by Susan Beck
As I mentioned in the first half of this article, downsizing has its joys and sorrows. So, what if you are downsizing from a so-called “traditional” three or four bedroom family home to a home with an entirely different “open space” floor plan? All of that open space requires a whole new set of design rules, right? Not so.
Not so, and I’m here to show you that it isn’t hard. It just takes a new way of looking at the same issues of space and recognizing how you want to use your furniture pieces. First consider the open space, then decide what you want to accomplish in that space.
Easy, right? Well, even with the new names for spaces that you may find on your floor plans - like Keeping Room, Sitting Room, and Parlor - we still can find our old, comfortable ways of using space. The names used in the home plans are all about “marketing,” not necessarily real room directives.
So when planning to downsize to a “new floor plan” home, don’t let the names of the spaces throw you. Just remember how you like to live, and the spaces that were comfortable in your old home, and how those can translate to your new home. Marketing is probably an essential ingredient for those new home brochures, but it shouldn’t scare you into thinking you must use your room in a “keeping room” sort of way - you can use it your way!
Leaving your old family home and downsizing is exciting, but don’t let others dictate the use of this room or that, let’s use it to our best purpose, and enjoy those open spaces!
So when thinking about coming to Furnitureland South to furnish some “new open spaces,” contact me. Let’s talk about it and then make an appointment for your visit!
Click here to read Part I of “Are You Downsizing?”
Susan Beck has worked in home furnishings and interior design for more than 20 years since moving to High Point, NC from her native Chicago. For a short period during that time, she left sales to attain her degree in Interior Design. Her experience ranges from “starter” homes to multi-million dollar residences. Susan states that, regardless of the size of the home, each is equally important to the individual client and she treats each project that way! Her design style ranges from casual to formal, traditional to contemporary - she loves them all, because she feels it is a translation of the client’s personality, not a style that is binding. Her clients appreciate her enthusiasm for their projects, and her attention to the smallest details while making their home special. The by-product of that attention is friendships in business, and Susan values each one!
To contact Susan, call 866.436.8056 ext. 2627, or email susanbeck@furniturelandsouth.com.
