Style: November 01, 2019

The Big
Trend of
Going Small
One size and one shape definitely does
not fit all. One weekend recently, I
had the pleasure of joining a tour of
architectural homes which championed
the principles of energy awareness
and conservation, amongst other
things. Style over size was evident
amongst all the individual and specific
architectural signatures, as was the
variation of spatial configurations,
and this has caused me to reflect on
the increasing popularity of smaller
properties and the acceptance of
different ways of doing things.
Firstly, size. Not small, as in ‘let’s fit your entire
life into a caravan’, but small as in compact,
thoughtful and clever, is enjoying an increase in
popularity throughout our region. The restraint
required to ‘live smaller’ would be too much for
me and it’s no secret that I have a maximalist
rather than a minimalist approach, but I can
definitely appreciate why this trend is gaining
momentum nationally and internationally.
Millennials wanting a chance to get onto the
property ladder are considering alternatives
to the types of properties their parents might
have started with, and size features strongly
in this equation, whilst retirees are wanting to
turn things on their head and look to a similar
lifestyle and property, but smaller, having been
there and done that.
One of the reasons for considering a smaller
dwelling is obvious: energy efficiency. A
smaller house should be easier to heat, and this
flows directly on to a reduced cost. A smaller
ecological footprint, helping both your pocket
and our planet. Solar-powered options feature,
as do passive heating methods based around
a house’s orientation and construction. Excess
materials, color choices and furniture are all
pared back, and clever storage options become
all-important.
The other notable element in choosing to live
like this is that your community and your city
surroundings take on a whole new meaning, and
with ‘intimate’ (my word for ‘tiny’!) garden spaces,
you can see the merit in this. The park next-door
acts as your garden and the city, your backyard –
and potentially a scooter replaces your car.
For me, it seems like the easiest time to make
a decision to commit to this lifestyle would be
when you first start out and don’t have much
or later when you have so much that you think,
‘I now want less’. That middle period with kids,
cars, bikes and all the other stuff that comes
with life would make it too hard for some, but
as the tour I’ve referred to has taught me, not
everyone feels this way. Therein lies the beauty
of the times we live in and the choices we have.
One size certainly doesn’t fit all – nor is it
expected too – and it just so happens that
there are architects, builders, developers and
designers thinking the same way. It makes for an
engaging and interesting era.
Lynette McFadden
BUSINESS OWNER HARCOURTS GOLD
HARCOURTS NZ INSPIRATIONAL
WOMEN AMBASSADOR
Inspirational Women
You are invited!
Join us to hear life changing stories from
inspirational speakers with great messages
for both men and women.
Thursday 21st November
3:00pm – 5:30pm, Hagley Oval
Refreshments and canapes served
TICKETS ARE COMPLIMENTARY SO BE QUICK!
Please reserve your seat by 14th November.
Email your name and mobile number to
info@harcourtsgold.co.nz
Rosa & Margo
Flanagan, Two
Raw Sisters
Lynette & John
McFadden,
Harcourts gold
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
Stacey Beatson,
NZ’s top Stylist,
featured in Next
magazine,
Sept. 2019
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