With the ever-rising cost of living, tiny homes or off-grid cabins are increasingly tempting to homebuyers. While you’ll sacrifice square footage, you’ll gain an efficient, unique, and experience-focused lifestyle. If you’re considering downsizing for your dream home, you’ll need to look out for certain features that make small-sized living a breeze.
Outdoor Space
You won’t have the most square footage inside your smaller home, but you can easily make up for it in the outdoor space. Consider building your compact home on a suitable piece of land that you can tailor to your own preferences and needs. Creating a beautiful garden, growing food, expanding your kitchen, and adding ample entertainment space on an attached deck can make your tiny home feel huge. You can start with a simple deck layout where you can add or decorate the space as you see fit. Select a sizable deck that’s suitable for the intended use, whether it’s for work, dining, or both. You can also add removable shade coverage during inclement weather. Decks are relatively simple projects, and hiring a local builder can help you save significantly on materials and labor. Compare your options with an online search for a ‘deck builder near me’ or other related terms. Utilize your outdoor space as an extension of your home to maximize the enjoyment of your living area.
Dedicated Sleeping Space
You may not have a three-bedroom home, but a dedicated space to sleep in can help you relax and get better quality sleep. In a small or tiny home, your options for a separate bedroom can be limited, but there are plenty of places where you can find peace and privacy outside of the main living space. Many tiny homes have second-floor lofts that hold full-size mattresses. Other options include temporary walls that can be put away when you wake up. Your tiny home may also just have a traditional bedroom. Consider the benefits of a private bedroom when building or selecting a floor plan. Dedicated, private areas for sleeping are especially important if you’ll have others living with you, even as guests.
Built-In Storage
You will need to donate a lot of your unused belongings if you opt for a tiny home. Cutting down on your square footage means there simply isn’t room to store many items the way a traditional home would. However, you will still need storage for the items you can’t part with. Your small cabin or tiny home should accommodate the storage you do bring, even if it’s a smaller amount. Check the floor plan for smart storage solutions, such as those built into the walls, incorporated into furniture, or located on the staircase. There are many unique and clever ways to incorporate storage when a home is built with it in mind. You may be going small, but you’ll still need space for clothes, shoes, kitchen supplies, pet supplies, and more. The more creative storage you can fit in the floor plan, the less cluttered the space will feel. Clutter can make a small house feel even smaller, so you’ll want to avoid piling up items out in the open as much as possible.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
Similar to storage solutions, you may need to get creative with your furniture to fit it comfortably in a smaller space. Tables should be easily folded down to make them smaller when more space is needed. Entertainment systems can be hidden when not in use. Extra counter space can fold up when you’re not cooking. Seats can fold out into a bed or provide storage space under the cushions. Working desks can become dining tables. Many tiny homes will have these multi-functional perks built in. Ensure the space can accommodate these unique types of furniture. If there is no way to fold up or change the furniture layout easily in the home, you may struggle to make the space work for you.
Efficient Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms of the home, and you don’t need to sacrifice it just because you opt for a smaller and more adorable floor plan. Your cooking and prep zone can be just as efficient and enriching. You may have smaller appliances or lack a kitchen island, but you can still make the most of the space with plenty of counters, hidden storage, and an effective layout. The sink might be smaller, but it can be deeper. The fridge can fit under the counter, giving you more walking room. Instead of four stovetop burners, you can cook with two or one at a time to save space. Design smart, not large.
Conclusion
Choosing to live in a smaller or tiny home is never a downgrade. You’re opting for a home that prioritizes comfort and happiness over excessive size. You can make yourself at home in any space, but certain features are extremely helpful in any home, regardless of its size. When comparing features, prioritizing smart storage, multi-functional furniture, and efficient floor plans can help you achieve the home you’ve been dreaming of.
