Today I wanted to further my knowledge on the life of the Tiny House movement. Yes its a movement! In my research I stumbled across a Ted-talk episode with Dee Williams who founded the Portland Alternative Homes (PAD) and wrote the book on it too, The Big Tiny. Dee also hosts workshops on not only living and building a house, but being part of a Tiny House community. How living small yet independently allows us to be more in tune with our surroundings, what we really need to live outside what the big consumers tell us we need - that by truly living this real mindset we reevaluate ourselves allowing us to truly experience gratitude, humility and grace - beautiful.

This is another company, Tumbleweed Tiny House Company - another fantastic website that sells plans and hosts workshops too on this house and living alternative.

Click here to take the tour of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company Cypress 20

In a time where we are so conscious about the environment, our everyday footprint and how this transforms into building and renovating - the Tiny House seems not only fitting but affordable! This type of home can appeal to people living off the grid, living on the move (as its foundation is built on a trailer) or plainly living simply yet fully. As this house can be fitted with all the modern conveniences like a big house or can be fitted for living off the grid with a compost toilet and no running water - the choices of design are endless.

As a designer I know its always part of the design conversation on how to design the efficient function of the space, how to have the smallest footprint in the build and to operate with efficiency thereafter. I think the Tiny House answers a lot of those questions, and at the same time excites me as I wonder what the build and design process would be like to be apart of one. This is a SHOUT OUT to someone who wants to do this - let me know!

Here are a few snaps of inspiration to get you into the Tiny House concept.......

I can see that the Tiny House could easily be the next carriage house, home office, guest bunkie or in-law home. I read another refreshing article from a seniors viewpoint, that the Tiny House is a fantastic alternative for them as YES they want their independence and privacy as long as they can and this housing style gives them that opportunity. Living close to family but separately in their own smaller space - fantastic! Something to think about when transitioning loved ones from the big house to your house to the care house! Why not incorporate this house to the mix instead?

Want to try out a Tiny House? Yes you can, just check into the Tiny House Hotel Caravan located in Portland Oregon. They have incorporated the housing idea into a caravan hotel lot, so you can see what its like not only to be in a Tiny House, but experience the community living too.

So today I learned about living outside the box again! This time with the idea of the romance of the gypsy caravan lifestyle modern day twist with the Tiny House.

Happy Wednesday -

That's Tiny House Living ........with Your Design Expert.