Moving to Boston Suburb with young kids - how was your furniture buying experience? (Everett: fit in, sale)

[aalba005]

Moving with my wife and 2 kids (5 and 3) to Everett and will be commuting to downtown Boston. We will be purchasing our first home and wanted to get some advice on buying furniture that is not from Ikea for the first time.

Did you use any room planning applications like Roomstyler - Design, style and remodel your home and get inspired by hundreds of thousands interior designs (powered by Floorplanner) or furniture inspiration sites like Houzz - Home Design, Decorating and Remodeling Ideas and Inspiration, Kitchen and Bathroom Design

What is a reasonable budget for a 3 bedroom 2 bath home for furniture?

Should we hire an interior designer?

Our household income is $180,000 and my wife is 38 while I am 41.

Any insights on what to look for when buying nicer furniture would be fantastic!

[frankzyin]

You should buy a house in a nicer town given that high income.

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by frankzyin

You should buy a house in a nicer town given that high income.

Ridiculous statement to make. Maybe OP really liked that particular house, or maybe he wanted a bigger house than he would've gotten in a "nicer town."

[elsa137]

aalba005, what a nice question! I am shortly to be in a similar situation, moving from DFW to BOS area and frankly I'm sick of the collection of furniture we've accumulated over the years and am seriously considering having a huge yard sale and buying new stuff. Also I'm not sure Texas furniture will fit in a New England home (we have big houses down here).

I hope someone answers your question seriously, as I would like to know too!

[Scriptkitten]

$180k probably won't allow for the types of things interior designers pick out. My good friend uses one and the designers don't bargain shop

Use houzz to identify your personal style

Personally I mix vintage with west elm, cb2, bo concept, room and board....

Room and board has a boston showroom and its divine.

[MikePRU]

I've always had great luck at stores like Jordan's and Boston Interiors. However, it really all depends on what your person taste is. Looking at Houzz is a great way to see what style of furniture appeals to you most.

[davebarnes]

Room & Board.

[ladyalicemore]

I would assess your needs and tastes and then look at second-hand furniture stores for your tables and other wood furniture (not including upholstered chairs, unless you can reupholster them).

Today's furniture is not as well made or solid as yesterday's, so you can get a better product for far less money and then refinish or refurbish if need be.

It's what I did in furnishing my house in S FL and it turned out all right.

In S FL, however, there are lots of consignment shops. Unless Mass has changed a lot since I left, there probably aren't too many consignment shops in MA. They are great sources for gently used furniture.

[kingeorge]

Internet. Overstock.com. Wayfair.com there are probably more that I am not familiar with.

Young kids and shopping are not always easy or fun. Maybe Ikea for kids stuff (they will outgrow it fast anyway).
Kids can play in the store while you shop. You can eat there too, and avoid meltdowns.
Good luck.

[Ninotchka P]

Jordan's Furniture, as a starting point. Don't even consider any other store for mattresses.
Circle Furniture if your taste is more high-end, but it will cost more.

No need for an interior designer - I don't thing your income warrants it. The town certainly does not.

If you haven't yet bought the house, look in other towns besides Everett. With your income you could afford Reading, Melrose, Wakefield. All nicer towns with better school systems.