So, you have decided to renovate your home with new furniture. In fact, if you are planning to make new furniture with the help of your carpenter, this article is for you. I am giving you the tips so that you don't go wrong with your decisions. Always have a clear picture in your mind about what all you want made. This is very important as later you will realize that costs would have been lower if you had purchased all the materials together. You can negotiate with the shopkeeper if you purchase more stuff at a time. So be clear about what all you want to buy.



Research about the latest furniture designs with the help of interior design magazines and books. You can find these at your local library. Ask your friends and relatives, if they have got furniture made recently. Talk to as many people as you can about the latest designs and you will get a better idea about what you want. When you make your purchase of the raw materials, do so at a reputed store which offers to exchange your material if required. Whenever you purchase metal things like hinges, handles, locks, screws, etc., prefer to buy those made with brass. It may be more expensive but it looks more classy and is longer lasting. Go for good quality water-proof plywood which has been given the marine treatment. If you have to choose between laminates and veneer, remember that veneers look classier but are more expensive to purchase and to maintain.

Ask your carpenter to give his feedback on the material you plan to purchase and the designs you want. He will give you a detailed view into how you should plan your purchases. You can consult any interior designer if you can afford it. Try consulting an interior designing student who can give you the same advice at practically no cost.

Opt for a time when the carpenter can make the furniture peacefully. For example, avoid the rainy season days. Always go for the slightly middle range stuff even if you are cost conscious because the cheapest is not durable and may lose sheen after a few days.

TV cabinet: Think with a lateral mind. Do not assume that you will always have a TV of particular size. You may want to get a bigger screen in a few years and your cabinet should be big enough for it. In case of a TV cabinet, make sure you keep space for your gaming console, tv tuner box or dth receiver or whatever it is you have. Also keep space for a disc player and all the remotes.

Kitchen cupboards: First make a list of what all you want to keep in your kitchen. Design a cupboard on paper as per your needs. Make sure that all your containers and bottles can fit in there. Keep the cupboard location away from your heating apparatus. Please read further in part two of this article series.