Living small is redefining the Canadian dream home.
By Danielle Pope
Sarah Susanka believes your home should fit like a well-tailored suit — not a sack.
It’s a belief shared by many drawn to the allure of small-space living. Whether inspired by downsizing, environmental considerations, affordability or a desire for the modern-micro style, “living small” is increasing in popularity on the West Coast. As more look to the appeal of small-space lifestyles, many are redefining their dreams of the traditional Canadian home.
“Growing up in England, I was always amazed that houses in North America had so much space — yet everyone still ‘lived’ in the kitchen,” says Susanka, a U.S.-based architect and author of the ever-popular The Not So Big House series of books.
“There is this concept that we always need more, and that more will make us happy,” she says, “but people really need to look at what they have now, and how they use it.”
The concept of shrinking our living space may not be revolutionary — it’s common practice around the globe — but it’s gaining traction in cities like Victoria where it makes economical and lifestyle sense. Susanka, who is credited with promoting a new understanding about how we inhabit our homes, our planet and our lives, is quick to point out that “living small” doesn’t have to mean being in a tiny house: it means not living as big as you thought you needed to, and designing your living container to perfectly suit you.
“When we have more space, we will fill it with stuff,” says Susanka. “But the trick is to really stop and look at what you use, what you need and what brings you a feeling of joy. People are often surprised that it’s a lot less than they think.”
The Psychological Side of Small
Small units in Victoria range from microscopic 270-square-foot pads to condos of just over 1,000 square feet, depending on the area. David Adelman, owner of Parc Modern Interiors, specializes in outfitting these small spaces.
“With small spaces, people tend to jam in as much as they can because they think they’ll shrink their 5,000-square-foot home into a 1,000-square-foot condo,” he says. “But the more furniture you use, the smaller it’s going to look. We basically encourage people to sell everything and start fresh — then size each item to your new space.”
Adelman says scale is as important as reducing items. A traditional 95-inch sofa with a big arm will bury a tiny living area, but a condo-scaled, 75-inch lounge with a thin arm will make the room look open, while providing the same seating.
Versatility is a principle of working with small areas. Flexible furniture that can transform from an ottoman and chair to a lounge or a bed is crucial for downsizing while keeping functionality. In its Vancouver showroom, Resource Furniture features apartment-sized convertible pieces meant to add storage or function.
“Storage can be a big problem in small spaces, so anything that enhances that is a must,” says Adelman. “The reality is, you can live in a 2,500-square-foot condo and, if the layout is bad, you might as well live in a small space. People often don’t realize how much room everything takes up.”
Small-Scale Magic
When it comes to creating your small home, Luxe Home Interiors designer Janine Lange says people often make the mistake of placing functionality over design.
“The key with small spaces is that you want them to be beautiful, as much as you want them to work for you,” says Lange. “Style does not have to be compromised.”
Lange has simple tricks for enhancing the flow and spaciousness of a small home. First, integrate as many light and neutral colours as possible, especially with walls and ceilings. Bright floors and upholstery will help build dimension to a space, and make the parameters feel expansive.
Light is important too. Lange recommends keeping windows unobstructed, using mirrors to reflect outdoor lighting and selecting pendant lamps, pot lights or accessory lamps that will brighten and enhance openness.
Don’t be tricked into miniaturizing your world. Lange says people often think they need to put tiny things in a small space, but while appropriately scaled furniture can be an asset, average-sized area rugs or large lamps can help a room feel well put together. She does recommend elevation and leaving “white space” when possible — floating tables, vanities or bathtubs off the floor can give that illusion.
Lange also encourages people to use glass when possible, and to choose oval or round shapes rather than squared items — visually, your eye will flow better around curves, she says.
Finally, Lange says pair down the clutter. Be conscious of what you surround yourself with, rather than decorating for the sake of it.
“You have to free yourself from ‘stuff,’ or your small home will become a disaster,” she says. “If you’re a collector, that can be hard, and small isn’t right for everyone; but the key is that you have to be able to live with less. If you do, you’ll find you start bringing that into other areas of your life too.”
Doing More With Less
Eco designer JC Scott is one of Victoria’s biggest advocates for small spaces. He’s known for his work designing small Chinatown studios, and urges people to follow the “do more with less” principle: for the environment, economy and our well being. The more work you put into finding what you really like, he says, the more success you have.
“Our biggest hangup is that we’re not used to less. We naturally gravitate to what’s normal for us, what we grew up with, what our parents did,” says Scott. “If you can pick a creative approach, you would be amazed what can work — some people live in boats and trees. You have to find out who you are and it’s probably not what everyone else thinks.”
Scott’s “must-do” list for considering small is simple: be honest with yourself. Decide what you absolutely need and want, then seek it out. The more you can imagine being in your ideal space, the more satisfied you’ll be when you find it. But, he cautions, don’t overstretch yourself.
“Society is proving we don’t need everything we think we do,” Scott says. “You can survive in the snow in a tent if you know what you’re doing. The trick with living small is to not buy more than you need. You can always increase, but letting go is the challenge — and it’ll give you the biggest reward.”