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When you plan your house, focus on what you want to do and how much room you'll need to do it. "Don't try to pack too much stuff into too small a space," says Julie Praus, owner of Cornerstone Design. "A house of 2,000 square feet doesn't have room for a gourmet kitchen and a guest bedroom with a full bath." On the other hand, don't make the house too big.

Instead, make full use of every room. If you eat most of your meals in the kitchen, forego the formal dining room and opt for a smaller dining area that can be expanded as needed. Or, design a dining room to double as an office, study area, reading spot or playroom. Other rooms can multi-task, too, to help you use space as efficiently as possible.

Copyright 2003 Rochester Area Builders, Inc. No part of the Builder's Corner articles may be reproduced or printed without written permission from Rochester Area Builders. 108 Elton Hills Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Phone 507-282-7698.