I think that everybody that moves into a house leaves a mark on it (Maybe not. Those people that put plastic runners down and plastic on their furniture might not) but those that renovate start with a fundamental change.
Some people are footnotes to houses, some are chapters. Houses need footnotes and chapters.
Space matters, of course it does. Even more, is our perception of the space. If the space is truly ours and matches our vision of it, then it's a happy place. I predict that your house and your space are going to be happy.
I think anybody can do anything in anyplace. I also think that everybody can do better in a friendly environment. So why not have the place you want?