I’ve lived in 200 sf and I’ve lived in over 3,000 sf. Both of these sizes provided everything I needed…at the time. That’s the key, living in a space that provides you what you need at the time. It’s simple and basic, but many people don’t do it. Their house is either bursting at the seams with people and stuff or they are rolling around like marbles with empty rooms they no longer use.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to choose the house among several, realize the home isn’t just the style or location but also fit. Knowing and really thinking about the stage of life you’re in currently and probably the next 5-10 years will allow you to choose correctly. Budget is a separate issue altogether; what you should buy and what you can afford to buy can often be two very different numbers, therefore housing options.
When people live in a space for a few years the phrase “I need more space” often starts creeping in. It’s not that you need more space, you just need less stuff or better organization. (Check out my previous archived blogs under the minimalism category)
Houses now have man caves, living rooms, family rooms, play rooms, teen hangout rooms, bunk rooms, craft rooms, finished attics, rec rooms and finished basements. That’s a separate type of room that 50 years ago used to be all the same room. Let that sink in for a minute…all the same room. Whoa, right?
Once settled in the +3,000 sf house, people feel like they’re always picking up, tidying, cleaning, and honestly- constantly walking around stuff. Kitchens now have two islands and built in banquettes, breakfast bars that seat 6-8 plus a dining room to host 8-10 people. That’s a lot of places to sit and eat a piece of toast with your morning coffee. Also a lot of counters to clean and furniture to walk around.
Have you ever cooked in a really small kitchen? It’s fun! You’re at the stove, turn around you’re at the sink. Need a knife? It’s in the drawer right next to you. Need something from the fridge? It’s beside you an arm’s reach away. While you’re stirring the pot, the spice rack and spoon rest are most likely beside you already.
So what’s my point? Just because your mortgage says you can afford the +2500 sf house doesn’t mean you should. Think about that cute craftsman you saw or that 2 bedroom town home, would they really work better? What would the added income, that you would save every month from your mortgage, do for you? Can it pay off a car loan, old student loans, zero your credit card, then bulk up your neglected retirement accounts or maybe start a nice juicy college fund for your kids? Just think about it…
Join me next time when I discuss decor and accessories with a purpose and meaning. Thanks for reading, have a great day!
Sincerely,
Sarah Daricilar, NCIDQ
Studio Owner & Interior Designer
Daricilar Design Studio – Millis, MA