Good Lesson in the Age of the McMansion

Eric Striffler for The New York Times

Architect Carlos Brillembourg said something quite profound in a July 24 New York Times story about the modern home he designed for his family in the Hamptons. While the house is 4,000 sq. ft. and cost $1 million to build, it appears smaller than the two cottages on the adjacent properties. "The spectacle shouldn't be the house," Brillembourg said. "It should be the life that takes place in the house." Does anyone really need a 12,000 sq. ft. home? Will it make them happier? Maybe, but I doubt it.