Now for all the fun stuff

So, you’ve started the downsize

You’ve been good. You’ve started the downsize, experienced a range of emotions and sneezed considerably while delving into the backs of cupboards. Now it’s time to embrace the future and start thinking about how your new villa or apartment is going to look and feel. This is the fun stuff.

A smaller space needs careful consideration

Retirement villas and apartments are often quite different to our traditional homes. Most notably they are smaller and more modern. A smaller space has to work harder to be a lounge, a TV room, a hobby space, a spare room, a space to entertain family, a place for grandchildren to play, a place for a quiet read, an afternoon nap, a coffee, a wine, a project, a chat. A smaller space that needs to be flexible will need some carefully considered furniture that leaves room to move around, provides extra seating when necessary, storage for projects and possessions, comfort and beauty.

Will your furniture suit your new home?

Not many showrooms have chairs or sofas suitable for retirement living. As we age, we need chairs that allow us to gracefully get up from a realistic height with supportive arms for leverage. Slouchy sofas are prisons!

We need dining chairs that are light enough to move around but heavy enough to support our weight if we need to lean on the back. Extendable dining tables are perfect if you entertain from time to time and pack down to a small table for the daily Sudoku.

A consideration I really love, but that people often don’t want to talk about, is pee-proof fabric in beautiful designs; not hospital-style vinyl but designer stripes, flowers, textures and colours.

I know exactly where to go for quality items that will perfectly meet your needs and budget. Better still, I get trade discounts that I pass on to my clients. I can save you time and money.

Caroline chats to Lynda about what makes a home for her.

Curate your new space to feel like home

But what if you want to take some of your existing furniture and possessions with you?

I can visit your current home and together we can decide which pieces will fit in your new villa or apartment. Some pieces will be a natural fit; a chair could benefit from being recovered to fit into the overall scheme and ornaments, collections or books can be rehoused, if necessary, in custom made joinery. There is always a solution.

Let me guide you through the process

Children often take time off work to help their parents downsize. By letting me step in, you can save time, money and stress. I have the time to listen and guide. I have the expertise to suggest appropriate furniture for your new space and your stage in life and I have a strong desire to make this move fun!

This is a great opportunity to embrace change whether it’s simply treating yourself to a comfortable armchair or finally using colours and fabrics you love.