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The buzz is getting louder and louder, folks…universal design is a hot new trend. But, what exactly does it mean and how can I incorporate this new philosophy of design in my home and lifestyle?

Labels: Small Housing, Sustainable Living, Universal Design

Downsizing to a smaller living space can present quite the logistical challenge. I have done so in the last year and after decluttering and minimizing my new home, I find it to be refreshing and actually enjoyable to live in a smaller area. There’s a lot less upkeep and the place seems more inviting and intimate for entertaining.

Here are some tips for making the most out of a small living space.

1. Buy shelves. Shelves can be added above doorways, in closets and almost anywhere in the home to organize your life and display your art or daily necessities.

2. Lighten Up. Lighter colors give the illusion of more space. Try to stick with light, neutral paint colors and keep the ceilings white.

3. Remove Doors. Swinging doors obstruct views and take up precious space. Room them completely or replace them with track or pocket doors.

4. Buy furniture that does double duty. Ottomans and couches now have lids that provide extra store space. Try ikea.com

5. Streamline. Keep the paint color and flooring the same throughout your living areas and you create the illusion of more space.

6. Don’t forget outdoor living. If your living space is small and you have an outdoor area, treat it as an extended living and entertaining area and decorate accordingly.

7. Use the rule of threes. When decluttering your home, group your rooms’ contents into groups of three and select your favorite of the three and remove the other two. This is great rule to use when staging a home.

8. Utilities of scale. Almost every appliance now offers a smaller scale version. Invest in smaller refrigerators, coffee makers, vacuums, etc. to free up lots of extra space and don’t overwhelm a room.

9. Kiss. Keep it simple. Bold prints on furniture and window treatments close up a room more than anything and can be a distraction. Monochromatic design is easy on the eye and opens up the area.

10. Use bookcases creatively. Bookcases can double as tables, room dividers and buffets. Buy the appropriate size and height for your needs.

Labels: Active Living, Downsizing, Sustainable Living

Sustainable and Eco-friendly thinking has surpassed trend status and has become a way of life for many of us. Have you made the switch in any of your habits or in the way you live? Consider these simple ways to encourage longevity of the planet and support sustainable living

1.) Get moving. Walk instead of driving. Walking will help keep you fit, save you money and reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Use public transport when you have to travel or start a carpool with neighbors.
2.) Insulate. Insulating your home will quickly pay for itself in lower heating bills. Find out about grants in your area towards installing new or thicker insulation made with green materials.
3.) Repurpose. Restyle, recover or makeover furniture that is no longer to your taste before throwing pieces away. Learn how to make slipcovers for furniture from a library book or the Internet, or invest in a staple gun to easily recover headboards or reupholster dining chairs painted to suit your new look. Use your imagination and save a bundle.
4.) Buy loose. Choose unpackaged foods and goods whenever possible. Not only is this usually a much cheaper option than branded goods, it saves on all that unnecessary packaging. Select the refillable, reusable container over the disposable, throwaway one.
5.) Become an arborist. Plant a tree or several if you have the space in your yard. Better yet, plant fruit trees and you can enjoy the produce as they clean up carbon dioxide from the air.
6.) Detox your space. Use eco-friendly cleaning and disinfecting products or make your own from the recipes at http://www3.pei.sympatico.ca/galavoie/ENVIRO.HTM. Seventh Generation also offers an affordable line.
7.) Go by way of the biodegradable. Try to use recycled and natural products whenever possible. Avoid plastic as much as possible, as it accounts for a large amount of landfill waste. If you must buy plastic containers look for those with a label 1 or 2. These are much easier to recycle than those numbered 3 to 7.

Labels: Eco-friendly, Sidekick Homes, Sustainable Living