If you’re in Boston ready to buy a house or considering downsizing your home, you don’t need to worry about a decrease in the quality of your home. In fact, a smaller home can still mean an improved layout and overall flow when it comes to the property’s footprint.
Not only will you be paying less–you could potentially be saving yourself up to $20,000–you’ll have a home that suits your needs and those of your guests’.
With this in mind, read on for our top 7 amazing space efficient house plans and ideas to get you started on your search!
1. Multiple Outdoor Areas
When the weather is fair, having multiple outdoor areas will increase the footprint of your home and create a more airy, open feel. For instance, look for homes with wraparound porches or a large backyard. Some homes come with multiple entrances and exits into small patio areas that can function as:
- Entertainment areas
- Dining areas
- Lounge areas
- And more
By focusing on the landscaping of these outdoor areas and furnishing them with outdoor furniture that would be just as comfortable indoors, you’re creating a larger livable space without the extra costs that come with a full renovation.
2. Space Priorities
Purchasing a home with less square footage doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll feel cramped. Consider all the spaces you use the most in your home and focus on house plans that grant more square footage in those areas.
For instance, if you’re an avid cook or entertainer and spend a lot of your time in the kitchen, look for house plans that provide larger kitchens. This will probably result in a smaller master bedroom or living room, but if the spaciousness of these areas isn’t as important to you, then you can easily make that sacrifice.
Likewise, perhaps you or your partner enjoy crafts and outdoor hobbies, making a workspace a necessity. Seek properties with large backyards that will allow you to build your own or large garages for a makeshift workshop.
3. Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans are all the rage these days, and they work even better with homes with less square footage. This is because larger homes with open floor plans can look too cavernous, with not enough light hitting the center of the room. Smaller homes simply don’t have this problem.
Even better, an open floor plan will make the space appear larger than it actually is. When the kitchen flows naturally with the dining room and living room, you won’t feel as if you’re navigating several tiny compartments to arrive at your destination.
If you like having people over, an open floor plan is your best bet for a comfy, inviting space for guests.
4. Dogtrot House
This term was originally coined in Appalachia. A dogtrot house has two living room areas that are connected by a breezeway or small, screened-in porch. This breaks up the indoor areas into two separate segments so that things don’t feel as compartmentalized.
It also encourages guests and family to meet in the porch or breezeway to relax, have a meal, and enjoy each other’s company. This layout is especially great for green thumbs because you can turn the porch area into a plant paradise.
5. Lots of Windows
Even if your downsized home doesn’t have an open floor plan or a large kitchen, you can make smaller spaces appear larger simply with the addition of light. Space efficient house plans will appear larger if there are windows on each side of the walls, letting light in during any time of the day.
On the other hand, homes without many windows are reminiscent of small apartments within apartment complexes. Take advantage of having your own yard and space and choose a home that lets the light in.
6. Lofts and Second Stories
Smaller homes that include lofts or second stories are able to utilize their space better. Not only do lofts add a whimsical, unique quality to your home, but a second story is typically where bedrooms are while the first story can be an open floor plan of the kitchen, living room, and dining room.
You’ll need to get accustomed to walking up and down the stairs, but homes with multiple stories enable you to utilize the space better.
7. Vaulted Ceilings
When you’re on the hunt, don’t forget to look up. A small home can feel and appear even smaller on the inside when the ceilings are lower than what you’re used to. Homes with vaulted ceilings, especially in places such as the master bedroom or the kitchen, are especially desired because they make the space feel larger than it actually is.
Vaulted ceilings add extra detail and unique character to a home that makes up for the lack of square feet. Even better, they can include skylights so truly pour in that beautiful light in the areas of the home that matter most to you.
Space Efficient House Plans In Boston: Downsizing for a Unique and Stylish Home
As you can see, downsizing doesn’t mean a lack of quality. In fact, downsized homes need to work harder on their layouts and features in order to make up for the lack of space. For instance, a 5,000 square foot home may have a lot of space, but if the layout is awkward and segmented you won’t be able to utilize it effectively.
Ready to begin your search for beautiful space efficient house plans? View our advanced property search tool today! At NextHome Titletown Real Estate, we pride ourselves on our professional and stress-free services for home buyers and sellers.
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