fbpx

How to Embrace the Tiny House Movement With a Modern Aesthetic

by | Feb 10, 2016 | Living Urban | 0 comments

Ever since the onset of the Great Recession, many Americans have begun to embrace the notion of downsizing. Keeping up with the Joneses has long been the driving factor behind the so-called American dream, but some people have realized that they really don’t need to overextend themselves with McMansion living in order to be happy and fulfilled.

Is The Tiny House Movement Flipping Interest?

This is not to say that there aren’t still plenty of people interested in traditional Portland modern homes – in fact, the housing market in Portland is on the upswing. However, the tiny house movement has also gained ground over the last several years, with many Portland natives and transplants electing to eschew traditional homes if favor of more modest living spaces.

What you may wonder, if you’ve grown accustomed to living in Portland condos or houses, is how you can enjoy the amenities of modern living when you’re limited to, say, 100-400 square feet. Even Portland lofts could offer between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet of space (although microlofts featuring 300-500 square feet of space are becoming more popular).

You needn’t fret, though. The companies building these tiny homes are well aware of the needs of modern homeowners and they’ve found some incredible ways to ensure that you have all you need.

So What’s Inside?

First, let’s lay out what you’re probably not going to get. A bathtub. A double oven. A king-size bed. You will have a lot of leeway to add particular items if you have your heart set on something, but don’t expect to get everything you would with the average apartment, condo, or house.

Still, you can enjoy a full kitchen, complete with all the appliances (albeit smaller versions), a bedroom, a bathroom, a sitting area/office, and perhaps even an outdoor deck. Many small homes also strive to bring the outside in as a way to make the space seem larger, so expect plenty of windows and options like French doors that provide for spectacular views, weather permitting.

Many tiny homes are also set up for sustainable power thanks to solar and/or wind power. This means you can get the juice you need to power lighting and other electrical components and keep your laptop and smartphone charged, all off the grid.

Take Home Where Ever You Go

Most tiny homes are also portable. So whether you’re interested in setting up shop in Portland neighborhoods that have been designed specifically as tiny house communities, you’re looking to buy land and move in, house and all, or you prefer to move around, your tiny house can accommodate your lifestyle.

picture credit: tiny house swoon