Over the weekend, I realized I haven’t shared a tour of the main space in our 320-square-foot barn apartment (tiny house) since we moved in back in November.
The truth is, I don’t love the photos when I take them. While it’s very livable, it also appears a bit cluttered in photos. Probably because there are lots of open storage solutions (like our kitchen shelves, our IKEA island and DIY toy storage). And it’s a pretty small space, so there are lots of things that needs stored in a small space.
But, that’s life. And I figured now is as good of a time as any to share again.
(Forgive the fact that my two-year-old is asleep in his bedroom in these pictures. There’s really no way to hide a body in 320-square-feet and nap time is the only time I had to take photos without toys everywhere. And, woo-hoo for coveted nap times.)
Here’s the view from the door – you can see our IKEA daybed (serving as our bed and sofa, with the extra twin mattress stored behind), our country-inspired photo wall, my wardrobe (holding all my clothes), our IKEA island (which serves as extra kitchen storage and our eating area).
Here’s a little close-up at our microwave area. (Almost all of our pantry items and baking goods are stored in these cabinets.) We mounted my spices to the side, which is pretty convenient.
On the other side, we have the hub of the kitchen. We do have a full-size fridge and stove. The hanging bar (from IKEA) has containers that hold all of our silverware and dish-washing stuff. Plus, we hang all of our Norwex towels to dry and oven mitts on the hooks for easy access.
Here’s another view of the island-slash-table-slash-office-slash-play table. It’s a pretty heavily used space. And it’s already covered in markers from my budding artist. My computer and notebooks are stored away to charge in the galvanized container. I store the vacuum on the opposite side of the island and we have our hanging paperwork organizer (for bills, filing, coupons, etc.) on the back side of the wardrobe.
And here’s a quick view from the opposite side, where you can see the television, built-ins, and dog bed. You can also see the mess of art supplies and medicines that get stored above the fridge to keep them from getting into Henry’s hands. This is something that bothers me, but I can’t seem to find a better solution yet.
That’s pretty much every view you could get of the main living space. For being a tiny area, it packs a lot of punch. It’s amazing that we can really make this work for us – and work well for us.
Want to see more?
One of the most livable looking tiny spaces I’ve seen. Really good use of the space.
If the kitchen shelves and refrigerator top look cluttered to you, you might want to consider using dishes that are all one color. Also, try a couple of those square type baskets with handles for the top of the refrigerator. Everything goes inside, and they are easily retrieved.
Very good suggestions!
I love your little barn so much. You guys did such a great job. Maybe I missed this from so long ago, but what are you planning to do with the barn after you build your house? Use it for guests or rent it out?
Looks great! So cozy!
I was thinking wow this isn’t cluttered at all especially for all of the function and living that happens in this space. You can tell that you have planned for every inch of this space and made the most of it!
Thanks! It’s actually very livable space – but we’ll be happy to have more space, too.
Looks like efficiency in motion to me. If that wardrobe cabinet is metal, maybe you could put some some of magnetic storage container on it to hold something. I was thinking a big tin for your art supplies (we have a huge tin from Wolferman’s that would be perfect!)
Your space flows so nicely and I love that everything has a purpose.
Great job!
That’s a great idea – it’s actually wood, but I’m sure we could figure something out. I need a place for jewelry.
Kim, I love your tiny home! I see it as cozy, not cluttered. You have made such great use of space. It’s just plain awesome and I am jealous! 🙂
Thanks, Betty! Hope you get to visit soon!
Love the organization! We have the IKEA day bed in our guest room and like it. What are you going to do with the barn apartment after you finish building your house? Rent it? Air B and B?
Planning to use it as a guest space and studio for crafting and office work. =)
So cool Kim! I’m so impressed at all your clever small space living solutions! I agree with Michelle – it definitely doesn’t appear cluttered!
Thanks, Brynne. It’s very out in the open, so it’s an adjustment.
LOVE your tiny home!! We are big fans of the tiny house movement…we went from 3000 square ft to 1800 square ft., which still isn’t small by any means…but once the last of the kids moves out, we will be looking to downsize again! Your home is lovely – I especially love your
son’s room and that cool bed!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Cheryl! And congrats on your downsizing journey!
I don’t think it looks cluttered. You’ve got a lot of living to do in that tiny space and I’d say you’re doing it quite well!
Wait… the chart storage thing I’ve got is similar to your paper filing device, which now that I look again – is fabric, not metal… your computer is in the bin on the table – I see it now… haha… but same idea. You’re inspirational either way! 🙂
You are sweet – and great idea! In the next house, I have all kinds of good ideas for places to store my laptop and work stuff. It will be nice to have a home for it.
I love the “real-ness” of these pics. Thank you for being real. 🙂 It is beautiful! And you gave me an idea with your computer storage/charging area. We need to convert our office to a nursery, and I was wondering where I was going to keep my computer. I have an old wooden chart storage bin similar to your galvanized one (but yours is cuter!) in the attic that I think will work perfectly in the living room for my new “office”. Thank you!
It looks great, Kim! I love all of the places you have added storage so it works for you. You make me want to downsize and live smaller!
Thanks so much, Kristi! It’s an acquired taste.
I don’t think it looks cluttered…just like you’re using all the space efficiently 🙂 I love all the color in the kitchen!
Thank you!
I would love to see more. I will say the ads that popped up over every photo were really distracting and irritating.
Hm, there’s not really any more to see. This is about it. 😉 it’s a pretty tiny space.
As for the ads, I’m sorry to hear that. Are you on a mobile device or a computer? The mobile design is a new format to add ads throughout the post. I do know they take a few moments to load but they shouldn’t be distracting if they are done correctly. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
i think the kitchen is my favorite part!
It’s a great spot. Thanks!