The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

This sophisticated condo is a downsized home. The homeowner customized many of the features in this home during construction and The Elements was able to work with their streamline floorplan and sophisticated color scheme to provide a luxurious and comfortable living space.

Empty nesters take on a new life and new home in Northwest DC. Downsizing has its monumental challenges, and that was definitely the case with this project. The clients wanted a very narrow, partially below-ground, and slightly sterile space to feel like home. Ralph Lauren was our inspiration - both the clients and I love rich plaids, warm textures and touches of leather mixed with interesting metals. Because the rowhouse is so narrow, we added an entire wall of navy blue built-ins to the living space to create the illusion of more depth while adding much-needed storage. We wanted this home to convey the feeling of a favorite cashmere sweater, worn jeans and Gucci loafers.

Open concept kitchen - small craftsman l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This was the second home we built for this retired couple. Downsizing with warm, contemporary sizzle, this 1,700 sq. ft. single-story features a spacious main living area, with direct access to the screened porch. Master on one end, guest room on the other. The brick-look kitchen backsplash wall is actually porcelain tile. High-efficiency, wood-burning fireplace heats the entire home. Glass panel doors add a flair. LED lighting throughout. The owners are thrilled with the realistic hardwood look and feel of the LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring in all areas. Featured in the Asheville Parade of Homes.

Image via Serena & Lily
Example of a minimalist nursery design in San Francisco

The migration to the city is happening everywhere. This home is all about that process. Downsizing, mixing favorites with new and adding unique character. The design is a mix of vintage and modern with a nod to the locations industrial past. Vintage chairs feature Thibaut fabric for a fresh look. A framed 1920s magazine AD, favorite artwork, antique ceramic vase from days gone by, and new pieces bring this family back their Philadelphia roots. This space is a great example of a successful transition to a new phase. The homeowners lover their city place!

We Are Extremely Proud That Designer Cottages A Berkshire Hathaway Company Has Chosen to Use Our Exterior Poplar Bark For Their Low Country Cottage Designer Cottages feature floor plans that maximize every inch. Fashionably integrated storage options. A classic design from a leading architect. Whether you seek a primary residence, leisurely getaway home, a deluxe mother-in-law suite or a downsize with hand-picked amenities, Designer Cottages is the choice for world-class, luxury living. All Designer Cottages are designed by Architect Jeffrey Dungan. Jeff’s discovered a love for art and drawing at a young age while growing up on his family farm in rural Alabama. Dungan’s creative work can be seen throughout North and Central America.

Set within a postcard backdrop, on a local farm, this beautiful single floor home was a delight to build. Its personality brings a sense of modern architecture, combined with natural materials, to achieve a well balanced modern design that fits within Vermont’s natural beauty. Our clients were downsizing from a much larger home, and wanted to invest in a smaller footprint, with a focus on efficiency and details, rather than volume. The shell is a highly insulated and air sealed package that come from a reputable panelized company. In addition to the highly insulated envelope, triple glazed windows insured this home received passive rated blower door test. Clean lines, natural wood floors and beam work, as well as handmade cabinetry helped to give this project a very livable, warm and clean vibe.

After living in my motorhome for 2 years as a widowed guy I met a wonderful woman and asked her to Marry me. I was in the process of building a new shop in the middle of a small apple orchard to house my Motorhome (and myself), When I asked my honey to Marry me she asked where should we live...…..I said I would get back to her and some time later, this is how my shop morphed into a Shouse! We moved in on Thanksgiving weekend and love it, I hope you do as well. Cascade Pro Media

When downsizing from a large single family home to a high-rise condo, knowing what to keep and what to sell/give away can be quite a task. Fairfax Design Solutions assisted this wonderful couple with deciding which furniture pieces to move to their Tysons condo. We also designed their new TV and electric fireplace wall. Everything came out beautifully!

After living in my motorhome for 2 years as a widowed guy I met a wonderful woman and asked her to Marry me. I was in the process of building a new shop in the middle of a small apple orchard to house my Motorhome (and myself), When I asked my honey to Marry me she asked where should we live...…..I said I would get back to her and some time later, this is how my shop morphed into a Shouse! We moved in on Thanksgiving weekend and love it, I hope you do as well. Photography by: Cascade Pro Media

Long time clients who are "empty nesters" downsized from a larger house to this new condominium, designed to showcase their small yet impressive collection of modern art. The space plan, high ceilings, and careful consideration of materials lends their residence an quiet air of sophistication without pretension. Existing furnishings nearly 30 years old were slightly modified and reupholstered to work in the new residence, which proved both economical and comforting.

Making a senior residence as much like home as possible, creates such comfort for them
Living room - living room idea in San Francisco

This narrow lot villa was designed for the empty nester second home market. It caters to those possibly downsizing or just wanting a maintenance free second home. It’s width from the street is immediately brought to suspicion by an expansive Great Room. The spacious kitchen with island and serving bar open onto the view beyond. The Master Suite is entered through a double doored private Foyer. Rounding out this homes many features is the “L” shaped outdoor Patio with outdoor kitchen. sThis home truly defies what many believe are the limiting factors of narrow lot home plans. An ARDA for Model Home Design goes to The Stater Group, Inc. Designer: The Sater Group, Inc. From: Bonita Springs, Florida

After living in my motorhome for 2 years as a widowed guy I met a wonderful woman and asked her to Marry me. I was in the process of building a new shop in the middle of a small apple orchard to house my Motorhome (and myself), When I asked my honey to Marry me she asked where should we live...…..I said I would get back to her and some time later, this is how my shop morphed into a Shouse! We moved in on Thanksgiving weekend and love it, I hope you do as well. Photography by: Cascade Pro Media

This sophisticated condo is a downsized home. The homeowner customized many of the features in this home during construction and The Elements was able to work with their streamline floorplan and sophisticated color scheme to provide a luxurious and comfortable living space.

The Bear Creek Ridge Development is setting Bradley Homes apart from other builders in Barrie. This transitional architecture style blends the modern elements of new with the welcoming style of the traditional style home. Offering a range of bungalows, bungalofts and two storey homes this first of its kinds in the area. An additional unique feature to these designs are the finished in-law suite basements for baby-boomers downsizing or for nannies for the bigger families. Key Design Elements: -Large open concept main floor -Freestanding soaker tubs in most master ensuites -Large gas fireplaces with stone surround -Modern kitchens with large islands and quartz countertops -9'-0" ceiling heights on main floor -Extra large doors with multiple styles and hardware options -Large walk-in pantries

J.S. Brown & Co. helped this Ohio snow bird downsize into an adorable Clintonville ranch so she can be closer to friends and family while she spends the warmer months in Columbus. The entire house was painted, floors refinished, and interior doors and trim were upgraded. The kitchen and both bathrooms were completely remodeled and we even moved the washer and dryer up from the basement. There is everything to love about this fully up-to-date home! If you're considering a remodel, talk to our highly qualified staff today! We are the first, and only, NARI Accredited Remodeling Company in central Ohio! #jsbrownco