“Small is the new big,” Quips Real Estate Expert—How Builders Are Maximizing Square Footage

“Small is the new big,” Quips Real Estate Expert—How Builders Are Maximizing Square Footage

“Small is the new big,” declared Mollie Carmichael, a principal at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, during a recent webinar on optimizing home design. While tiny homes grab headlines, the demand for efficient, smaller spaces spans all age groups. “If you could do more with less and it’s more affordable, then you could afford more things in your life,” Carmichael emphasized, noting that consumers crave simplicity alongside luxury.

The Shift Toward Smaller, Smarter Homes

Despite recent data showing new homes growing larger, experts argue this reflects buyer demographics—not shifting values. As Millennials enter the market, home sizes are expected to shrink. Builders are already reimagining 1,500-square-foot homes to “live larger” through innovative floor plans and features.

“Attention to detail makes small homes live larger. You have to maximize every inch of a plan,”

— Doug Smith, National Director of Architectural Services, Pulte Group

Unlocking Hidden Space

Builders are reclaiming underutilized areas like stairways, corners, and side lots. At the Best of American Living Awards, standout solutions included corner windows, outdoor niches, and multifunctional storage. Carmichael highlighted a townhome where corner cabinetry and strategic lighting transformed a kitchen’s feel.

Luxury Meets Practicality

Even compact homes now boast upscale finishes. In suburban Chicago, Lexington Homes incorporates hardwood floors and granite countertops as standard. Foxford Development’s Clocktower Pointe pairs spacious entries with crown molding and tray ceilings—proving elegance needn’t require square footage.

Light, Glass, and Perception

Natural light remains key to expanding spaces visually. Carmichael showcased homes using Juliet balconies, patio doors, and glass-front cabinets to amplify brightness. Pulte’s Doug Smith noted: “Open shelves instead of upper cabinets let the eye travel, creating airiness.” High, small windows in kitchens and bedrooms add light without sacrificing privacy.

Rethinking Wasted Spaces

• Hallways: Converted into bookshelves or desk nooks
• Side Lots: Glass walls turn narrow strips into light wells
• Entries: Multifunctional drop zones with built-in storage

“A smaller home might use space far better than a larger one. Square footage alone doesn’t tell the story.”

— Jeff Benach, Co-Principal, Lexington Homes

The Future of Functional Design

From banked kitchen work zones to vestibule-bedroom layouts, builders prioritize flow and function. As Stephanie Pierce of MasterBrand Cabinets noted: “Flush alignment and ‘everything-in-its-place’ storage redefine modern efficiency.” The result? Homes that feel expansive—no matter their size.