The Tiny house Blog

Revamping Spaces with Small Home Designs

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
October 4, 2023
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As urban living spaces become increasingly limited, the demand for creative and efficient interior design solutions for small homes continues to grow. Sustainable living in a tiny house is among those included in the art of making the most of compact spaces. Making the most of either small family homes, 2 story modular homes, or small luxury homes has led to the development of various interior design styles that cater to the unique challenges posed by limited square footage.

Through space optimization and minimalistic interiors, use innovative ideas to revolutionize compact living.

Designing Tiny Homes

Even the smallest environments can become larger than life with efficient floor plans and compact room layouts. By using some innovative small space designs, you will get the most out of tiny spaces. Aside from this, the interior design of your home positively impacts your health, which is a plus for homeowners.

Minimalist Interior Design

Minimalism is a design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and functionality. In small homes, minimalist interior design is particularly effective because it focuses on decluttering and creating a clean, uncluttered look. This means that you can have a minimalist bedroom, living room, and kitchen, among others. Minimalist design not only makes small spaces appear larger but also promotes a sense of tranquility and order.

This design includes neutral color palettes, typically consisting of whites, grays, and muted tones with streamlined furniture with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Opting for multifunctional furniture to maximize space is also applicable while limiting the use of decor and accessories, prioritizing a clutter-free environment.

tiny house white bed pillow on brown wooden bed frame
Photo by Deconovo on Unsplash

Scandinavian Interior Design

Scandinavian design is renowned for its simplicity, functionality, and cozy aesthetics. It creates a welcoming atmosphere in small homes while maintaining a sense of spaciousness and cleanliness. This is also similar to having a minimalist bedroom but is slightly different.

This design uses light color schemes, featuring whites, soft pastels, and light wood tones with minimalist furniture with a focus on comfort and ergonomics. Textured textiles such as wool, fur, and knit fabrics to add warmth can also be used as well as incorporating use of natural materials like wood and stone with the incorporation of nature.

tiny house gray fabric loveseat near brown wooden table
Photo by Patrick Perkins on Unsplash

Industrial Interior Design

Industrial design has gained popularity in recent years for its urban and edgy appeal. When applied to small homes, industrial design can provide a unique and stylish look. It can give small homes a modern, loft-like feel that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This also makes it look like a small luxury home that everyone enjoys.

The key elements of this design include exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and open ceiling beams with a color palette dominated by grays, blacks, and muted earth tones. You can also use utilitarian furniture and decor items with metal accents along with vintage or repurposed pieces that add character.

tiny house laptop computer on sectional couch
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Bohemian Interior Design

Bohemian (boho) design is characterized by its eclectic, free-spirited, and vibrant aesthetic. While it may seem at odds with the idea of small spaces, boho design can be adapted to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Bohemian design allows small spaces to feel unique and full of character, making the most of every inch of the home. This is also appropriate if you are planning a small family home that is inviting.

To incorporate this design into your tiny home, you can use a rich and diverse color palette with bold patterns and textures with an abundance of textiles such as rugs, tapestries, and throw pillows. You can also place a mix of vintage and artisanal decor items while putting layered and textured design elements that create a warm and inviting vibe.

tiny house brown leather sofa and two pink sofa chair
Photo by Curology on Unsplash

Mid-Century Modern Interior Design

Mid-century modern design, with its clean lines and iconic furniture pieces, is another style that can work exceptionally well in small homes. This design adds a touch of timeless elegance to small homes while maintaining a sense of openness and functionality.

This design can have a color palette with bold and contrasting colors, including earthy tones while putting iconic furniture designs such as Eames chairs and teak sideboards. Open spaces, minimalistic decor, and the use of patterns and geometric shapes will make your design look mid-century.

tiny house brown wooden framed yellow padded chair
Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash

Japanese Interior Design

Japanese design principles, deeply rooted in Zen philosophy, are highly adaptable to small living spaces. Japanese interior design emphasizes simplicity, balance, and harmony. It promotes a sense of serenity and mindfulness, making it a suitable choice for small homes seeking tranquility.

The key elements of this design include neutral color schemes, often featuring white, beige, and soft grays with minimalist furniture with clean lines and low profiles. It usually has sliding doors (shoji) and screens (fusuma) to divide spaces flexibly. Natural materials like wood, bamboo, and rice paper can be used for this and you can also put large windows and indoor plants.

brown wooden framed glass door
Photo by Lucas Calloch on Unsplash

Eclectic Interior Design

Eclectic design allows homeowners to blend various styles, colors, and patterns to create a unique and personalized look. While it may seem unconventional for small spaces, careful curation can result in a harmonious and visually engaging interior. This can make small homes feel lively, dynamic, and full of character, showcasing the homeowner's personality and tastes.

You can use a mix of furniture styles, eras, and materials with bold color combinations and pattern play. You can also put a diverse range of art and decor pieces.

Photo by Kate Darmody on Unsplash

Conclusion

Designing and decorating small homes presents a delightful challenge, and the key to success lies in choosing the right interior design style that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. By carefully considering your needs and embracing the principles of these interior design styles, you can create a home that maximizes every square inch and enhances your quality of life. You can even opt for 2 story modular homes if you want to expand your home.

With small home designs, you can create homes that are big on space, big on style, and big on sustainability.

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