Call it a response to the economy, or bandwagon environmentalism, but I found this tid-bit from Iconowatch interesting… as suburbanites downsize their homes, how can our clients respond to the new beauty found in smaller spaces?  House Beautiful’s July 2008 issue smartly devotes the entire issue to small spaces; gorgeously photographed spaces that could easily be considered a “dream home.” Definitely something to note and keep watch.

According to the editors at Big Backlash, ”the ‘burbs beginning to diet. A recent report by AIArchitect suggests that homeowners are feeling the ballooning weight gain of love-handle rooms and spare-tire spaces. In their Q1 2008 survey of residential architects, “more than twice as many respondents reported home size declines” (AIA.org 6.6.08). That’s the inverse of results from the 2006 report.

So why the architectural about-face? At Iconoculture, we’ve been citing the same reasons that AIA mentions: an economic downturn, population shifts and increased environmental awareness. A National Association of Home Builders survey recently found 60% of potential homebuyers would rather have a smaller house with more amenities than vice versa (Realtor.org 5.12.08). From sky-rocketing utility costs to the need for universal design, many are finding that a morbidly obese McMansion just isn’t sustainable.

The home goods marketplace is starting to respond. Mammoth furniture mainstreamer Pottery Barn is now shedding the pounds with its in-demand “Small Spaces” collection. We’re even seeing luxury kitchen appliance brands making smaller versions for grand-at-heart-but-not-in-size galleys.

As some American dream homes start to shrink and homeowners jump off the unsustainable-home treadmill, they’ll be looking for retailers and brands that promote a more (financially and environmentally) healthful way of living.”