Why right-sized homes matter
We’ve all heard it: “Bigger is better.” But when it comes to building a sustainable home, it’s anything but. Since the 1950s, single-family dwellings have more than doubled in size, while at the same time, the average family living inside has decreased. Although some improvements in home size have been beneficial, such as kitchen size, which has grown tremendously since the 1950s. What was once a small, closed-off space designed for only one cook is now oftentimes open and centrally located, a better reflection of how families use kitchens today.
As a sustainable architect and LEED Green Associate, I naturally gravitate toward energy-efficient, site-sensitive building. My approach is to create warm, modern, right-sized homes in Colorado based on the fundamental principles of modern design. I rethink how clean, functional spaces can improve life. How can a home be designed so that it allows homeowners to recharge and reconnect with family, community and nature?
Why room size matters
When the majority of time spent in a bedroom is for sleeping, an enormous room can feel off-putting. Chances are you’ve seen it: homes with large specialty rooms used just for one purpose, like a home theater, craft room or home gym, when routinely underused, separate us from each other within the house. Big homes have an isolating effect, separating us rather than bringing us together. Oversized homes encourage social disconnection from our communities when we don’t need to leave our houses to exercise or watch a movie.
Creating warm homes through smart design is better
Simply put: smaller homes encourage smart design. I create homes with spaces that serve multifunctional purposes that satisfy different moods. High ceilings coupled with tall windows and doors that open to outdoor spaces make a home feel larger than it is. The ability to create an expansive space also welcomes family gatherings and neighborhood get-togethers. Small spaces, on the other hand, are equally good and the perfect cozy places to snuggle up and devour a good book.
Building a right-sized home in Colorado
I use the principles of modern design to develop homes for clients that aren’t just right-sized but speak to their unique personalities and lifestyle. These include:
Open Floor Plan – an open kitchen, dining room and living room make a home feel larger and facilitate family connection
Clean Lines – putting an emphasis on rectangular forms with materials in well-defined planes creates a neutral backdrop for life to happen
Connect to Nature – I like to blur the boundary between inside and outside with large windows and low, horizontal roof plans
Natural Light – a combination of large window openings and clearstory light (bringing light where views are not desired) induce calming, dynamic environments
The endless positive impacts of living in smaller homes
Right-sized homes require less time, energy and effort for homeowners to maintain. This means less expense (insurance, taxes, heating, cooling, electricity, furniture, decor, workout equipment, etc.), less to clean (thankfully!) and more time spent living life. This can result in focusing on what truly matters to you, freeing up your schedule to pursue what’s most important. It also encourages engaging in activities outside of the home—like going to the theater, seeing live music, gym memberships, etc. How would you spend your weekends or evenings if you had more money in your pocket and additional time on your hands?
Well-designed houses not only feel more comfortable for inhabitants, but they function better and make less of an environmental impact, not only during the building process but over their lifespan, requiring fewer resources to run and maintain.
Our largest, most valuable asset should be just that—an asset. As is the case with all our possessions, the more we own, the more it can feel like those things own us. More mental energy is held hostage by “all the things” and living in a right-sized space can be incredibly mentally freeing.
My mantra: quality over quantity.
Are you thinking about designing a right-sized home in Colorado that’s the perfect size for you and your family? Let’s talk about what you’re looking for in a home.
