The Tiny house Blog

Tiny House, Big Style: Inspiration for Simple Interior Design

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:
June 7, 2023
Tiny Home Interiors

Tiny houses are small homes that are becoming increasingly popular because they are simple and don't have a big impact on the environment or cost a lot of money. Since tiny houses are so small, making the inside work well and comfortably is important.

Designing a tiny house is all about being smart with space. You need to choose furniture and storage that saves space and is useful. You also want to make the inside look nice and cozy with colors, lights, and decorations. 

The inside of a tiny house should be designed to fit the needs of the person living there. This means it should be easy to live in and feel like a comfortable place to call home. A tiny house can be functional and beautiful with the right planning and design.

Choose a neutral color palette

When designing a simple tiny house interior, choosing a neutral color palette is an important step to make the most of your space. Neutral colors like white, beige, light grey, or muted earth tones can create a sense of openness and airiness, making your small space feel larger and more inviting.

When selecting your color palette, consider using shades of the same color to create depth and dimension. For example, you could use light grey walls with white trim and add pops of color through accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains.

You can also use a monochromatic color scheme, which involves using different shades of the same color throughout your space. This can create a cohesive, harmonious look that's easy on the eyes.

Don't be afraid to add texture to your space through natural materials like wood or woven fabrics. This can add warmth and depth to a neutral color palette, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your tiny home.

Maximizing storage

Making the most of storage in a tiny house is super important to keep it tidy and practical. Since space is limited, you need to be clever and use all available areas for storage. Luckily, there are many smart ways to store your stuff and keep your tiny house looking tidy.

One trick is to use furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, a sofa bed can be used for sitting and sleeping, and a coffee table with storage can be a place to relax and store magazines or books. Another way to maximize space is to use the walls. You can hang shelves and organizers to store things like clothes, books, or kitchen stuff. Plus, you can keep items that you don't often use under your bed or in your closets.

It's also important to be mindful of what you bring into your tiny house. Try only to keep the things you need and give away or sell things you don't use anymore. This helps keep your tiny house clean, saves money, and reduces waste. 

Creating multi-functional spaces

Creating multi-functional spaces is an excellent way to maximize every inch of a tiny house. When you have limited space, it's important to be creative with your design and use furniture that serves multiple purposes. Not only does this save space, but it also makes your tiny house more practical and versatile.

You can use multifunctional foldable tables as they can server as a dining table, work desk, or crafting area. You can fold it up when you're not using it and save valuable floor space. This is perfect for a tiny house where every inch counts.

You can also create a multi-functional space by using furniture that can be easily moved around. For example, a small table with wheels can be used as a side table, a work desk, or even a kitchen island. You can move it to different parts of your tiny house as needed, making it a versatile addition to your living space.

Consider using room dividers that serve multiple purposes. For example, a bookshelf can separate your sleeping area from your living area while also providing storage for books and decorative items.

Choosing furniture

Choosing furniture for a small space can be challenging, but several tips can help you make the right choices. The most important thing to remember is that every piece of furniture needs to serve a purpose and fit within your limited space. That's why it's essential to choose furniture that serves multiple purposes.

Sofa beds are one of the most popular pieces of furniture today. It can be used as a comfortable place to sit during the day and then easily transform into a bed at night. This way, you save space and get two pieces of furniture in one.

A storage ottoman that can be used as a seat or a place to store things like blankets or magazines. Similarly, a coffee table with a built-in storage compartment can serve as a place to rest your feet or eat your meals while providing extra storage space.

When choosing furniture for a small space, it's also important to consider the piece's scale. Bulky furniture can make a tiny room feel cramped, so opt for a sleek and simple design. This will create an illusion of more space and make your tiny house feel airy and open.

Consider the materials of the furniture you choose. Natural materials like wood or bamboo can add warmth and texture to your small space while being durable and long-lasting.

Choosing furniture for a small space requires careful consideration of size, function, and design. Opt for multi-functional pieces like a sofa bed or storage ottoman, choose furniture with a simple and sleek design, and look for materials that add warmth and durability to your tiny house.

Good lighting

Good lighting is crucial in a small space because it can significantly affect how spacious and inviting your tiny house feels. With adequate lighting, your space may feel energized and inviting. Here are some tips to make the most of lighting in your tiny house:

Try to maximize natural light by using sheer curtains, skylights, or light-colored walls. Natural light is the best way to make a small space feel more open and airy. It's also important to keep windows clean and unobstructed to allow as much natural light as possible into your tiny house.

When it comes to artificial lighting, choosing small-space-friendly fixtures that only take up a little space is important. Recessed lighting is a great option because it can be installed in the ceiling, taking up no floor or wall space. Wall sconces can also be a practical and stylish way to add light to your space without taking up floor space.

Pendant lights can be hung from the ceiling, making them a perfect choice for small spaces. They come in various shapes and sizes, and you can choose a design that fits your style and complements your tiny house's decor.

Remember to consider task lighting for specific areas like your kitchen or desk. Task lighting provides concentrated light where you need it most and can help you work more efficiently in your tiny house.

Good lighting is essential in a small space, and natural light is the best option. When it comes to artificial lighting, choose small-space-friendly fixtures, like recessed lighting, wall sconces, or pendant lights. And remember to add task lighting where you need it most to make your tiny house as functional and practical as possible.

Adding personality

Personalizing a tiny house's interior is essential to make it feel like home. However, it's important to do so in a manageable amount of space. Here are some suggestions for adding personality to your tiny house interior:

To add personality is by using statement pieces that reflect your style. For example, you can use colorful throw pillows on your sofa or bed to add a pop of color to your space. You can also use a unique rug to add texture and visual interest to your flooring.

Personalize your tiny house is by using artwork or photographs to decorate your walls. You can choose pieces that are meaningful to you or reflect your personality. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as too many decorations on your walls can make your tiny house feel cluttered.

You can also add personality to your tiny house using unique and functional storage solutions. For example, you can use a vintage suitcase as a side table or install floating shelves to display your favorite books or decorative items.

Consider adding plants to your tiny house to bring life and freshness to your space. Plants not only add visual interest, but they also improve air quality and create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.

Personalizing a tiny house interior can be done without cluttering your limited space. Use statement pieces like colorful throw pillows or a unique rug, display artwork or photographs that reflect your personality, use creative storage solutions, and add plants to your space.

Bottomline

Living in a tiny house has many advantages! It can help you save money, be kinder to the environment, and simplify your life. Plus, it's easier to keep clean and tidy, and it encourages you to have fewer things. If you're considering moving to a smaller home, remember that it can be a great decision! 

By getting rid of things you don't need and being more thoughtful about your lifestyle, you can live a happier and more fulfilling life. It might take some getting used to, but with some creativity, organization, and an open mind, you can turn your tiny house into a cozy and practical home.

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