Small can be beautiful, easy and practical. Many homeowners including newly-weds, baby boomers and singles are opting for smaller spaces. *This trend has been confirmed by Gopal Ahluwalia, director of research for the National Association of American Home Builders who said - "We're trending toward smaller homes. Growth in the average size of new single family homes which went from 1,750 square feet in 1978 to 2,479 in 2007 is starting to reverse." In a survey of home builders this month, his group found that "89% are building or planning smaller homes than they had been"
Kermit Baker, chief economist of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), also sees the shift toward smaller houses. He says "it was obvious with high-end buyers even before the economic downturn" and he expects it to continue with them. In a survey last April, the AIA found twice as many architects reporting a size decline rather than an increase. In 2006, the reverse was true.
For some it is a question of economics, for others they don't want the responsibilities that are common with larger homes. Whatever the reason for you choosing to live in a small space, you will encounter and have to address the decorating challenges that are unique to small spaces. For those who are downsizing, you will have to make some compromises in your decorating style, because your larger pieces more than likely will not fit comfortably in your smaller space; and you certainly will not want to feel cramped or stifled.
Small spaces, if decorated well, can be cozy and intimate. With the right pieces of furniture and strategic placement you can make your space wonderfully exciting, totally dramatic or extremely calming, it all depends on your taste in decorating and your lifestyle needs. The use of paint, in warm tones, along with proper lighting and choice mirrors can transform a small space into your special and or unique haven.
Here are some ideas to help make your small space your sanctuary:
Clear the Clutter: Too much ‘stuff' clutters any room and makes a small space appear even smaller. Get rid of the nick-knacks and other dust collectors; find ways to get treasured collections out of view, by using organizers to your advantage
Color Scheme: Use lighter, cooler tones to paint and accessorize your space. These tones or hues will make your space feel and look open and airy while darker tones will make your space look smaller. For those who are more daring, punch up the colour on one focal wall, this will add a sense of drama and highlight the area. Going monochromatic, using colors that are in the same color family, cool colors and or delicate warm colors on most surfaces will give the room a fresher more open look.
Fabrics: Keep the look simple and airy by using sheer or light coloured fabrics for your window treatments, bed skirts, table covers, and furniture slipcovers. Sheer fabrics allow light to pass through them making things beyond them look further away, thereby increasing your space.
Furniture: Several smaller pieces of furniture will make a room appear cluttered and smaller, while a few large, simple pieces of furniture or accessories that are properly placed will give your room a calm and comfortable appearance. Choose plain colored upholstery for sofas and chairs instead of stripes, or prints; use texture for interest.
Lighting: Get yourself a few beautiful lamps, install track lighting, sconces or recessed lighting - whatever your room will accommodate. Bear in mind that the right lighting will help to make a room appear even larger.
Mirrors: Mirrored walls will enhance the look of a room while enlarging it at the same time, however, if not properly used mirrored walls can date your look, so use mirrors wisely. Consider using a large framed mirror on a wall, which will give you the same enlarging effect, pay particular attention to what the mirror will reflect.
Open spaces: Create open spaces by placing furniture and accessories away from walkways so they do not block the natural flow of traffic in the room. Place large and or tall pieces along a wall. Try to leave open areas, If you can see the floor, the room will look larger. Here is to the warmth, ambiance and intimacy of smaller spaces.
*His analysis, (Gopal Ahluwalia's), of Census data shows that homes started in the third quarter of 2008 averaged 2,438 square feet, down from 2,629 square feet in the second quarter. Ahluwalia, who began the quarterly analysis in 1999, says "there have been slight dips before, but the latest drop was much steeper and is likely to hold even after the economy recovers"
Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Stating Expert, a member of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) & SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) she can be reached at effectivestaging@rogers.com
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