Furnishing a home seems like it should be the fun part—after all, it’s where your personal style comes to life. But for many homeowners, it quickly becomes one of the most overwhelming phases of creating a home you love.
We hear it all the time:
“I’ve spent hours scrolling and still don’t know what works.”
“I ordered furniture and now it doesn’t fit the space.”
“I just want my home to feel finished, but I don’t know where to start.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here’s why furnishing can feel so daunting—and what to do instead.
1. Too Many Choices, Too Little Clarity
Between Pinterest boards, online stores, and social media, there’s no shortage of inspiration. The problem? Most of it isn’t tailored to your space, layout, or lifestyle. Without a clear plan, it's easy to get stuck in decision fatigue or second-guess every selection.
What to do:
Start with a thoughtful layout, mood board, and design direction, not just a wishlist. This foundation makes every future choice easier—and more cohesive.
2. The Wait Times (and the Returns)
Furnishing often involves long shipping windows, missed deliveries, or unexpected backorders. Worse, you might wait months for a piece that doesn’t fit the scale or feel of the room, and now you’re stuck starting over.
What to do:
Work with someone who knows how to source the right pieces the first time and can help navigate the logistics.
3. Rooms That Don’t Flow Together
Many homeowners furnish one room at a time, which can lead to a home that feels a little disjointed. Even if each room looks great on its own, the overall flow and cohesion can fall flat.
What to do:
Think of your home holistically. A design professional can help you create a plan that ties everything together, so your home feels collected, not pieced together.
4. You’re Busy (and This Feels Like a Full-Time Job)
Furnishing requires time, coordination, and design confidence. If you're juggling a career, family, or just everyday life, it's no wonder this part of the process gets pushed aside.
What to do:
Let someone else take the lead. A full-service approach means your designer handles the planning, sourcing, and styling—so you don’t have to.
The Good News? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.
At IHR, we created The Furnishing Studio to help homeowners finish their spaces with confidence. From space planning and curated selections to final styling, we guide you through the entire process so your home feels complete—and completely you.
Ready to make your home feel finished (without the overwhelm)? Learn More About The Furnishing Studio →
by Bennett Bottorff