When designing your home, the real question isn’t “how big should it be?” but rather, “how much space do we actually need?” It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that bigger is better, but a thoughtfully designed, compact home can often serve your family better—saving money, reducing energy use, and creating more functional spaces.

Rethinking Space: What Do You Really Need?

Think about how your family actually uses your home. Do you really need a dedicated guest bedroom that sits empty most of the year? Would a home office that doubles as a guest room or study space work just as well? Could a cleverly designed study nook replace an entire separate office?

For our own family of four, we prioritised multi-functional spaces. We designed one additional room near the living area that works as a study, a guest bedroom, and even an extension of the living space when we entertain. This flexible approach allows us to have everything we need without unnecessary extra rooms.

We also opted for a single carport with external storage instead of a garage. Cars are built to stay outside, and by choosing a carport, we reduced costs while still having a covered space for rainy days.

Do You Really Need a Huge Laundry?

A lot of people envision large laundries with open space for ironing, but think about how you actually use yours. Would you rather do your ironing in the living room with the family? If so, you might not need all that extra space.

For our home, we combined the pantry and laundry into one galley-style space. On one side, food storage; on the other, a washing machine, sink, linen, and broom storage. This saved space, reduced materials, and kept everything highly functional.

Cutting Down on Unnecessary Space

One of the biggest space-eaters in a home? Hallways and circulation areas. Wide hallways can feel luxurious, but they also add unnecessary square meterage to your build. A well-designed floor plan minimises these spaces while keeping the home feeling open and connected.

Less is More: Quality Over Quantity

A home designed around your actual needs—not just trends—will be more functional, comfortable, and cost-effective in the long run. Rather than adding more rooms and more floor area, consider how multi-functional spaces and smart layouts can work in your favour.

Ready to design a home that works smarter, not harder?

At reimagined habitat, we help families create beautifully designed, high-performing homes that prioritise quality over quantity.

Get in touch with us today and let’s bring your dream home to life—efficiently, sustainably, and just the way you need it.