I’ve been through dozens of tiny homes, and no two are alike. It’s obvious to me that tiny housers have gigantic imaginations. My interior design tips for tiny homes are mere suggestions. There are no limitations when it comes to creating your perfect tiny sanctuary. Today I’d like to discuss how to mix styles in your tiny home interior design.
Small space design is a challenge. Perhaps that’s why it is also so rewarding!
How to Mix Styles in your Tiny Home interior
When designing a small space, try not to mix styles that are opposing. Instead, choose themes that are similar. Sounds simple. But, how do you know whether a style is similar or opposing? This, of course, is a matter of opinion. The best way to decide if styles will mix is to view examples and look for similar shapes and colors. Browse photographs of interior design styles here.
For example, my tiny home is “rustic” mixed with “french country.” These two styles are easy to mix because it’s easy to see that they are similar. They complement each other. If I tried to mix “modern” with “medieval” in 125 square feet, I’d undoubtedly fail. The small space would seem to be at odds with itself!
“Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
– Oscar Wilde
I didn’t want my tiny space to struggle for an identity. I wanted rhythm and cohesiveness. I needed to feel comfortable in my house, not confused. So before choosing a fabric for my curtains, I searched the web for “rustic” curtains or “french” curtains, and shopped for similar patterns. For a novice designer, refer to photographs and guidelines for your chosen style to control your design theme.
Examples of Rustic Design in my Tiny Home:
- Reclaimed barn wood for exterior siding, interior accent walls and trim
- Reclaimed crates used for staircase
- Wood countertops and backsplash
- Wood floors
- Rustic Light Fixtures
- Steel fireplace
- Copper homemade curtain rods
- Homemade cabinet with chicken wire
- Metal walls in bathroom
- Faux stone tile floor in bathroom
Examples of French Country Design in my Tiny Home:
- White walls
- Reclaimed crates used for staircase
- Reclaimed barn wood used for interior accent walls and trim
- Burlap counter skirt and curtains
- Copper homemade curtain rods
- Ornate iron cabinet doors with a splash of distressed color
- Ornate patterns used on fabric on curtains, bench seat and bed comforter
As you can see, I have design components that overlap in both themes. By choosing elements that fall into both categories, the two styles create a cohesive aesthetic. This is an example of how to correctly mix styles in a small space.
Hey! designing a small space, try not to mix styles that are opposing.
Exactly! I am also need to feel comfortable in my house, not confused.
My wife and I are going to build a tiny home as we move back home to Alaska. What type of wood stove does yours have
Author
We use the Kimberly wood stove by Unforgettable Fire
I love your tip about not mixing design styles. Now, if I only knew how to put the design style ‘beach cottage’ into place. We are getting ready to start the interior of our school bus conversion and I keep flip flopping on design. Oh, your wood floor is beautiful!!
Lovely! I like the idea of mixing styles.
Momma Jean said she likes the metal bathroom walls. No worries about moisture issues. The plaster on our bathroom ceiling doesn’t like moisture. Momma Jean said it takes a strong marriage to survive with one bathroom.