Across Australia, more and more people are looking at small, architecturally pre-designed homes (typically one to two bedrooms) as a clever way to make the most of their property. Some are exploring income opportunities like rentals or Airbnb, while others want to create a welcoming space for parents or children. And for many, it’s about embracing a simpler, smaller-footprint way of living that’s easier to maintain, kinder to the environment, and deeply considered.

Whatever the motivation, the common thread is this: people are realising that good design doesn’t need to mean big — it needs to mean smart.

Quorum Architectural Studio and Elska Interiors Design Studio are committed to helping people meet those goals and the team at Quorum have gone the extra mile in starting the process for you.  Here we’ll take a look at the small home design and lifestyle considerations.

Why Consider a Small Pre-Designed Home?

There are plenty of reasons to consider building a small home on your property. For some, it’s about creating a new revenue stream through permanent or short-term rental accommodation. For others, it’s about offering independence to aging parents or grown-up children, while still keeping family close. And increasingly, people are drawn to the lifestyle benefits of smaller living — less to clean, less to maintain, and more time to focus on what matters.

The appeal goes beyond practicality, too. A small, well-designed home can enhance your property, provide flexibility for the future, and create spaces that genuinely add value to your life.

What an Architect Brings to a Small Home Design

In small homes, every square metre counts. Architects look carefully at how people live and move through spaces, ensuring nothing is wasted and everything works hard. Some of the most effective architectural moves include:

• Space Optimisation- Architects are trained to think critically about how to use every square meter effectively. They can suggest layouts that enhance flow of movement, creative storage solutions such as where to place the washer and dryer, window placement that draws in natural light and makes spaces feel expansive, while connecting interiors to gardens or courtyards.
• Sustainable Considerations- Architects can incorporate energy-efficient features and smart technologies, natural light and ventilation to minimise energy consumption and clever circulation planning, with layouts that feel seamless rather than cramped.
• Innovative Solutions, dual-purpose outdoor areas like decks or courtyards that extend living spaces without adding to the footprint, unexpected layouts, unique architectural features, well placed skylights, or inventive use of materials. 

• Compliance and Regulation Considerations- Architects are familiar with the legal requirements involved in constructing a home. They can ensure the design complies with local regulations, such as the Liveable Housing Design Standards (LHDS) where guidelines are provided for creating homes that are accessible and adaptable for people of all ages and abilities.   An architect can incorporate these standards into your small home design, ensuring features such as wider doorways, step-free entrances, and appropriate bathroom layouts. This not only enhances the usability of your home but also increases its long-term value and marketability.

With a plan from Quorum Studio, you’re not just buying a design — you’re buying years of expertise in creating small homes that feel like considered luxury, not constrained frugality.

What an Interior Designer Brings to a Small Home Design

Interior design is where small spaces move from simply functional to deeply liveable — and even joyful. In compact homes, good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about smart problem-solving, creating flow, and enhancing comfort. Interior designers bring clarity and cohesion to small spaces, ensuring every detail contributes to a sense of calm, spaciousness, and practicality.

Here’s how that comes to life:

• Clever Maximisation of Storage- Clever storage solutions are essential in small homes, where every centimetre counts. Interior designers create generous yet discreet storage that enhances the space rather than overwhelms it. From integrated joinery that doubles as seating or shelving, to multifunctional furniture with hidden compartments, every detail is considered. Smart use of niches, ceiling-height cabinetry, and well-zoned storage keeps surfaces clear and daily life more efficient, all while maintaining a seamless, stylish look.

• Scale and Flow- Good design is as much about how a space feels as how it looks. By selecting furniture in the right scale, keeping circulation paths clear, and drawing the eye upward with vertical elements, designers create a sense of openness. Add to that thoughtful finishes, sight lines, and focal points, and even the most compact spaces flow effortlessly and feel more expansive.
• Considered Finishes and Lighting– Finishes and lighting have the power to completely transform a space. Designers maximise natural light with mirrors, sheer treatments, and reflective surfaces, while layered lighting plans add depth and flexibility. Subtle textures bring warmth without clutter, purposeful colour creates either openness or definition, and continuous materials tie everything together for a seamless, expansive feel.

These design decisions may seem small, but in a compact home, they shape the way you live every day. A skilled interior designer brings not only an eye for beauty but a deep understanding of how to create space where it matters — through smart design, thoughtful detailing, and purposeful choices.

The Benefits of Choosing a Pre-Designed Plan

A pre-designed plan offers the best of both worlds: considered design, without the time and expense of starting from scratch. They’re ready to go, thoughtfully tested, and tailored to suit real lifestyles. With a pre-designed plan, you will receive detailed Architectural Construction Drawings; however, it is essential to engage with various consultants, such as a structural engineer and energy efficiency specialists. Additionally, these drawings must be reviewed and approved by a private certifier to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

The benefits go beyond efficiency. A small, pre-designed home is adaptable — it can flex with your family’s needs, provide additional income, or simply give you a beautiful, low-maintenance space to enjoy. And with the range of designs available from Quorum Studio, you’ll find a plan that feels like it was created with your exact needs in mind.

These homes prove that living small doesn’t mean giving up anything important. In fact, with the right design, it often means living smarter, with spaces that are flexible, intentional, and a joy to be in.

 Ready to reimagine what’s possible on your property? Start here– Quorum Studios Predesigned Plans