Mistakes to avoid when furnishing a new home in London

Purchasing a new home in London from Singapore is more streamlined now, thanks to expert coordination between multiple parties. However, the real challenge is transforming an empty space into a functional, attractive home without being there in person.

For Singapore-based investors and homeowners, understanding common furnishing mistakes and avoiding them can save both time and money, ensuring their property reaches its full potential.

What mistakes should I avoid when furnishing my London home?

Choosing incorrectly sized furniture

Most London homes often have narrow hallways and tight layouts—measuring doorways, staircases, and room proportions becomes important. Choosing furniture that fits perfectly and is multi-functional helps the space feel larger and maximise utility. The key is creating harmony between furniture sizes and room dimensions, without compromising any movement or visual balance.

Prioritising aesthetics over practicality

A good-looking furniture might look nice online but loses appeal if it’s unfit for daily use or simply doesn’t suit the space. For rental properties both durability and functionality are crucial. Tenants prefer furniture that is built to last and looks stunning. Invest in quality pieces that are a balance of both comfort and style, especially for areas that people spend most of their time in.

Furnishing without a cohesive design plan

Mixing different styles and colours without a consistent theme can make the house feel disjointed. Therefore, it is essential to either plan with a clear design theme for your home or seek professional advice to ensure a cohesive flow of colour, texture, and design that will appeal to high-quality tenants.

Forgetting about storage and layout flow

Many UK homes lack built-in storage, making smart furniture choices is essential when you furnish your London home from Singapore. Furniture placement should support the natural flow of the layout, so it’s important to consider pieces that offer hidden storage and help how people move through spaces.

Trying to manage furnishing from abroad on your own

DIY furnishing remotely creates delivery issues and sizing problems, with hidden costs like delivery and assembly often adding 10–20% to the initial budget. Time zone difference also adds to the challenge. Working with a local experienced team eliminates these issues.

Why work with InStyle Direct?

Our furnishing partner has extensive experience working with overseas investors, with 75% of clients based abroad. This specialisation has given them an advantage in understanding the unique challenges that Singaporean investors face when furnishing properties in London. They have a comprehensive in-house team of designers, project managers, and builders who handle every aspect of furnishing a property, from initial consultation to waste removal.

They manage everything locally, enabling you to furnish your property within a week*. They offer homeowner furniture packages, window dressings, feature walls, lighting, and more that fit every style and budget. And our team in Singapore offers complete property service support for your London home. A seamless end-to-end property service provided all under one roof.

Furnishing your London home from Singapore need not be overwhelming. With proper planning and expert local support, the process becomes streamlined and stress-free. Our furnishing partner’s understanding of UK properties and the unique needs of Singapore-based investors ensures your furnishing project is delivered with exceptional quality and results.

Whether you’re living in Singapore or planning a move soon, furnishing your London home doesn’t have to be stressful. Let our furnishing partner and our Singapore office do the heavy lifting — from consultation to delivery. Get in touch to learn more.

*(Based on stock availability.)