Furnishing a home

When we are overseas, our apartments are furnished. We are now going to be back in the States for an extended period of time, long enough so that we need to furnish our new digs. What, you say? Furnish a house? After 10 years of marriage and you still don't have any furniture? Sadly, yes. When we were first married, we had nothing. Slowly, a random chair or table was donated to our cause. We eventually transitioned from an air mattress to a real bed. A $20 couch from D.I. lasted us 5 1/2 years. But when we moved to Egypt, we basically had nothing and that wasn't a problem.

The furnishings were great, everything we needed and some we didn't. A sideboard buffet, couches of every size, bookcases, etc. So in surveying what I have, we haven't advanced much since we were only married for a handful of years. But here comes the fun part, shopping! Although I have had to group my findings into "Reality Furnishings" and "Yeah-right-in-your-dreams" categories, it still is enjoyable. Take this sofa, for instance. I. Love. It.
The only problem? It's too wide for normal doorways. The saleslady was kind enough to inform me of this vital info. I was drooling when she walked up and asked how I was doing. It was obvious I was in love, so we began talking price. (yes I started bartering. with this economy, everyone's willing to make a deal) She said the only caveat about this piece was that you needed french doors or a sliding door to get it in your house. Nuts and double nuts. A previous client of hers still had it sitting in her garage for that very reason. But she loved it too much to return it. Hmmmm. No. Nope, I'm looking at practical, can-use-now furniture.

The next dilemma is which kind of furniture. I could order from Overstock.com, get $2.95 shipping on a sofa, but then have to put it together. I want a sofa that comes together and stays together. I know those two options aren't always mutually exclusive, but it would be nice. I'm really in love with this particular sofa. And this love seat. Oooh, and something completely frivolous, but very pretty. I'm trying to stay away from any white or cream. The kids will destroy it. And talk about the mother of all sofas. This one has two recliners and a pull-out queen bed! I don't really like the color, but then again, will I really get this?

Ikea is where I will get many wonderful things to keep my house in order. The larger furniture will come from a myriad of other places. But when all is said and done, we will hopefully have a furnished place to call home for the next year.