Shrinking your square footage doesn’t have to put a squeeze on your comfort. Use these clever strategies to craft an efficient getaway that feels open and spacious.
- Let in the light. Not only will taller windows and doors afford more natural light, making your rooms feel brighter, the extra height makes it feel like there’s more floor space without adding an inch to the plan.
- Embrace open space. A clean, uncomplicated floor plan will not only feel more spacious, it creates flexibility and versatility. Make sure the flow between the kitchen, great room and dining area is unencumbered, and reduce or eliminate transitional spaces, like hallways, so that every part of the house is livable.
- Simplicity is underrated. Strategically used natural materials (think: impressive trusses) will enhance the feeling of space. Fussiness will only make it feel cramped.
- Think outside the box. Sure, adding decks and porches are a lower-cost way to increase your living space … but consider how you access them, too. Simple sliders are great, but collapsible windows or a garage-style door will make the whole wall disappear, seamlessly extending your indoor space without adding a ton of cost.
