In the past decade, we have seen houses grow and grow and grow. These houses became so large that they were given their own name: McMansions. While some large families with multiple children and live-in in-laws require a lot of space, most families do not, and owning a large home is more of a status issue than a utilitarian one. Since the global economic crisis, however, an interesting phenomenon is happening. Families are embracing smaller, more practical homes.

Today the small home is the smart home. To many, they are considered earth-friendly homes. Some families are choosing to downsize to smaller houses, and those with smaller homes are improving and renovating their homes rather than selling in a down market. The benefits are many. With the economical changes we are experiencing, there is a great cry for smaller and more efficient and convenient houses. That which is considered a small home varies greatly from region to region, but generally, smaller homes are between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet and contain no more than eight rooms.

With this trend, you must sacrifice space, but you need not sacrifice style. Style is not a matter of money. Even those with modest means can achieve a stylish home. Style your home by paying attention to detail, and this means not only coordinating all items in every single room, but also editing and developing a discriminating attitude. Select only items you truly love and feel are suitable for the room and house.

Whether bungalows, beach cottages or townhouses, many smaller homes, and especially older ones, benefit from architectural details that make decorating easier and more interesting. These homes are replete with crown molding, wainscoting and fireplaces, which add character and give the spaces inherent style. The proportions of the rooms in these homes are usually more intimate and better scaled. Without the double-height spaces and oversized windows, there is less of a need for yards and yards of fabric and bulky furniture on steroids.

Smaller homes must be carefully planned and designed for maximum comfort and convenience. With the many advances in technology, appliances are designed to be more compact and streamlined — from dishwasher drawers to flat-screen televisions. This makes it possible for a small home to have all the bells and whistles of a larger home.

Here are some tips for decorating a smaller home:

— Choose one type of flooring to use throughout the home.

— Minimize window treatments.

— Use smaller frame sofas and chairs.

— Avoid too many wall colors.

— Stick to a gradient color palette.

— Select bed size and frame according to room size.

— Add built-in storage and seating wherever possible.

— Recessed lighting minimizes the visual clutter of myriad lighting fixtures.

"Smaller is better" is the new mantra. Although this may take some getting used to, keep in mind that this will enable you to use better materials, finer furnishings and state-of-the-art equipment and to selectively indulge in the degree of quality that represents you and your lifestyle.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash