“Downsizing is a wonderful opportunity to say something new about the person you are now and not the person you were 20 years ago." Wise words from our Creative Director, Sue Timney, as she shares her top tips on how we can downsize with style.
Sue, as someone who is considering downsizing themselves, what do you think are the benefits to downsizing?
Moving into a new home gives you the opportunity to rethink how you use your space and consider how your tastes have changed over the years. Asking yourself what you want your new home to say about you can be a great place to start and is a huge benefit of the downsizing process.
You’ve admitted to being a ‘collector’ of objects over the years, have you got any advice for people looking to reduce their number of belongings?
More recently I’ve decided that I’m ready to let go of many of my belongings. It’s hard but I’ve actually found great pleasure in reducing my collections and letting go of maximalism.
The first step I take is asking if any of my children would like any of the items that I’m happy to part with. The answer is usually no but, nevertheless, I find it a good place to start.
I’ve also found a lot of pleasure in gifting some of my items to friends who I know will enjoy them and have donated some of my collections to museums, whilst other items have been given to charity shops. I suppose my advice is to try and see the joy in sharing your belongings with others if you can.
With regards to larger items such as furniture, how should people decide what they should and shouldn’t keep?
Anyone moving into a new home needs to consider the floorplan of the property. Downsizing typically means moving into a smaller space so it’s important to consider your furniture carefully and make sure that everything you keep, or buy in replacement, has a use. It can be tempting to overfill a space and that is something we should all try out best to avoid. Instead, just chose a few select pieces that you truly love.
Have you got any tips for people looking to style an apartment for the first time?
It can be daunting styling a space that is completely different to what you’ve been living in for the past 20, 30, even 40 years. I think it’s important to plan each room and most importantly, be willing to accept when a piece of furniture, art or an accessory that you’ve loved for so long simply doesn’t work in your new space.
With apartments, you’ll often find that the best way to use the space is to see rooms as having multiple uses. For example, your kitchen will likely be open plan and combined with your dining and living room. By zoning the areas – whether that’s using furniture, colour, texture, lighting, architectural features or even a huge rug – you will help to separate the spaces and ensure your new home functions for your lifestyle. Take advantage of the wall space too; shelves may be more practical than a large bookshelf. Similarly, choosing a coffee table with built-in storage can help ensure there’s less clutter.
Many of the apartments at Wallacea Living, Marylebone are two bedroom, how would you use this second room?
If I was designing the space for myself, I would certainly have a desk in there. I think it’s vitally important that we continue to study and learn as we get older. Personally, I have no intention of retiring any time soon, and possibly never if I have my way. Maybe the second bedroom would be a study, come studio, allowing me to focus on both research and design. I would also consider including a day bed of some sort to add another level of flexibility to the space and allow a friend or family member to stay the night.
Do you think there are any ‘easy-wins’ when trying to reduce the amount of items you own? And how important is it?
Downsizing can give you huge amounts of freedom but to gain that, you do have to part with ‘stuff’, otherwise you simply won’t have the space to enjoy your later years to the full. If we’re surrounded by too many belongings, we don’t have the freedom to embark on new challenges. It’s amazing how clutter impacts you mentally. It leaves you with no room for new interests.
A simple way to reduce the physical amount of items is to embrace digital collections. Whether it’s paperwork, photographs or music, moving to digital solutions can vastly reduce the amount of items you need to store in your new home. Plus, embracing digital also means you will feel more connected to the world and opens so many new opportunities for learning and hobbies.
You’ve joined Wallacea Living as our Creative Director, what attracted you to the role?
Wallacea Living Marylebone is going further than creating just a new hotel, a club or even a dream apartment, it’s offering a new lifestyle for a fresh and positive stage of life. I personally understand and love the idea of the independence that the decision to be a Wallacea Living owner affords. Our families have grown and now it is our time to enjoy new experiences, a community of friends, old and new, a range of activities and some luxury too. Owners will experience a new-found independence, surrounded by culture, creativity and friendship. Being part of that journey is one of the many things that attracted me to joining the Wallacea Living team.
You’ve helped design the Showsuite and show apartment at Wallacea Living, Marylebone, can you tell us a little bit about your inspiration?
I wanted both the Showsuite and show apartment to highlight a love of art, culture and the local area; things that I believe will resonate well with future homeowners. I think there’s often a temptation to design a rather bland space when designing for a range of personalities, but Wallacea Living isn’t bland, it’s vibrant, energetic and social, and I believe it is important to portray that in the show spaces.
I’ve handpicked art, with vintage one-offs sitting alongside more contemporary pieces; relating to the past experiences that homeowners have loved and the future that they will enjoy. Visitors are also able to browse our curated book collection covering fashion, architecture and photography, which will form part of the future on-site library. Every area of the Showsuite has been designed to give visitors an idea of the lifestyle on offer at Wallacea Living.
One of my favourite features has to be the beautiful jade green tiles used on the art-deco inspired bar. They are Portuguese and add a touch of glamour to the space, together with the stunning glass we have used. It’s a real celebration of colour and rich, reflective textures.
How can people see the Showsuite for themselves?
Anyone is welcome to come and visit our Showsuite and gain some downsizing inspiration. Simply book an appointment with the team and they’ll happily show you around.
Thank you so much for sharing those downsizing tips Sue. If you want to know more about how Wallacea Living can support you through the downsizing process, contact the team on 020 3960 1000.
