AMDA’s new magazine app includes feature articles, slideshows, video, and 360 degree revolving renderings for new home designs. The app —available for free download— also includes an easy to use menu system featuring interactive table of contents, page thumbnails, and a story view.

In the Summer 2011 edition —included with the app—The cover story and photo feature showcases ‘The Senath’, a beautifully crafted Arts and Crafts style home constructed by Castlerock. Other magazine features include ‘The Rivoli Residence’: The Story of Ray Rivoli’s LEED® Platinum construction of ‘The Abbott’; ‘Kitchens Inspired By The Old World’ : Creative kitchens combining modern technology with rustic flair, and more.

Gary Higginbotham, AMDA’s marketing manager, graphic designer, and green building specialist created the new version in-house, with the support of the company’s talented home design team. AMDA intends to produce fully interactive iPad versions of each forthcoming issue of the popular title.

Alan Mascord, the company’s President, said: “We’ve always been on the forefront of innovation, both with our home designs and our use of technology. We think the iPad is a wonderful way to present our designs and we are delighted to launch this magazine at this early and exciting stage in the new technology’s development. This app has functionality at its heart, with the opportunity to create a truly immersive experience for the reader and revolutionize the house plan selection process. It offers incredible value for money and should be the first app iPad-owning builders and prospective homeowners download.”

AMDA’s other titles include the popular had backed book ‘Mascord Efficient Living’ (ISBN 0978811313 ) available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Mascord Living Spaces can be downloaded for iPad on the App Store.

Device Requirements:  iPad or iPad 2, iOS 3.2 r later.

Pricing and Availability: ‘Mascord Living Spaces’ is free, and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Lifestyle category.

Well, that hasn’t been a suprise to our designers; we’ve been designing amenity packed smaller homes since opening our doors in 1983.  Even as the average home size grew, Mascord homes maintained feature rich interiors, such as open living rooms, restaurant-style kitchens and plenty of usable space (as opposed to tons of corridors and transitional spaces found in many production built homes).

A few tips for successfully living in a smaller home garnered from the article ‘How to Sell Your Small Home’ by Money Crashers:-

1. Cut the clutter.  Make sure all your seasonal possessions are properly stored in provided space, and don’t keep items you never use. Keep countertops clean and free of small appliances; it will increase the perception of space.  In multi-functional spaces (such as home office furniture in the corner of the living room), keep the area tidy and keep the style of furniture the same as the rest of the room. Glass topped coffee tables provide the illusion of more space.

2.  Effective lighting adds space.  The lighter your hoem is, the more spacious it will feel. Tall corner lamps that shine upwards light dark corners and light airy curtains let more light through windows.

3. Add distance with landscaping.  If you have a smaller lot, you can add the illusion of a deeper back yard by placing taller plants close to the back deck or home, and progressively smaller shorter plants the further you go back into the yard.

In conclusion, living in a samller home can be as comfortable as living in a larger space, even if you have the desire for space and opennness.  You just need to manage the space a little more effectively.  If you’re looking for a smaller home, don’t forget to check out some of our newer plans; 1161ES, 1164ES, 1168ES, 1169ES, and of course my personal favorite 1169A.