When we were young, we didn’t need much space. An apartment or condo, really any place we could call our own felt liberating. But as we got older, married, and started a family, our needs changed. Instead of an apartment, we needed a home with a yard, multiple bedrooms, and lots of storage space. But now that your children are leaving the nest, you may have started thinking about downsizing.
However, furnishing a smaller space can be a challenge. What do you keep? Should you sell everything and buy all new? Will you be able to find furniture that fits your style and you home? Take comfort—you have more options than you think.
1 - Go Big or Go Home
Large pieces can still work in a smaller space. In fact, you may be able to make large pieces look like built-ins. If you have an alcove, can you use a entertainment unit, bookcase, fireplace to enhance it? By using the right pieces, you can set off the architectural details in your new home.
2 - Scale Down
Furniture stores such as IKEA and West Elm have done very well catering to apartment living. But many manufacturers are jumping on the smaller-furniture bandwagon. Well-known companies like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Raymour & Flanigan, and even the online company Wayfair have furniture made especially for small spaces. So just because you’re downsizing your home doesn’t mean you’re stuck buying cookie-cutter, barbie-mansion furniture. Instead, you find and buy what you love without compromising your style.
3 - Think Multi-functional
No matter the size of the home, storage is a constant problem. But this is magnified when trying to downsize a larger home into a smaller one. Therefore, I highly recommend multifunctional pieces, such as ottomans with storage, lift-top coffee tables, or cabinets and armoires with shelving and doors. Pieces like these will enable you to keep what you need—organized and out-of-sight—while working with the space you have.
Downsizing your home can be stressful, but it can also be exciting. And the good news is, you don’t have to compromise your style, or yourself, to fit in your home. So go big or go home, don’t be afraid to scale down, and think about investing in multifunctional pieces. It is easier than ever to find the things you need for the life you want to live. After all, how you choose to live will make a big impact on whether or not you love your home, no matter how big or small it may be.