When I was younger, I always said that if I had the choice between one oversized house brimming with things or a few smaller, more intentional homes, I’d choose the smaller ones in a heartbeat. While we haven’t exactly reached that vision yet, we did take a big step toward it this summer: we purchased a new home. Now, between our Miami house and a small apartment in West Palm Beach—which doubles as both workspace and occasional escape—we’re carving out a life that feels right-sized for us.
Truthfully, it wasn’t “love at first sight” when I walked into our new place. The house is just 1,050 square feet: two bedrooms, one bathroom. It felt tiny compared to what I had imagined. But slowly, I began to see its strengths. The large windows flood the rooms with natural light, the layout is surprisingly efficient, and the lush greenery outside gives it a cozy, tucked-away charm. Sure, we might be the smallest house on the street—but that’s beginning to feel like part of its appeal.
Interior designer Rita Konig, in her Create Academy course, suggested that getting comfortable with discomfort is part of finding a home that truly works for you. That idea stuck with me. Everyone dreams about having space to host large gatherings, but how often does that really happen? For us, family visits are rare, and our day-to-day life is just the two of us. My mom loves to remind me that as a newborn, when my dad was traveling for work, she sometimes tucked me to sleep in a dresser drawer. Her point was simple: you really don’t need as much space as you think—especially at the beginning. Maybe our two-bedroom house was exactly the right choice.
Then there’s the practical side: the mortgage. This is our first experience with one, and knowing that the home is nearly a century old, repairs are inevitable. But in a smaller home, those repairs feel manageable, not overwhelming. We’ve always wanted to remain nimble, and this house allows us to do just that.
And while it may be modest in size, it makes up for it with character. Each morning we sip coffee outdoors while listening to birds. When it rains, the house feels impossibly romantic, and I can already imagine cozying up by the fireplace when the holidays roll around.
Small Spaces, Big Plans
I’ve always had a knack for reimagining small spaces. In fact, when I lived in a 350-square-foot studio, I got creative enough to later transform the bedroom of my apartment into a full walk-in closet. That experience taught me that small living is really about smart storage and thoughtful design. Naturally, our first order of business in this home is to maximize storage.
We haven’t yet decided whether to hire a designer or take on the project ourselves, but either way, I’ve started a wish list of changes to make the home both more functional and more reflective of us. The house works beautifully as it is, but with time, it can be even better.
Kitchen
Our kitchen is bright, white—and frankly in need of personality. Bespoke cabinetry is at the top of my list, both for added storage and to bring in color. I’d love to splurge on a gorgeous range, while keeping the other appliances tucked discreetly behind cabinet panels. A built-in banquette with storage beneath is non-negotiable after loving the one in my apartment. And we’re also thinking about incorporating a small workstation hidden within cabinetry.
Bathroom
This is where the biggest transformation will happen. The bathroom likely needs a complete overhaul. Since the space is small, we can afford to splurge on beautiful tile that adds character, and enlarging the window will bring in more light.
Living Room
For me, light is everything, so I plan to replace the front door with one made of glass to brighten the space further. Layered textiles will play a huge role—window treatments, rugs, and pillows to soften the space. For furniture, I want a balance of vintage and modern pieces, and near the fireplace, some decorative tile with old-world charm.
Second Bedroom
Here, built-ins are essential. More storage, always. This room will be all about creating functionality without sacrificing style.
Learning to Live Small
In the end, what I once saw as limitations now feels like freedom. This home asks us to think carefully about what we truly need, to make deliberate design choices, and to cherish the charm that comes with smaller spaces. It’s not about cramming life into tight quarters—it’s about expanding life beyond square footage.
Every coffee on the porch, every storm that rolls through, every cozy night by the fire reminds me that home isn’t measured in size but in how it makes you feel. And in that sense, we may just have found the perfect fit.