Everywhere you look, it seems like more and more people are jumping on the tiny living train. With the average house costing nearly a whopping $700,000 in Canada, it’s easy to see why!

Followers of the movement love living tiny because it’s practical. Rising housing costs, environmental concerns, a desire for a more intentional life—tiny living checks all the boxes.

But doing it right requires a lot of strategic design.

If you’re thinking about going all in on living small, you’ll want to bookmark these six design tips!

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Tip #1: Source Multifunctional Furniture

In small spaces, every piece of furniture should have a purpose (or better yet, multiple purposes).

When you’re shopping, look for furniture that can do more than one thing, like sofas that double as beds, tables with built-in storage, or ottomans with hollow centers for stuffing blankets in. Items like Murphy beds and nesting tables are also excellent options because they free up valuable floor space when not in use.

Tip #2. Use Vertical Space

When floor space is scarce, look up! Your walls are prime real estate.

Floating shelves, tall bookcases, and slim storage towers make great use of wall space. Wall-mounted hooks or cabinets are also super for keeping essential items accessible. Strategic use of vertical space lets you maintain functionality without sacrificing a clean, open layout.

Trying to nail that perfect shelfie? Follow our shelfie guide!

Tip #3. Focus on Light & Colour

Tiny dwellings always benefit from a light, neutral colour palette. White, soft grays and light beiges make rooms feel open and airy. Pops of colour can be used playfully as accents through artwork, pillows, or small decor pieces.

Smaller spaces NEED natural light to keep them from feeling stuffy. Keep windows clear of heavy curtains and instead, use light, sheer window treatments to let sunlight in while still giving you privacy. Mirrors can also be placed near windows to reflect light and create depth.

Tip #4. Embrace Minimalist Principles

Living tiny often requires downsizing, which means being intentional about what you keep. You don’t have to become a full-on minimalist, but you should spend some time looking at each item and asking yourself if you actually use it. Does it bring you joy? If not, it may just be taking up space.

If you’re used to having a lot of stuff around, this part of living tiny is probably the scariest. But empty space is good! You don’t need to fill every corner. A blank wall or open floor can make a room feel bigger and more comfortable, especially in a tiny space. Keep your heart open to a less is more, quality over quantity attitude if you’re downsizing. It can be really freeing.

Tip #5. Optimize Room by Room

Different rooms have different challenges in small spaces. Here’s how to make each area work harder and smarter.

Kitchen

In a small kitchen, smart storage is key to keeping things organized and functional:

• Hang utensils and knives on magnetic strips or wall hooks to free up counter space.
• Use pull-out shelves or compact pantries for tight spaces.
• Choose small appliances that handle multiple tasks, like a combination toaster oven and air fryer.
• Install stick-on organizers inside cabinet doors for extra storage.

Living Area

A tiny living room needs to balance comfort and flexibility for everyday use:

• Use lightweight furniture that’s easy to move around when needed.
• Create separate areas for activities, like lounging and dining, with furniture placement or rugs.
• Add wall-mounted storage or shelves to keep surfaces clear.
• Keep seating versatile, like stools that can also act as side tables or footrests.

Bedroom

Tiny bedrooms demand clever storage solutions and minimal clutter to feel relaxing:

• Use stairs with built-in storage if your tiny home has a loft.
• Add shelves above the bed for books, plants, or personal items.
• Store seasonal clothing in vacuum-sealed bags under the bed.
• If clearance allows, opt for a storage lift bed.

Learn the pros and cons of tiny home living, right from an interior designer.

Tip #6. Opt for Sliding Doors

Swinging doors take up valuable space, which makes sliding doors an excellent alternative. They’re practical, space-saving, and maintain a sleek look for small areas. Sliding doors can be used for bathrooms, closets, or even as room dividers. They’re especially useful in tight hallways or areas where floor space is at a premium. Many options, like pocket doors, disappear entirely into the wall when open to give you even more room to work with.

Go Small or Go Home

Living tiny challenges traditional notions of home and space, but it doesn’t mean you’re forced to give up the comforts of traditional living—you just have to make smart, strategic design choices that optimize your space.

Start small, test out ideas, and adjust as you go. After all, the best tiny homes are the ones that reflect the people who live in them!

Ready to embark on an adventure of living tiny? We’re here to help! Contact MMID today.