Small space living has become (although not restricted to) a catch-phrase for those who desire to live in trendy, up-scale areas of a city (or decent apartments in any major city). Those who simply live in a small house because that's what they can afford or because they actually like nesting in a smaller house, don't really call it anything...except maybe, home. As I mentioned yesterday, small homes were the norm for middle-class families when I was growing up (in the seventies). The eighties,and its tendency to embrace excesses like Southfork, shoulder pads, and teased hair, saw an up-swing in those wanting more space. More space to entertain, finished basements to corral teenagers, man-rooms (I hate that term), and walk-in closets to house those shoulder pads. We became entrenched in the belief that bigger is better, and the lines between what we wanted and what we needed became blurred indeed.
The 21st century finds us in several camps: those who want cosy yet functional homes that serve our need for creativity, comfort, and function; those who wish to reduce their environmental footprint and actually take clear steps to do so; those of us who straddle the fence in-between; those who either cannot afford or care not about such things; and those who continue to live large because it works for them and their family. With the mortgage crisis as it is, it will be interesting to see where the next ten years will take us - and its impact on the homes we choose and how we live in these homes. Will we embrace alternative heating methods, environmentally benign building materials, and return to more modest blue-prints when building/choosing our homes?
Alas, that is another topic for another time...
Next up: the fun and challenge in making a small home work for you and your families. I will be offering up inspiration, ideas, and tips, but will also be looking to you to share your input, ideas and photos. I am particularily looking for photos of any of your homes wherein you carved out functional spaces where you didn't think you'd find them. Storage tips; built-ins; how you overcame obstacles like lack of guest rooms, laundry areas, play areas...all ideas are welcomed!
**Email me your ideas, photos, links, or simply leave a comment sharing your solutions to the challenges of small-space living.
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If you think the other house I showed you yesterday is small, check this one out. It is actually ridiculous, but there just might be someone dumb enough to buy it! Or maybe they're smart...what do I know? If it gets them closer to Hugh Grant, they might actually be genius..I just don't know where they will put him!
