Why Small Home Design is a Smart Choice
Families are getting smaller. We are seeing more childless couples and more single homeowners all of the time. In addition, people are living longer and staying in their own homes long after their children have left home.
There is a movement toward a simpler and more meaningful way of life. Small home design makes sense as we become more conscious of our environment and more conscious of reducing waste and energy requirements. Even the housing industries are moving toward using pre-cut panels, modules and recycled materials in order to prevent waste.
Architect Sarah Susanka has written a series of books about “not so big” houses that favor quality of space rather than quantity, a trend that has evolved over the last 15 years to meet the needs of these new types of families. Small home design isn't about giving up anything; it's about building in a way that efficiently uses space to give you everything you need.
Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing one, you want to think about what it takes to make you feel at home. In every house that you have lived in there are features that you have particularly liked or disliked.
Look at your present house. Really look at how you live in your house and see how much of the space goes unused. What about the formal dining room that you only use twice a year, the extra bedroom that is being used for storage (a.k.a. junk), or the empty recreation room downstairs? You know which ones! We all have them. Where do you spend your time? My guess is that you and your family spend most of your waking hours in the kitchen and/or family room. I know that I like to be where it is light, airy, and near the refrigerator rather than in a “sewing room”, office or studio. Which brings us to a point to consider: how much room do you really need? If you were to consider a condo or house based on small home design, what could you give up without really missing it?
We aren’t even touching on the concept of how much it costs to heat, cool, clean, and maintain a large home. The trend now is to spend your money on making your home an expression of your personality instead of square footage. Big is not necessarily better. The “not so big” house isn’t just a small house or condo. It is a smaller home filled with the special details that accommodate your lifestyle.
Design for today but recognize that your house needs to be able to adapt and change throughout the stages in your life. Putting all everyday living functions on one level is called “common sense.” Making the bedroom, bath and living areas handicap accessible by doing things like widening doors, and being conscious of how a wheelchair or walker could navigate the space is just good planning if you want to stay in your own home for the rest of your life. These sort of "Universal Design" options are becoming very popular and can be incorporated into any house designs that you are planning to use.
There are three variables that you will need to consider when designing your step-down or “not so big” house and they are cost, quality and quantity. The Real Estate Industry is still pushing the idea that multiple rooms and square footage is the key to a successful home. Maybe it is time for a change. People are less formal. Families have changed but most houses have not. Think small home design as you consider where you want to live for the rest of your life. I highly recommend reading the “not so big” books by Sarah Susanka before beginning building or remodeling projects.
Source: The Not So Big House series
by Sarah Susanka (The Taunton Press).
Home Improvement Ideas Blog | Remodeling Articles