While you are browsing our collection of small house plans, consider whether you would be happy in a small house. As the average home size varies greatly by country, what is considered average in Hong Kong (484 square feet, 45 m²) is defined as a tiny house in the US.
Firstly, there is a significant difference between the median home size in the US (1844 sqft*) and the average new single-family home (2408 sqft*) built (*at the time of writing), according to the Census Data.
As the size of an average dwelling across the world continues to shrink, it only makes sense to explore the latest trends in home design. Also, we will investigate the reasons why people who choose smaller homes feel happier.
1. 1000 SqFt Small House Plan
As the theme of our investigation is happiness, let’s look at this small cottage from that perspective. Picture yourself entering the house from a covered front porch and putting away your groceries using a center island. Would an open living room with access to a back patio have enough space for family gatherings?
Also, would two bedrooms with a shared bath provide enough space for your daily activities? Firstly, the front bedroom could serve as a home office/craft room with plenty of storage, thanks to a walk-in closet. Additionally, there are popular features such as a place for a washer/dryer and a linen closet. In summary, this cozy cottage boasts 1000 sqft of total living space with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 2 covered porches.
2. Cozy 2-Bedroom Cottage
With a footprint of 40’x40′ square, this cozy cottage boasts 800 square feet of space and 2 bedrooms. Notably, there is an emphasis on the use of outdoor space. Firstly, you can picture yourself grilling on your 10-foot deep back porch with easy access to a kitchen. Additionally, enjoy sipping iced tea in a cozy rocking chair on an equally spacious front porch.
Could you enjoy life in this 800 sq ft cottage, taking into consideration 2 bedrooms, ample closet space, and a dedicated spot for a stackable/washer dryer?
3. Charming Cottage under 1000 Sqft
This charming country cottage boasts 941 square feet of living space with dimensions of 30’x38′. Its simple roofline makes the project budget-friendly, as the roof is the biggest expense in construction.
As you step inside from a covered porch, you are welcomed by a living room and an open L-shaped kitchen. A central island is suitable for both meal prep and casual dining. Furthermore, two equal bedrooms are separated by a shared bath with a walk-in shower. Also, a utility closet stores a side-by-side washer and dryer.
Lastly, you could enjoy your morning coffee or evening breezes on the equally-sized front or back porch. In summary, this country charmer has everything you need for a comfortable life and nothing you don’t.
4. 792 Square Foot Small House Plan with 2 Porches
How big is your ideal space? This charming cottage boasts 792 square feet of space with a 36’x33′ footprint, including 6-foot deep porches. Furthermore, with a clever design, there is no wasted space. Also, this plan is for you if you prefer your kitchen to be separate from a great room. Additionally, check out all the pictures of this small house plan. As a result, you can visualize yourself in that space to decide if this is your dream small home.
5. Small House Plan with Wraparound Porch
What separates this plan from the rest? First of all, check out this expansive wraparound deck. Whether you are building a lake retreat or a permanent residence with a million-dollar view, an outdoor space adds to the overall enjoyment of life. Secondly, each bedroom has its own private bath.
Also, with 2 walk-in closets and a dedicated laundry, you can enjoy the little things that make everyday tasks effortless. And lastly, a grand room with vaulted ceilings makes this home feel extra spacious and airy in comparison with all small house plans.
6. Small House Plan for a Narrow Lot
Whether you are looking at small house plans for an urban setting or a narrow lot, this 3-bedroom floor plan delivers a thoughtfully designed layout. You can experience modern living in a traditional 1,415 square foot space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a covered porch.
As you step into the house from a spacious covered porch, you’ll find an open concept living room connected with a kitchen, pantry, and dining area. Also, there is a coat closet, a laundry room, and a half bath on the ground level. As you walk upstairs, you’ll find a spacious main suite with a private bath and a walk-in closet. Additionally, two smaller bedrooms have access to a Jack & Jill bath and closet space.
Furthermore, you will enjoy leisurely afternoons and morning coffees on front and back covered porches.
7. Small A-Frame House Plan
Modern A-Frame designs are a popular choice among those seeking functional and unique small house plans. Embrace the charm of this 1,388 sq ft space with 2 bedrooms and the distinctive grandeur of vaulted ceilings.
As you enter, a welcoming foyer leads you to an open-concept living/dining area, enhanced by the two-story great room. Conveniently, one of the bedrooms is located on the ground level.
Upstairs, you’ll find the primary bedroom suite, featuring an ensuite bathroom and private deck. Additionally, enjoy the airy loft area, perfect for a home office, a library, or an art studio overlooking the main living space.
8. 2-Bed Cottage with Spacious Porch
This charming cottage is a slightly bigger version of one of the plans already featured in this collection of small house plans. Enjoy comfortable country life with 1,088 square feet of living space, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a spacious living room, and 2 covered porches.
As you enter, you’ll discover an open living area that seamlessly connects to a versatile flex room, perfect for a home office or a guest bedroom. The kitchen showcases an efficient and modern layout. Furthermore, its central island is perfect for casual dining or morning coffee. The main suite provides a serene retreat with its private bath and access to a large back porch.
9. Small 2 Bedroom Farmhouse Plan
Could you enjoy life in this 1,020 sq ft 2-bedroom modern farmhouse cottage? Uniquely, it has a lot of interesting design features. Though there is no mudroom nor coat closet at the entrance, an open living area with vaulted ceilings and a modern electric fireplace creates a welcoming first impression.
Furthermore, the kitchen offers ample storage, an optional island, and a walk-in pantry. Access 2 bedrooms from a diagonal hall. While the main bathroom provides a custom shower, the secondary bathroom has a tub/shower combination.
With ample closet space, a dedicated laundry room, a linen closet, and a pantry, you’ll enjoy worry-free living without the need to rent a storage unit. And let’s not forget two expansive covered porches – front and rear.
10. Charming Tiny Cottage with 2 Bedrooms
Is a 660 square foot cottage enough for comfortable living? It really depends on your lifestyle and preferences. As you approach this small home, you would appreciate a traditional cottage facade with a 137-square-foot classic front porch.
As you step inside, admire a bright living room with soaring 12-foot ceilings. Most importantly, this design creates a sense of openness and airiness in this small (on paper) space. As illustrated, the layout seamlessly combines the kitchen and living areas.
Both bedrooms are located toward the back of the home, sharing one full bath. Would you enjoy the evening breeze, surrounded by your lush garden, from a rocking chair on a covered front porch?
11. Small Modern A-Frame with Loft
If you are in love with modern A-frames, take a look at this plan. Boasting 1,363 square feet of space and 2 bedrooms plus a loft, this home has a bright and airy layout. A dramatic covered porch with a vaulted ceiling greets you while providing shelter from rain and sun for your outdoor gatherings.
An open concept ground floor combines a central grand room with a large kitchen and a staircase to the loft. Two equal-sized bedrooms, each with its own private bath, are on the ground level.
As you get upstairs, you’ll find a spacious loft with access to attic storage space. That additional space is perfect for a home office, yoga studio, or craft room. A rustic design with vertical siding, warm timber accents, and a minimalist roofline is ideal for woodland or lake settings.
12. Modern House Plan under 1000 sqft
Looking for a sleek and stylish small home? This modern dwelling boasts a stunning mix of wood and stone on the exterior.
As you step inside, you’ll immediately appreciate the convenience of a coat closet in the hallway. Turn to the right and be greeted by a spacious and open living room. Ready to whip up a delicious meal? The fully-equipped, updated kitchen with a handy peninsula for on-the-go meals and a corner pantry has got you covered.
On the left side of the house, a hallway leads you to two bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a laundry closet with a side-by-side washer and dryer for ultimate convenience.
13. Shed Roof Modern Cottage
This popular small house plan boasts 1,378 square feet with 3 bedrooms and a spacious living room. Most importantly, a simple roofline significantly reduces the construction costs.
As illustrated, the interior feels very spacious and airy, thanks to lots of windows bringing natural light. A split-bedroom layout maximizes privacy while leaving the center of the house open for family gatherings. Lastly, this rustic cottage house plan gives you a 46′-wide (and 8′-deep) porch to enjoy the views and entertain outdoors.
14. Modern 3-Bedroom Cottage
Perfect for any setting where land price is at its premium, this 29’x33′ modern cottage provides 1,000 square feet of space with 3 bedrooms and a 1-car garage. The ground floor has enough room for an open dining/living area and a small powder room under the stairs.
A covered patio in the back is perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. Additionally, a shed dormer upstairs creates a usable space for the three bedrooms and a stackable laundry on the second floor. Overall, it is an efficient small plan, perfect as a starter home for a young family.
15. Cozy 2-Bedroom Cottage with Wrap-Around Porch
This charming cottage offers 1,542 square feet of beautifully appointed living space, all wrapped in a timeless board-and-batten exterior. As you step into a thoughtfully designed exterior, a convenient mudroom and laundry area greet you.
The entrance area leads you into the main living space, emphasizing practical elegance and modern convenience. The ground floor layout connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas for relaxed gatherings, all warmed up by a cozy fireplace.
As you climb stairs to the upper level, you’ll find the private sleeping quarters with two bedrooms, an open loft, a bathroom, and plenty of closet space. Whether you aim for quiet mornings or serene nights, a covered front porch is an ideal spot for enjoying the fresh air.
Reasons to be happy in a smaller home
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through YouTube, watching countless videos of people trading in their large, spacious homes for a smaller, more humble dwelling? Maybe you’ve even clicked on a few and listened to their heartfelt testimonials about how this change has brought them an unexpected level of happiness.
If so, you’re not alone. The trend of downsizing and embracing a simpler lifestyle has gained immense popularity in recent years, and it’s not just for the younger generation. Empty nesters, retirees, and even families with young children are jumping on board, all in pursuit of a happier and more fulfilling life.
But why? What is it about living in a smaller home that brings about such joy and contentment? According to experts, there are a few key factors at play. First, living in a smaller home often means a more affordable cost of living.
With less square footage to maintain, lower utility bills, and potentially lower mortgage or rent payments, many people are finding that they have more financial freedom and less stress when it comes to their living situation.
Additionally, downsizing often means decluttering and simplifying one’s possessions. In a world where consumerism and materialism run rampant, many people have found that letting go of excess stuff can be incredibly freeing. As bestselling author Marie Kondo, known for her organizing skills, says, “The magic of tidying is not just in getting rid of things, but in creating a space that brings you joy and reflects who you are.”
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of downsizing is the shift in mindset that often takes place. When you live in a smaller space, your priorities start to shift.
Suddenly, material possessions and the pursuit of a “bigger and better” lifestyle aren’t as important. Instead, people begin to focus on experiences, travel, relationships, and personal growth. With less time and money spent on maintaining a large home, people have more resources to invest in themselves and their interests.
But for those who have taken the leap and downsized, the benefits seem to far outweigh any potential drawbacks. And for those still on the fence, perhaps it’s worth considering the words of tiny house dweller and blogger Tammy Strobel: “By choosing to live in a smaller space, I’m able to focus on what’s really important and create a life that aligns with my values. It’s not about having less, but about having more of what matters.“
More ideas for small house plans
Are you still searching for that perfect small house layout? Check out these ideas to help you find an ideal home for you:
