PDF Dreams come in all sizes. When it comes to homes we all like to dream big. But at a time when we are holding our dollars tighter it makes good sense to think smaller. This is particularly true when remodeling an existing home.
Filling the gap between desire and reality is just a matter of planning. Making every space do its part—living areas, kitchen, bedrooms, event storage areas—requires thinking how to make every inch count.
Becky and Mark Kline built their Whitewright home in 1979. This past year Mark retired after thirty-seven years of teaching and coaching. Betsy retired from the VA after thirty years as a pharmacist
“For a while we considered building a new home, but finding the right land in Whitewright was a challenge,” said Becky. “My sister and her husband live just three doors down and we enjoy one another’s company, so moving out of the neighborhood wasn’t something we wanted to do.” Once the Klines started thinking about staying put and remodeling they knew the project would require some professional help.
“Our main need was to improve and expand the kitchen,” said Becky. The small, outdated kitchen was very inefficient and storage was at a premium. Before all was said and done the entire house was gutted and redesigned to accommodate a list of “must haves,” and “would like to haves.” In the end, the Klines re-appropriated space better suited to their current lifestyle and made use of a number of innovative storage solutions.
Here are some tips to working with small spaces
- Furniture selection can have a big impact on a small space. “Float” the furniture in the middle of the room for better access from all sides. Consider built-ins where possible.
- When choosing color for a small space, limit the palette and paint effects to keep the space from “shrinking.”
- To make ceilings look higher, hang draperies at ceiling height rather than from the top of the window.
Find more tips from Interior Decorator Carol Davis.
Photos by Anne-Marie Shumate Lasting Images Photography
[nggallery id=8]
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Featured Archive Story
Facebook Rejection
Almost daily I receive an invitation to join a social or business network. Ninety percent of the time I opt-in and take the few minutes to respond and connect. When I don’t respond I feel guilty. I feel compelled to check “yes” or “no.” But sometimes the note just lies on my desk (opened, read, not responded to) or I eat it (trash).
That’s the Ticket
The most unusual thing was on Crockett Street. I went to mark the tires, and there weren’t any. It was sitting on cement blocks. Later I found out that the driver was renting the tires and had had them repossessed. I kind of laughed, because I was like, I know someone is watching me right now, thinking “Is she going to mark the rims?” Shoot, I thought, I’ll give this driver a break.
Welcome to Texas, Neighbor
Out-of-staters can make fun of our drawl, our quaint sayings—heck, they can even tease us about being the second largest state. But never let a non-Texan say we’re not just darn friendly.
It’s not just my opinion. Ask anyone from another state and they will—when properly cajoled—tell you we’re a bunch of nice folks.
North Texas Regional Airport, TX
Last Updated on Feb 3 2012, 6:55 pm CST
Weather by NOAA
Current Conditions: Thunderstorm Heavy Rain
Temp: 61°F
Wind: West at 19mph
Humidity: 94%
Windchill: 58°F
