“If you don’t want to install a round window, a round mirror could give a similar feel to a place, especially opposite a window to reflect lots of light,” Madsen said. The eye-catching 6x6 foot window is the highlight of the space and brings in tons of natural light, which is a must for a small space like this. The window is actually two 3x6 foot half moon windows that Madsen found on Craigslist. She and her brother love to use curves in their designs, so this was a perfect find. The Oasis model is built on an 8x24 foot trailer and is 260 square feet, including the loft. The living room is 12x8 feet and comes with a bump out window option. “This home was built for a family of four, so extra storage and multipurpose furniture was a must,” said Cera Bollo, the design coordinator at Summit Tiny Homes, which builds and delivers certified tiny homes like this one on wheels across Canada and the U.S. The U-shaped couch transforms into a bed with moving boxes that also have extra storage space inside them. The back wall behind the couch houses the split staircase going up to the kids’ loft bedrooms. Each staircase has added storage inside. The bar top table is divided into different sections that can be used all at once or in smaller sections as needed, ideal for families. The creators used the bar top as a utilitarian, space-saving seating option. “We decided to make it interactive and place the bar right through the center [of the window]. It also saves space by not having the whole window be just for the view but it has utility as a dining area, work desk, and shelf,” Madsen said. Tile adds a polished finish to the 12x8 living room. Madsen also recommends adding a bump out to your living space if you want to add more seating. This model has a 2-foot bump out, which allows people to sit at the bar without kicking the window glass. For furniture, Poppy opted for multifunctional pieces to easily freshen the space. “It’s a great way to utilize a small space and also be able to transform the look of your home when you want a new layout,” Poppy said. “This means you need to be strategic about what pieces of art and decor you incorporate into your tiny home—only things you absolutely love,” said Dea Lisica, creative director. The living room area is approximately 65 square feet within the 24x8-foot tiny house. Still, the designers have achieved a modern aesthetic that is all about clean lines and open spaces. Simple design and minimal decor help make the space feel much larger than it is, Lisica said. The rich black color creates depth and interest against the warm wood and bright white. A built-in couch with surrounding storage adds both beauty and functionality. To mimic the bright and airy feel of the room, bring in plenty of light with lots of windows and a white wall color. (They used the color Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore.) Shiplap adds texture while the stained wood details bring warmth. “The fold-down bar top makes the perfect eating area that can be folded away to make use of more space,” said Bollo. The entire space is 24 feet long and 8 1/2 feet wide. To maximize space even more, open storage stairs provide lots of storage. There’s also a pull-out drawer under the built-in couch for additional storage. To recreate the look, use bright whites and contrasting colors strategically to enhance the size of the space even more. Unlike most tiny house living room designs that place furniture against the walls, this space brings the furniture towards the center of the room. The layout choice combined with a great furniture selection makes the space look cozy instead of cluttered. Finish the space with a faux sheepskin throw, pillows, and classic-looking books and other decor, to achieve both a modern and classic feel. For furniture, don’t shy away from floor to ceiling shelving and a full sectional. Even with a dark, rich color palette, the furniture looks suited to the space because of the bright walls and ceilings.
