The thriving tiny house movement encourages you to embrace a simplified and adventurous lifestyle by downsizing your living space. Typically defined as being no more than 500 square feet, a tiny home can be constructed on a portable base or a permanent foundation. The cost can vary greatly depending on your needs and lifestyle considerations.
Whether you purchase a pre-fabricated tiny home, customize your construction with a local builder or brave a DIY tiny home build, there are countless options when it comes to the style and type of tiny home. We’ve gathered our favorite tiny house design styles to inspire you in your journey.
1. Bohemian Adventure
Photo courtesy of Modern Tiny Living/@moderntinyliving
Whether your tiny home is on wheels or not, you can capture the essence of travel and adventure with a bit of bohemian style. It will make your compact living space feel free-spirited and welcoming. By drawing inspiration from global styles and cultures, you can continually adapt your tiny home’s decor to match your evolving collections and personal taste. Emphasize organic textures, vibrant colors and handmade items like nature-inspired art, quilts or woven pieces to create a unique environment that reflects your adventurous spirit.
2. English Country Cottage
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Tiny living doesn’t mean you have to compromise on cozy charm. Achieve the classic, English country aesthetic in your small home using a blend of rich maximalism, charming florals, plush furniture as well as a mix of vintage and antique pieces. Incorporate items like decorative pillows, pleated lampshades, knit throw blankets and patterned upholstery to effortlessly infuse your tiny space with comfort and elegance. Finally, focus on architectural details and cottage touches like exposed beams and stonework if starting a new build.
3. Tiny Farmhouse
Photo courtesy of Tiny Heirloom/@tinyheirloom
A fresh twist on the farmhouse style can be achieved in tiny living spaces by incorporating calming greens and blues. The versatile nature of this design aesthetic allows you to blend it with various styles such as modern, coastal and traditional. Emphasize elements like shiplap walls, sliding barn doors and reclaimed plank flooring to give your tiny home a distinct farmhouse feel. You can even enhance the aesthetic by adding vintage farm-inspired decor to the space.
4. Stylish Midcentury Modern
Photo courtesy of Tiny Heirloom/@tinyheirloom
If you’re considering tiny living and appreciate intentional design, a midcentury modern style may be the perfect choice. Known for clean lines, earthy color schemes and great attention to detail, this functional design approach suits all kinds of small spaces. Additionally, tiny living encourages minimalism, which aligns with midcentury modern ethos, creating a harmonious combination if you’re seeking simplicity with style.
5. Modern Coastal Oasis
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Bring the beach to your tiny home even if you’re far from shore by connecting with nature via an eclectic coastal style. Transform your small space with nautical motifs, sandy hues, light wood and bright white accents. To really emphasize the airy feel, opt for linen fabrics that add visual softness and other light textures. Use natural components and coastal accents to connect your indoor environment to the outdoors.
6. Minimalist Zen Retreat
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Tiny living lends itself well to the minimalism design style due to the simpler way of life and small space requirements. This style focuses on functional design but doesn’t sacrifice form. If you are drawn to tiny living, you may also appreciate eliminating unnecessary decor and ensuring that everything in your space serves a purpose. Embrace a neutral color palette, multipurpose items for storage and space-saving solutions, while avoiding excessive textures and patterns to maintain the sleek look.
7. Soothing Scandi
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The streamlined approach of Scandinavian design can create a clean, bright and tranquil atmosphere for a tiny home. It promotes the use of natural materials, resulting in stylish yet comfortable living spaces. This design style showcases intentional, subtle details with an emphasis on structural integrity. To adopt this style in your tiny home, incorporate natural wood, warm neutral shades, organic fabrics and streamlined designs. Pay attention to the craftsmanship as well.
8. Industrial Tiny Living
Photo courtesy of Modern Tiny Living/@moderntinyliving
A tiny home presents the perfect opportunity to embrace industrial aspects with its practical aesthetic. This style, which usually has a well-worn appearance, can give your newly built tiny home a more lived-in feel. Exposed architectural elements not only amplify the style but also make sense in a tiny home with limited space. In comparison, hiding the structure would consume valuable space. This style is especially well-suited for industrial tiny home structures like shipping containers. To achieve a cohesive look, incorporate metal and concrete finishes as well.
9. Rustic Treehouse
Photo courtesy of Tiny Heirloom/@tinyheirloom
Nothing evokes a sense of warmth and coziness like a rustic cabin nestled in the woods. Even if your tiny house isn’t surrounded by trees or off-grid in the mountains, you can still infuse rugged vibes into your space. Incorporate weathered pieces and a natural, wood-inspired decor scheme to accentuate the rustic ambiance. Embrace the use of raw wood and all kinds of texture in your design choices. For an added touch of cabin-like comfort, opt for relaxed fabrics such as flannels and sheepskin reminiscent of a log cabin retreat.
