12 steps to furnish your house - Create a home that complements your lifestyle

Creating a home that complements your lifestyle is about more than just rearranging furniture and adding decorative elements. The arrangement of your house has a profound impact on your overall well-being and comfort. In this guide, we have compiled several considerations that you should include in your plans when furnishing your house to optimize space and create a welcoming living environment.

If you are still in the process of searching for the perfect house to rent, you can find our guide to finding a house here, and search for available houses for rent on Housingtarget.com – for example, a house for rent in all Europe, house for rent in the Netherlands, house for rent in Germany, house for rent in Denmark, house for rent in Sweden, or house for rent in Norway.

1: Start by mapping out your lifestyle needs and daily routines

Before you start furnishing your new house, it is crucial to gain a deep understanding of your own, as well as any cohabitants’, personal needs and daily routines. Conduct a detailed analysis of your life patterns and preferences. Ask any family members or cohabitants about their needs and desires. Use this insight to develop a furnishing plan that promotes relaxation, productivity, and social interactions in the different rooms and areas of the house.

2: Design a welcoming entrance and communal areas with space for everyone

First impressions are crucial, and this also applies to your home. Create a welcoming entrance that reflects your personal style and welcomes with warmth and character. Make communal areas, such as the dining room and living room, inviting with comfortable seating, and integrate elements like plants and natural light to create a pleasant atmosphere. These areas should invite relaxation and cozy moments with friends and family, with room for everyone to be together in comfortable surroundings.

3: Optimize the house's area regarding space and movement

It is important to utilize the area in the house effectively. Create a floor plan that facilitates natural movement and access to the different rooms and areas of the home, including any outdoor spaces like the garden or terrace. Consider designing open living areas that allow for flexibility and can be easily adapted to different functions. Invest in comfortable furniture. Divide the house into zones dedicated to different activities such as relaxation, meals, work, and socializing, and create inviting social spaces with comfortable seating and modern amenities.

4: Lighting and acoustics in a house for rent

Lighting and acoustics are crucial factors that contribute to creating a pleasant atmosphere in a house. Utilize opportunities to bring natural light into multiple rooms and supplement with adjustable artificial lighting to create the right mood in different parts of the house. Consider acoustic solutions that can reduce noise and improve sound quality in larger rooms or rooms with higher ceilings.

5: Choice of colors and materials in the house

Colors and materials in a house should reflect your personal style and contribute to a harmonious atmosphere. Choose color schemes that complement the structure and design of the house, and invest in quality materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Consider incorporating natural materials to create an organic and warm feeling in the home.

6: Integrate green and natural elements in the house rental

Adding plants and natural elements can significantly improve the well-being and atmosphere in your new house. Choose plants that are easy to maintain and thrive indoors. Also, consider incorporating other natural elements, such as wood details or water features, that can create a connection to nature and bring a sense of peace and harmony into your home.

7: Technology and infrastructure in your house

When renting a house, it is crucial to ensure that it is equipped with the necessary technology and modern facilities to make everyday life easier. This includes a reliable internet connection, enough outlets for all your devices, and integrated smart home solutions to optimize comfort and convenience in your new home.

8: The bedroom - Your personal sanctuary

Create a personal sanctuary in your bedroom. Focus on creating an atmosphere of peace, harmony, and comfort with a bed that suits your sleeping style. Add soft lighting and textiles that contribute to a serene atmosphere. Make this room your private oasis with personal touches, such as artworks or family photos.

9: The children’s room - A spacious area for play and learning in the house

In a house, there is often ample space to arrange a children's room that promotes both play and learning. Consider including creative zones with plenty of space for art projects and toys. Choose functional and fun furniture, and involve the children in the design process, so the room truly reflects their personalities and interests.

10: The bathroom - Your private spa area in the home

Transform the bathroom into a place for relaxation and renewal by creating a spa-like atmosphere with soothing colors and natural materials. Add luxurious details like a freestanding bathtub or a rain shower to create a room that invites wellness and relaxation. Also, consider including green plants to add a touch of nature to the space.

11: Garden design in houses for rent

Designing your garden is a personal and creative process that can transform the outdoor area into a true sanctuary. Here are some tips to help you start designing your garden:

• Customize the garden to your area: Understand the nature of your soil and the local climate, as these factors greatly influence which plants will thrive in your garden.
• Sunlight: Note where and when the sunlight falls on different parts of the garden, so you can choose plants that suit the light conditions.
• Plan according to function: Divide your garden into different zones, such as a relaxation area, a play area, and an area for growing vegetables. Ensure good access and paths that connect the different areas in the garden naturally.
• Choose a harmonious color palette: Opt for a color palette that creates harmony and simultaneously emphasizes the changing seasons. Use color contrasts deliberately to create focal points and interest in the garden.
• Choose plants thoughtfully: Prioritize local and native plants that are adapted to the climate and promote biodiversity. Combine perennials with annual plants to create a garden that is colorful and interesting all year round.
• Integrate water features: Consider adding a water element like a pond or a fountain that can bring soothing sounds and a cooling effect to the garden. If possible, introduce systems to collect rainwater for use in the garden – it’s both environmentally friendly and economical.
• Lighting in the garden: Add ambient lighting to extend the usability of the garden into the evening hours and highlight special features. Also, remember lighting along paths and in areas with level differences to prevent falls and injuries.
• Art and craft: Include art and sculptures in your garden design to create unique focal points and personal style. DIY projects, such as homemade birdhouses or insect hotels, add character and promote wildlife in your garden.

Remember, garden planning is a gradual process, and it is okay to adjust your plans over time as you learn more about what works best in your garden.

12: Evaluate and continuously adjust the layout of your house for rent

When you move into a new house, it is important to evaluate and adjust the layout continuously to ensure that it continues to meet your needs and complements your lifestyle. Invite feedback from family and friends and be prepared to make adjustments that improve the atmosphere and functionality in your new home.