The freedom of living less

Miss Alice Designs

"There is freedom, joy, and improved quality of life by living in smaller quality spaces"

Small is beautiful. With thoughtful design, a small home can feel warm, cozy, and uplifting—without sacrificing convenience or privacy. In fact, smaller spaces often invite a more intentional way of living. Every room has a purpose and every corner holds meaning.

One of the best compliments I’ve received—often from total strangers—is that my designs feel lived in. Not sterile. Real. Cozy. Authentic. And to me, that’s everything.

In today’s design landscape, we're constantly bombarded with images of massive celebrity mansions—endless square footage, showpiece kitchens, and underutilized spaces. But for most people, especially millennials and Gen Z, that lifestyle doesn’t resonate. It feels distant and unreal.

What people are really looking for are homes that reflect their actual lives—spaces that support everyday routines, personal moments, and meaningful experiences. They want to see real people living in real homes. Because at the end of the day, more square footage doesn't automatically translate into a higher quality of life.

Designing smaller homes is about creating more connection, more comfort, and more freedom to focus on what truly matters.

Homes between 900 and 1,500 square feet are far more than just "starter houses" or downsized spaces—they’re an opportunity for truly intentional design. Smaller spaces demand creativity and problem-solving. Every square foot matters, encouraging thoughtful choices and multi-functional design solutions that reflect how people actually live.

Far from feeling cramped, a well-designed smaller home can be incredibly inviting. These spaces have the power to lift our spirits, rejuvenate our energy, and nourish the soul. With the right approach, they become personal sanctuaries—functional, warm, and deeply personal.

We're also witnessing a cultural shift. Despite what interior design magazines may still portray, people are rethinking the need for oversized and larger homes. Baby boomers are downsizing for simplicity and ease of maintenance. Millennials, prioritizing mobility and professional growth, are seeking affordable first homes that support their lifestyle—not define it.

Smaller homes free up more than just space—they free up resources. Rather than pouring money into square footage, people are investing in experiences, travel, and personal growth. It’s a more flexible, fulfilled way to live, and it starts with embracing the power and possibility of less. That’s true freedom.

Below are 6 reasons why smaller spaces are attractive, appealing, and have bigger charm, improving the quality of your life.

1. Cozy

When you think about a home that feels warm and cozy, a large 5000 sq ft home probably doesn’t come to mind. That’s because when we’re in a smaller space, we naturally gravitate toward one another. Smaller homes can help families gather together and create a sense of intimacy and connection with each other. Smaller spaces are more attractive because it feels safe, inviting, and easier to connect.

2. Charming

Smaller homes are more charming and personable. Larger homes can feel cold with open cavernous spaces that you might get lost in. Smaller homes like a craftsman bungalow provide a charming appeal that large mansions don’t. You can customize a smaller home as much if not more than a larger home. Smaller spaces require more creative problem-solving skills due to a smaller footprint and can have awkward shapes that require out-of-the-box thinking. For designers, it’s a fun design challenge to make everything work together and look nice despite having smaller spaces.

3. Smaller Environmental Impact

Living in smaller homes can help you reduce your carbon footprint dramatically and consume less energy to heat or air condition your home. As energy costs rise, smaller homes are becoming more attractive and more desirable for buyers and far more marketable than the larger homes that contain extra rooms (or “dead rooms”) that may never be used. Smaller homes require you to think about the physical items you hold onto in your surrounding space and help you start living intentionally with less stuff.

4. Less Maintenance

Having a smaller home means less physical “stuff” and less “clutter” creating more space in your life for what’s meant for you. You spend less time cleaning and maintaining your home, and more time doing the things you love. My clients don’t live in huge mansions, have a regular weekly cleaning service (yes, even in smaller homes, they do hire a weekly cleaning service), yet love their homes. They have more time to do the things they truly enjoy. By having less, you gain clarity, focus, and more time to live a fulfilled happier life.

5. Mindful and Intentional

With smaller homes, you become more mindful of your living space and more intentional about your daily activities. You get to choose which aspects of your life you want to focus on and what you want to simplify. With less space, we are required to be intentional and mindful about what we bring into our homes from the furniture we purchase to the accessories we acquire and how they are made and sourced. Quality becomes a priority rather than quantity as quality craftsmanship maintains value and durability far better over time versus something that only lasts a few years.

6. Freedom and Flexibility

Many people today, especially millennials, are opting for smaller homes to free up time for experiences like traveling, adventure, spiritual retreats, educational workshops, self-development, flying lessons, and more. Living in smaller homes and downsizing on possessions offers more freedom and flexibility. Smaller homes are attractive to many millennials and baby boomers looking to free up more funds and time. More time leads to lower stress, increased creativity, and a better lifestyle. More freedom leads you to pursue what’s truly important to you, take advantage of opportunities, and experience the amazing adventure life has to offer.

“The idea that having less space and stuff can create room in our lives for more experiences is an appealing one.” - BBC Culture

Since the pandemic, people’s values and principles have changed. It’s about living a simple and fulfilling life that represents who you are based on memorable experiences that you will remember for years to come. It’s about living a quality life and not one of possessions. Having a bigger house will not make you any happier if you don’t already know how to live well and appreciate what you have. It’s really about less house, (less square footage), and more home, the feeling of comfort, joy, authenticity, and connection to your soul. Small is beautiful.

Ready to elevate your space and transform the way you live? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call and take the first step toward a home that truly reflects you. 👉 Click here to book your call.