When your home isn’t working for you, even the smallest frustrations can feel overwhelming. For me, the tipping point came on a rainy 4th of July when my family hosted about 30 people on our 700-square-foot first floor. The rain ruined our plans to host outside, and suddenly, every flaw in our home’s layout became impossible to ignore.

Parents struggled to find a spot to change their kids. Our small, closed-off kitchen turned into a chaotic bottleneck as I tried to serve food. Guests spilled into every corner, from the living room to the cramped upstairs bathroom, which wasn’t designed to handle a crowd.

It wasn’t just a stressful day—it was a wake-up call. My home wasn’t supporting our family or lifestyle. I knew it was time for a change.

The Big Picture: Small Homes and Old Homes

Did you know that more than 58% of American homes were built before 1980? Older homes often have layouts and features that reflect the needs of a bygone era—think formal dining rooms, small kitchens, and limited bathrooms. In small homes, which make up over 20% of the U.S. housing market, these outdated designs can feel especially restrictive.

Challenges with older or smaller homes often include:

• Inefficient layouts: Rooms may be closed off and compartmentalized, making it hard to entertain or navigate.

• Limited storage: Closets and cabinets in older homes weren’t designed for modern needs.

• Outdated systems: Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems often need updates to meet today’s standards.

For families like mine, these challenges can feel insurmountable without a clear plan. My journey to redesign our small, 100-year-old home taught me that a thoughtful approach can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

Addressing the Problems: Every Square Foot Matters

When redesigning a small home, one of the first steps is understanding how your space is (or isn’t) working for you. After that eventful 4th of July, I spent time reflecting on what made our home feel so inefficient.

The dining room, for example, was underused. It wasn’t a place for meals or connection—it had become a storage zone, cluttered with overflow from the kitchen. I realized that the lack of storage in the kitchen was spilling over into every other room. It was frustrating to feel like I was constantly fighting to keep things organized when the real issue was that our home simply didn’t have the storage we needed.

Another challenge was the bathroom. Sharing one small bathroom with my husband and son was already inconvenient, but asking guests to use it felt embarrassing. It was too small to accommodate a crowd, and having people upstairs—where all our personal items were—felt intrusive.

Key Lessons in Redesigning a Small Home

As I planned our renovation, I kept returning to one guiding principle: every square foot must have a purpose. In small homes, there’s no room for wasted space.

I remember walking through our house with a notebook, making lists of what worked and what didn’t. The living room felt cramped because it was acting as a multipurpose room, with toys, books, and random storage items tucked into every corner. The dining room felt like a wasted space—more of a catch-all than a functional room. And the kitchen? It was so closed off that even preparing a simple meal felt like an isolating experience.

These realizations guided every decision I made during the redesign.

1. Evaluate How You Use Each Room

Think about your family’s habits. Are there spaces you barely use? Are certain areas overcrowded or cluttered? For us, the dining room wasn’t a place we gathered, and the basement laundry area was so uninviting that I dreaded going down there.

2. Prioritize Functionality

It’s tempting to start with aesthetics, but functionality is what makes a space truly livable. Think about how you’ll use each space daily and design for convenience.

3. Consider Long-Term Value

Invest in changes that will benefit your family for years to come, like additional bathrooms or improved layouts. For us, this meant prioritizing features like a washer and dryer on the main floor, even if it required extra effort to make it work.

Relocating the Kitchen for Better Flow

One of the boldest decisions I made was to relocate the kitchen to the dining room. This solved multiple problems:

• Deck Access: The new kitchen connects directly to our deck, making it easier to entertain guests during the summer. No more carrying trays of food through awkward doorways.

• Space Optimization: The old dining room became a fully functional, modern kitchen that serves as the hub of our home.

I’ll never forget the first time I hosted after the renovation. It was a warm summer evening, and having the ability to move seamlessly between the kitchen and the deck felt like such a luxury. For the first time, I felt like my home was working for me, not against me.

What About Dining Space?

Many people might wonder, “If you got rid of the dining room, where does your family eat?” We addressed this by creating seating at the peninsula in the new kitchen for casual meals. For more formal dining, we added a small table to our sunroom. These adjustments fit seamlessly into our daily routines and made better use of the space.

Adding a Bathroom for Family and Guests

With the kitchen relocated, the old kitchen space became a full bathroom with a washer and dryer. This change was transformative for our family.

I can’t overstate how much easier life became with a second bathroom. My son no longer had to wait for us in the mornings, and having a washer and dryer upstairs saved so much time and effort. Before the renovation, laundry was something I dreaded—trudging down to the basement with heavy baskets felt like such a chore. Now, it’s part of my daily routine, and I barely think about it.

Design Choices That Make a Difference

Redesigning a small home is about more than layout changes. It’s about thoughtful design choices that prioritize how you’ll use the space.

1. Custom Cabinetry for Storage Solutions

Older homes often have quirks that don’t align with modern standards. Custom cabinetry allowed us to maximize every inch of space, particularly in the kitchen.

2. Flooring for Cohesion

Replacing the flooring throughout the first floor created a unified look, making the space feel larger and more connected.

3. A Kitchen Designed for Flexibility

I chose a black-and-white palette for the kitchen as a neutral backdrop. This decision allows me to switch out accents and artwork over time.

4. Statement Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to elevate a space. I replaced all the fixtures with statement pieces that add personality and warmth.

FAQs: Addressing Homeowner Concerns

1. Is it worth it to relocate a kitchen in a small home?

Relocating a kitchen can feel daunting, but it’s worth it when it solves inefficiencies and improves daily life. For us, the new layout allowed better flow and transformed underused space.

2. How do you balance functionality and aesthetics?

Start with functionality. In the kitchen, prioritize storage and accessibility. Then add timeless finishes like my black-and-white palette, which accommodates any accent.

3. How do I budget for surprises in an older home renovation?

Plan for contingencies. I recommend setting aside 15–20% of your budget for unexpected expenses, like plumbing or asbestos removal.

4. What’s the best way to maximize storage in a small home?

Custom cabinetry is key. Use drawer-based lowers, vertical solutions, and built-ins for storage that fits your space.

5. What do I do if I lose a formal dining room?

Think creatively. A peninsula for casual meals or a multipurpose space like our sunroom can fulfill dining needs efficiently.

6. How do I deal with decision fatigue during a renovation?

Work with a designer, set clear priorities, and focus on timeless elements to reduce stress.

7. Should I renovate my small home or move to a larger one?

If your home has “good bones” and the right location, renovate. If, even with improvements, the space can’t meet your needs, move.

8. What are the most important features to include in a small home renovation?

Focus on storage, efficient layouts, natural light, and multifunctional spaces to maximize your home’s potential.

Final Thoughts: Transforming Your Home

If your home isn’t working for you, it’s time to make a change. Whether it’s rethinking your layout, optimizing storage, or taking a bold step like adding a bathroom, the right changes can transform how you live.