Post by ogeezer on Mar 12, 2007 11:06:45 GMT -6
You don't have to live in a mansion to live comfortably. And you certainly don't need a big one, if impressing passerbys isn't on your agenda. Size really doesn't matter, except for two groups of people: unsatisfied sexpots & the taxman -- for them the bigger, the better!
To live large in a small home (or one you conceive as such), incorporate some of the following suggestions:
These few hints will get you started. I'm sure our members will be able to add a few of their own. Remember, its okay to live small as long as you think big!
To live large in a small home (or one you conceive as such), incorporate some of the following suggestions:
- Assess your kitchen and bathrooms for efficiency, ease of maintenance, and functionality. Make changes to these rooms first to get the most from your house as well as increase value. Often a talented designer can help optimize space usage and flow to make your rooms seem much larger.
- Add light anywhere you can by incorporating open-beam ceilings, larger dual-pane windows, and skylights.
- Make it richer by adding touches of custom detail. In larger homes, it can be cost prohibitive to add real hardwoods, brass hardware, or custom moldings and tile. In a small house, a little goes a long way.
- Increase storage. Older houses are notorious for lack of storage. Built-ins, though somewhat expensive, streamline organizational tasks by providing places for everything. Think of your house as a sailboat. Everything you have needs to have a purpose for living in your home as well as a permanent storage place regardless of whether it's functional, necessary, sentimental, or aesthetic. (This makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze in a home of any size.)
- Get rid of extra stuff. Avoid hanging on to old clothes and furniture. Small houses can accommodate only so much. If something new comes in, something old needs to go. Failure to observe this single rule can cause your home to eventually explode. For help here, try this site: organizedhome.com/
- Insulate. Insulate everything from ceiling and floors to ductwork. Insulation is affordable and returns energy savings year after year. Power companies in many cities offer free energy audits; take advantage of the service to find out what you need to do to reduce your power usage.
These few hints will get you started. I'm sure our members will be able to add a few of their own. Remember, its okay to live small as long as you think big!