Think big, live small

Whether driven by economic considerations, environmental consciousness or merely a new kind of mindfulness centred on a desire to live more simply, the Tiny House Movement is rapidly gaining momentum, both offshore and here in New Zealand.

The idea itself, isn’t exactly new. The people of Japan and other countries have been living in a similar fashion for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, the notion of the Kiwi 1/4 acre, 3 and a 1/2 bedroom, double-garage dream home is, overseas at least, more of an oddity than the norm.

When you take into account the fact that, at around 200 m2, the average New Zealand home can cost close to $500,000 before reaching completion - often more if you’re looking for bespoke design features - then the appeal of a downsized home becomes even more understandable. It’s easily possible to build a perfectly acceptable, smaller dwelling inside $200,000.

Opting for a smaller living space doesn’t mean, however, having to go without life’s everyday necessities.

You can still expect a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, four solid walls and a sturdy COLORSTEEL^® roof to shield you and your family from the elements.  They’ll just be smaller. And the home itself won’t contain a butler’s pantry or a walk-in wardrobe if it’s all the same to you. All the decision to go smaller entails is a little more of a considered and practical approach when it comes to the space you do have. It also helps to be ruthless when it comes to ridding your life of clutter.

Another matter to consider is the inevitable question of future resale value. Although, as mentioned earlier, the Tiny House movement is gathering a sizeable following, there is, and realistically always will be, a quite narrow market for tiny houses. Whatever your reasons for thinking smaller, massive capital gain in the short, medium or long term probably shouldn’t be the primary one. 

Making the move towards a tiny house isn’t for everyone. But for many people, it’s the perfect way of living more sustainably and reducing their carbon footprint without overly compromising on the creature comforts that make any living space a true home.

 Do your research and go forth with your eyes open and it could be a life-changing experience for the better.

Follow these simple tips in any smaller-sized home to make much more of a good deal less.

10 simple space expanders that can make a big difference:

1. Choose big windows to make for more light and an enhanced sense of space.

2. Break down the walls that act as barriers and create multi-purpose rooms to promote more seamless internal flow.

3. Think vertically. Look up and consider the potential for a mezzanine floor or loft space.

4. Replace doors with sliding walls that can be pushed or pulled to expand or diminish space.

5. Use glass walls to separate space without visually contracting the room.

6. Mirrors on the wall and elsewhere can instantly double the appearance of a room.

7. Utilise open storage and be a tidy Kiwi. With a little care, your treasured possessions can even become a design feature.

8. Colour it calm with a soothing colour palette made up of even and complementary tones.

9. Customise with built-ins, nooks and furniture tailored to the space itself and your specific needs.

10. Create hidden spaces to maximise your options. Look to areas like under the bed or beneath the stairs as fertile ground for storage and more.