Most of us have a vision of what our ‘dream home‘ looks like. Reality hits when faced with the opportunity to bring that image to life in our interior space through planning and design.
My husband and I are now seriously considering ‘downsizing‘ and don’t want to ‘de-style‘ in the process. In the next several months, as I concept design and then build our own ‘little’ home, I will walk you through the interior planning & building process from an Interior Designer’s point of view. Stay tuned…
Jan Addams (D.A.T. Girl)
Designer, Author Trainer
Downsize Your Space not your Style: 24 Steps to ‘Living Large in a Little Space’
STEPS 1- 8
Step one: Decide ‘why‘ you are choosing to build as this will give you clues on what your real ‘hot buttons‘ are. Write a list of the things you cannot tolerate anymore (this is usually the easy list) and then your ‘wish list‘ of the things you absolutely must have in your new space.
Step two: Decide on your Project Budget Allowance (plus, a 10 – 30% contingency) this will help you narrow down your options from the size and style of your project to the exterior products used and the type finishing & interior products you can use.
Step three: Decide where you are going to build (city, neighbourhood and its amenities plus, the actual site location and house direction)and have very definite reasons why you chose that specific spot.
Step four: Visit the local municipality (city hall) to find out that area’s building laws are and what permits will be required. This step is often an overlooked part of the building process as it may seem a bit intimidating. However, it will save you a lot of time, money and headaches in blueprint and/or product changes down the road. Plus, you may learn more about your community and find the people in the planning & permit department have houses, family and friends just like you and are simply trying to make their community a desirable one. In other words – learn, listen & you’ll love the building process.
Step five: Now it is time to find your dream house building plan. Search on-line for some great ‘narrow lot‘ living house designs at www.smallworks.ca; www.jenish.com; www.allplans.com.
Step six: Choose your Architect, Interior Designer and Builder. These are three distinctly different people (companies) and all play critical roles in creating your new home. When these three work cohesively together the more cost effective, stress free and simple your project will be. Do your research both online and through referrals. Get references and sign an Agreement/Contract with each party to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Step seven: Design from the ‘inside out’. The highest perceived value areas are your exterior, kitchen & bathrooms. Regardless of whether it’s large or little, today’s homes require spaces where you can live, work & play.
Step eight: Sell your home and purchase the building lot! (Watch for tips on how to ‘Stage your Home to Sale‘)
Stay tuned for the next 8 Steps… Playing Design Dominoes – the Interior Process Game©