The Bearable and Ugly Side of Furniture Impulse Buys

The piece of furniture you can find in Alabang Town Center is limitless. Your home, however, can't have all of them all at once.

At one point in time, you were guilty of making an impulse purchase. Whether it was a conscious decision to rush yourself or an unconscious purchase during a day of shopping, an impulse buy leaves you with consequences that are irreversible.

Most first-time homeowners with bear properties and condo units are guilty of it. As their minds are still hungover the excitement of having a home to call their own while meeting loved ones and neighbors who wish to greet them, they neglect to plan their purchases or minimize their shopping trips to Alabang Town Center to fill their home. In result, they end up with a lot of stuff they don't need. But that's the least of their worries. Other things come with furniture impulse buys.

Read on to find out what are they.

The regret that comes with spending and selecting something that doesn't match your needs or taste

Some impulse buys leave you in good graces. The side table you think you don't need, turned out to be a great addition to the guest bedroom. The crystal vases were perfect for filling bare surfaces in the hall. The black picture frames were the perfect complement to the white walls in the living room. Unfortunately, it's not the same all the time. Once in a while, you might grab something trendy yet tacky which doesn't match any of the decor schemes in your home. When this happens, an uncomfortable feeling starts to sink in your chest. Regret.

Regret is crying and being anxious over something you can't take back. Though the feeling doesn't last for a long time, it's still a reminder of the wrong decision you made. Afterwards, forget about it and move on. It doesn't matter if you spend hundreds on the item you took home. It's done. You can make most of it, sell it, or give it to a loved one who has better use for it than you do. You can offer to trade it for something valuable to you.

Purchases eat up floor and storage space

You don't need to shop impulsively to take up the spaces in your house. Pieces of furniture are enough to take up most of the floor area in each room. A desk, dining set, bed, and sofa are large enough to cover the living room, dining, and bedroom. Imagine the other things that will be part of your home. There are the appliances and fixtures to think of along with the closets, dressers and other storage solutions you might need.

In addition to all of those things, you have your supplies and food stock. Clothing, shoes, and other everyday essentials add up to your growing pile of stuff. Whenever you end up with an impulse buy, you limit your breathing space. You clog up the areas that allow unrestricted movement to and fro and each room. You also end up with additional chairs and chests you never used.

Too much stuff compromises art

As mentioned before, impulse purchases induce regret. When you don't think through your selection, there's a chance you end up not liking your choice. It doesn't matter if the item is beautiful, soft to touch or unique among your neighbors. If it doesn't match any of your home design scheme, the stuff you accumulated from unplanned shopping sprees destroys the dream you have for your home.

Extras are particularly useful, but they tend to disrupt the flow of your interior decoration. The wrong color, material or texture can clash with the existing items in the room. In the case of furniture, giving in to an impulse purchase and ending up with a modest design is a good thing. There's a chance you can find a place for it in any of the rooms in your house. However, something that stands out negatively is still useful without contributing to your home’s aesthetic.

The wrong size poses problems in the long run

Buying furniture without preparing for it is not only an issue in financing. It also covers your house’s structure and household dynamics. Without knowing the measurements of the room where the furniture stays, you can end up getting a small one or a large-scale piece that doesn’t fit in the space. Minuscule pieces are easy to adjust. You can add accessories or complete the set to fill in the remaining floor area. Another option is to select pieces of furniture that might look odd but fit well together. It helps the room look put together and comfy.

When you have the wrong size, you might end up with a piece of furniture that can’t get past your front door. It pushes you to disassemble the furniture or place it in a room where you don’t plan on putting it. Assembling them back doesn’t guarantee it has the same quality and stability it has when you first bought it. Moreover, the rooms in your home might end up imbalanced. Some spaces are full while others are almost bare all because you can’t bring the right furniture through the door.

The piece might clash with the paint

It’s not only the design scheme you have to think about when shopping for furniture. You must pay attention to its foundation—wall paint. The shade on the wall dictates the attributes of the piece of furniture you wish to take home. Most colors work on a white wall and neutral hues. But if you have other paint colors on your walls, you have to be selective on the furniture you wish to bring indoors.

It might be too late to regret a decision once you cave into an impulse buy. Once you realize that the love seat you ordered doesn’t match the wall, you have to choose which one to adjust. Fortunately, paint is inexpensive. You can get a bucket from a hardware store or home renovation section of home improvement stores. With the right tools, you can give your home a makeover. Those in rentals are not lucky. They have to ask permission from the landlord, and if he or she is not open to making changes, then you are stuck with furniture that leads your decorating skills down the drain.


Impulse buying is a part of life. It has its perks, but it can be a nightmare at times. Thus, it’s best if you are sure with your purchases before going to a furniture shop. Have a plan of attack and double check your decisions before heading to the checkout counter. It can save you from the frustration and remorse that comes with shopping impulsively.

Note: This post was first published on September 4, 2015, as "The Downside of an Impulse Buying." It has been updated to help homeowners make informed decisions over their finances and home furniture

Image Source

Timeless Home Design: 10 Pieces of Furniture to Buy Now

Tulip tables are perfect for condo units and apartments with limited spaces.

Classic furniture pieces are what you need if you wish to have a home with beauty and elegance that never fades. Getting classic pieces is the same as investing. You are placing your money on something that doesn't require constant replacement as you age. You can spend your money on a low cost housing Philippines, a penthouse, or a townhouse, but these pieces are sure to be with you on your journey.

If you are looking for pieces of furniture that would fill your home, then this list is what you need. Find out how each part is essential in making a timeless home design by reading the rest of the article. It can inspire you to come up with a home decoration that won't fade after the end of a season.

1. Bentwood chairs

It was Micheal Thonet who perfected the craft of making bentwood chairs. To make the wood bend into different shapes, it exposed to steam at high temperatures. These chairs are sturdy yet lightweight. They also feature simple designs and carvings. They are a great feature in dining halls and reading nooks and crannies.

2. Oversized mirrors

The bigger the item, the better they become. Big mirrors are great additions to open spaces in your home. Don't think that shops and galleries are the only places where you can feature an ornate mirror. Their reflective property encourage light into the room o while making the room appear twice its size. Last but not the least, the intricate frame adds glam and personality to the area. It's a contrast to a modern and minimalist space.

3. Chesterfield sofa

The sofa has a low back that has the same height as its rolled arms. You might be familiar with it for its button tufting. Chesterfield sofas are still in circulation since they were created sometime in 1850. Its distinctive design makes it popular among homeowners. You can place one in the living room for a twist to your contemporary scheme. You can also have another in the study as a throwback to the interior decoration scheme of royalty.

4. Oriental rugs

Original Oriental carpets are made in the Middle East and Asia. Each rug features a different pattern and color. They are the perfect accessory for adding luxury into a living space. Your feet will thank you when you have something soft to step on after a long day of walking.

5. Tulip tables

Designer Eero Saarinen wanted to eliminate the pairs of legs you can find from chairs and tables. Not only do they create a lot of noise. They also appear cluttered. Thus, he came up with the Tulip table. Its body resembles the characteristics of the flower - simplicity and elegance. The table is perfect for small families and dining rooms with limited space. The table also works as a side table.

6. Louis XVI chairs

Each royal specifies the design they want to have for their chairs. Louis XVI is no exemption. Louis XVI chairs have round or rectangular upholstered backs with exposed wood frames. It also has fluted legs which are cute and stylish. The chairs simple design is enough to complement the bright paint of your dining room wall or the handsome wooden desk in your study.

7. Canopy bed

The bed's design came from the need for privacy and to secure warmth while sleeping. Nowadays, canopy beds don't have thick draperies. It has soft, feathery curtains that seem to float whenever the wind blows. Most beds don't come with curtains to allow the user to personalize it based on their tastes and needs.

8. Lounge chair and ottoman

One of the prominent combinations of lounge chair and ottoman came from Charles and Ray Eames. The duo designed a seating that resembles a worn baseball mitt. The lounge chair uses a molded plywood shell to house a seat with leather upholstery. Both the chair and the ottoman has a swivel bottom made of aluminum. Both pieces are great for relaxation and entertaining. You can drag the ottoman to place in your house whenever someone needs an extra spot.e

9. Club chairs

Classic leather club chairs are what you usually see in a gentleman's club. The seating has a low back and arms covered in rich leather and has a nailhead trim. The chairs don't attract a lot of attention, but it has the power to capture the heart of anyone who sits on them. They are comfortable and sophisticated making them popular in game rooms and man caves.

10. Shaker dresser

The design for Shaker dressers originates from their beliefs - honesty, utility, and simplicity. You'll find its minimalist style still relevant to this day. Cottages in the woods and traditional American bedrooms benefit from the tiny yet hard-to-miss details of the piece. The turned-knobs bring a different flavor in any place the furniture occupies.

These are the pieces of furniture you must include in your furniture shopping list. Their timeless design and finish make each one the perfect piece to complete your design scheme. Your home design is sure to last for ages when you invest in these timeless pieces of furniture.

8 Supplies To Purchase During Home Renovation

The first step to home remodeling is to know what you want to achieve with your home. State your priorities. Create a list of the things you wish to accomplish at the end of your home glamorizing project.

Finding inspiration for your remodeling project is essential. You can check home catalogs, magazines, and websites to come up with the image of your project. It will help you know which supplies you need for your home renovation.

The stuff you need depends on your goals. Here are eight items you must purchase to complete your home renovation near Alabang Town Center.

1. Hardware

You need cabinet and drawer hardware such as knobs and pulls. You also need a few for the doors of the rooms all over the place. Most of all, you need them for your windows.

Hardware isn't limited to knobs and pulls. You also have to think curtain rod, rails, and track. Finials are equally important especially for those who value design and aesthetic.

Most hardware is replaceable but measures them first before buying sets to limit purchases or avoid wasting money.

2. Light Bulbs and Its Fixtures

Changing the type and kind of light and upgrading wattage improves the ambiance of the room. A small room appears larger with the right light. A large area becomes well-lit with the combination of light fixtures.

Switching light bulbs also saves you from high electric bills. Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are energy-efficient than fluorescent and other types of light bulbs. They even last longer than most.

If you want to gain control over the brightness of the room, you can install a dimming feature. You can also change the cone or cover if its a pendant light, lamp, or a scone. If it's a spotlight, ensure you can move its angles to emphasize corners and shadowy areas.

3. Mirrors

Mirrors are reflective. When natural light hits them, the room becomes twice its size. It also provides the illusion. Hanging two mirrors parallel each other creates an infinite space.

If you wish to emphasize the width of the room, hang a horizontal mirror. Meanwhile, a standing mirror is best for homes and areas with a low ceiling. The mirror must have edges to achieve the illusion of additional space.

Mirrors also encourage fluidity. Those with softer edges balance rooms with harsh lines and sharp edges. They are also feng shui cure as they attract energy.

4. Paint

Paint is necessary to bring life to your home. It gives the character and shows off the personality you wish to embody. Most of all, it protects the structure from withering because of the harsh elements.

It's crucial to remember which type of paint to buy and the colors you want to use. The base coat is different from the top layer. At the same time, the paint you use indoors has a different grade and application requirement.

Premium quality of paint has the best coverage, durability, and ease of working. Still, all paint has three components. These are pigments, binders, and solvents or thinners. You can conduct a touch test to find out if it feels smooth and silky.

These types of paint are more expensive than regular ones because of their expensive ingredients and the combination of components.

5. Plants

Plants are best as decorations. They fill empty corners and walls without spending too much. However, you must select the right plants for minimum upkeep.

Some plants thrive indoors. They can survive on less water and sunlight while still cleaning the air of toxins. NASA reported some houseplants purifies the air of formaldehyde, bacteria, pollen, and mold.

Most of all, indoor plants refresh poorly-ventilated rooms. They supply a fresh batch of oxygen to ensure you stay healthy. They also provide a break from the warm or static design elements in the place. Its earthy feel and cool color make it a great contrast.

6. Wood Planks

Wood planks are necessary in case you need to install a shelf ASAP. They are also useful for adding an extra level on an indoor cabinet and top shelves. Most of all, they are the most suitable material for DIY storage solutions.

You can choose from hard ones, soft, plywood, and MDF. Hard and softwood are those milled from a tree. Plywood and MDF are examples of manufactured products.

Each wood has different characteristics. Some can also be more expensive than others especially the exotic species of hardwood. The best way to pick wood planks is to decide how you will use them, find the measurement you need, and research to know more about the pros and cons of each.

7. Nails, Screws, and Bolts

You can find them in the fastener aisle. Often, you don't look for them unless you need one. You'll be shocked to see the different kinds and sizes available on every store.

The type of fastener you must purchase depend on the surface. Drywall, for instance, needs support. It requires a wall anchor, a hanger, or a toggle bolt to create a grappling hook effect.

Then, there are screws. They are best when you plan to attach the extra weight. For basic construction, you can go with stainless steel nails.

8. Tools

A project is never complete without the right tools. When you have a toolbox stashed somewhere, you can quickly dive into your plans and tackle home repairs. If not, you need to go and look for the best quality tools.

A complete toolbox has these items:

• Utility knife
• Clawhammer
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Crescent wrench
• Socket wrench
• Vise-Grip pliers
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Cordless drill and bits
• Crosscut saw
• Level

If you can't afford to buy to all at once, take them one by one. Always prioritize quality when buying your tools. It helps you finish your job safely. It also enables you to achieve the result you wish to see.

These are some of the supplies or things you need during a home renovation. They serve as decoration, materials, and tools to fill your home. Finishing your home renovation project gives you a sense of achievement no one can take from you.