Utah’s housing crisis has led some homeowners to switch from large homes to smaller spaces. These minimalist structures, known as tiny houses, keep a roof over your head — without the accompanying large expenses of a regular sized home.
Tiny homes are built for efficiency; both in space and costs. Their design and style revolve around how to fit all the essential elements of a home in 400 square feet or less. Many have found tiny house living preferable to traditional homes, making them a big trend in the real estate market. But what if your tiny space is now leaving you less inspired?
Here are some cost-effective ways to turn your tiny home into your miniature dream house.
Replace Your Windows
The first step to redesigning your tiny home is to replace your windows. It doesn’t cost too much, and it can transform the way your house looks from the inside and out.
A tiny home usually has three to four windows, on average. In other properties, depending on its design, it could be more. It’s crucial to decide what window type and style you’re switching to since windows make up a considerable part of your home.
Vinyl frame windows are perfect for your design project if you’re looking for something stylish, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. It only costs about $450 to $650 to replace your windows with vinyl, compared to wooden windows, which may cost $800 to $1,000 per replacement, and to aluminum windows, which may cost $400 to $1200 apiece.
In addition, vinyl is a natural insulator, protecting your tiny home from harsh elements. Because your windows can become a thermal hole that eats up much energy, the right windows can reduce your expenses.
Vinyl windows can also come in different colors and sizes, which automatically add a fresh spin to the overall appeal of your home.
Repaint the Walls
The easiest way to redesign your home is to repaint your walls. The colors you pick not only change the mood and overall style of your home. But it can also revitalize the space. If your family’s creative, you may even consider painting a mural to create a conversation starter or a statement wall in a small space.
Of course, choose your palettes and artwork carefully, so the paint doesn’t overwhelm a cozy space. As an alternative to the permanence of paint, you may want to consider colorful or patterned wallpaper.
Rethink Your Furniture
The key to maximizing space in a tiny house is to have multi-purpose furniture. These pieces not only have to serve a variety of functions, but they should also save space.
For example, a dining table can fold away and feature a recessed space to store small items. Another example would be a sofa bed that can also act as a divider between the living space and dining area, and have deep pockets for storing other objects.
Living tiny doesn’t have to be entirely minimalist in design. You can experiment with your windows, walls, and furniture to achieve your desired result.
