I read today that Builder magazine has come up with its concept home for 2010. It’s called a “Home for the New Economy,” and it’s 1,700 square feet. Previous concept homes have been as large as 6,000 square feet, so this is quite a departure. The article goes on to say that it will take time before homeowners embrace the smaller-is-better concept of this concept home. And certainly where we live, McMansions still rule (see above).

But the “Home for the New Economy” makes me feel vindicated. We live comfortably in a 2000-square foot house with a room for every child, a cozy former dining room that long ago became our ersatz family room and a kitchen where we —— and most people who visit us —— spend most of our time. There isn’t as much house to clean or pay for and, best of all, the small house keeps us together. Where we belong.