Designing your own custom tiny home is an exciting adventure! It’s all about making a space that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Whether you’re downsizing, looking for a simpler life, or just love the idea of a unique, cozy home, a custom tiny home can be the perfect solution. Plus, we can build your tiny house, Shepherd’s hut, Tiny McTinyFace or a granny flat and deliver it anywhere in Australia, thanks to our partnership with a reliable towing company. This service fully insures your tiny house from our factory to your doorstep, though delivery is an additional cost. Just get in touch for a quote!
Let’s design your custom tiny home
Start with your lifestyle
Before diving into the design, think about your daily life. What do you do at home? Do you work from home, cook a lot, or entertain guests? Your custom tiny home should reflect your lifestyle. For instance, if you love cooking, a well-designed kitchen with plenty of storage and counter space is a must. If you work from home, consider a comfortable, quiet workspace.
Think about size and space
Tiny houses are, well, tiny! But they can still feel spacious if designed right. Start by deciding how much space you need. The average custom tiny home is between 15 to 30 square metres, but you can go smaller or bigger depending on your needs. Remember, every square metre counts, so use the space wisely.
Maximise storage
One of the biggest challenges in a custom tiny home is storage. But with clever design, you can create plenty of storage space without making your home feel cramped. Think about built-in shelves, under-bed storage, and multi-functional furniture like a sofa that doubles as a storage chest. Even the stairs can have built-in drawers!
Choose your layout
The layout is key to making your custom tiny home feel comfortable. Some popular layouts include a lofted bedroom, a ground-floor bedroom, or even a Murphy bed that folds away during the day. Decide whether you want an open-plan living area or prefer separate spaces for different activities. Sketch out different layouts to see what works best for you.
Focus on the kitchen and bathroom
These two areas are essential in any home, including a custom tiny home. For the kitchen, consider the appliances you need. Do you want a full-size fridge, a dishwasher, or just a small stovetop? Think about the layout too – a galley kitchen, L-shaped, or even a U-shaped kitchen can work well in a tiny space.
For the bathroom, decide if you want a shower, a bathtub, or a wet room. Also, consider the type of toilet – composting, chemical, or standard flush. Don’t forget about storage for toiletries and towels!
Consider the interior design
The interior design of your custom tiny house can make a big difference. Choose light colours to make the space feel larger and brighter. Mirrors can also help create an illusion of more space. Personalise your home with your favourite decor, but keep it minimal to avoid clutter. Use soft furnishings, like cushions and rugs, to add warmth and coziness.
Think about energy efficiency
A custom tiny home is a great opportunity to go green. Consider energy-efficient appliances and lighting, solar panels, and good insulation. This not only helps the environment but can also save you money on energy bills. If you plan to live off-grid, think about your water and energy sources carefully.
Plan for outdoor living
If your custom tiny home is stationary, outdoor living spaces can greatly expand your living area. Think about adding a deck, a small garden, or even an outdoor kitchen. This can be a great place to relax, entertain guests, or enjoy nature.
Budgeting and costs
Building a custom tiny home can be more affordable than a traditional home, but it’s still important to budget. Consider the cost of materials, labour, and any special features you want. Don’t forget to include delivery costs if you plan to have your tiny house transported. Get a detailed quote to avoid surprises later on.
Legal considerations
Before you start building, check the local regulations in your area. Different regions have different rules about tiny houses, especially if they’re on wheels. Make sure your design complies with building codes and zoning laws to avoid any legal issues down the line.
There are over 100 local councils in New South Wales, each with different approaches to tiny houses. While all follow the same building codes, their interpretation can vary. Generally, if you place a tiny house on wheels on residential or rural land that already has a house and enough space, councils usually don’t have a problem. Since a tiny house on wheels is classified as a caravan, it typically doesn’t require a development application (DA). However, in more developed areas, councils might have specific regulations, so it’s best to check with them first.
Future-proofing your home
Think about how your needs might change over time. Will you need more space for a growing family, or do you plan to downsize further in the future? Designing your custom tiny home with flexibility in mind can save you from having to make big changes later.
Getting professional help
While designing and building a custom tiny home can be a DIY project, getting professional help can make sure everything goes smoothly. Architects, builders, and interior designers can offer valuable expertise and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Designing a custom tiny home is an exciting journey. It’s all about creating a space that feels like home, no matter how small. From planning the layout to choosing the perfect finishes, every decision matters. With careful planning and a clear vision, your custom tiny house can be a beautiful, functional space that perfectly suits your lifestyle.
Remember, Ben’s Got Tiny Homes here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need advice on design, help with construction, or just want to chat about your tiny house dreams, feel free to reach out. And if you need your tiny house delivered, our trusted towing partner can bring it right to your doorstep, fully insured. So, let’s get started on making your dream tiny home a reality!