Tiny houses are getting bigger nowadays. Well, maybe not literally. But it has grown in popularity in recent years and has become one of the most popular options for people from all walks of life, especially those who want to live a simpler lifestyle.
Many folks are jumping on the tiny house bandwagon because it gives them physical and financial freedom. In fact, according to statistics, 68% of tiny house owners are enjoying a mortgage-free life. This also means that a huge chunk of homeowners does not have any credit card debts.
Because of these freedoms, more and more people are getting interested in tiny house living. However, one of the few things that most people ask is how does one design and decorate a tiny house suitable to their lifestyles?
Design and Decorating Ideas for New Tiny House Owners
If you’re wondering how to go about designing and decorating a tiny house properly, here are a few tips to get you started:
Tip #1: Lofts are the way to go
A typical tiny house only has about 100 to 400 square feet of livable space. This is a far cry from a normal residential property. For this reason, most tiny houses use lofts for bedrooms or other functions.
Tip #2: Creatively incorporate storage with the overall design
Storage is one of the main concerns of living in a small space. You need to be creative when it comes to storage since you are working with very minimal space. Look for ways to incorporate storage into your overall design, such as built-in seating that doubles as chests or concealed shelves or cabinet space built into walls.
Tip #3: Let the light in
Just because you’re living in a small space doesn’t mean it has to appear small. One of the best ways to make a space appear larger is to install larger windows to let as much natural light indoors. Using mirrors and other reflective surfaces inside bounces light around, making the space seem airier and more spacious.
Tip #4: Slide doors into walls
Instead of going for the typical swinging hinged doors, you might want to consider sliding doors that go into built-in crevices on the walls. They provide privacy without taking up too much space.
Tip #5: Resourcefulness is a handy trait
If you think you might have a hard time living with far less furniture, sometimes all you need to make it work is a bit of resourcefulness. Think multi-purpose. This way, you don’t need to buy bulky single-purpose furniture. For instance, instead of installing an island in the kitchen, you could use a tall table that not only gives you that needed space to prep your dinner but can also double as your dining table.
Tip #6: Tiny is not synonymous with tacky
Just because you’re living in a much smaller space doesn’t mean that you’re going to end up with a tacky home. There are several ways of making a tiny space still appear stylish and luxurious, from using the right materials to putting up the right decor and fixtures.
Tip #7: Utilize your outdoor space
Depending on the tiny house you own, you can always use your surroundings to create more space. If you’re not living in a mobile home, you can always increase your home’s value by adding landscaping work or installing a deck.
Tip #8: Go up the wall
Keep in mind that while you may be limited horizontally, you can always create more space vertically. In addition to installing lofts to add to your total floor area, you can also install wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, and even furniture such as foldable workstations and dining tables.
Tip #9: Prepare to make sacrifices
One of the main reasons many people are jumping to tiny houses is they want to live a simpler lifestyle. This means downsizing and streamlining their possessions. Understandably, any homeowner would want to make the most out of the space they have, but for folks who aren’t ready to let go of most of their stuff, the transition is a lot harder.
Certain sacrifices need to be made. Perhaps it’s giving up most of your ceramic figurine collection or letting go of household items that have sentimental value. Whatever it is, tiny house living entails a lot of decluttering and releasing of personal belongings and keeping only essential and meaningful ones.
When it comes to decorating small spaces, whether a small apartment or a tiny house, the fun is always in the challenge of making it look beautiful without compromising space and functionality. Coming up with a clever design despite the limited space makes it all very rewarding at the end of it all.
