Finding and moving into a new home can be an overwhelming experience. But when you’re prepared for the challenge, you’re more likely to come out of it in one calm, organized piece.

We spoke with Theresa Yoon of Interior Design Lab, the interior designer for homes at Canopy at Tynehead Park in Surrey, for her expertise on planning your space before you move in, along with what to consider before you even buy.

StreetSide: What should homebuyers consider when viewing interiors in a potential home?

Theresa Yoon: Always look at floorplans and how this relates to your lifestyle. An open-concept plan might serve families with young children better as a place to “keep an eye” on them. Ask yourself if you entertain a lot. If so, a powder room may be convenient on a townhome’s main level. If a family member works from home, would it be more beneficial to have an office on the main level, away from bedrooms, or next to a children’s room for easier monitoring? Think about the size of secondary bedrooms and whether they’ll accommodate required bed types. Also, consider the furniture you already own and whether it will fit into the layout. Other features to think about: closet sizes, storage requirements, kitchen workspace, bathtub vs standing shower, gas vs electric cooktop, baseboard vs radiant floor heating, and double vanities vs a single sink.

SS: What should homebuyers consider when selecting a colour scheme?

TY: Keep in mind that you may or may not be living there for the long term. A timeless palette will generally stay current. Think about whether your existing furniture, art, and accessories will work with a colour scheme, or perhaps you plan to buy new furnishings to complement the colour scheme you gravitate towards.

SS: Once a home is purchased, what can the homebuyer plan prior to moving in?

TY: The homebuyer can start playing with a lot of interior elements before move-in, either on their own or with the assistance of an interior designer.

  1. Space and furniture planning can be tackled once you have the dimensions of your floorplan and furniture. As there is often a lead time on furniture availability, make those larger purchases in advance.
  2. Spec any paint or wall coverings, and apply / install before move-in.
  3. Prepare any window treatment – black-out or decorative curtains.
  4. Determine whether you’d like any custom millwork – media units, shelving, home office requirements. Often, buyers would like to replicate millwork they see in a display home, and developers may provide the contact information for that specific millworker.
  5. Select any new light fixtures, such as a dining pendant, and install before moving in.

Canopy at Tynehead Park is now open! We invite you to visit our display home designed by Interior Design Lab. The collection of two, three, and four-bedroom townhomes is located in the heart of nature in Surrey.