I'd go for something in a weeping form. I have a weeping blue atlas cedar that is
stunning and has a very small footprint.

Weeping Atlas cedars are certainly stunning, but I'd hardly consider them to have a 'small footprint', especially once they reach some maturity. See the linked photo :-)

Once established, tree roots will extend far beyond the 'footprint' of the tree - the larger the mature size of the tree, the larger the expanse of the root system. A dwarf selection or a cultivar that is very slow growing will generally buy you more time without this issue causing problems. For spruces, I'd consider something like P. omorika 'Pendula Bruns' or P. orientalis 'Skylands'. Otherwise, Abies koreana 'Horstmann's Silberlocke' or a whole host of dwarf Chamaecyparis selections could work. For a single tree in a significant position, I'd look for something quite distinctive, either in form or foliage color.

It might be best to visit your local garden center and review their selections of dwarf or very slow growing conifers. Lots to choose from.

Here is a link that might be useful: