With increasing mortgage rates, and decreasing availability of rental properties, tiny homes have gained popularity in recent years. Offering an affordable and minimalist living solution, they are a great option for those looking to downsize or simply find a more affordable way of living.
However, living in a small space requires careful planning and creative thinking to optimise functionality and make the most of every square inch. Whether you’re building or redesigning a tiny home, here are seven valuable tips and tricks, and four ways you can implement each of them, to help you maximise space and functionality.
Prioritise Multi-Purpose Furniture
Space is at a premium in transportable homes in WA, so prioritising multi-purpose furniture becomes an essential element of maximising the available space as well as enhancing the overall functionality of the living area.
Sofa beds or convertible sofas: These furniture pieces serve a dual purpose by providing seating during the day and transforming into a comfortable bed for sleeping at night. Look for designs that are easy to convert and offer built-in storage for bedding or other items.
Murphy beds: These beds can be folded up vertically against the wall when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space during the day. They can be incorporated into a wall unit that includes storage, shelves, or a desk, maximising functionality in a small area.
Expandable dining tables: These tables have the ability to extend or fold down, depending on your dining needs. When not in use, they can be collapsed to create more floor space. Look for designs that also offer storage options, such as hidden drawers or shelves.
Storage ottomans: These versatile pieces serve as seating, footrests, and hidden storage compartments. They are perfect for storing items like blankets, pillows, or books while providing an extra seat when needed.
Embrace Vertical Space
It is important to utilise vertical space to its fullest potential when building tiny homes in Australia. Install high shelving units or cabinets to store items that are not frequently used or consider loft areas for sleeping or storage and use wall-mounted organisers or hooks to hang items like bicycles, kitchen utensils, or plants.
Wall-mounted shelves: Install wall-mounted shelves at various heights to utilise vertical wall space efficiently. These shelves can hold books, plants, decorative items, and other belongings, keeping them off the floor and countertops.
Wall-mounted cabinets or cupboards: Mount wall cabinets or cupboards in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms to optimise vertical space. These cabinets provide storage for dishes, toiletries, clothing, and other items while keeping the floor area clear.
Floating shelves or cubbies: Floating shelves or cubbies are mounted directly on the wall without any visible brackets, providing a sleek and minimalist storage solution. These shelves can be used for displaying and organising items like books, decor, or personal belongings.
Ceiling-mounted storage: Consider ceiling-mounted storage options like overhead racks or hanging baskets in garages, kitchens, or utility areas. These allow you to store items that are less frequently accessed, such as seasonal decorations or large kitchen utensils.
Optimise Storage Solutions
Invest in smart storage solutions to keep your tiny home organised and clutter-free. Use under-bed storage, built-in cabinets, and modular shelving systems to maximise storage capacity. Think about utilising the space under stairs, above doorways, or even inside walls for hidden storage compartments.
Consider multifunctional furniture: Opt for furniture pieces that offer built-in storage capabilities, such as beds with drawers, coffee tables with hidden compartments, or ottomans with storage space. Multipurpose furniture can help maximise storage while minimising the footprint.
Utilise vertical space: Focus on utilising vertical space effectively. Look for wall-mounted shelves, hanging organisers, or tall storage units to take advantage of vertical real estate. This will allow you to maximise storage without occupying valuable floor space.
Seek hidden storage opportunities: Explore hidden storage solutions to make the most of every nook and cranny. Consider furniture with concealed compartments, under-bed storage, or installing storage options inside walls or stairs. Use creative solutions like storage benches or ottomans that double as seating.
Don’t overlook small spaces: Make use of even the smallest spaces in your tiny home. Install hooks on walls or doors for hanging items, utilise the space above cabinets for additional storage, or add magnetic strips inside cabinets for organising metal items like knives or tools.
Create Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans create a sense of spaciousness in tiny homes. Avoid unnecessary partitions and walls that can make the space feel cramped. Instead, opt for open layouts that allow natural light to flow and provide flexibility in arranging furniture.
Start with a functional core: Begin by designing a functional core that includes essential areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and storage spaces. Locate these core areas in a central position to allow for easy access from all parts of the tiny home.
Define functional zones: Instead of walls, use furniture, rugs, or changes in flooring materials to define functional zones within the open space. For example, a sofa and coffee table can define the living area, while a dining table or kitchen island can separate the dining space from the kitchen.
Optimise natural light: Maximise natural light in your tiny home to enhance the open and airy feel. Incorporate large windows, glass doors, and skylights to let in plenty of daylight. Light-coloured walls and reflective surfaces can also help distribute light effectively.
Embrace minimalism: Emphasise a minimalist approach to keep the open floor plan feeling uncluttered and spacious. Opt for streamlined furniture, prioritise essential items, and ensure proper storage solutions to maintain an organised and clutter-free environment.
Choose Built-In Appliances
Built-in appliances are designed to integrate into the layout and design of tiny homes in Perth, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. In a limited space, built-in appliances can be customised to fit perfectly within the available cabinetry and counter space.
Opt for multi-functional appliances: Choose appliances that offer multiple functions to save space and provide versatility. For example, a combination microwave/convection oven or a washer/dryer combo unit can serve multiple purposes while occupying less space.
Consider built-in or integrated options: Built-in or integrated appliances can blend seamlessly into the overall design of your tiny home, providing a cohesive and streamlined look. These appliances are designed to fit within cabinetry or wall units, maximising space utilisation.
Look for space-saving features: Consider appliances with space-saving features such as built-in storage compartments, foldable or retractable elements, or stackable options. These features help optimise storage capacity and make the most efficient use of limited space.
Plan for off-grid or low-power alternatives: If you’re planning to live off-grid or want to reduce your reliance on electricity, explore alternatives such as propane-powered appliances or low-power options like solar-powered refrigerators or induction cooktops.
Utilise Outdoor Areas
Expand your living area by incorporating outdoor space into your tiny home design. Create a small patio, deck, or rooftop garden for relaxing, entertaining guests, or even growing herbs and vegetables. Outdoor spaces can provide an extension of your tiny home, giving you more room to enjoy.
Create a cosy outdoor seating area: Set up a comfortable seating area outdoors using weather-resistant furniture. Opt for space-saving options like folding chairs, modular seating, or built-in benches that can be easily put away when not in use. Add cushions, pillows, and blankets for extra comfort.
Extend your living space with a deck or patio: If possible, create a deck or patio that extends the living space of your tiny home. This additional outdoor area can serve as an extension of your indoor living space and provide a designated space for outdoor activities.
Utilise vertical gardening: Make use of vertical gardening techniques to grow plants, herbs, or flowers in a small outdoor space. Install vertical garden walls, hanging planters, or trellises to maximise greenery while saving floor space. Vertical gardens can add visual appeal and a sense of tranquillity to your outdoor area.
Connect indoor and outdoor spaces: Design your tiny home with large windows, sliding glass doors, or French doors that provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. This connection enhances the feeling of spaciousness and allows natural light to flow into your home.
Streamline Technology and Cables
With limited space, tangled and messy cables can quickly become an eyesore and create a cluttered and chaotic environment. By organising and concealing cables, you can significantly improve the visual appeal and overall cleanliness of the living area.
Cable raceways and conduits: Cable raceways or conduits are channels that hide cables and provide a protected pathway along walls or baseboards. They are ideal for managing cables that run from one area to another, ensuring a clean and uncluttered look.
Desk grommets: Desk grommets are circular openings in desks or countertops that allow cables to pass through while keeping them organised and out of sight. They provide a clean and efficient way to manage cables that connect to devices on or near the desk surface.
Wireless and cordless solutions: Whenever possible, opt for wireless or cordless devices to minimise the need for cable management. For example, use wireless charging pads for smartphones or Bluetooth speakers instead of wired alternatives.
Custom-built storage solutions: Consider custom-built storage solutions that incorporate cable management features. Built-in shelves, cabinets, or furniture can be designed with integrated cable management systems to keep cords hidden and organised.
Designing tiny homes in Australia requires thoughtful planning and resourcefulness to maximise space and functionality. Tinee Homes implement these tips and tricks and can transform your tiny home into a comfortable and efficient living space that meets your needs while embracing the minimalist lifestyle.