This Tiny Home has its own Indoor Porch that you access through a Hidden Bookshelf Door

Designed by Acorn Tiny Homes, the Sherloak Homes brings about a novel new twist to the world of tiny home designs. The towable dwelling looks quite ordinary and simple from the outside, but the interiors feature a clever space-saving layout, which contains a hidden bookshelf doorway that leads to a light-filled enclosed porch. Measuring 34 feet in length, and based on a triple-axle trailer, the Sherloak Homes has an exterior made of woodgrain steel finish, and wood which has been charred using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban method, providing it with a unique dark aesthetic.

Designer: Acorn Tiny Homes

The interior of the Sherloak Homes measures around 372 sq ft, and it has a distinctive oak finishing. You can enter the home via the main entrance, wherein you are welcomed by a spacious kitchen that includes a double sink, fridge/freezer, four-burner propane-powered stove, microwave, oven, breakfast bar, and loads of storage space.

Closely located to the kitchen is the living room, and the bookshelf/hidden entrance. You need to push the pressure plate which is concealed in a nearby wall-mounted light fitting, which unlocks the bookshelf door, which you can then open like a normal door. This door leads you to a light-filled enclosed porch space, which is a lovely space to relax and spend time in. This space also has another door that offers access to the outdoors directly.

The opposite end of the home houses the bathroom, which is quite compact with a sliding composting toilet that can be stowed away when not in use. This helps to maximize the floorspace of the snug bathroom. The Sherloak Homes includes two lofts – the main loft functions as the bedroom and can be reached through a storage-integrated staircase. It is a typical tiny home-style bedroom with a double bed, low ceiling, and storage. The other loft can be reached via a ladder attached to the wall, and this space can be used for storage or as an additional bedroom if need be. This space includes a netted relaxation area. This home is designed for a member of the Canadian military, who needs to move around every few years, and this house functions as an efficient tiny home on wheels.

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The Aptly Named Mi Casita Is A Tiny Home With A Clever Space-Saving Interior

Designed by Modern Tiny Living, the Mi Casita, which quite accurately translates to ‘my little house’, measures around 26 feet, and showcases a clever space-saving interior, jam-packed with nifty features that are typically seen in larger models. The home features a bathroom with a tub, and a downstairs bedroom despite its modest length. It is founded on a triple-axle trailer and is accentuated by fiber cement board siding as finishing, an engineered wood trim, a charcoal-colored steel roof, and a custom cedar door.

Designer: Modern Tiny Living

If you put the home into perspective, it is even smaller than Baluchon’s 20 ft Sherpa tiny home, which is its pint-sized model. The interior of the home is quite full and is packed to the brim considering its compact size. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a kitchen that includes a double sink, fridge/freezer, electric oven, and cooktop, as well as a microwave and custom cabinetry. The kitchen is connected to the living room, which features a small sofa, as well as a dining table. It is a snug and cozy area.

The living room is further connected to the downstairs master bedroom via a sliding door. The bedroom isn’t as big or spacious as compared to other rooms seen in larger homes, but it does have a sufficient amount of headroom. Since it is placed on the ground floor, this means the residents don’t need to go upstairs and position themselves on their knees to get into bed. The downstairs section also includes the bathroom, which is quite well-equipped including a standard flushing toilet, freestanding bathtub and shower, as well as a washer/dryer.

Besides the downstairs master bedroom, Mi Casita also includes a standard loft-style space with a low ceiling and a double bed, which are great for guests. You can access the room via the storage-integrated staircase. Currently, there is no update on the pricing of the tiny home.

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Digital nomads can live and work in self-sufficient mobile home

One of the advantages of people who can work remotely (digital marketers, writers, virtual assistants, etc) is that they can work from literally anywhere. As long as there’s internet and a power source for when their devices run out of juice eventually, these digital nomads have the freedom to set up shop wherever they are and to live in things like mobile homes. We’re seeing a lot of products and concepts targeting this segment and I for one am very interested to see these come to life.

Designer: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)

The Mobile Catalyst, nicknamed MOCA, was developed by masteral students from IAAC. Not only is it a perfect space for those that want to work while staying anywhere with a view but it is also an experiment into sustainable and self-sufficient habitat with a digital twist. It is basically a 5.4 meter long, 2.4 meter wide, and 3.6 meter high minimalist space that gives you the basic necessities of living. Its interior is made from dowel-laminated timber produced at the IAAC itself but sustainably harvested of course.

The front part of this mobile home has the basic amenities you would need to live in it like a kitchen, toilet and shower, and electric and water systems. In the middle and the back part is the space that can be turned into an office, a meeting area, a library, a recreation room, or even a space for small events. If you need privacy or partitions and also protection from different weather conditions, there are glass doors and a water-resistant cotton fabric that slides or folds with a pulley. There are also two beds on its “mezzanine” floor and you can reach it through a movable ladder.

And of course since MOCA is designed to be sustainable, you have three light-flexible mono-crystalline solar panels on the roof and LED strips as an interior lining. The house can run on its own for around 24 hours before it needs recharging. Water is also self-sufficient as the system stores, filters, and returns the shower water into reusable water. The entire mobile home is built with digital nomads in mind so they can live, work, and play anywhere they want, as long as the trailer can move and fit in that area.

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Ten Ways To Make Your Tiny Home Feel Spacious

Did you know that the average size of a tiny home is just about 400 square feet? Given the current housing market where space often feels like the ultimate luxury, these pint-sized dwellings challenge us to rethink our notions of what makes a home comfortable and inviting. But fear not, spatial wizards and cozy-home enthusiasts! There are myriad tricks to turn your compact castle into an airy oasis. From clever storage solutions to strategic decor choices, this article will guide you through simple yet transformative steps to expand your horizons within limited square footage. Drawing from both professional insights and personal experiences, these methods will give you insights into how to intelligently plan, purchase, and utilize what you have to enhance the quality of your living area.

Minimal Multifunctional Shoe Rack by Teixeira Design Studio

1. Embrace Multifunctional Furniture

In a small space, every piece of furniture should earn its keep. Multifunctional furniture is akin to having a Swiss Army knife in your home; it’s versatile, saves space, and often becomes a conversation starter. For instance, consider a sleek, modern sofa bed that seamlessly transitions from a cozy lounge area during the day to a comfortable sleeping space at night. Or imagine an ottoman that not only provides a perfect perch for your feet but also opens up to reveal hidden storage for blankets or books. These versatile pieces not only save space but also add a layer of functionality that is crucial for living comfortably in a small area. By carefully selecting furniture that multitasks, you can maximize your living area, ensuring that every piece serves more than one purpose.

IMAGO-iter by BESS

2. Maximize Vertical Space

Vertical space is often the most underutilized asset in tiny homes. By shifting the focus upward, you can dramatically alter the perception of your living area. Installing floor-to-ceiling shelving can provide ample storage for books, decorative items, and essentials, drawing the eye upward and making the ceilings appear higher. Wall-mounted desks and fold-away tables offer workspaces that don’t eat into your valuable floor space. Don’t overlook the potential of hanging items; bicycles, pots, pans, and even beds can be suspended from the ceiling or high on walls, doubling as decorative features while saving floor space. This approach not only enhances the functionality of your home but also adds visual interest, creating dynamic levels and layers that invite the eye to roam, thus making the space feel larger and more inviting.

Monarch Tiny Home by The Bunkie Co.

3. Let There Be Light

Light has the power to transform a cramped space into an airy sanctuary. Ensure your windows are unobstructed by heavy curtains or blinds, opting instead for light, sheer fabrics that allow sunlight to permeate the space while still offering privacy. Mirrors strategically placed opposite windows can amplify the amount of natural light entering the room, creating a brighter, airier feel. In areas lacking natural light, consider a well-planned mix of overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lights to illuminate dark corners and create the illusion of depth. Proper lighting can transform a cramped, gloomy space into a welcoming haven, enhancing both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Elsa Prefab Home by Olive Nest

4. Opt for Light Colors

The color palette you choose has a profound impact on how your space is perceived. Light, neutral colors like white, beige, light gray, and pastels have the power to reflect light, making spaces feel brighter and more open. Painting walls, ceilings, and even floors in these hues can create a cohesive, airy feel, visually expanding the room. These colors serve as a blank canvas, allowing you to inject personality through smaller accent pieces, textiles, and artwork without overwhelming the space. Furthermore, light colors can evoke a sense of calm and cleanliness, essential qualities in a small living environment. While it might be tempting to go bold, remember that dark colors tend to absorb light, making spaces feel smaller and more confined.

Bangkok Micro Apartment by Mae Prachasilcha

5. Declutter Ruthlessly

Clutter is the arch-nemesis of space, both physically and visually. In a tiny home, every item must justify its presence. Adopting a minimalist approach doesn’t mean living without; it means living with only what you truly need, value, and love. Regular decluttering sessions can help maintain a sense of order and spaciousness. This practice isn’t just about physical space; it’s about creating room to breathe and focus on what truly matters. Employing smart storage solutions can help keep essential items out of sight but within reach, reducing surface clutter and maintaining a tidy, open feel. Remember, a clutter-free home is not only easier to clean and maintain but also more peaceful and inviting.

Adraga by Madeiguincho

6. Think Thin

Choosing the right furniture for a tiny space is about balance. Bulky, heavy pieces can quickly overwhelm a room, making it feel cramped and small. Instead, opt for slim, sleek furniture that fits the scale of your space. For example, a delicate, glass coffee table can serve its purpose without visually dominating the room. Similarly, thin-legged chairs and tables maintain functionality while keeping the space looking open and airy. This approach extends to shelving, lamps, and even art frames. The lighter and thinner the profile, the less visual space it occupies. Moreover, furniture that can be easily moved or reconfigured offers flexibility in arranging your living area to suit different needs or activities, further enhancing the utility and spaciousness of your home.

brandburg_studio_2

Brandburg Home & Studio by Modelina Architecture

7. Zone Your Spaces

In a tiny home, it’s not uncommon for one room to serve multiple purposes. Creating distinct zones for sleeping, working, and relaxing can help manage this multiplicity, making your space more organized and functional. Rugs, lighting, and furniture arrangement can all serve as visual cues that delineate different areas without the need for physical barriers, which can make a space feel smaller. For example, a rug can anchor a living area, creating a distinct space for relaxation within a larger room. Similarly, a pendant light over a dining table can define the eating area, setting it apart from the rest of the home. These visual distinctions help organize the space functionally and aesthetically, making it feel more structured and spacious.

This shape-shifting cork furniture transforms to be a lounger, a ...

Shapeshifting Cork Furniture by José Manuel Carvalho Araújo

8. Smart Storage Solutions

Storage is king in small living spaces. Look for innovative storage solutions that maximize unused spaces, such as under the bed or over the doors. Hidden storage, such as under-bed drawers or ottomans with compartments, can keep everyday clutter out of sight. Utilizing the vertical space with high shelves and hooks can free up floor space while keeping essentials accessible. Built-in units, like bookcases or desks, can be customized to fit your space perfectly, offering a seamless look that feels intentional and cohesive. The goal is to have a place for everything, reducing visual clutter and creating a sense of order and spaciousness. When every item has a designated spot, maintaining a tidy and open living environment becomes much easier.

9. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors and other reflective surfaces are magic in tiny spaces. They not only bounce light around a room, making it feel brighter and more open, but they also create the illusion of depth, effectively doubling your space visually. Consider mirrored closet doors or a decorative mirror wall to enhance this effect. The strategic placement of these elements can dramatically alter the perception of your home’s size, transforming a small, enclosed area into a more expansive and inviting space.

10. Open Floor Plan

If possible, adopting an open floor plan can make a tiny home feel much larger. Removing non-structural walls to create a single, unified space allows for greater flexibility in how the area is used and perceived. An open plan enhances the flow of natural light and movement, creating a sense of freedom and spaciousness. For those unable to make structural changes, furniture placement and visual tricks, like consistent flooring or color schemes, can help create a cohesive, open feel. The open floor plan not only makes the space more adaptable to different uses but also fosters a sense of connection and interaction, making your tiny home feel like a much larger, integrated space.

Living in a tiny home requires creativity, discipline, and a keen sense of what truly matters. By implementing these strategies, you can create a space that feels open, comfortable, and uniquely yours. The constraints of a small living area encourage us to think differently about space, challenging us to live more thoughtfully and efficiently. And remember, the size of your home doesn’t define its potential. With a bit of creativity and effort, even the tiniest of homes can be transformed into spacious, serene havens.

Creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere in a tiny home is both an art and a science, requiring a blend of practical solutions and creative thinking. The journey to maximizing your small space can be incredibly rewarding, offering lessons in simplicity, efficiency, and the importance of truly loving the things you choose to surround yourself with. So embrace the challenge, and revel in the opportunity to turn your tiny home into a spacious retreat that reflects your personal style and meets your unique needs. After all, a home, regardless of its size, is a sanctuary—a place to create memories, find comfort, and express who you are.

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Baluchon’s Latest Modern Tiny Trailer Home Has A Quaint And Ingenious Space-Saving Layout

Baluchon’s beautiful Scandinavian-inspired Sauvage model from 2022, inspired a couple to purchase their own little tiny home along the same lines. The couple commissioned Baluchon to create the ‘Sherpa’ – a cozy tiny home with a modern exterior, and a clever space-saving interior layout that can accommodate two people, as well as a pair of guests. The Sherpa is founded on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 20 feet, which is a length typically seen in France.

Designer: Baluchon

The 20-foot Sherpa is small compared to North American tiny homes which are much larger. In France, due to the strict towing laws, the homes tend to be pretty small. The exterior of the home is unique, and stands out from most cottage-style tiny homes, as it features red cedar, aluminum accenting, and some not-so-ordinary window placement. The interior of the house is accentuated by a high ceiling and generous glazing. The walls feature a spruce finish, and the entrance leads to the comfy living room which contains a sofa that can be transformed into a bed for guests, as well as some storage space.

The kitchen is adjacent to the living room, and it is quite basic. It is nothing fancy and is equipped with a two-burner propane-powered stove, a sink, as well as a small fridge. These common and not-so-luxurious kitchens are quite typically found in most of Baluchon’s models. The interior of the tiny house is flattered by its generous glazing and high ceiling. The walls are finished in spruce and the entrance opens onto the living room, which includes a sofa that turns into a bed for guests, plus there’s some storage space nearby. Near the kitchen is a dining table, that can be efficiently folded away into the wall when not in use. The table seats two people.

The opposite end of the house – to the living room, includes the bathroom. The bathroom is a spacious space, with a shower and toilet, however there is no sink. This implies that the residents will have to wash their hands in the kitchen sink, which isn’t a very hygienic option. The Sherpa accommodates one bedroom, which can be accessed via a storage-integrated staircase that is blessed with some wardrobe space, and under-step storage. The bedroom is a loft-style bedroom with a low ceiling  – as seen in most tiny homes. It includes a double bed and some storage as well.

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The Buxton Tiny Home Is The Ultimate Travel-Friendly House For Those Who Love A Life On The Go

Dubbed the Buxton tiny home, this comfy little house is designed by Modern Tiny Living. The home’s star feature is its compact and space-saving layout which allows it to work well as a full-time home especially if the owner loves to travel, or even as a guesthouse. It can accommodate four people, although it may be a bit of a tight fit. The house is named Buxton in honor of a lighthouse in Buxton, California. It features a length of 20 feet and is priced at $US79,000. The Buxton tiny home is quite small compared to typical North American tiny homes, but this enables it to be towed around with ease.

Designer: Modern Tiny Living

Based on a double-axle trailer, the home is finished in engineered wood, and topped with a steel roof. The home is powered via a standard RV-style hookup. The interior of the home is airy and quite light-filled, owing to the generous glazing spread throughout the home. The interior is finished in poplar tongue-and-groove paneling and paired up with vinyl flooring. As you enter the living room, you are welcomed by a sofa bed that occupies most of the floor space and can sleep two people. The bed is also integrated with some handy storage space, as well as some shelving and a bookcase. It is equipped with a mini split air conditioning unit, which keeps the home pleasant and comfy.

The living room and kitchen are directly connected. As you move on to the kitchen, you are greeted by stainless steel countertops, a sink, cabinetry, a mini-fridge, as well as some big closet space. There is also sufficient space to install more appliances if need be. The bathroom is located close by, and it is a compact space housing a shower and a flushing toilet.

The Buxton Tiny Home only includes one bedroom which can be accessed via a storage-integrated staircase. This room is marked by a double bed and low ceiling, and is like most loft-style bedrooms you see these days in tiny houses. The house is designed be to a barebones tiny house model, and the price tag can be increased or decreased, depending on the appliances, materials, and setup you settle for.

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This Tiny Home With An Elevating Bed Transforms Its Interior With The Push Of A Button

Called the Elevate tiny home, this unique tiny home by Canada’s Acorn Tiny Homes features a nifty interior layout with an elevating bed, in turn building a flexible room that functions as a bedroom, as well as a light-filled study area. It is always difficult to fit functional and comfy interiors into tiny homes, but Acorn Tiny Homes has truly done an exceptional job with the Elevate. The Elevate measures 24 feet in length and is founded on a double-axle.

Designer: Acorn Tiny Homes

The Elevate is powered by a standard RV-style hookup, and the home’s cozy interior is marked with IKEA cabinetry and closet, which were picked over custom units in an attempt to keep prices down. Most of the Elevate’s floor space is occupied by an open and light-filled study space and includes a desk and chair. But when it is time to sleep, the owner simply needs to push a button, and a comfy double bed is lowered down from a stowed position near the ceiling. This allows the space to transform into a bedroom. This system is operated using a pulley that elevates and lowers the bed on all four corners with the help of rails and an electric winch motor, which is mounted on the exterior of the home. Some curtains have also been attached to the pulley system, which offers privacy as the bed moves.

The remaining portion of the tiny home is arranged on the same floor. The kitchen is located next to the study area/bedroom, and it includes a fridge/freezer, microwave, sink, cabinetry, and an electric stovetop. It also contains a large mirrored storage unit. You can access the bathroom via a sliding door, and it is quite spacious for a tiny home. It occupies about 30% of the available floor space. The bathroom houses a shower topped by a skylight, as well as a sink and a toilet.

Elevate was designed when the resident was planning to attend law school abroad but had to cancel because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Instead, he decided to study alone and required a private space at home to study, and this is when the Elevate tiny home came into existence.

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This Ingenious Space-Saving House Was Once a Humble Shipping Container

Named Cargo, and designed by the Portuguese studio Madeiguincho, this tiny home was initially an old shipping container but is now an attractive house. The humble metal box was customized and modified to feature a rooftop terrace and a space-saving interior that slowly opens up to the outside. It is based on a standard shipping container and measures 6 x 2.5 meters. The home is finished in wood, and the rooftop terrace features a big overhang. Insulation and operable windows also mark the home, which helps maintain a cool temperature throughout the house.

Designer: Madeiguincho

The rooftop terrace can be accessed via a ladder and one of the exterior walls of the container is uncovered, so that the home can be opened up when the weather allows. The tiny home is also adorned with a deck and massive double glass doors, which were protected by wooden slats. The interior has wooden decor, which is similar to Madeiguincho’s previous works. The studio isn’t too fussy or formal with the layout, since the available space is quite limited. The home features a large room in the center with a raised bed, with some storage space underneath. There is also a L-shaped seating area, with a porthole-style window.

The Cargo also features a simple and compact kitchen with a sink, storage, and basic cooking facilities like an oven and a stove. The home also includes a small bathroom which includes a toilet and shower. The Cargo tiny home is nestled in Portugal’s stunning Algarve region and is intended to be a short-term rental, which does seem to be a better option than a full-time home.

Cargo’s wooden and minimalist appeal lends it a calming and subtle personality. It is a wonderful specimen of how shipping containers can be converted into modern and well-designed homes with comfortable amenities, and all the essentials you could need for a simple and cozy life.

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The Chicorée Tiny Home Is A Flexible House With Cushy Cabin-Like Interiors

Meet the adorable Chicorée tiny home by Baluchon! It is another spectacular and cozy home by the French firm. It measures only 20 feet in length, and it features a flexible interior layout, which also includes sleeping space for around five people, as well as two separate work areas. The lovely Chicorée is founded on a double-axle trailer, and it has a cedar finish accentuated by an aluminum roof. The home includes a spruce frame, and a mixture of linen, cotton, and hemp insulation, while the interior has a subtle spruce finish.

Designer: Baluchon

The power of the tiny home comes from standard RV-style hookup. As visitors enter the living room, they are welcomed by an airy and light-filled space, which is created due to the generous glazing. The majority of this room is occupied by a large sofa bed which can be used as a comfy sleeping area for guests. This room also includes an electric radiator nearby as well as some shelving.

The kitchen is adjacent to this main room. The kitchen doesn’t include a fridge or a proper oven, since the owners didn’t want them, which does seem a bit inconvenient, but this creates loads of free space which is taken up by a large table/desk area. This table area has a view of the kitchen windows and can be used for eating meals and working from home.

The kitchen also includes multiple storage nooks, as well as some cabinetry, a sink, and a three-burner propane-powered stove. The kitchen is also connected to the bathroom which includes a shower, toilet, and additional storage. The upstairs area of the Chicorée can be accessed via an open staircase which is made from oak and steel, instead of the usual ubiquitous storage-interested staircase we see in typical tiny homes these days. The entire upper storey features a low ceiling and has a main sleeping area which hosts a double bed, as well as a smaller sleeping space and play area for a child. The upper storey also accommodates a second home working area which includes a small oak desk that is placed over the living area. This little feature enables the users to sit with their legs dangling down, which seems like a comfier position than crossing your legs for hours on end.

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This No AC Tiny Home Uses Nature To Regulate Temperatures & For Optimal Cooling

Designed by Columbian architectural firm PAE, this beautiful open-air tiny house is called the Casa Caoba, and it is tucked away into the lush hillside of Anapoima, Columbia. The home is located in a pre-existing mango grove, and it beautifully merges with and accepts the lush natural setting. Featuring a minimalist design ethos, and perched 900 meters above sea level, the home is supported by a stone foundation that artfully follows the form of the steep terrain of the property.

Designer: PAE

The Casa Caoba includes five parallel walls that seem to extend outwards, creating four living spaces within the home. The home has a wonderful open-air element, wherein the open walls allow passive airflow throughout the entirety of the home. To implement this open-air concept, the floorplan of the home minimizes the layout of longitudinal walls and also integrates openings in the transversal walls.

Since the home seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscape, the Casa Caoba functions as a space that is truly one with nature and the environment. The open-air design also forms microclimates, wherein cold air from the mountainous side of the home is channeled into the house, offering natural cooling. The walls function as a thermal mass, regulating the temperature inside the home, which is integral since Colombia is known for having high temperatures all through the year.

The home is made using locally sourced stone, bamboo, and timber which are available in the region. The casa also features lovely bamboo ceiling slats and local craftsmen handled the pine wood and carpentry of the teak furniture. The design style and theme of the home are cohesive, with stone and concrete materials creating a contrasting impact, while the wood maintains a cozy feeling. The Casa Caoba is equipped with an open-air minimalist kitchen and dining area which also serves as the home’s entrance. The dining zones connect to the relaxation terrace, which also includes a plunge pool and outdoor lounge. This central space is a great spot to relax and unwind in nature.  The home also features a master bedroom, which has a raised bed, providing a hidden storage space underneath. The bedroom is connected to an open-air bathroom.

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