The banker said- It’s got to be under $$$$ for you to qualify for the mortgage! ( just about 99% of the population get the same response.) So, how do you make the small house feel large? Keep it open, use diagonal window placement, let a lot of light in, no protruding counters, or mantels, and hide the stair. Ok good. Now, how about saving money on heat and cooling. Build the walls on the windy side with 2 x 6, insulate with R 19, and keep the total heating and cooling system inside the envelope.