Liveability of a home improves by making best use of space

By combining green building principles and making better use of the space in a smaller home, homeowners can improve the liveability of their dwelling.

Good design often is at the heart of whether a family can solve its storage needs or improve the traffic patterns in a room. Making better use of an existing home's space often can end those dilemmas in an approach that some designers refer to as values-based design or the "the slow home."

Shannon Honeybloom, author of Making a Family Home, said slow home living bolsters interaction and imagination, not just entertainment and instant information. She advises placing computers in places other than children's play areas and closing off the TV in an armoire to slow the pace of a home.

Making the best use of natural light also is an important part of this philosophy, which seeks to provide families with a reasonable amount of space to grow in and sustainable features that meet their lifestyle and needs.

Honeycomb cellular shades are an energy efficient window covering that traps air to conserve heat in winter and cool down hot rooms in summer. They are available in a variety of colors that can be matched to a contemporary or a traditional decor.