Fits Just Right: How Downsizing Creates More Space for Life
Different life stages present opportunities for not only how we use our homes and cottages but also for where we fit into a neighbourhood or our actual structure. What once served us space wise could mean upsizing or downsizing. Our recent client came on board for a downsize after they listed their current cottage. The new cottage they purchased is more to the size they feel will serve their needs in this life stage. Sometimes it’s about creating space for life to happen in a more efficient and fluid way and it’s no longer about the size of our home or cottage. As they always say: less is more. We can’t wait to design their new style of life with a smaller and well planned out space.
The new cottage will see a complete renovation to welcome in a new life stage and more memories on Sturgeon Lake.
For a long while it was always about the large home for raising family, entertaining and well perhaps bragging rights?! However, what about designing for the use case of how we use our space the most vs the larger family gathering instances that tend to be more infrequent.
We can’t wait to keep the charm and style of this cottage gem but give it new design life to create a family gathering place for the next generation.
A Growing Trend
Downsizing is a growing trend in housing and design. It’s being driven by several cultural, financial, and lifestyle shifts. Many people are choosing to live with less space in order to simplify their lives, reduce maintenance, and focus on experiences over possessions. This move toward smaller homes often goes hand-in-hand with other trends such as minimalism, sustainability, and flexible living.
The boat house for this project will allow for additional space as well.
In design, downsizing isn’t about sacrificing style. Instead it’s about smarter use of space, multifunctional furniture, and thoughtful planning that makes every square foot work harder. Designers like Home by Tim + Chris are creating small-footprint homes and cottages that feel open, intentional, and deeply personal, using clever storage solutions, light-enhancing materials, and layouts that maximize flow and function.
Whether it’s empty nesters looking to simplify, remote workers seeking affordable housing options, or anyone drawn to a more intentional way of living, downsizing reflects a broader shift toward living well with less, making it one of the most relevant housing and design trends today.
In a previous blog post titled Additional Residential Units - A Whole Family Solution, we covered how we are finding different solutions for how we are living when it comes to housing. There are many examples around us of how we are becoming far more creative and intentional in how we design our clients' homes and cottages. As families rethink how they want to live, many are moving away from one-size-fits-all housing and toward solutions that support closeness, flexibility, and independence at the same time. This has led to innovative layouts such as multi-generational homes, guest houses, loft spaces, garden suites, and adaptable floor plans that can evolve as needs change.
An example of an Additional Residential Unit (ARU) that we designed for our client that wanted to live closer to her family but not with them.
This ARU has all the functionality of a full-size home with just a smaller footprint.
Downsizing no longer means giving up space or comfort; instead, it means designing smarter. Homeowners are carving out private zones within smaller footprints, creating dual-purpose rooms, and designing cottages that can host family while still feeling intimate and manageable. The result is a new, personalized approach to living that reflects how people actually use their homes and cottages. The designs that we now present to clients support changing family dynamics, and values connection, creativity, and individuality over traditional definitions of size and status.
This ARU on Sturgeon Lake matches the main cottage and acts as a guest house with a small kitchen and bathroom to accommodate family and additional guests. It’s a great example of designing smarter.
By using modern style plywood and smart storage, Home by Tim + Chris were able to design a contained guest home with all the same amenities as a larger cottage.
Our Client’s New Listing
Our client's former home is now listed https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/28665522/30-forest-road-kawartha-lakes-fenelon-fenelon and you can view the beautiful imagery that was their previous cabin in the woods. Although “cabin” is most certainly an understatement! At 2000 square feet of neatly laid out space, this is an ideal cottage for an extended family. As the listing demonstrates, this is a design forward, bright mix of high and low ceiling heights. There is a private suite and guest cabin along with a designed garage.
Private back road location for quiet enjoyment plus everything is located on one floor.
Modern garage with ample room for storage.
Home by Tim + Chris lent our design hand to the kitchen, living room, and bathroom along with helping our client select art and textiles like rugs. The red oak kitchen is a showstopper and the original build was custom. The two guest bedrooms are handy for overflow and this family had three children that shared this cottage as a family gathering space. We see this as an ideal retirement home as everything you require is located on one level. This was their permanent home but has been the summer family retreat for years. We can’t think of a better location at Sturgeon Point because this is a very active community with many amenities right in your own backyard. From a nine hole golf course to sailing and a full family park, you become part of an enclave and community as a whole. With the private back road location, you feel like you are secluded and private yet at the same time able to dip into whatever the community has on offer.
The spacious modern kitchen.
Downsizing a home or cottage offers a wide range of benefits that go well beyond simply reducing square footage. Financially, smaller spaces often mean lower construction costs, reduced property taxes, and decreased utility and maintenance expenses, freeing up resources for travel, hobbies, or meaningful experiences. With less space to manage, homeowners also enjoy a greater sense of ease. You end up spending less time cleaning and maintaining, and more time actually living in and enjoying your home or cottage.
From a design and lifestyle perspective, downsizing encourages intentional living. It prompts people to curate what they own, prioritize quality over quantity, and design spaces that are highly functional and personalized. Smaller footprints often foster stronger connections because rooms feel cozier, gatherings more intimate, and everyday moments more shared. Environmentally, downsized homes typically align more with sustainable values. Ultimately, downsizing can feel empowering: it simplifies life, supports flexibility, and allows homes and cottages to better reflect how people truly want to live.
Let us know if we can help with your next downsize! We would love to walk you through our innovative ideas and solutions that we have helped other clients with.
Our project Portfolio and what we are currently working on: https://www.homebytc.ca/projects
More blog posts: https://www.homebytc.ca/space
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