Living in compact spaces
Mini space, max benefits
One of today's most important questions is how much space do you really need? Small space living is becoming more popular as the trend catches on. A new simplicity that focuses on gaining by going without. Smaller spaces mean lower costs for the home - for example rent and electricity – and thus more money to spare for holidays, restaurants and hobbies. Less time needed for keeping smaller houses shipshape means more time for friends, family and leisure time pursuits.
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Trends and tradition
What might recently have become trendy in some places has long been a tradition in others. For example when it comes to living on the water – countries including Vietnam have had floating settlements for a long time. And outside of Asia too, you'll find that floating homes are no longer the preserve of artists and those living off-grid. Their central location directly on the water's edge makes them sought-after properties with great potential. Mobile homes are also becoming more and more popular. The fully equipped tiny houses use up little space and can be extended as required. When you move, just take your house with you.
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"Floating homes" can be found on rivers, lakes and the sea. Unlike conventional houses, they can be moved to a different mooring.
More ideas for life on the water:
Small and flexible
Floating homes are part of the trend for smaller space living - "tiny homes". The name refers in particular to small homes that can sometimes be moved around, usually on wheels. These are less flexible than caravans but are generally designed to be cosy and comfortable, and a permanent place to live. These homes are not an unusual sight in the USA, but they are also becoming increasingly common in other countries. Which isn't surprising, given that they offer a number of advantages: smaller living spaces are more energy efficient and have less of an impact on the environment. In addition, they're cheaper – and more practical. What's more, a smaller house means less time spent on keeping everything shipshape – and therefore more time for friends, family and activities.
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Rooms in tiny houses tend to be narrow or have very low ceilings. Every nook and cranny is put to full use here.
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Thanks to their wheels, the location of tiny houses is usually flexible. Unlike a caravan, however, they are not designed to be moved to a different location every day.
Less living space, more freedom?
The challenge is always to put the space available to the best possible use. If you have a small living space, you have to think practically, for every inch counts. That's why this concept is based on functional layouts that make efficient use of space. This applies in particular to kitchens, the heart of the action in many homes. And this is where quantity is replaced by quality in the form of functional solutions. The following examples from all over the world show how small kitchens can have a big impact. This is especially the case in cities where living space is costly.
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With practical solutions, lots of storage items can fit into even the smallest of spaces.
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The narrow SPACE TWIN pull-out fits in any gap.
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A U-shaped sink pull-out even uses the area around the sink, providing additional storage space for sponges and brushes, for example.
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A tall larder unit with pull-outs like SPACE TOWER from Blum provides organised storage space for many items in a small area.
More about living in compact spaces:
All advantages at a glance:
Small houses and apartments continue to trend
Reduced space also means reduced costs for the home, for example rent and energy
Floating homes create living space on banks and shores
Tiny houses are more energy-efficient and some can even be relocated
Practical, functional solutions are the key to maximising every nook and cranny – like the narrow SPACE TWIN pull-out
A U-shaped sink pull-out makes use of the space around the sink
A cabinet with pull-outs provides storage space for lots of items in a small area
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