Less is more when it comes to downsizing. One less bedroom, for example. A smaller garden and less house to clean and maintain. All of which means smaller bills and less money spent on gas, water, electricity and general maintenance.
So, what does a downsized home look like? Less zones, bigger bedrooms and more open plan spaces. All this to provide a low maintenance lock-up-and-leave pad that allows you to focus more time and money for items such as travel, hobbies and leisure activities.
The best designs should incorporate the following:
- Adaptable spaces that can serve more than one purpose, such as a studio or hobby space that can be easily turned into a guest bedroom when needed.
- Big sliding doors and lots of big windows help homes feel light and open.
- Designs with minimal passageways and free-flowing spaces that are easy to furnish will make the most of a more compact block.
- A retreat in the master bedroom to make way for a fabulous armchair somewhere peaceful for a little alone time.
- Storage space for the golf clubs, tennis racquets, surfboard and bicycles now that you have more leisure time.