
Downsizing can often bring a wave of mixed emotions. You may feel nostalgic and apprehensive about leaving your long-time family home, yet ready to shed some of the burdens that come with maintaining a larger space. The good news is, downsizing does not always mean compromising on style or comfort. In fact, it is quite the opposite—think of it as an opportunity to enhance your living space.
Successful downsizing requires a purposeful strategy. At Simply Home Decorating, we help our clients find that balance, creating a home that feels personal, comfortable, and reflective of their journey.

Step 1: Identify What to Keep
Sentimental items—like family heirlooms or cherished artwork—often carry deep emotional value, and it is important to honour those connections. I always advise my clients to start by focusing on what truly matters to them—those pieces that tell a story, hold precious memories, or bring joy.
For example, a worn sofa may be easy to replace, but your grandmother’s heirloom dining table or the artwork from a meaningful trip are irreplaceable. Important note: These items are worth keeping as long as they fit physically, functionally and aesthetically within your new space.

Once you have identified the pieces that are most important to you, the rest of the process becomes straightforward. We will design around these key items, incorporating them into your new aesthetic and letting them guide the overall style.
Step 2: Let Go of What No Longer Serves You
One of the hardest parts of downsizing is the emotional challenge of letting go. However, it is important to remember that downsizing is about creating a home that supports your current or new lifestyle. If a beloved item no longer serves that lifestyle, it is time to consider alternatives.
Start by looking at each item and asking yourself if that piece truly has a place in your future. If it doesn’t, take a photo for the memories, then reach out to family members to see if anyone else would like to keep it. If no one claims it, you can sell the item or donate it, knowing it will find a new home where it will be cherished.
By letting go of what no longer serves you, you open up your space—and your life—for what’s next. This process allows you to create a more purposeful, organized, and beautiful home that feels lighter and more aligned with where you are today.

Step 3: Prioritize Function
When downsizing, every square foot counts — but maximizing square footage doesn’t mean cramming more into the space. Instead, we want to thoughtfully select items that serve a purpose, whether that is providing function, aesthetic value, or ideally, both.
Opt for multi-functional furniture: Pieces like storage ottomans or Murphy beds are invaluable in a smaller space. These smart additions provide comfort and utility while keeping clutter at bay.
Prioritize fewer, larger pieces: It may seem counterintuitive, but filling a room with too many small items can make it feel cramped and chaotic. Instead, focus on fewer, larger-scale furnishings that create an open, airy flow and give the illusion of more space.
Maintain a cohesive colour palette: Keeping a consistent colour scheme throughout your home will help create visual continuity, making your space feel more expansive.
Add vertical storage: Make the most of your wall space with vertical shelving, built-ins, or tall bookcases. These options offer storage solutions that don’t encroach on your floor space, giving you more room to breathe.

Step 4: Blend Old with New
Once your items are curated, we can begin to thoughtfully integrate them into the design of your home. Incorporating cherished items into a modern or more compact space requires thoughtful consideration and careful balance.
One of my favourite strategies is refreshing vintage pieces with refinishing or new upholstery. This can breathe new life into an heirloom piece, helping it feel relevant and cohesive in your updated home, while also preventing the space from feeling like a time capsule.
Additionally, creating thoughtful displays—like a gallery wall of personal photos or a curated bookshelf—infuses personality while serving as a meaningful reminder of your favourite life experiences. The goal is to blend the past with the present, celebrating your life journey while ensuring your space feels fresh.

Make Your Space Work for You
The key to thriving in a smaller home is choosing furnishings with intention. Remember, downsizing isn’t about losing space—it is about enhancing your quality of life. It is a fresh chance to curate your home in a way that reflects your current tastes and needs, ensuring that every square foot works for you.
When you are ready to create a home that both honours your past and embraces your future, we’re here for you.
Until next time,
Lori