As the trend of downsizing homes continues to gain momentum, many homeowners are realizing the benefits of living in smaller, more manageable spaces. Designing the perfect space for a downsized home requires thoughtful planning and creative solutions to make the most of every square foot. Lucky for you, Murphy Homes has done the hard work of creating beautiful floorplans that maximize every square inch!
Whether you're a new empty-nester, a young professional, or looking to simplify your life, designing a personalized home that fits your needs and lifestyle is essential. In this blog post, we will explore the key elements of creating a tailored living space in your home, focusing on purposeful design, optimized storage, the appeal of open layouts, and quality materials.
Embrace a Purposeful Design Approach:
Every square foot counts when it comes to designing the perfect space for a downsized home. Start by evaluating your needs and prioritizing the essential features. Consider the activities you enjoy and design your space accordingly. Whether it's a cozy reading nook, a multifunctional home office, or a compact yet stylish kitchen, each area should have a specific purpose and be optimized for functionality.
At Murphy Homes, our In-house Interior Designer and Production Manager works closely with you at the beginning of the building process to make sure your home is personalized to you and your needs. For example, we’ve had buyers who, instead of additional closet space, decided to convert that to a Butler's Pantry. They expanded their kitchen footprint, making that space more usable for them and their needs. We also had a couple who converted closet space into a doggy area! The options are endless. Our goal is to personalize your space to you and your needs - we encourage you to think outside the box!
Collaborate with a Skilled Home Builder:
Partnering with a reputable home builder specializing in personalized homes is crucial for creating your dream downsized living space. Our communities - located in Athens, Meridianville, New Market, and Madison - demonstrate the fact that Murphy Homes is an exceptional builder with a track record of delivering quality homes tailored to our client's unique requirements when you work closely with our dedicated team to articulate your vision and leverage their expertise to bring your dream home to life. Our quality stands the test of time - we began building in Madison in 1976 and have a reputation for building beautiful homes that will last generations.
Optimize Storage Solutions:
Clever storage solutions are key to maintaining an organized and clutter-free environment in a downsized home. Murphy Homes has mastered utilizing underutilized spaces, such as the area beneath stairs, to create built-in storage solutions. We also create smart storage areas, like our Murphy Homes’ Bench, which is included in every one of our homes. This creates a drop zone for those coming in, has shoe storage for those about to venture out, and has cubby holes throughout to allow for easy access storage for frequently used items. Functional storage that's beautiful - what more could you ask for? Additionally, we create a lot of closet/storage areas throughout our homes. Primary bedroom closets are all walk-in closets; most of our bedrooms also have walk-in closets. We have storage tucked under stairs, and even if your home doesn’t have stairs, you’ll still have a large storage area, as exemplified by all of our floor plans. Walk-in attics are also an option for our two-story floor plans. By prioritizing smart storage options, you can ensure that every item in your home has its designated place.
Embrace Natural Light and Open Layouts:
Downsized homes can often feel cozy and inviting with the right design choices. Open layouts and ample natural light create an illusion of space, making your home feel larger than it actually is. Opt for large windows, skylights, and glass doors to invite abundant sunlight into your living areas. Additionally, consider removing unnecessary walls to create an open flow between rooms, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
By building your dream home with us, you can control all of these elements! Our floorplans range from very open-concept to having separate areas. If you like a floor plan that feels too open, we can add walls to create some separation. We often add skylights and transom windows to our homes to add more light and create an elevated feel to our homes. Additionally, we have a couple of different front door styles, which allow for more light or more privacy, depending on your preferences. If there’s a room that feels too small, ask us about moving a wall or removing it altogether!
Focus on Quality Materials and Finishes:
When designing the perfect space for your downsized home, we prioritize providing quality materials and finishes that reflect your personal style. Opt for durable and long-lasting materials requiring minimal maintenance, ensuring your space remains beautiful and functional for years. Choose materials that look visually appealing, from flooring to countertops, and align with your lifestyle and preferences.
Our in-house designer has hand-selected all of our options with quality, durability, and beauty in mind. We offer granite countertops standard throughout our homes, engineered hardwood floors throughout the main areas of the home, and durable tile floors. Our carpet is also of great quality. We try to meet our customers where they’re at and offer different levels of quality as well - you can upgrade your granite, quartz, or marble countertops. We have 3 levels of hardwood, from Birch to Oak to Hickory woods. We can upgrade your shower from fiberglass to either cultured marble or tile - the options are endless!
Designing the perfect space for a downsized home is an exciting opportunity to create a tailored living environment that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. By embracing purposeful design, collaborating with skilled home builders, optimizing storage solutions, incorporating natural light and open layouts, and selecting quality materials and finishes, you can transform your downsized home into a personalized sanctuary. Murphy Homes can help you bring your vision to life. Remember, downsizing doesn't mean compromising on comfort or style. It's about embracing a simpler and more fulfilling way of living in a space that feels right for you.
