Deciding to build a small
home plan has many positives beyond the time and money saved in
construction and maintenance. Even though that is a huge draw which often
influences many people’s choices. The savings and benefits begin from the
initial design phase and carry on throughout the life of your home. Initially,
benefits stem from developing a smaller footprint and not having to use as many
materials to produce your new home. By exploring the possibilities of using
internal diagonal views to make spaces seem larger you gain the perception of a
larger home without the need for more actual floor space.
A common technique many residential designers utilize to make
small spaces appear larger is the treatment of ceilings. This encompasses
ceiling heights as well as the use of textures to paint choices. If a ceiling is
too tall it can have an adverse effect on the feel of the room, giving it the
uncomfortable feeling of a vacuum. Another technique in making compact designs
appear larger is to drop the floor in one area. Allowing the recession of the
floor only a couple of steps produces a sensation that you are in a much larger
space that you actually are.
When moving through the design
process of developing your small home plan with your designer you will find that
there are numerous opportunities to truly create special nooks which often
become the most loved areas in your home. Also, smaller spaces are more
comfortable to sleep and offer a more security for you and your family.
In any home privacy is important to
everybody, irrelevant of age. Different levels of privacy can be arranged when
proper attention is given to the needs of your various family members. A common
misconception when designing a small home plan is personal privacy will be
disregarded, however if done correctly your private spaces will feel just as
that, private but never stuffy. Your open common public spaces, often areas
including the kitchen, dining and living can be designed to be open and flowing
while not compromising the comforts and security of a small home.
In a small home plan, framed
openings and spatial layering can be utilized to expand your spatial depth
perception. Spatial layering carries your eyes beyond, further in to the home
making spaces appear expanded and larger, because your senses are not confined
to only the area to which you are currently in.
One of the most attractive
advantages in choosing to design small
home plans is money saved on framing the home and foundation. Remaining
funds can be applied to detailing the interior of the home. Commonly not
accommodated in the budget in homes with larger footprints, interior detaining
can raise the appearance and comfort of a home. Focusing on the detail can make
all the difference between a house and a home for you and your
family.
The positives of designing,
building and living in more compact home can go on and on. When designed in
conjunction with residential designers small home plans can successfully be
utilized to maximize your pennies and space.
Preston Wood and Associates is a member the "American Institute of
Building Design" or "AIBD". The "AIBD" is a national organization with
chapters in every major city including
This article was published on Thursday 10 March, 2011.
