Not enough space in your home to entertain?
Many homeowners are preoccupied with not having enough space for visiting relatives or friends. Not enough space to cook, not enough space to dine, not enough space to dance. As a matter of fact, real estate agents often hear from prospective buyers that there is not enough space to entertain. Well, do you know what I think of that? As an advocate for better, not bigger, spaces, I say baloney! Why would you need more space?
Anyone who has been to a great party will tell you the best parties are the ones where people are clustered tightly together, sometimes in a small home or apartment or kitchen. Even in much larger homes, for some psychological reason, humans, like wild animals, love to gather and party in packs. So dis the notion that you need more space, and be happy with what you've got.
Similarly, often small restaurants -- you know, the ones that have year-out reservations and endless waiting lists -- are, in the long run, more successful than larger restaurants. Larger restaurants take larger crowds to fill and seem always half-empty. In a smaller dining room, you don't have that prejudice. Most diners don't like to frequent places that are empty. A small restaurant with full tables and a crowd outside signals that “it must be worth the wait!” Therefore, smaller, more compact spaces are crowd-pleasers.
Over the years, many folks, as they get older and become empty nesters or widowed, realize that so much space is wasted and naturally come to appreciate smaller homes. Human beings are easily adaptable in their behaviors. If they are given small spaces, that means they will use the space better. There are additional benefits to smaller spaces. Closer quarters also make for more family intimacy.
In smaller spaces, the quality of design and furnishings can be better. As less furniture is needed, one or two impact pieces are much more attainable. So you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Smaller also means that you are able to improve the quality of your materials. A splurge on marble floors over tile might be possible, or a custom architectural built-in can be commissioned.
In large cities and metropolitan areas, smaller living quarters are enhanced by the amenities available in a city, such as a great library, delicious and varied restaurants, and wonderful lounges and hangouts. In smaller spaces, your design needs to be finely tailored. Each piece of furniture needs to be fit adequately and serve more than one function, as well. An added benefit is that less space equals less collecting and hoarding. As a result, your smaller, scaled-back life is easier to manage. Next time you're wanting for more space, think again!
• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida.
© 2015, Creators Syndicate