52 Times People Took Inspiration From Mansions But What They’ve Built Was A Version From Temu

McMansions may be a term new to many readers, but the concept has been around since the 1980s. Investopedia defines it as a “large, mass-produced suburban home, lacking architectural uniqueness and class, often seen as a status symbol,” typically between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet. 

The terms came about to compare these homes to fast food: mass-produced and cheaply made, yet in high demand.

As styles evolve through the years, so do McMansions. These days, they're called “McModern,” a term coined by Kate Wagner, founder of the McMansion Hell blog. 

In a 2025 interview with Architectural Digest, she says the McModern follows a familiar archetype: a sprawling, hyper-streamlined house with an almost signature flat roof, floor-to-ceiling windows, and perpendicular white walls.

Architecture and design critic Mimi Zegler chimed in on the McModern phenomenon. As she explained, these houses feature “principles of midcentury California, but in jumbo-sized ways.” 

“Indoor-outdoor living equals multiple oversized patios, courtyards, and terraces; honest expression of materials means ipe [wood] screens in triplicate; simple geometries translate to boxy stucco expanses,” she said.

Indeed, the quintessential McMansion look and feel appears to be a thing of the past. According to a February Zillow article, demand for smaller, more affordable homes has risen, with people focusing more on purpose-built spaces like reading nooks. 

Zillow also notes that today's home buyers are prioritizing wellness and sustainability. Listings that mention zero-energy-ready homes are up by 70%, while listings of whole-home batteries are up by 40%.

According to Zillow’s home trends expert Amanda Pendleton, American homes have gone “from status symbols to sanctuaries.” 

“We expect future homes to be more flexible, resilient, and deeply personal. The smartest homes won't feel high-tech; they'll feel intuitive, lived-in and supportive,” she said.