is in boxes, you can
load it in your car and have it in your house the very same day.
Another advantage is price. When you invest a little of your
own time and labor putting the furniture together, you save money.
Don't let the thought of assembling
a large piece of furniture intimidate you. "Today's ready-to-assemble
furniture features streamlined designs and fewer parts to assemble,"
says John Ledek, vice president of marketing and merchandising
for Bush Furniture. To help make assembly hassle-free, the company's
Web site provides online assembly tutorials, as well as answers
to frequently asked questions.
Bush offers a wide selection
of ready-to-assemble furniture. The company's Birmingham line
is ideal for furnishing a first home. The pieces feature a timeless,
classic design with a warm plank cherry finish that will complement
any room.
The Birmingham Collection includes
bookcases, entertainment centers and desks that can be used in
more than one room, providing a coordinated look throughout your
home. In addition, the classic design group includes other diverse
pieces such as occasional tables for the family room and dresser,
chest and headboards for the master or guest bedroom, which allows
you to easily mix the pieces with other furniture you already
own, whether it is traditional or more modern. "You can
have a classic family look at a starter price," said Ledek. |
