In 2014, FYI Network aired their first episode of Tiny House Nation called the “172 Sq Ft Dream Castle.” In this episode, a young Tennessee couple and their toddler moved into this very small home, designed by the show’s hosts, renovation experts John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin. The show claims the tiny house movement (homes under 500 sqft) is “exploding across the nation.” These tiny homes are less than a fourth of the size of the current average home in the U.S., which is about 2,300 square feet. People interested in these tiny homes are either looking for financial independence or the desire to live with less. The show claims that “tiny homes are the next big thing” . . . but were they?

Considering that many people are still moving into small homes years after Tiny House Nation premiered, it is safe to say that living small is a trend, not a fad. Tiny houses can be even less than 200 square feet of living space. They pack the living space (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and storage) into an area that is smaller than many master bedrooms.

Learning how to utilize this space can be a challenge, but that is one of the things that tiny homeowners enjoy. Whether they are living in a small New York apartment or in a custom-designed tiny home on wheels they can move when needed, these homeowners have to get creative with their space. While learning how to live with less is a part of this process, they also have to look at ways to maximize the space they have. On the design side of the tiny house movement, that includes features such as hidden storage in the stairs or under the bed, a table that folds away, and other design tricks. The homeowners have to look at what they truly need and how they can adjust their lifestyle to the smaller space.

Clearly the biggest takeaways from the tiny new house owners is that they have learned to work together in the house while really utilizing their outdoor space. As a civil engineer, I can really appreciate people finding ways to bring the traditional indoor space to the outdoors. In California, were I live and work, we have great weather all year round – so doing more outside is more feasible than it is in other areas around the world. Indoor/outdoor living is possible most times of the year, allowing tiny home owners the option of increasing their living space by creating outdoor areas. I wanted to share some of the amazing spaces outside these tiny homes so you can get some creative ideas for your homes and offices.