Suggestions for living well in a small house

June 22, 3:43 PMSimple Living ExaminerSallie Schaaf Borrink

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With the economic downturn underway, many people are staying in the house they already own, even if it is "too small."  Other people have deliberately chosen to live simply in smaller houses for financial, ecological or time reasons.  But just because a house is small, it doesn't mean that it has to be uncomfortable or unattractive.

Phil Mulkins at Tulsaworld.com offers a brief list of ways to make a smaller house work more effectively.  Among the ideas:

True colors: "Paint is the cheapest and most powerful thing you can do to put your personal stamp on a home," says Barbara Corcoran, a New York City Realtor and NBC's "Today" show real estate expert. "Use colors you enjoy feel happiest within."

Ditch some stuff: "You have more stuff than you need. Get rid of some of it," said James Gauer, author of "The New American Dream: Living Well in Small Homes."

Start simple: Find the simplest remodeling solution within your home's existing footprint before considering expanding its size, says Marc Vassallo, co-author of "Not So Big Remodeling: Tailoring Your Home for the Way You Really Live."

If living simply means living in a smaller house, make the most of it!

For more info: Read more about living simply, making changes, home and money.  Explore more about The New American Dream: Living Well in Small Homes