Is square footage the be-all-end-all when it comes to buying a home? We’ll let you in on an industry secret…it isn’t. In fact, anyone who has lived in a large house can tell you about the (sometimes numerous) unused and awkward extra spaces that just don’t get used. The fact of the matter is that extra space doesn’t always mean extra comfort…it often means extra headache.
There’s a smarter way to go about choosing a home that will work for you, and we want to introduce you to it…
It’s called right-sizing: The art of choosing a home that is the perfect size and layout for your actual day-to-day life. It’s about moving away from the number you see on a page, and towards a living vision of how you’ll actually use the space.
It’s time to challenge the whole bigger-is-better narrative—right-sizing is something you can start doing today. We’re going to help you understand what it is and how it can help you choose the home that’s right for you.
Let’s start.
What is a Functional Floorplan? The 3 F’s
Room count is not the only thing that matters when it comes to having a truly great layout. There’s actually a fairly easy reference framework you can use to help you accurately assess whether a given space will work for you. It’s called The 3 F’s.
- Form. This refers to the overall shape, feel, and soul (if you will) of the space. Does the home have good proportions? Has it been optimized for natural lighting? Does it have high ceilings? Strategic windows? What is your overall perception of the space? A “right-sized” home can actually feel significantly more spacious than an oversized mansion, solely because of its form.
- Function. This starts to lean towards what is practical about the design. What does it do for you? Does it support your actual activities? Is there a dedicated quiet spot for your home office? Is the kitchen layout set up to accommodate your family gatherings? These are the kind of questions that start to refine your buying options quite quickly.
- Flow. How do you move through the home? Is it an intuitive experience where the spaces feel connected? Or is it choppy, awkward, unexpected, and uncomfortable? You want to move through your home with ease, and it’s worth taking the time to consider what paths you’ll take, and at what times of the day.
If the home is smaller, but designed with The 3 F’s in mind, it will always feel better than the bigger home that hasn’t taken them into consideration (Avalon’s Net Zero townhomes are designed with exactly this type of function and efficiency in mind).
Matching Your Floorplan to Your Lifestyle
One-size-fits-all does not exist when it comes to floorplans. That said, we have some tips to help you assess your needs, based on common profiles we see from clients. Use these as starter points that you can modify going forward and reference back to later on.
For the Remote Worker
For those of you working at home, your floorplan needs to support focus and professional boundaries. The growing prevalence of this lifestyle in recent years has forced homebuyers to place a greater emphasis on how a potential home could accommodate it.
- Look for: Additional rooms that wouldn’t be used as bedrooms and could be used for an office, instead. Prioritize good natural light, and make sure there is enough wall space for a proper desk and storage.
- Avoid: Trying to cram a desk into the corner of your living room or bedroom. Blurring the line between your workspace and your relaxation space is a recipe for burnout.
For the Flexible Family
Townhome living doesn’t mean compromising on family life; it means streamlining it. A “right-sized” family home handles the beautiful chaos of school schedules and sports gear while keeping everyone connected in a way that large, disconnected houses often can’t.
Look for: An open-concept main floor that lets you prep dinner while keeping an eye on the kids in the living area. This layout maximizes flow, ensuring your most-used spaces feel unified rather than cramped.
The Right-Size Advantage: In many Avalon layouts, bedrooms are grouped on the upper level to create a clear boundary between “high-energy” living areas and “quiet-zone” sleeping quarters.
Think Adaptability: If you choose a 3-bedroom layout, you could use that third room as a playroom. As your family grows, it has the potential to transition into a dedicated homework zone or a teen hangout space. You don’t need massive square footage, you just need a space you can grow into.
For the Minimalist or Downsizer
If you are looking to simplify your life without sacrificing quality, right-sizing is the minimalist/downsizers best friend!
- Look for: Space to integrate storage solutions (such as using an open front entry for a wardrobe) and a highly efficient layout that eliminates “dead space” (like long, unnecessary hallways, for example). Focus on high-quality finishes that create a sense of luxury within a smaller, more manageable footprint.
- Focus on: A “lock-and-leave” type lifestyle. A well-designed and smaller space is both easier to maintain and gives you more time to enjoy your freedom.
The Avalon Advantage: Flexible by Design
Avalon Homes designs townhomes that are built on the principles of right-sizing. We don’t just build rooms; we build adaptable environments that people actually want to live in. Our floorplans are thoughtfully designed with 1-3 bedrooms and open-concept living areas that can be tailored to fit your specific needs.
Beyond the layout, right-sizing has a major financial and environmental impact. An energy-efficient Net Zero home that is just the right size isn’t just better for the planet, it actually comes with significant savings, as well.
By reducing unnecessary square footage and maximizing efficiency, you enjoy lower utility bills and a smarter long-term investment. Avalon builds for modern lifestyles, because we understand that your home should work for you (not the other way around).
Ready to find a floorplan that truly fits your life? Explore Avalon’s Net Zero and Net Zero Ready townhomes in one of our beautiful Calgary communities. Visit a showhome today and feel the difference that thoughtful, right-sized design can make.