Melanie Murphy is a full-service interior designer and owner of Redecorating by Melanie of Reading, Massachusetts. She has more than a decade of experience beautifying homes across New England. Contact her at melanie@redesignyourhome.com.
According to a recent article in Forbes magazine, for the next 18 years, baby boomers will be turning 65 at a rate of about 8,000 a day. That means a lot of homeowners are reaching retirement age and thinking about their next phase in life. This often includes unloading the large family home in favor of much smaller condominiums or apartments that offer low maintenance and the perks of city living.
People downsize for many reasons: divorce, death of a spouse, children growing up and out, and change of scene. Others are ready to live a “less is more” lifestyle. Whatever your reason, downsizing is a wonderful opportunity to refine and modernize your style.
Find out what's happening in Readingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
These days, I'm working with several clients who are downsizing from large suburban homes to smaller luxury condos in the heart of Boston. So many opportunities and so many decisions to make! The process of downsizing is exciting, but can also be emotionally fraught, and making decisions on what to keep and what to toss can be stressful. Ultimately, though, cleaning house can be an absolutely freeing experience, and the excitement of planning a new living space always wins out. And the thrill of going from overstuffed, oversized furniture to modern clean lines and city views can't be underestimated. The end result is always less stuff, but more style.
Tips from Melanie: How to begin downsizing
Find out what's happening in Readingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
You have spent many years accumulating possessions to fill that big house. How do you even begin to decide what goes and what stays?
Consider your lifestyle. Will you be cooking and entertaining? If not, you probably won't need a big eat-in kitchen with tons of gadgets. Start editing what you use and what you can do without.
Take inventory. What do you have and what must you keep? I had one client who felt strongly about taking a full-size piano with her, and that is exactly what happened.
Prioritize.
Be willing to let go. Finding good homes for furniture and other items you won't be able to use will make the process easier. Contact local churches, the Salvation Army and list items on Craigslist. The Mission of Deeds in Reading will refurbish old furniture for people in need.
Get an objective opinion. A professional interior designer will help you determine if your new floor plan will accommodate your furnishings, help you envision the possibilities of your new space, recommend vendors, movers, painters and installers, of good reputation, and accompany you to retail and wholesale suppliers to select new furnishings.
Embrace change. Have you lived for years in white rooms? How about experimenting with color? Paint one wall in your bedroom or living room your favorite shade and see how that inspires you. Create the illusion of space with mirrors, bold lighting, and space-appropriate furnishings.
There are so many benefits to trading a large home for a small. With a little planning and a lot of creativity, you'll enjoy a comfortable and stylish home for many years to come.
