Whether they’re looking to build a bachelor pad, refurbish a tiny condo, or downsize following the last child’s move to college, a growing trend in the nation is for people to downsize, rather than upsize. This move could be in response to high utility costs, the price of land, or a desire to “go green.” Whatever the case, homeowners can now create their own tiny slices of heaven on earth in less than 500 square feet. All it takes is a little imagination.
 
Colorado heights
 
That’s what a Colorado couple needed after their house burned down in a forest fire in 2012. They pitched their plight to Tiny House Nation, a series on the FYI network, and earlier this year, their home was completed and they were able to move in to their new, 500 square foot home. Though it’s less than half the space they were used to, they are now totally off grid, living off solar panels and enjoying an expansive view of the mountains. They also chose to move some of their living area out of doors with two separate patios with comfortable lounging chairs.
 
Giant projector screen, tiny house
 
Another tiny house is just over 200 square feet. It has no loft, instead allowing a queen size bed to roll out from beneath an office area. A screen pulls down over the windows to provide privacy and a projector screen. Beneath the surface of the desk is the owner’s keyboard—he’s a fan of music and small spaces. The coffee table has a single metal leg which can be moved to various spots around the room and lifted to various heights with a pneumatic lift depending on the desired use—dining table, coffee table, footrest, etc.
 
Renovated colonial
 
A small Massachusetts colonial home is also surprisingly livable, especially after the renovation its current owners completed following its purchase. A grungy kitchen with outdated appliances and cracked tile floors was almost magically transformed with new appliances, a coat of paint on the walls and existing cabinets, and a new vinyl floor. The wood floors of the rest of the house were similarly deteriorated, but appeared beautiful after being sanded and refinished. A small staircase leads to an upstairs bedroom with quaint slanted ceilings.
 
These homes prove you don’t need a huge home to be comfortable or happy. It’s all in your attitude and your willingness to simplify your life down to what you really need. After living in a 500 square foot with my husband and son for 6 months now, I don’t even remember what we put away in storage. All that extra “stuff” (whatever it is) wasn’t really necessary after all.
 
Interior Decorating and Remodeling News Brought to You by BaseBoardRadiatorCover.com
Source: huffingtonpost.com/hometalk/8-homes-that-prove-you-ca_b_5953900.html