theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 41 Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, so I’ll recommend one that has stood the test of time. Author, Sarah Susanka, published The Not So Big House in 1998. Subtitled, “A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live,” the book sought to address a gap between the non-utilitarian features of the majority of home floorplans, and the true desires and needs of modern homeowners. Her ideas are as fresh and meaningful today, although she could not have anticipated how a pandemic would add to the list of functions we require from our homes. Residential architect, Susanka, observed clients struggling with issues related to their home floorplans. Some had large homes with empty rooms and a lack of warmth. Some complained that their layout separated family members and created isolation, while others felt that overly open plans prevented privacy. Entries were designed to be impressive, without offering useful transition areas, drop zones, or storage. Susanka’s clients initially asked for additional square footage, but eventually realized they wanted different, rather than more, space. The Not So Big House isn’t really about size. Instead, it’s a guide to quality above quantity, suggesting ways to build or retrofit living space to reflect the needs of its occupants. Downscaling, for example, is seeking a home in which unnecessary rooms are eliminated, or traded for priority features. A client may no longer need a formal living or dining room, but absolutely requires a first-floor bed/bath suite. Another way to improve function is to design spaces that serve double-duty at different times of day, or from one season to another. Smaller, but smarter, is achievable by adding accessible storage into otherwise unused areas of a home, like the way a custom sailboat is fitted for utility without wasting an inch of space. Susanka’s concepts provide a solution to the current lack of housing inventory. From her perspective, few affordable homes fit the floorplan expectations of entry-level buyers. Today’s occupants want open spaces for gathering together, but also need defined rooms for work and study. New construction exists, but tends to be located in remote areas farther away than buyers want to go. Inflation and supply-chain issues raise the cost of construction, increasing the importance of eliminating waste. The availability of homes differs according to region. In an area where the majority of homes and lots are small, we could use Susanka’s principles to convert floorplans to be more appealing to today’s homebuyers. Customers are encouraged to find language that expresses their desires for greater function, and less waste, in building plans. Builders and architects should be willing to tailor their templates, rather than insisting on a one-size-fits-all policy. Susanka’s enduring achievement is empowering readers to examine their priorities, and take steps to improve the utility, comfort, and efficiency of their homes. Local expert Johanna Wiseman of RE/MAX Preferred Professionals can be reached at 908-705-0652, or visit www.MyBridgewaterHome.com Susanka’s concepts provide a solution to the current lack of housing inventory. From her perspective, few affordable homes fit the floorplan expectations of entry-level buyers. Today’s occupants want open spaces for gathering together, but also need defined rooms for work and study. The Not So Big House By Johanna Wiseman See ad on page 4 REAL ESTATE CORNER WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN BUY? НАВІЩО ОРЕНДУВАТИ, ЯКЩО МОЖНА КУПИТИ? For the Same Amount You Pay in Rent, You Can Own Your Home! Oleksandr Tokar Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS#1945678 Cell (908) 416-0586 Office (908) 965-1260 otokar@afncorp.com 75 Essex St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 РОЗМОВЛЯЄМО УКРАЇНСЬКОЮ! MÓWIMY PO POLSKU! NMLS # 237341 TM ГОВОРИМ ПО-РУССКИ! AAS Tax Services, LLC Branchburg Commons Bldg. 4 Ste. #427 (Executive Suites) 3322 Rt. 22 West Branchburg, NJ 08876 Tel.: 908-231-9500 For information on the firm & other details visit: www.aasTaxServices.com Professional Full Service Tax Office for Individuals and Small Business Entities Andy Adamczuk IRS Licensed Enrolled Agent Tax Experience Since 2001 MS in Accounting BS in Accounting • BS in Finance All Rutgers University, NJ Income Tax Return Preparation, Late Filings, IRS & State Tax Problem Solving, Tax Debt Reduction, Correspondence Audit, Amended Returns, Installment Payments of Tax Liabilities, Planning for Taxes & Other Tax Services Affordable Prices (check prices & discounts on our website) 908.766.2006 www.trueleafkitchens.com 134 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge truly transform the way you live
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