One of the boldest positions Summer Jensen takes in her KBB From the Tap interview is her stance on re-evaluating home size. She believes that luxury homes don’t need to be oversized to feel elevated. In fact, right-sizing may be the most important sustainability decision a homeowner can make.
Summer suggests a cap of 3,500 sq ft for a family of four, based on research that the average person can genuinely use only about 2,500 sq ft of space. Additional square footage should support actual function, not status.
Her point: “We don’t need 2,000-square-foot rooms filled with furniture no one uses.”
By reducing unnecessary space, homeowners can:
- Lower energy consumption
- Reduce the volume of materials used
- Create spaces that feel more intentional
- Invest more in quality, craftsmanship, and healthy materials
This philosophy aligns with California’s growing interest in livable, efficient luxury design (especially in cities where homeowners value lifestyle, wellness, and connection to nature over sheer size).
Summer’s approach offers a new model for the future of California luxury: fewer square feet, more meaning. Contact Hawk & Co. if you’re exploring a remodel or new build in:
Based on insights from:
From the Tap – A KBB Podcast: How Sustainability & Luxury Can Coexist in Design – A Talk with Summer Jensen (Apr 2, 2025)
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