Design Sleuth-Downsizing with style
For many, downsizing a home can be an exhilarating experience. It often means lowered expenses, reduced maintenance, more discretionary income and more free time. It also means smaller living spaces. Instead of searching for large furniture to fill and decorate large rooms, you find yourself trying to figure out creative ways to maximize small areas without sacrificing style.
To use your reduced space most efficiently, designer Nathan suggests purchasing sofas and chairs that are armless. According to Nathan, “Armless furnishings create a more streamlined look in small spaces. They also weigh less than more traditional furnishings and make it easier to redecorate and change the look of your rooms when you want to try something different. Slipper chairs, for example, can easily be moved from room-to- room adding extra seating where and when you need it.”
Nathan also recommends buying furniture that can serve a dual purpose, such as ottomans that double as footrests, chairs, TV trays, or a flat surface area for a game of cards. The Hekman plasma lift mentioned in an earlier blog is another piece of furniture that serves two functions. When the television set is not in use it disappears, and the room instantly becomes more spacious and less cluttered.
“Instead of end tables,” Nathan says, “consider buying nesting tables or lamps with built-in tables. And, in order to make your furnishings most portable, use a matching color palette from room-to- room. This way everything matches no matter where it’s placed.”
Talk with you next week!
