The Race for Space
No, we’re not talking about going to Mars.
We've got to talk about something closer to home (pun intended).
We all need space. We depart from one shelter to another to seek independence, build our own families, and create our own identities.
However, as the hunger for space increases, so does the price for space in Singapore.
With a shortage of subsidized homes for sale and a fragile economy, we are running an endless race to afford our own little space. Some of us dream of living in larger spaces, but even regular sized homes are starting to fade from our dreams…
You don't need me to tell you that Singapore's got some real estate challenges:
Bill is abandoning his large home plans.
Time for a Change of Heart and Mind?
If smaller homes are going to be more affordable in the future, should we ditch that large mansion dream? Let's face it; we've got to learn how to live (and thrive) in smaller spaces. It's time to shift our mindset and lifestyle.
Here in Singapore, where small apartments (HDB’s) are more common than large homes, understanding the relationship between space and well-being is crucial for planning, designing, and building optimal living spaces. This study shows that an American family only uses 40% of their home’s floor-plan regularly. It is interesting to observe that by tracking our usage of space in a more detailed and systematic manner, we may discover that our actual usage differs significantly from how we originally designed the space. Aside from the article comforting us that we do not need to live in a 2,000 square foot home, we can infer a few potential design principles that could contribute to better living:
focusing on functional spaces
reevaluating the needs of formal spaces (living and dining rooms) and creating multi-use spaces instead
personalizing your home to your specific needs
It’s not all bad - Get outdoors more!
Living in a small space in Singapore, like apartments with less than 1,000 square feet, can be pretty tight (imagine 3 generations of families living in this multi-purpose space of work, rest and play). But hey, it's not all bad! If you manage to pick an address with a vibrant neighbourhood, check out the local amenities and communal spaces! Remember that we can still enjoy social and collective experiences outside of our homes.
Some other pretty sweet perks of small spaces:
Less stuff to clean and declutter (who doesn't love that?).
Easier on the wallet and less financial risk if you see a home as an investment.
A feeling of freedom and being kinder to Mother Earth as you build and operate your home.
the list goes on..
Living large in a small space isn't just possible, it's downright enjoyable.
Some tips to transform your home into a cozy haven:
Choose wisely: Be picky about what you bring into your home, and ditch the stuff you don't need. Trust me, you'll appreciate the extra elbow room.
Set the mood: Use lighting, colors, and textures to create that warm, fuzzy feeling. Think sunshine, fluffy pillows, and a splash of your favorite color to make your space feel like home.
Store smart: Get clever with storage by using vertical spaces and sneaky hidden spots. Your home will feel bigger when everything has its place.
Flexible furniture: Go for furniture that can multitask and won't block your view. The more versatile, the better, so you can mix things up when the mood strikes.
The Psychology of Space Satisfaction
‘…dissatisfaction is the result of comparison, not only objective qualities in the size of the living spaces themselves..’ - Clement Bellet (Economist)
Did you know people living alone can ideally live in spaces between 100 and 400 square feet? Check out this video where this dude breaks it down neatly for us (note that his audience are probably from USA).
Dissatisfaction with living spaces often comes from comparing ourselves to those with larger homes, rather than the objective qualities of the space itself. So, remember, bigger doesn't always mean better. Instead, lets focus on creating a functional, comfortable, and personalized space to achieve optimal well-being.
By understanding how we relate to our spaces, we can make better choices when planning, designing, or building our homes. With a little creativity and a change in mindset, we can tackle housing challenges head-on and create comfy, functional living spaces we'll love for years to come. Now, let's get out there and make the most of our small homes!