The Essence of Design

Tiny homes are notorious for their ability to make the most out of the space that they have. While larger homes usually have large areas of "dead space" that is not often used, tiny houses make use of every square inch of the space. 

The first and most important rule of design for tiny homes is that they design for function over aesthetics. Most homeowners purchase their living room furniture based on how they think the style will complement the rest of the décor in the room. Tiny homes, however, would prioritize multi-use or multi-function furniture over aesthetics. For instance, a couch might incorporate storage space in its interior. Or, a bed could have dresser drawers built into the frame. These are just two examples of the importance of planning and design in tiny homes. 

When planning to build a new home, a design that makes room for multi-functionality will almost always result in less square footage and more efficient use of space. For people shopping for an existing home, the creativity that comes with tiny home design can help you. Use this knowledge to discover how to turn that extra, unneeded bedroom into the office space you crave in a modestly sized home. 

Even if you are not ready to downsize to a fully off-grid, tiny home, there are still many important lessons to learn about how to make your own home more sustainable. You can limit the square footage in a home that you are planning to build or purchase. You can decrease the clutter in your space, and increase your focus on functionality in design. All these small steps add up and will help you move forward in your sustainability journey.