Modern design doesn’t have to be cold, costly
Start with big items to anchor your rooms, then you can get creative with accessories
Furnishing a new home can be exhilarating and daunting all at the same time. Where do you begin? And how much will it cost? These are questions all new homeowners face.
Tony Trew, marketing director for Structube, a contemporary furnishing store, advises new homeowners to consider four aspects when deciding on furnishings.
“Comfort, design, durability and affordability,” are the four pillars, he says, “regardless of whether someone is just starting to purchase furniture for an entire home or refreshing items in an existing space.”
First-time homebuyers are faced with many exciting decisions, and most of them come with a price tag.
“Many new home designs are open concept, and you need to consider how the rooms interact with each other,” Trew says. “When you can see one room from another, you should select furnishings that complement each other.”
Design flow is an easy concept for Structube. The Montreal-based us company brims with stylish and affordable items for any home. Stepping into one of their showrooms is similar to thumbing through the pages of a European design magazine.
“We offer something for every room that is lived in,” Trew says.
“Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and home offices are all designed with function, design and affordability in mind.”
The modern furnishings reflect a European flair. Any idea that contemporary or modern design is always cold or austere will quickly dissipate once you view the showroom. So where to start? “Start with the big items that will give you staying power,” Trew suggests. “Introducing a statement piece like a sofa or sectional allows the room to be anchored while offering comfortable seating.”
New homeowners are often busy and social, so selecting seating to handle frequent entertaining is key. Structube’s Kennedy sectional (pictured top right) is a good example of a comfortable piece that exudes warmth.
The Soho coffee table (also top right) adds practical sophistication as a two-tiered, glass-and-wood table. The pairing would be a welcoming setting for a family room, and with a price under $2,000 for both items, the Structube philosophy of quality design at affordable pricing rings true.
In the kitchen, function is also key. “The kitchen is always a busy place in any home,” Trew says, “so you have to pay attention to its function while recognizing its visibility from other rooms.”
The Hamburg table makes a statement with its heavy, rustic design, while the Delgada extension table is lighter and more modern. The centre-pedestal design comes in high-gloss lacquered white, dark oak and walnut finish with a steel base. A unique feature is the hidden leaf that appears when the two sides pull apart. This versatile design seats six comfortably when closed and eight when fully opened.
“With storage being a major consideration, efficient designs are essential,” Trew says.
One of the most important purchases is the bed. “The bedroom is the most personal space in the house, and a great place for homeowners to be creative with developing their own style.”
Trew says he often sees customers purchase a bed and combine it with occasional tables rather than selecting the matching bedside tables.
This sense of nurturing a developing style should be applied to the entire house.
“When you are starting out, your selections need to make your life easier, so start with the items you personally need to fit your lifestyle,” Trew says. “Once the key pieces are in place, you can accessorize at your own pace.”