Tiny houses have been trending, in large part because up-and-coming generations are placing more emphasis on sustainability and saving money. The tiny house movement was inspired by the book Tiny Houses (1987), written by Lester Walker. Those who inhabit these tiny houses tend to be free-spirited and creative, so many of the tiny houses are designed to foster minimalist, meaningful life experiences. If you’ve been stalking tiny house inspo on Instagram and want to make your home like a tiny house—or if you want to learn more about the tiny house lifestyle—read on.
Style
First, you can take inspiration from the style of tiny houses. Here are some aesthetics many tiny houses have in common:
- Minimalism—if you have a lot of belongings, try to give some away or donate it. It’ll make your space look cleaner and more open.
- Large windows—natural light is one of the most obvious benefits of many aesthetic tiny houses. It also saves energy, because you’ll spend less time with the lights on!
- Luxury cabin—tiny houses, although small, convey an energy of luxury. There are many ways to convey luxury, one being a well-dressed bed.
- Modular furniture—because tiny houses have limited space, they often have furniture that is easily rearranged. This furniture is multipurpose, which is perfect when you want to change up your space.
- Reading nook—a reading nook is a space that makes the area seem cozy. Popular tiny houses are famous for combining a luxurious yet rustic look that allows for the ultimate feeling of coziness.
- Fireplace—nothing is cozier than cuddling up next to a fireplace when it’s cold outside. It contributes to the rustic feeling, especially with a couple of warm blankets.
- Simple color scheme—it’s best to keep the colors simple. This makes the space easier to decorate and helps the home feel cleaner.
- Sliding glass door—this feature helps with natural light and it can help your home feel closer to the outdoors.
Sustainability
Tiny houses also focus a lot on being sustainably designed and eco-friendly. Read on for some ideas on how to make your home more sustainable.
- Rainwater Collection—collecting rainwater is a great way to make your home more sustainable and cut back on water consumption in the garden. You only need a couple bins!
- Green Roof—a green roof is a waterproof system covered with a layer of vegetation on the roof. The vegetation helps cool the house and filters the air.
- Solar Panels—you could also try adding some solar panels for energy-efficient roofing. Solar panels benefit tiny houses because they use little energy, but if you’re interested in making your house more sustainable, try consulting with a solar panel company.
- Composting Toilet—if you’re remodeling or building a house, see what your options are for a composting toilet. These toilets allow you to turn waste into compost, which is beneficial for the soil.
- Tankless Hot Water Heater—these types of water heaters only provide as much hot water as needed, and they help keep your home energy efficient.
For more tiny house ideas, check out this infographic from Angi. Even if your home isn’t tiny, these tips are great for making your home feel cozy and sustainable!
Top Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash.
