A small house can be beautiful

Some people are surprised that homeowners today are deliberately building smaller houses. If you've got the funds, some think, why not slap on as much floor area as possible? But sometimes building smaller means building smarter.

Small houses cost less

It's a fact: small is more efficient than large. Building a large house requires a lot of building materials and manpower, and consequently, a higher cost. If you go large in building a house, you may have to sacrifice quality. Sometimes larger homes are built with lower quality of brick, stone, wood and other materials, because if the builders used the best materials, they would price themselves right out of the market.

A smaller home, on the other hand, can be built with high-quality materials and attention to detail, without breaking the bank. If you're not particularly in need of floor space, but you love the idea of granite flooring, oak trim and solid wood cabinetry, then it might be in your best interests to build a small house.

A small house will save you money in the years to come, no matter how much you spent on building the house initially. Heating and cooling a smaller-sized home will cost much less than for larger properties. Repairs, maintenance and cleaning costs on a small house are also much more affordable than those for a three-story mansion on a four hectare estate.

Small houses can be spacious

Of course, there is the space factor. And some people who are used to living in huge, old and chunky houses from yester-year may be afraid that they will feel cramped in a smaller house. But unless you have a large family or another reason why you need lots of floor space, don't rule out a small house.

Designers and architects have learned to maximise smaller living spaces in modern homes. Good designers can give small homes a wonderful, wide-open feel. Smart designers know all the tricks of opening up a small space and giving it the flow it needs. Small houses can be designed to feel larger, without wasting space, as often happened in older houses.

Rooms that open into each other, doing away with hallways and narrow entryways and large airy windows can all help a small home feel huge.

Furnish small houses right

The style of furniture you use in a small house also contributes to the feeling of spaciousness in a smaller room.

Simple, light, and contemporary furniture is best suited for use in a small home. A few bold pieces on the walls can complement a small space perfectly and give it a clean, contemporary feel.