We have talked about remodeling or moving into a universally designed home or community, but you can’t always afford to move or even do major renovations. Some older homes are just that, older homes. Kim Palmer had some suggestions that I really liked in her article “Can’t Move? Then Improve,” (McClatchy-Tribune News. Washington: November 13, 2010). If your old house has a lot of history but it just isn’t working for you, what can you do about it? In the old days you had a room for everything. There were so many rooms that it was okay to use the living room for entertaining only. Half of the rooms in my grandmother’s big house had invisible velvet ropes across the door to keep the family out. These rooms were used for company only. You were relegated to the kitchen and the kids were expected to play outdoors.
What about your house? It could very well be that family house with a dozen rooms. You would like to get rid of it, but it isn’t economically feasible right now. What can you do to make it a house that reflects your needs today? The author uses the term right-sizing. Hmmm, what does that mean? The term is actually referring to space management and working with what you have (versus tearing out walls in a giant remodeling frenzy). The difference is that you need to figure out how to use that space to achieve what you want right now. No invisible velvet ropes for you! Many people are stuck living in homes that no longer meet their needs.
You can’t afford to move but you want to make your home work for you. Usually it takes some major even to bring this to your attention. It could be that a single parent daughter has moved back home or an employed son needs a place to regroup, or grandma is moving in, or you are retired or wanting to work from home.
Working at home? Now might be the time to look at that dining room that was only used on special occasions. It is a shame to waste that great view and ample sunlight, so think about making it your office. If you are like me, you would rather work where you have plenty of light and are near the kitchen, rather than stuck in a tiny back bedroom. Besides, that big old dining room table would be great for spreading out your stuff and housing your laptop. You can always convert the room back into a dining room if the need arises.
Divide one of those large old rooms into two cozy areas by the judicious placement of furniture. That living room used only for entertaining guests would make a lovely television or family room. Make it a place to relax or a place to play. The house is yours now and it is okay to take down those velvet ropes.
How can you right-size on a limited budget? Clear the clutter of course, were you expecting a stroke of genius here? Assess what you have and what you use every day and get rid of everything that else. Paint is cheap so you can paint and decorate to your hearts content and even install a few inexpensive universal design features. The idea is to make it work for you. This is your house now and if you really want to live in your living room, it is okay.
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