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TINY CHARMING HOMES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash

I have been a committed advocate for small-space living for quite some time now. I know with certainty that I would live in a compact space indefinitely if left up to me. (You can read more about my feelings about why I always want to live in a small space HERE).


They’re cute and cozy; you can dress them up or down. They’re also easy to clean and move when you need to. The list truly goes on. Contrary to popular belief, smaller spaces can also house families rather than couples or singles.


If done correctly, small spaces can be extremely chic. With the world turning towards a more sustainable approach to living, many architects and interior designers have harnessed the trend and created some truly one-of-a-kind spaces, proving that bigger isn’t always necessarily bigger.


I took time to curate a list of my favourite small spaces from my recent travels through cyberspace. Some are cozy, some sleek and stylish, and others functional. Have a read-through and choose your fave(s).

LOVE2HOUSE: TOKYO, JAPAN

Photo: Koji Fujii Nacasa and Partners

At just under 200 square feet, this first home is where Japanese architect Takeshi Hosaka and his wife reside. Nestled between two larger homes on either side, this detached, concrete residence incorporates an external structure with a round skylight, which ensures enough natural light within the interior throughout the year.

CASA CONTAINER – BRAZIL

Photography by Ruy Teixeira

Since shipping containers are known to be expensive to melt down and discard, this second space combines both chic style and sustainability. Located in Sao Paulo, this airy white space nestled in green deviates from the typical industrial décor aesthetic expected of transportation containers such as these.


The designer, Marilia Pelligrini, also designed the custom furniture for the space, intending to create delicate spaces that would not overpower the interior’s subtle, naturalistic look.

POLE HOUSE – WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

Built for a three-person family—a couple and their son—this sleek structure nestled in the woods of Winnipeg combines a beautiful home that doesn’t disrupt the look and feel of its surroundings. Additionally, the tower-like design of the building enables inhabitants to bask in the heavenly views of Lake Winnipeg and the woods.

“THE SMALLEST HOUSE IN CHELSEA” – LONDON

Miroslav Cik / Harding Green

This darling two-story house in London’s stunning Chelsea neighbourhood, at 290 square feet, encompasses style and old-world beauty. In a true testament to classic British architecture, the home combines a light brown brick exterior with elegant, sleek touches from the matte-black front door, lattice windows, and muted green exterior walls on the bottom level.

GAWTHORNE’S HUT – AUSTRALIA

Photo – Shawn McNulty

Located on a rural farm property in Mudgee, Australia, Gawthorne’s Hut was designed to help the owner earn a diversified income and create a tourist experience that speaks directly to the land’s history and nature.


At 667 square feet, this cozy, sophisticated space combines a refreshingly unique take on modern exterior design and exceeds expectations for a warm, inviting and well-appointed interior space.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope that what you have read has somehow educated, informed, or inspired you.

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