Interior design tips when downsizing

Figuring out how to decorate and furnish your home when downsizing can be both exciting and daunting.

Deciding what furniture to take and how you want your new space to look and feel is one of the most fun parts of a downsizing move, but it can be overwhelming too, especially if you’re coming from a large family home.

Living Gems Interior Design Coordinator Ange Osborne has guided dozens of residents through the process of creating their dream homes over the past few years. In this month’s issue of Thrive, she shares her top interior design tips to minimise the pain and maximise the pleasure of a downsizing move.

Take what you love

If you really love it, take it with you. Special objects or pieces of furniture can be worked into a larger interior design scheme.

“People think they must get rid of everything and start from scratch, but that’s not the case. If you have a piece that you love – something that has meaning and has been part of your life for a long time – you can always make it work,” said Ange.

“Even if you’re looking at creating a completely different look at your modern Living Gems home, traditional or quirky pieces can 100 percent be blended within a contemporary space.”

Measure it

Measure the width and depth of all pieces of furniture that you’re thinking about taking to your new home.

“See how the pieces fit within your new floorplan to help you make the final decision about what to take or what to sell or give away,” Ange said.

Oversized furniture

Oversized furniture which may have worked in a larger family home can dwarf and dominate a smaller footprint. Unless a piece has significant sentimental value, consider selling oversized furniture.

“Give it away, or better still, sell it and save the money for buying new pieces that will work better with your new space and the interior design vision you want to create,” Ange said.

Interior look and feel

Downsizing offers a great opportunity to create a fresh look and feel for your new home and lifestyle.

Ange recommends scrapbooking or using an app like Pinterest to create a mood board for an overarching aesthetic.

“You can then buy pieces that fit in with your vision, or Living Gems’ interior design team can assist with a consultation or with furniture packages if shopping isn’t your thing.”

Focus on the living area

Living areas are where most people spend the bulk of their time, therefore it is essential to have comfortable armchairs and lounges.

“Living areas usually focus around the television, so make sure you have good quality and comfy seating,” said Ange.