The Marvels Of Tiny Homes

Homes come in all shapes and sizes, from the palatial mansions in the Hollywood Hills to the tiny boxes high above New York City to miniature crackerjack box houses in the hill country.  Our homes are as unique as we are and we are seeing a big emphasis on small homes.  These utilitarian little marvels are a reflection of the changing landscape of America as we are more conscious of our dwindling resources, our mindfulness in keeping a small footprint and our dedication to more efficient living. Space is becoming ever more precious and how we design our homes to be more practical and livable will only intensified in the future. I thought it might be fun to look at some extreme homes that are taking the “little home idea” to the max or maybe “through the roof.” These ultra-homes are the pinnacle of architecture and design and a springboard to encourage us to daydream about the possibilities of innovation and the ease of living small.

City Living

SuperLimao Studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil configured a miniature space into a multi-leveled modern house, full of angles to reflect light and heighten the illusion of space with attention to color, greenery and the dependence on the sun. Raw brick and stark white walls juxtapose organic with severity. The playful, contemporary Brazilian style of rough texture, shiny patina of wood and bright eclecticism make a big play to diminish the feeling of a small, cramped home. With so much stimulation going on in this carefully crafted space, every day is an adventure. A complete panoply of exterior and interior design is packed into a magnificent minute package.

Look here to see more amazing photos of a modern mini house.

Sources: Interior Zine
Sources: Interior Zine

Wide Open

Broadhurst Architects adapted a small home based on the design of an American corn crib with a slatted roof and open sides to keep the corn dry and is actually named, “The Crib.” Made from sustainable and recyclable materials, this little hut can be ordered and constructed off site and assembled like a giant Lego on your specific spot. The structure remains rigid but the interior function and design can be personalized for your needs (maybe just a few needs). As you open the insulated garage door that doubles as a patio door, an outdoor deck expands outdoors. If you like wide open spaces, this might be your bit of heaven- a tiny contemporary abode masquerading as a modest hut in the middle of the woods or in the heart of a city.

If “The Crib House” inspires you to live small, check out the images here.

Source: Broadhurst Architects
Source: Broadhurst Architects

Getting Lost

My favorite thing after a long or short trip is coming home and getting that “lovin” feeling where my home surrounds me in comfort and adjusts to all my moods. I know where everything is and how it looks, smells and feels so it fits me perfectly. But what if you didn’t have to abandon the tranquility of your space to hit the road? Escape Traveler has combined the classic travel trailer designed with the luxurious appointments of a fancy ski lodge.  You may outfit and upgrade these gorgeous mini-trailer homes in three styles and are designed for extreme heat or brutal cold wherever your travels take you.  If winding through the highways is not your thing, just leave it in place and bliss out on a stay-cation with minimal upkeep. I’m thinking this teeny home could be in my future or yours.

If you long for your home to be all in one place but you also want to take it with you, these photos here will get you ready.

Source: Escape Traveler
Source: Escape Traveler

These three tiny homes portray new ways to think about downsizing without giving up design, comfort and happiness of home which is at the core of what goes on here at Blindsgalore.  Home is where it matters, big or small, rent or own, moving or going, chic or frumpy, bright or dull, windows open or closed. Choice is our American way of life and knowing that possibilities are limitless moves us to think bigger, hope deeper, travel farther and create better. Home is where you get decide what you cherish most and what you can live without. Curating our lives is deeply personal and only you can tell that story-big or little!

Featured Image Source: Interior Zine