I like the idea of what is now called "voluntary simplicity;" basically a movement towards lives based on the idea of "enough," rather than always needing "more." I was born in Denmark, but now live in the USA. Growing up, a nice apartment for two people was often 40-50 square meters... and why would you need more?

My wife and I live in a house in the US of about 175 square meters; granted, we raised three children here, and often had family visiting/staying... but now the children live in their own places and the house seems ENORMOUS to me... but by US standards, it is quite "average" for two people. For the moment, it is OK, because my wife and I both work from home and have individual offices in the house.

I was never much of a fan of being "a consumer."