Housing...Inside and Out

December 15, 2000
Living In Less Space

Living with less space in our housing environment can be satisfying and enriching. Careful attention must be given to the home so that space is not wasted but used wisely. The total amount of space and its divisions, the arrangement of rooms, the use of space and flexibility are important considerations.

If you are planning a new home, several basic design and use principles should be followed to make less space more functional and still private. Incorporating all living areas on one floor level increases flexibility so that rooms may be used for more than one purpose. Fewer rooms, fewer walled hallways and carefully planned storage areas will make small housing seem larger.

Plan traffic areas and door arrangements so that rooms are not cut in half by traffic flow and doors. Too many ill-placed openings waste valuable wall and floor space.

You can cut expenses by planning specific areas of your house such as using laundry equipment in the kitchen or bath area rather than in a separate room. Always try to minimize plumbing costs by locating kitchens, baths and laundry near one another.

For best space utilization, dining areas should be combined with other rooms such as the kitchen or a living area. Areas that are large enough for family and guests may eliminate the need for a separate seldom used dining room.

One living area or family room may be adequate to meet family needs, thus eliminating the need for a separate formal living area.

Be sure it is designed to accommodate several simultaneous activities and still preserve some privacy. Even in limited space, each family member needs an area for personal privacy.

Bedrooms can also be smaller when built-in units and closets are used effectively.

Avoid the all-in-one room scheme for bathrooms. A compartmented bathroom that accommodates two or three people at the same time can eliminate the need for a second bathroom.

If some areas of the home you are living in or about to move into seem overcrowded and other areas unused, reassess the use of space. Explore new and different ways of making space function better for your needs.

Some changes may require major remodeling or decorating, while rearranging furnishings or minimal purchases may accommodate others.

Consider changing an existing room or rooms to create a "country kitchen" area for cooking, eating, family living and informal entertainment. Opening the kitchen in such a way allows the one who prepares food to join in conversations with family and guests. This arrangement may improve both social occasions and the attitude of the cook.

However, do not remove any walls before consulting an engineer or contractor to determine which walls are load bearing or could seriously affect the structure of your home. It is not always necessary to completely remove a wall. You can add a feeling of space by piercing a wall with an opening.

Extend the amount of space you have by creating an outdoor private living space adjacent to the interior living area. Even a small section of fence and a few shrubs can provide visual privacy in a small outdoor area.

Eliminating a small or awkward window in a room will gain additional wall space. If the window faces north, you will also lower heating bills. You probably will want to keep as many windows that face south as possible since you will be able to capture passive heat on a southern exposure.

Before you permanently remove a window, cover the opening to see if you like the effect of less lighted ventilation.

Other ways of making existing space seem larger involve the converting of unused spaces in the home such as attics, garages, porches and basements to year-round living space. Be careful not to eliminate existing storage space since items such as luggage, lawn furniture and other equipment must be stored somewhere.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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