3 Practical Ways to Create a Comfortable Home When Downsizing

Downsizing into a new season of life is challenging, and at the same time a rite of passage. Your home is likely filled with special memories where your children played in, the room you loved to read in and the kitchen that you’ve painted over time and again. As a mother of 3 adult children, I understand the importance of home. It’s the hub for creating special memories with your family, regardless of what stage in life you’re in.

I’ve had many conversations with clients, family, and friends about imagining what life will be like letting go of the family home that’s filled with character and cherished memories. The common misconception in these heartfelt discussions was the fear of giving up that sense of home. But here’s the good news! It’s not at all about having a big home, it’s about having the right space to create those special memories. Today, I’m sharing 3 design tips for downsizing with style and intentionality to help you style your new home that captures the spirit of family.

What You Need To Know About Choosing Furniture for Functionality and Comfort

I love this quote by William Morris, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Letting go of things and downsizing into a more intimate home means bringing with us only those things we believe to be meaningful and purposeful. When it comes to furnishing your new home, choosing furniture that is dynamic and functional is key. You want furniture that will accommodate your children and grandchildren but will be more dynamic and very comfortable, allowing you to transition into your new home with ease. Here are a few quick tips: Sectionals are a great choice since they can be easily re-arranged depending on what’s going on in the space. Consider purchasing designer quality furnishings in classic designs that stay relevant with durable performance fabrics such as Perennials, a leader in luxury performance fabrics. Most importantly, use upholstered seating in solid fabrics for a timeless look; it never goes out of style. There’s something very classic about a living room that’s filled with comfortable, upholstered pieces.

*Courtesy of William Sonoma Home for Perennials*

How do you plan to utilize the space? There’s a feeling of intimacy and warmth in creating rooms that are suitable and multi-functional. Your spare room, even if the footprint is small, can be a multi-functional space - a craft room, library and a special room for your grandchildren. A built-in daybed, in an exuberant color like this dynamic blue, is a great way to maximize the space with style and intentionality. Add an upholstered chair, a lucite Parsons table and voila, you have a stylish and meaningful room. Murphy beds are another great option for multi-functional spaces. I love Lori Wall Beds for their style, ease of use and price point.

When you’re creating multi-functional spaces, the secret is to elevate the elements in the room. Choose dynamic furniture that is not only suitable but extraordinary! This sleek tortoiseshell console behind the sofa works as a writing desk and as a serving piece for the dining area and has lots of pizazz.

2. How to Create a Mood Boosting Color Story in Your New Home

A condo or townhome may not have all the character and nuances of an older home, but the right color will capture the mood and invite your family and friends to stay and linger a little longer. Weave in your color story throughout your home by accentuating the architectural elements with rich mood boosting colors inside your bookcases and on all your trim. Incorporate color everywhere with fabrics in lots of patterns. Fabrics make the room come alive. As you transition into your forever home, there are some color trends to consider that tend to stay stylish. Grays and blues together have a very traditional feel and will always stand the test of time. Blue and white is my favorite color palette and is exceptionally beautiful in bedrooms.

Regarding trends in general, it’s better to discover what’s right for you and tell your own color story. Keep your home classic and timeless. Most importantly, your home should remind your children of you.

Designer Audrey Interiors Photography Julia Dags — *Designer Audrey Interiors Photography Julia Dag*s

3. What You Need to Know About Creating Dazzling Focal Points in Your Home

It’s a misconception that by downsizing you’re giving up a sense of home and that lived in feel. You can indeed create that homey feeling by creating focal points in your rooms and enhance your space with lighting. Evoke a sense of family by making your kitchen sensational, very welcoming and something that is anything but your “all white” standard. Stoves and sinks make stunning focal points. Tile creates an area of interest around the stove. Try switching out the builder grade range hood for something spectacular. Use open shelves around the sink, it opens up the space and accentuates the view from a nearby window.

Add drama in the dining and living area with statement lighting. Replace a few recessed lights with pendant lighting for a visual impact. They’ll cast a beautiful glow everywhere - the more pendants, the better! For chandeliers, go bigger than the standard rule of thumb and don’t be afraid to go radically different.

A fun way of creating a focal point in your powder room is with a wallpapered ceiling. Add beautiful hardware and an exceptional color palette to create the perfect bath with style and intentionality.

Downsizing is a wonderful opportunity to continue creating special memories with your loved ones and at the same time, up level your style as you transition into a more intimate setting. Once you know how you’re going to use your rooms and you’ve identified what furnishings you’ll need to make the space suitable and multi-functional, it’s time to enjoy the process and start creating special memories in your forever home. Downsizing expert Ashley Lubbs emphasizes that “not only planning, but dreaming and hoping is part of the process.”

If you need a professional eye to help you create your own color story or with making some furniture selections, be sure to book a Complimentary Call with us today!

Warmly,

Audrey