Small homes can be cozy, efficient, and charming — but they can also feel cramped if they’re not designed thoughtfully. As we move into 2025, homeowners are looking for creative remodeling solutions that maximize square footage without sacrificing style or comfort.

Pastelaria Alcôa redesigned by Contacto Atlântico, is located on Garrett Street in Lisbon, Portugal. The conversion threads a new bakery program through a storied storefront, keeping the spirit of the former lottery house alive. Warm wood slats, copper pendants, and a robust stone counter ground the room while the celebrated ceramic facade pulls the street indoors.

Corvidae Co-op anchors multi unit housing in Seattle, WA, United States, by Allied8. The cluster steps down a planted slope and opens to a paved courtyard, where stoops and stairs pull neighbors into easy conversation. Inside, light pours through black-framed windows onto pale wood floors, giving compact rooms a calm, workable rhythm.

Guernerés opens onto the slopes of Grimentz, Switzerland, with chalet interiors by Amel Epiney. The project gathers luxury lodges near the village and orients living rooms to the snow fields. Inside, timber cladding, dark stone hearths, and brass-lit kitchens create a rich alpine palette that pivots from ski mornings to long fireside evenings.

KSS Apartment by Raca Studio opens in Gdańsk, Poland, with an assertive palette and an easy flow between rooms. The apartment’s living core threads walnut flooring, burgundy drapery, and veined stone into a unified mood. A curved kitchen island and globe lighting set the tone for gatherings, while tailored millwork sharpens the edges of an otherwise soft plan.

Surrounded by the silvery leaves of a four-decare olive grove in Ayvacık, Türkiye, Sazlı DY House by Studio OM weaves together regional building traditions with a modern design sensibility. Completed in 2024, this single-family home draws the outdoors in through sweeping windows, a restrained material palette, and a layout that’s primed for both gathering and retreat. It’s a fresh take on year-round living where rustic charm and contemporary style coexist seamlessly.

Villa Tai, designed by ARK Architects in 2024, rises from the hills of Sotogrande, Spain. This luxurious residence combines contemporary architecture with expansive use of stone and wood, maximizing Mediterranean views and the surrounding landscape. Floor-to-ceiling glass, open-plan living, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections define the home’s design ethos, bringing nature directly into each refined space. The result is a serene and stylish retreat tailored for modern living.

Wittman Estes has breathed new life into a historic house, located in Wayzata, MN, United States, through a major renovation for a California family. The 8,945-square-foot (831 square metre) home now has a contemporary interiors featuring sculptural elements and expansive windows – a significant change from five previous remodels that broke up the interior flow and left the residence feeling dark.