Suburban homes built in the 1950s seldom exceeded 2,000 square feet, with families of up to six making do in two or three bedrooms. Sociologists (including UBC’s Elizabeth Dunn) have studied how the mania for monster houses might negatively affect modern families. Pre-pandemic, studies and academic papers pointed to large lots and expansive foyers as discouraging social interaction and well-being, with the novelty of big-home living wearing off within two years. Stay tuned for how recent work-from-home, home-schooling and other living-larger trends might impact happy living in the long term; for smaller-footprint living consult firms like happyhomedesign.ca.
