How to avoid hidden costs when furnishing your coastal home

Building your dream coastal retreat on Long Beach Island is exhilarating—choosing materials, watching it all come together, and imagining the summers ahead. But, one thing I see time and time again is homeowners overlooking a crucial step: the cost of furnishing.

I recently saw a funny reel about a couple finishing their custom home, only to realize they had just $40 left to furnish it. It was hilarious, but also hit close to home because I’ve seen this happen more often than you might think.

Let’s break down some of the most commonly overlooked expenses when furnishing your coastal home—and how you can plan ahead to avoid that dreaded budget crunch.

1. UNDERESTIMATING HOW MUCH YOU’LL ACTUALLY NEED

It’s surprisingly easy to underestimate just how much is needed to truly complete a space. It’s not just the big furniture items—it’s the side tables, accent chairs, lamps, rugs, artwork, and decor that make a house feel like home. Plus, for a second home, investing in quality is key. High-quality pieces may have a higher upfront cost, but they’ll last longer, especially in a coastal environment.

Pro tip: Make a list of every piece of furniture you’ll need, from large to small, and focus on quality for high-use items to save on replacements down the road. HINT: I’m getting ready to drop a brand-new resource for furnishing planning. It’ll have important steps AND a calculator to help not only how much things may cost, but what items you might want in each space. Join my email list to be the first to access the planner and receive a special bonus!

2. WINDOW TREATMENTS

With those beautiful, big windows to soak in the LBI views, you’ll need window treatments to manage sunlight and protect your furniture from UV damage. But custom treatments—especially durable ones for coastal environments—can be costly. It’s one of those things people don’t think about until they realize they need it!

Pro tip: Set aside a portion of your budget for window treatments right from the start, whether you’re going for custom drapery or simple shades, and have a contractor in during construction to get an accurate estimate for the type of treatment you’d like.

3. ALL THE LITTLE THINGS

Furnishing isn’t just about the couch and dining table. It’s all the little things—mattresses, pillows, kitchen essentials, towels—that bring a house together. These seemingly small items can add up quickly, and most people don’t budget for them.

Pro tip: Create a checklist that includes everything from kitchen utensils to bath towels so you’re prepared for all the “little things” that bring your home to life.

PLAN AHEAD FOR A FULLY FURNISHED HOME

Furnishing your coastal home is one of the most exciting parts of bringing your space to life—but it can also be the most overwhelming if unexpected costs sneak up on you. That’s why I’m launching a complimentary Furnishing Budget Planner, designed specifically for coastal homeowners like you. It helps you estimate costs for every room, including additional costs like shipping, delivery, and sales taxes.

Join my email list to be the first to access the planner and receive a special bonus!