■ Not only will they afford more natural light, resulting in brighter rooms, the extra height makes it■ A clean, uncomplicated floor plan will not only feel more spacious, it creates flexibility and versatility. Make sure the flow between the kitchen, great room and dining area is unencumbered, and reduce or eliminate transitional spaces, like hallways, so that every part of the house is used to its fullest.■ Strategically used natural materials (think: impressive trusses) will enhance the feeling of space. Fussiness will only make it feel cramped.■ Sure, adding decks and porches are a lower-cost way to increase your living space … but consider how you access them, too. Simple sliders or French doors are great, but collapsible windows or a garage-style door will make the whole wall disappear, creating a seamless extension of your indoor living area without adding a ton of cost.
