Design Tips for Compact Living
Not every home comes with a sprawling floor plan, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Whether you’re nestled in a classic Craftsman in South Minneapolis, living efficiently in Edina, or navigating a long, narrow lot in St. Paul’s Highland Park, compact living offers endless opportunities to get creative. At Stockwell Homes, we’ve worked with properties of all shapes and sizes, from generous lakeside builds in Prior Lake and Minnetonka to clever remodels in tighter urban footprints. And one thing remains consistent: thoughtful design always wins.
When square footage is limited, every decision matters. That might mean creating a better sense of flow in a 1920s bungalow or completely reimagining a split-level home to accommodate growing needs. It’s not just about shrinking down the essentials. When it comes to maximizing small spaces, the core of design is about maximizing the utility and experience of every square inch.
One of the most impactful perspectives we’ve encountered came from a designer we partnered with who previously worked in luxury yacht design. “In homes, you measure in feet,” she said. “On a yacht, you measure in inches.” That mindset, one where no detail is too small to consider, translates so well to small space design. Think in terms of not just function over form, but function driving form, with every cabinet, corner, and wall plane working harder than it would in a larger setting.
Here are a few compact living tips we’ve seen make a big difference:
1. Use Vertical Space:
In small rooms, floor space is sacred. So we build upward. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in kitchens, tall open shelving in living areas, and vertical storage solutions in closets all help to reduce clutter and keep everything within easy reach. Even elements like wall-mounted lighting or floating nightstands can create the illusion of more space while increasing utility.
2. Prioritize Built-Ins:
In tight quarters, built-in furniture offers a custom fit and multi-functional use. Banquette seating with hidden storage, floating desks, mudroom lockers, or even a library wall can be tailored to your home’s specific needs and architectural style. These hidden features help make compact spaces feel curated rather than cramped.
3. Open Up Sightlines:
Small spaces feel larger when they maintain a degree of flow. Replacing bulky doors with pocket or sliding versions, opening up walls wherever appropriate, and using cohesive flooring and color palettes throughout helps create continuity. Even simple upgrades, like swapping out your heavy window treatments for streamlined, minimal shades, can open up a room visually.
4. Smart Storage Is Non-Negotiable:
From toe-kick drawers in the kitchen to integrated pantry walls, we’re constantly finding new and exciting ways to hide storage in plain sight. In bathrooms and laundry rooms, shallow cabinetry and wall-mounted storage help maintain circulation while offering all the functionality of a larger storage solution.
5. Light It Right:
Natural light goes a long way in making small spaces feel more expansive. When natural light sources are limited, we look to layered lighting: recessed fixtures, under-cabinet LEDs, sconces, and dimmable overhead options, which all create that brightness and warmth we crave in our homes.
Wrapping Up
Small space design isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing more with what you have. From ADUs in Linden Hills to streamlined duplex renovations in St. Paul, we love helping homeowners uncover the full potential of their home, no matter the footprint.
If you’re exploring a renovation or new build in a compact setting, we’d love to bring our experience to your project. Let’s design a space that feels open, intentional, and unmistakably yours. Get in touch; we'd love to hear from you!