Generally the cost to build a home is proportional to its square footage. In our personal experience, a lot of clients want a big home with nice finishes, but most budgets only allow for one or the other. It’s very costly to build a big home with nice finishes. On the same given budget, on the other hand, a smaller home can be constructed (or renovated) with very nice finishes.
Smaller homes are perfect for empty nesters, small families, retirees, newlyweds, minimalists, and those who prefer higher quality over quantity.
A DALLAS COTTAGE
Built in the 1950s, this roughly 1600 square foot cottage was renovated with attention to every detail.
Brick front patio, copper lanterns, and antique french gate give major curb appeal.
Interiors feature real hardwood floors, custom cut seagrass area rugs, and found antique doors. The owner’s budget also allowed the home to be filled with beautiful antique furniture.
More gorgeous antique doors.
Notice the small kitchen was finished with marble, an antique mirror, luxurious hardware, and custom cabinetry.
Check out all of those french doors and custom outdoor fireplace on the brick patio. The exterior was finished just as nicely as the interior.
THE GARDEN CREW HOUSE
Built in 1890, this tiny cottage, which originally was used to house the garden crew of a grand estate, is now home to Empty Nesters. At only 970 square feet, every inch of space was renovated to its full potential.
The charming porch, as featured in Country Living magazine.
The kitchen before renovation.
The new kitchen features a fire clay farmhouse sink, bead board workwork, honed granite counters, classic porcelain floor tile, and subway tile back-splash.
The budget in this tiny renovation also allowed for a professional range.
Additionally, a high quality Sandberg wallpaper was used in the bedroom.
A TINY TUDOR
Located in the northeastern US and built in the 1920s, this Tudor style home is small and so charming.
A new slate roof was installed during the renovation, which should last another century.
The entry is small, but packs a charming punch. The original arched door, radiator, and stately trim woodwork add lots of character.
The dining room features wood beams on the ceiling. Also, beautiful real hardwood floors were used throughout most of the home.
The family room is cozy. Large abundant windows allow for views of the lawn and garden outside.
The modest sized kitchen is nicely finished.
Honed soapstone countertops, a farmhouse sink, professional appliances, and heated floors make this small kitchen feel luxurious.
Modest sized bedrooms were finished with real hardwoods, beautiful trim work, and custom plantation shutters.
LE PETIT BIJOU
This little jewel in the southern part of France boasts two small bedrooms and 1.5 baths. It’s an adorable apartment which has been recently renovated, using top quality finishes and materials.
Beautiful antique terracotta floor tiles were used in the renovation, along with luxurious lighting fixtures throughout.
The only full bathroom boasts a large cast iron tub, top quality hardware, and custom vanity.
An antique table turned custom vanity. We would love to incorporate something like this in your next home!
The small galley style kitchen (below) is functional and well finished with antique tile floors, stone counters, and high quality hardware and appliances.
The two bedrooms are modest sized with plenty of space to relax and rest.
CELEBRATE SMALL SPACES
Little rooms, which are commonplace in order homes, today can seem challenging to live with. The following are some examples of how to utilize and enjoy them, keeping in mind function and flow.
The foyer of Loi Thai’s historic home is roughly 6′ x 7′, so a narrow console, with stools tucked underneath, allow for ample walkway space, plus storage for keys, mail, and a place to put on your shoes. The large mirror was placed to create an illusion of scale. Not everything has to be small in a small space!
Opposite the narrow entryway console is a closet.
A jib door, made flush with the wall and having concealed hinges and tiny pulls, was used as the closet door in order to not draw attention to its small size.
The 4’6″ x 6′ powder room has an open-leg vanity to keep the room feeling light and airy.
In the compact power room a pocket door was used for ease of entry and flow.
In the small footprint mudroom, tall open shelving was used to take advantage of the higher ceilings here.
Big windows allow for lots of natural light create a sense of airiness.
When building or renovating a modest sized house, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms doesn’t necessarily have to be reduced. We can simply make them smaller, thereby making a cozy and comfortable retreat for you and your family. With your fixed budget and a smaller footprint home, we can install a higher quality level of hardware, trim, finishes, and other custom details you may wish to incorporate. Please consider a smaller home as an option when working with us on your next renovation or new construction Forever Home.
