Most people will tell you that the biggest factor in making the interior of tiny homes feel bigger is a light paint color, such as white. But the truth is, there are plenty of other ways to make the inside of a tiny house feel bigger without having to default to light paint colors.
Here are a few interior design tips that can make the interior of your small house feel bigger:
Utilize Mirrors:
We've all seen those rooms with mirrors lining the walls, making it feel like the room is much bigger than it is. At one of our local community centers, one of the rooms primarily used for dancing and fitness classes is just like that. The room isn't that large, it's a pretty small room, but it doesn't feel that way when you're there because of the mirrors.
Tip: Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of space. Chances are, you probably don't want to line all the walls in your home with mirrors, but by strategically placing mirrors on walls or doors, you can reflect light and make the room feel more open and spacious.
Opt for Multi-functional Furniture:
We've learned over time that the best way to make the most of our tiny space is to have furniture that's designed and built specifically for our space. But if you're not building the furniture yourself, that probably means you have to pay someone to do it for you. And custom furniture is never cheap.
If you're planning to live in a tiny house, it might be worth considering learning some basic furniture-building skills and acquiring the tools you need to build it. I'm in the process of doing this myself, so I'll provide more insights into this topic as I become more experienced.
Tip: In a tiny house, every inch of space counts. Choose multipurpose furniture, such as a sofa that converts into a bed or a coffee table with hidden storage compartments.
By building custom furniture and utilizing vertical space, you can reduce the square footage of floor space that your furniture would otherwise occupy. This will help maximize your living area while still providing functionality.
Use Light Colors For Flooring:
There's nothing worse than selecting a flooring color just because it makes something feel bigger, only to end up regretting that you didn't select the color you just like more. Flooring is not easy to replace once you're moved in and settled down in a space. Choose flooring wisely.
Tip: While light paint colors are not the only way to make a space feel bigger, light-colored flooring can also have a similar effect. Light wood or laminate flooring can make the room appear larger and more open. But don't let the illusion of space stop you from selecting the flooring color that you like the most.
Incorporate Natural Light:
Having multiple windows (or just a few large windows) is probably one of the most important things you can do to make a small space feel larger than it actually is.
Our tiny living room and kitchen area have four windows, two on each side of the house. In the morning, the sun comes in the two front windows, and in the afternoon and evening, as the sun drifts to the West, the sunlight comes in the two back windows. The massive amount of natural light that comes in makes the space feel much bigger than it actually is.
Tip: Maximizing natural light is key to making a small space feel bigger. Install large windows or skylights to bring in as much natural light as possible. You can also use sheer curtains or blinds to allow sunlight to filter through while still maintaining privacy.
Declutter and Organize:
We constantly have to be very intentional about our space and what we bring into the tiny house. Sometimes we let our guard down, and the clutter starts to take over. That's when we're quickly reminded of how important decluttering is to maintaining the illusion that the tiny house is actually bigger than it is.
As I'm typing this, I'm looking at our entertainment center, which has once again become cluttered with too much stuff on it, including decorative items. It's time to declutter and organize!
Tip: Keeping your tiny home clutter-free is essential in creating a sense of spaciousness. Get rid of unnecessary items and find creative storage solutions to keep everything organized and out of sight. This will help open up the space and make it feel more inviting.
Create Visual Continuity:
A large house with many different rooms is somewhat jarring when one room is purple and the next is yellow. Or if one room is post-modern, another is Bohemian, and yet another is industrial. Imagine that being the case in a tiny house, but instead of each room being different, it's just that each wall or side of the room is different.
I'm not saying I wouldn't be impressed, but - that would be wild!
Instead, a better idea for a small space like a tiny house is to create visual continuity. Make the space make sense. Make it seem like one long, continuous space from one side to the other.
Tip: To make your tiny home feel larger, create visual continuity throughout the space. Use cohesive color schemes and design elements that flow seamlessly from one area to another. This will give the illusion of a larger, more cohesive living space.
Vault The Ceilings:
Last, but not least - If you're the one building the tiny house (or buying it), you should consider giving it vaulted ceilings. When people walk into our tiny house, they think they're walking into a home that they're going to have to duck down or something. It's hilarious to watch people's reactions when they walk into our small home for the first time and immediately comment, "Wow, this is way bigger than I thought it was from the outside."
After spending a little bit of time inside, they ultimately conclude that it's most likely the vaulted ceilings that contribute to that perception. So, take it from us - vault the ceilings!
Photo by Hudson Hintze / Unsplash
Tip: Vaulted ceilings in a tiny house offer several benefits, particularly in terms of enhancing the perception of space and creating a more open and airy atmosphere. Here are some other key advantages:
Increased Vertical Space: Vaulted ceilings extend upwards, creating a greater sense of vertical space. This additional height can make a tiny house feel much larger than it actually is, preventing the cramped feeling that often comes with low ceilings.
Enhanced Natural Light: With higher ceilings, there's often room for larger or additional windows, skylights, or clerestory windows. This increase in natural light can significantly brighten the space, making it feel more open and inviting.
Architectural Interest and Aesthetics: Vaulted ceilings can add a unique architectural element to a tiny house, giving it a distinctive and stylish look. This feature can transform a simple interior into a more dynamic and visually appealing space.
Potential for Loft Space: The extra height provided by vaulted ceilings can allow for the incorporation of a loft area. This can be used as a sleeping area, storage space, or a cozy nook, effectively increasing the usable space in the tiny house.
Improved Air Circulation: Higher ceilings can improve air circulation within the house. This can be especially beneficial in small spaces, helping to maintain air quality and temperature consistency.
Psychological Benefits: Vaulted ceilings can create a less confined living environment, which can have psychological benefits. A space that feels larger and more open can reduce feelings of claustrophobia and enhance overall well-being.
Customization and Creativity: Vaulted ceilings offer a canvas for creative design and customization. From exposed beams to unique lighting fixtures, this feature can be tailored to reflect personal style and enhance the overall interior design.
Increased Resale Value: Homes with vaulted ceilings often have a higher perceived value and can be more appealing to potential renters and buyers, which could be beneficial if you decide to sell or rent out your tiny house in the future.
Conclusion:
Remember, making the interior of a tiny house feel bigger doesn't always have to rely solely on light or even paint colors. By incorporating our tips and tricks with vaulted ceilings, reflective surfaces, and intentional storage space custom-designed for your small home (and other creative interior design ideas), you can create a comfortable and spacious living environment in your tiny home, regardless of your chosen color palette.