When it comes to designing a home, the process often involves picking the right furniture. However, choosing the perfect pieces isn't as easy as it sounds. Take, for example, a couple who just got married.

They came to us looking for help designing their new home. In their minds, they already knew exactly what they wanted: an L-shaped sofa with high legs, a round dining table with a 100cm diameter, and a raised bed nearly 60cm in height for their master bedroom.

While their choices were stylish and visually appealing, I had to ask, “Do you plan to have kids anytime soon?” The couple told me they wanted to have children in the next year. At that point, I advised them to reconsider their choices based on their changing lifestyle. After all, children often crawl around on the floor, and they might end up under a high-legged sofa full of dust. A round table might not be large enough for all the baby's items, and a raised bed could be dangerous for a young child.

The Importance of Understanding Life Changes

Furniture selection, in my experience, represents more than just style; it reflects life's changes and moments. The couple's choices were great for their current situation, but life can change quickly, and furniture decisions should take that into account. When selecting furniture, think beyond today. What does your life look like in 3, 5, or even 10 years? Consider waiting until your life feels more stable before investing in the perfect set for your dream home. While it's important to buy what you love, it's also crucial to keep future life transitions in mind.

Living in the Space, Not the Furniture

When living in a larger space, it's easy to go all out with furniture size. However, in places like Taiwan, where many families live in smaller apartments, it's important to scale down. For instance, some families live in homes as small as 20 pings, with living rooms that may only be around 4 pings in size. In these situations, placing a 270cm three-seat sofa or a 90cm wide armchair would likely make the room feel cramped. This might not be the fault of the designer but a case of the homeowner not adjusting their expectations. For small spaces, it's best to reduce furniture size to make the space feel more comfortable. You can still have style, but it should be functional and proportional to the room size. Consider looking into smaller Japanese furniture brands, which are compact yet comfortable, often comparable in quality to European options.

Here Are Some Smart Furniture Tips

Now that we understand the need for flexibility in furniture choices, let's go over a few tips to help you make the best decisions for your home.

1. Choose Light-Footed Furniture for Strong Spaces

If the space feels heavy or boxy, go for furniture with slim legs or no legs at all. This can make the space look lighter and more open.

2. In Small Spaces, Opt for Low, Floor-Length Furniture

In a smaller room, try choosing furniture that's low to the ground. This will not only save space but also make cleaning much easier.

3. Go for Versatile, Small Furniture

Rather than a large, stationary coffee table, think about smaller, movable side tables. These can be rearranged and provide more flexibility in your living space.

4. Keep Furniture Color Coordination Simple

When it comes to color, try to keep it to two main tones that complement each other. You can add some bright accent colors, but don't go overboard.

Picking the right furniture can be tricky, but it's essential to think about how it fits into your life now and in the future. Remember, a well-designed home isn't just about beautiful pieces, but about making sure the furniture suits your lifestyle. Take time to choose pieces that will work well for your space, lifestyle, and future changes. If you need more advice or guidance, don't hesitate to reach out. Making informed decisions will help you enjoy your home to the fullest!

Lykkers, have you ever found yourself buying furniture that didn't end up working out? Maybe you picked something based on its looks but later realized it didn't fit your space or needs? Tell us about your furniture journey!