For most people, there comes a time when downsizing your home can be a great idea. Whether it is life events, such as children flying the nest, or down to a practical need to scale back financially, there are lots of reasons why moving from a larger house into a smaller residence can come about.
Although it is understandable to worry about making the transition from spacious and sprawling to compact and cosy, there is absolutely no need for downsizing to mean living in cramped or uncomfortable conditions. Providing you plan your layout well and think through what your priorities are, ‘bijou’ homes can actually be a real joy to spend time in.
Here’s how to get the very most out of the footprint of your home — no matter what its proportions.
HOW TO DOWNSIZE IN STYLE
Rather than viewing downsizing as something that will mean making sacrifices, try to shift the way you think about making this move. Smaller houses can offer so much in the way of practicality, meaning less wasted, unused space and more prized spots and places.
Acclaimed architect and author of The Not So Big House series, Home By Design and The Not So Big Life, Sarah Susanka aims to help people understand that the sense of ‘home’ they’re seeking has almost nothing to do with quantity and everything to do with quality.
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century