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.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2023 من Homebuilding & Renovating.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2023 من Homebuilding & Renovating.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
How to create your dream kitchen extension
From deciding where to extend to working out the layout of the space, there's lots to consider when adding more space to your home
HOW MUCH DOES CENTRAL HEATING COST?
Whether you're fitting heating in a new home or upgrading your existing system, here's what you need to include in your budget...
How to design the hallacrfect hallway space
An impactful entrance can set the tone for the rest of your home, so pay attention to everything from the layout to those all-important finishing touches
ONE HEAT PUMP OR TWO?
Although one heat pump is considered the norm, here are the situations when it might make sense to double up
Self-build for beginners
Tempted to take on the key project management role? Find out if you're up to the job or whether it's better left to a professional
Green roofs
Roofs covered in vegetation have been around for thousands of years, but the latest systems provide eco credentials as well as a beautiful view
Brick and mix
Ariginally designed by renowned 20th-century architect EJ May, this Edwardian Arts and Crafts dwelling is a treasured asset within its local conservation area in Bromley.
Brick-clad nomes
While the humble brick makes the ideal material for walls and floors, both inside and out, exposed brickwork can add instant character to a home of any age, as these projects from throughout the UK demonstrate...
Creative thinking
In order to overcome initial planning concerns, Angus and Justine Flockhart opted for a dual-roof rear extension that cleverly minimises its impact on the neighbours
Positive energy
Rob Elkins incorporated a suite of eco technology and sustainable principles when designing and building his family home
