For most of us, the dream home conjures up visions of elaborate decor, sprawling rooms, and abundant leisure space. However, if you’re looking to live sustainably, these features may not be so great for your budget or for the environment! The good news is that it’s entirely possible to live stylishly and beautifully in spaces as small as 200 square feet. Inspired by some of the world’s most innovative teeny-tiny homes from 2015, these eye-opening tours will motivate you to rethink what defines your idea of home sweet home. Check out these inspiring homes before they get snapped up!
Dream House
If you’re looking for some stylish small home inspiration, look no further than this roundup of the year’s most inspiring tours. From a minimalist 200-square-foot abode to a beautifully renovated Airstream, these teeny-tiny homes prove that good things come in small packages. So if you’re thinking about downsizing, don’t be discouraged—these spaces prove that less can definitely be more.
Tiny Houses
The tiny house movement has been gaining popularity in recent years as more and more people are looking to downsize their homes and simplify their lives. These houses are usually less than 400 square feet and can be built on a trailer or foundation. Tiny houses are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and live a simpler life. If you’re thinking about downsizing, check out these stylish small homes that will inspire you to make the switch.
Micro Mansions
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people downsizing their homes to what are called micro mansions. These homes are usually under 1,000 square feet and are designed with style and functionality in mind. If you’re thinking of downsizing, here are some inspiring micro mansions that will make you want to do it sooner rather than later.
Hidden Rooms
We all know that first impressions are important, but sometimes the best design features are hidden away. Here are some of our favorite small homes with hidden rooms that will inspire you to downsize and get creative with your space. First up is this house by Koncept Architecture in Toronto, which has a secret bedroom tucked into the stairwell and a library on top of the stairs. Next is a home in Pittsburgh with a step-down living room where there’s plenty of room for guests to stay overnight. And finally, there’s this split-level loft by AR+D Architecture in Vancouver that uses smart storage solutions so every inch counts.
DIY Plans
If you’re feeling inspired to downsize after seeing these stylish small homes, don’t worry–you don’t have to go full-on tiny house. Here are some easy DIY projects that will help you get started on your own downsizing journey 1) Build a Murphy bed. These fold up into the wall so they take up less space than a traditional bed and can be used as an extra guest bed if needed. 2) Get a folding dining table and chairs for compact spaces or to store in the closet when not in use.
Yurts, Domes, & Geodesic Domes
Tiny homes are all the rage these days, and for good reason. Not only are they more affordable than traditional homes, but they’re also more sustainable. And, let’s be honest, they’re just really darn cute. If you’re thinking about downsizing, or even if you’re just looking for some inspiration, check out these five tiny homes that will make you want to downsize ASAP.
Shipping Containers
In recent years, more and more people have been drawn to the unique style and versatility of shipping container homes. These homes can be customized to fit any need, and are often more affordable than traditional stick-built homes. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and can be adapted to any climate. If you’re considering downsizing, take a look at these stylish shipping container homes for some inspiration.
