In a mass-market world with an ever growing appetite for consumerism, McMansions and soaring property prices, a new trend is emerging among those who wish to return to a simpler, more sustainable way of living: tiny homes. A social phenomenon that is sweeping around the world, tiny homes are crafted for those who wish to live with less, yet with beautiful, uncompromising design. And, in the commercial space, businesses are also getting onboard, utilising the tiny space model to establish trendy yet practical pop-up shops and installations around the world. Keep reading to find out more about not only the ins and outs of tiny homes, but also how you can get the look and optimise the lighting in your small, yet chic space. Why are tiny homes so popular? Tiny homes maximise every inch of space and are designed with function and integrated living in mind. What’s more, they are financially and ecologically beneficial to owner-occupiers and investors wishing to convert their tiny home into a short-stay rental. Designed to minimise its impact on the environment, tiny homes are often established in areas with natural flora and fauna, such as on subdivided land in the bush. Rather than sticking out like a sore thumb, tiny homes integrate into their environment to become subtle statements to the power of slower living. So, with a growing social consciousness about the impact of modern living, tiny homes have become increasingly popular due to the desire to return to a more natural, ecological way of living. However, environmental concerns aren't the only reason that tiny homes are so popular. Financial incentives prove to be a major consideration to invest and/or occupy a tiny home. With housing prices skyrocketing in Australia, and hitting past the million dollar mark for often sub-par homes, the affordability allows young couples, families, retirees and first-time investors access to an increasingly inequitable property market. Whatever your reason for considering or simply thinking about tiny homes, they are undoubtedly an ecological, affordable and trendy way to live. Keep reading as we give you our best tips for styling tiny homes in the most space efficient way possible. So, how do I style a small space? One of your first thoughts when considering a tiny home is: How do I maximise space? Given that the average livable space of a tiny home is 11m2, considering how to maximise space is a critical issue to factor and integrate into your pre-purchase research, and/or your post-purchase design and planning. One of the most significant ways to utilise space is to consider what lighting solutions you will use. Smart and efficient lighting placement and configuration can be an extremely effective way to maximise an open-plan design and minimise wasted space. And, given our knowledge and expertise at Fat Shack Vintage, we've created a recommendation list of lighting types to consider in order to create a living space that encompasses both form and function. Pendant Lights One of the most popular decors that are used in tiny homes is minimalism. This is because the nature of minimalism perfectly complements tiny home living. Consider exposed bulb pendant lights, such as our Brass Pipe Pendant by NUD for the perfect fit. And, don't forget that you can arrange several exposed bulb pendants together to achieve maximum impact. Above: Check out our Cone Pendant Light and the Brass Pipe Pendant by NUD. But, exposed bulb pendant lights aren't the only way you can experiment with lights in tiny homes. If you have a high ceiling, you can get creative with styles. If you love the Scandi look, check out our Cone Pendant Light. Or, if the chic look is more your thing, try our Concrete Scalloped Pendant Light, which exemplifies the convergence of contemporary and traditional design. Check out our Pinterest board for more photo-worthy inspo: Wall Lights Wall lights are an effective way to utilise space, particularly as bedroom lighting, as they do not need to be placed on a surface, such as a bedside table. They can also be used as kitchen lighting, such as above a kitchen workspace. And, if you take into consideration the IP rating of a wall light, some wall lights can even be safely used in bathrooms and outdoors. Check out the below Pinterest pins for some inspiration; or, if you'd like to view the product on the right, you can find our Industrial Warehouse Gooseneck Wall Light here. But what about investors and business owners? Contrary to popular belief, tiny spaces and tiny homes aren't just for residential owner-occupiers. Tiny homes are a fantastic investment opportunity, especially with the rise of short-stay rental services. And, if you invest in a tiny home that is technically considered a trailer, it won't be subject to the same expensive regulations and requirements as a fixed structure. And, if you're a small business owner, tiny spaces can also be a smart way to not only experiment with a quirky, small business space, but also lower overheads and running business costs. This is exemplified in SIS Deli and Café in Helsinki, which has converted a shipping crate into a one-of-a-kind commercial space. Above: A converted shipping crate café (SIS Deli and Café) in Helsinki, Finland. And, if you need some inspiration from just across the ditch, check out this tiny home – aptly named the Tent House – that's used as a short-term rental in Waiheke Island, New Zealand. View this post on Instagram We're seriously impressed with the Tent House. Designed by @christatearchitecture it's the perfect trade inspo for short-term rentals. #tenthouse #architecture #sustainability #modernist #tinyhome A post shared by Fat Shack Vintage (@fatshackvintage) on Apr 29, 2019 at 10:00pm PDT So, as you can see, tiny homes are an affordable, ecological and innovative new way to live and invest. And, this concept has been broadened to commercial spaces, such as in pop-up cafes and stores. We hope this article has been informative, and that you've also gained some lighting inspiration for not only tiny homes, but for small spaces as well. What do you think about tiny homes? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below!
(03) 9585 6836
