Whether driven by economic considerations, environmental consciousness or merely a new kind of mindfulness focused on a desire to live more simply, the Tiny House Movement is rapidly gaining momentum, both offshore and here in New Zealand.

The idea itself, isn’t exactly new. The people of Japan and other countries have been living in a similar fashion for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, the notion of the Kiwi 1/4 acre, 3 and a 1/2 bedroom, double-garage dream home is, overseas at least, is more of an oddity than the norm.

When you take into account the fact that traditional housing is becoming quite unattainable in the city centres, then the appeal of a downsized home becomes even more understandable.

Opting for a smaller living space doesn’t mean, however, having to go without life’s everyday necessities.

All the decision to go smaller entails, is a little more of a considered and practical approach when it comes to the space you do have. It also helps to be ruthless when it comes to ridding your life of clutter. You can still expect a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, four solid COLORSTEEL® walls and a sturdy COLORSTEEL® roof to shield you and your family from the elements - they’ll just be smaller. And smaller doesn't mean plainer. COLORSTEEL® offers a huge range of colours to bring your dream to life, with a range of profiles to create a distinct and design-led tiny home.

Another matter to consider is the inevitable question of future resale value. Although, as mentioned earlier, the Tiny House movement is gathering a sizeable following, there is and realistically always will be, a quite narrow market for tiny houses. Whatever your reasons for thinking smaller, massive capital gain probably shouldn’t be the primary reason for jumping on board.

Making the move towards a tiny house isn’t for everyone. But for many people, it’s the perfect way of living more sustainably and reducing their carbon footprint without overly compromising on the creature comforts that make any living space a true home.

Do your research and go forth with your eyes open and it could be a life-changing experience for the better.

Follow these simple tips in any smaller-sized home to make much more of a good deal less. 10 simple space expanders that can make a big difference:

1. Choose big windows to make for more light and an enhanced sense of space.

2. Break down the walls that act as barriers and create multi-purpose rooms to promote more seamless internal flow.

3. Think vertically. Look up and consider the potential for a mezzanine floor or loft space.

4. Replace doors with sliding walls that can be pushed or pulled to expand or diminish space.

5. Use glass walls to separate space without visually contracting the room.

6. Mirrors on the wall and elsewhere can instantly double the appearance of a room.

7. Utilise open storage with a little care, your treasured possessions can even become a design feature.

8. Colour it calm with a soothing colour palette made up of even and complementary tones.

9. Customise with built-ins, nooks and furniture tailored to the space itself and your specific needs.

10. Create hidden spaces to maximise your options. Look to areas like under the bed or beneath the stairs as fertile ground for storage and more.

When building a tiny home, building with quality materials as with any new home build is key for longevity. COLORSTEEL® has been the choice of New Zealanders for over 35 years. Designed, tested and approved for New Zealand's unique conditions. COLORSTEEL® has a natural fit with tiny homes - low maintenance and durable, lightweight but delivering strength.

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