This is the decade of right-sizing. The economic reset triggered by the excesses of the last decade is forcing our society to rethink its definition of "enough." One area under enormous scrutiny is housing. How much space does it really take to house the average American family of 2.61 people?
Our definition of "enough space" is changing, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The year 2008 saw the first annual decrease in average new-home size since 1994. During the intervening 15 years, the average rose by 21 percent - from 2,050 square feet in 1994 to a peak of 2,507 square feet in 2007 - before slipping to 2,392 square feet in 2008. The 2008 decrease in home size was also the largest annual drop since 1980.
Due to the economic state of our county in the past few years its no surprise that consumers have held off on remodeling bigger and better kitchens and bathrooms. Now we see an increase in homeowners seeking to create a more efficient and functional space within their home. Theyre looking for more storage, less waste and more flexibility - Handyman Matters has put together the following items to think about when making your smaller bathrooms live larger.
Style still in demand As builders downsize the American dream home, consumers are saying that compromises on space do not automatically mean giving up conveniences. Currently, 60 percent of new homes have three or more bathrooms, and while the size of each may not be as expansive as in years past, that is no reason to compromise on style.
In fact, the trends shaping society today - smaller, smarter living spaces, value and efficiency over conspicuous consumption and the need for a greener lifestyle with a smaller environmental footprint - are having a profound impact on bath-product manufacturers. These trends are also making the job of creating more stylish statements in a smaller bathroom easier than ever.
Handyman Matters has seen a growing trend in maximizing efficiencies around the home and specifically in the bathrooms. A good example is creating more counter deck space on pedestal lavatories, or more storage space in vanities even with a smaller footprint. While this trend to efficiency cuts across all styles, it tends to require fixtures, faucets and furniture that take simpler forms and shapes. Try a little planning Whether your preference is traditional, contemporary or the in-between transitional, creating stylish smaller bathrooms that work is simple, with a little planning. Handyman Matters offers these two important areas to consider in your planning:
- Storage: Vanities that offer ample storage space within a smaller footprint can hide hair dryers, towels, bath products and cleaning supplies, creating an uncluttered look to make a space seem larger. Vessel sinks that sit atop a vanity add a dramatic touch to a bath, while maximizing cabinet space and creating deck storage space. If a pedestal lavatory fits your floor plan better, look for models with generous deck space. Don't forget a toilet with a flat tank top: The top of the toilet tank is valuable bathroom real estate.
- Lifestyle: As we try to do more in the same number of hours, bathroom rituals necessarily change. Shifting from a bathtub to a shower fits our lifestyle and integrates better into the smaller overall footprint of today's bath. Multiple showerheads and body sprays provide the same relaxation as soaking in a tub, but in far less time and with significantly less cleanup. Most modern showers also use substantially less water, which appeals to growing ecological awareness.
There are many different ways to bring efficiencies into your bathrooms and the rest of your home. If youre looking to make your living spaces easier for you to live then call your local Handyman Matters the professional craftsmen can bring your vision of a useful bathroom to life. Courtesy of ARAcontent