Full House
Designing a family home in a small footprint is no small feat. Kids need space to play, parents need storage solutions that actually work, and everyone needs a little privacy. The good news? Thoughtful design can make even the tiniest homes feel generous. These five compact family homes prove that with the right approach, living small doesn’t mean compromising on comfort, function, or fun.
Little Homes, Big Imagination
Project Ordener in Paris’s 18th arrondissement saw designers Sarah Chayeb and Pauline Paradis transform a 25sqm/269sqft apartment into a warm, playful haven for client Léonard and his son. To account for Léonard’s expansive book collection (he’s a book reviewer), Chayeb and Paradis added some built-in bookshelves. For his son’s not-quite-as-expansive toy collection, however, they added hidden toy storage within three large pull-out drawers in a custom-built couch. This way, his son has easy access, and Léonard has a quick tidy-up solution. To up the whimsy of the son’s living quarters, Chayeb and Paradis turned a cosy nook into his all-blue bedroom – accessed through an Alice in Wonderland–inspired door. This kid-sized retreat for imagination and play is enclosed within soundproof glass to ensure peace while Léonard works or entertains below.
Tokyo’s Open Sky House, a 57sqm/613sqft home for artist and architect Zajirogh, his wife, and their three kids, takes inspiration from ship design to make compact living both functional and imaginative. Designed by Zajirogh himself and architect Yoshitaka Suzuki, the apartment features an open-air courtyard that serves as the family’s living room. And while hand-me-downs are inevitable with three kids, there are still three different interests, hobbies – and all their associated stuff – to account for. The family makes room for it all with a unique approach to communal and private space. The best example of this is the shared kids’ room, which features a large common desk set below loft beds accessed via bookshelf stairs. With plans to divide the children’s room into three separate private spaces as they grow older, Zajirogh highlights that small-space family living is an evolving process that prioritizes adaptability.
In Amsterdam, a former attic space became a warm, minimalist home for architect Michiel Hilbrink of ardor—studio and his family of three. The 60sqm/645sqft Amsterdam Loft embraces openness, with its airy floor plan contrasted by a tucked-away bathroom and what was originally an enclosed office. But with a kid on the way, the couple forwent the luxury of a private workspace, converting the office into their son’s nursery. Storage is cleverly integrated throughout the loft – extra-deep wardrobes conceal shelves for boxed personal items, while a wall-mounted unit and a simple custom-made bookshelf for toys, books, and of course a bunny lamp, keep the child’s bedroom organized and kid-friendly. Blackout curtains ensure restful sleep for their son, a small but crucial detail in compact family life. By keeping the main areas open, the design balances spaciousness with the coziness of a carefully planned small home.
Across the equator, the 45sqm/484sqft Torquay Apartment in Victoria reimagines a small space for a family of four with a layered approach to privacy. Together with the client and their carpenter, architect Jean Graham of Winter Architecture took a considered approach to the kids’ living space. Two children’s beds are staggered at different heights, ensuring each child has a view of the apartment’s Torquay seaside vista. A felt pinboard wraps entirely across the walls, serving as both a cozy sound insulator and a space for the kids to create their own unique displays for their artwork. Storage is built beneath the beds, with drawers and a hanging clothes rack, and a strategically placed wardrobe acts as a buffer between the kids' bedroom and the main living area. Every design choice balances functionality with warmth, creating a home that evolves with the family.
Osaka’s 57sqm/613sqft F-House, designed by Coilkma’s Kazuteru Matsumura, takes a playful approach to compact living with velcro curtains instead of doors, creating adaptable zones for a family of four. The children’s shared bedroom features bunk beds with a compact pull-out desk and hidden storage underneath that doubles as a cozy play nook. Expanding that sense of play throughout the main living space, a rock-climbing wall also functions as access to an overhead play and storage area, keeping toys out of sight and out of mind. By avoiding custom furniture, the home kept costs low while maintaining flexibility, allowing the family to adjust their layout as needs change. The result is a home that feels both dynamic and practical, demonstrating that small-space living doesn’t have to feel restrictive.
All in the Family (Home)
Living small with kids is an adventure – sometimes chaotic, often messy, but always full of possibility. These homes show that with a little ingenuity, families can turn compact spaces into joyful, functional homes. It’s all about balance: carving out privacy while embracing togetherness, making space for play while keeping the clutter at bay. When done right, small-scale family living isn’t just practical – it’s a design challenge worth celebrating.
