Small But Mighty: How I Designed a 1,100 sq ft Home for a Family of Five
The truth about space, soul, and the power of intentional design.
The Real Problem Isn’t Square Footage
At some point, every growing family hits the wall - stuff piles up, movement feels restricted, and the house starts to work against you.
You think, We just need more space.
I get it - because I’ve lived it.
We were five people in 1,100 square feet. And trust me, it wasn’t the square footage that made it hard. It was the disconnect. Between how we lived and what the space allowed. Between what we needed and what the layout provided.
As a designer and a parent, I knew this wasn’t just about organizing.
This was about reimagining how our home could hold us.
From Cluttered to Clear: A New Way to See Space
When I stopped seeing our house as “too small” and started seeing it as a creative partner, everything shifted.
Instead of reacting to the chaos, I got curious about the rhythms of our family - how we moved, how we gathered, where we craved more ease.
That’s when the real design began.
We removed the fireplace to open the heart of our home.
We built a banquette that created space and softness at the table.
We lifted the kids’ beds to free up the floor - and their freedom.
We made our basement flexible, not perfect. And it became the most alive room in the house.
No square footage added. Just clarity, flow, and design that reflected us.
What This Taught Me — and What I Now Teach My Clients
Design isn’t about fixing a house. It’s about understanding the life inside it.
What this project gave me - and what I now offer every client - is a new lens:
One that sees space as something to be listened to, not fought with
One that honors emotional needs alongside functionality
One that creates movement and meaning, not just aesthetics
Small isn’t the enemy. Disconnection is.
When your home reflects your real life - not just your Pinterest board - it starts to work with you. It calms the chaos. It invites joy. It creates space for the life you’re actually living.
Ready for a Fresh Perspective on Your Home?
If your space feels tight, dysfunctional, or like it’s no longer reflecting who you are - maybe it’s time for a second look.
The Home Clarity Session is where we begin:
A guided walkthrough, a working session, and a fresh perspective on what your home could become.
It’s not about making it bigger.
It’s about making it work - with you, for you, and because of you.
Lets chat, book your 20 minute discovery call here and we can talk about how a Home Clarity Session will work for you.
