What are the pros and cons of a small cozy house?

November 9, 2021 Elaine

In small homes, every detail has to be thought about and every space is designed perfectly.

You often have to find smatter solutions to problems. For example, how do you store everything you need? Or how to make the space areas multiuse?

Settling in a small cozy house is a lifestyle choice. Many structures can measure less than 300 feet, but not all of them can prove to be beautiful and accommodating enough to live for long periods of time. The lack of privacy and space is something that you can grapple with daily.

However, there are plenty of good reasons why some people choose small spaces.

Here are some of them.

More savings since the energy bills are minimal.
There is less clutter because you have to make intentional purchases and items to keep.
Less time is spent on cleaning.
High quality of life. The money saved on a mortgage could be used for luxury like traveling.
If you are living with a partner, you get to do more activities together.
You constantly access what you own and what you are bringing to your space.

I have lived in a few small spaces in my lifetime. During college in the hostels and right after when I got my first job. It really is not as hard as you may think. Moreover, what you lack in space you can make up for it in style.

So, I will share with you some of my favorite small space living tips.

1] Dual functionality

Ensure that everything you purchase serves more than one purpose. Let’s begin in the living room. Here I discovered that you have to get the right scale sofa by measuring the space for the sitting group then the longest wall. All along making an allowance for end tables and floor lamps.

Love seats or sofa C sectional give you more sittings while allowing you to maximize the use of every wall. They can also double as a bed when you have guests. But, there is no written rule that you have to have a sofa in the living room.

Personally, I opted for a daybed that suits the vibe of my space. This is because it can serve triple duty. It can work as a sofa, my primary bed, and a guest bed. It also frees up more floor space and gives the opportunity to play with different looks in the living room.

Like getting a swivel chair. Here I went for a smaller footprint which happens to allow optimum angles no matter which way it swivels. The swivel chair also engaged the living room area with the dining room with just a simple turn.

When it comes to sitting, select pieces for their primary function first and those that have a dynamic purpose for the space. So that the space feels not only cozy but also smart.

Also, playing with shapes, colors, and turtle fabrics enhances the style of your room, and it’s a story at the same time.

2] Lighting

This is always down to personal preference however, it is good to allow in as much natural light as possible. The color white on furniture and walls bounces light around the room. Pastel colors can work too, provided they are not too dark.

I found wall sconces and pendant lights add extra brightness to the room without taking up valuable floor space. They also make the space feel larger, look cozier and add much-needed light to find each zone.

Ever tried out black-out roller blinds and drapes? They completely eliminate the need for a television in your tiny space. I normally project movies, sitcoms, or any shows I enjoy on these drapes. It almost feels like being at the cinema.

3] Keep it clean

Nobody wants to live in a messy, dusty apartment but, as human beings, we sometimes put off cleaning longer than we should. Not with a small house though.

This is due to the maximum use of the space which creates traffic. Making it easy for dirt to get around and dust to accumulate.

The house being a small space, the air also gets stale fast. This means if you do not have a food bin for any waste cooking related, you will have to empty your waste bin every time because of the foul smell. Which I found to be not only cumbersome but also next to impossible. Why? There is little waste to throw out while living alone.

4] Organize your storage

While living in a small house, I found myself decluttering a lot in a self-made system. It is very important to ensure everything has a home. Not only do items become pleasant to look at but also are easier to access.

Whenever I get unsure of the items I want to throw out, I would put them in a transition box and then donate them in a month if not used.

A console table that can be flanked up against the wall acts as a very good focal point for your space. It can also be used as an entry table or to showcase curated decorative pieces that show your style.

It is good to source one according to your needs. However, it would be a bonus tip if the console you get has cabinets and drawers for extra storage. The open and streamlined ones allow you to tuck in additional storage ornaments that can also act as extra chairs. You just pull them out whenever needed.

5] Mirrors

Mirrors give the illusion of a bigger space and bring more of the outside inside when it reflects a beautiful landscape. Its equal parts are stylish and functional. And they instantly amplify light and double the visual impact of everything it reflects.

You could either go for floor mirrors or those mounted on the wall. The framed ones have the added advantage of doubling as wall art.

While choosing the area to place them, ensure it reflects more of what you want to see and inspires you as well.

With mirrors I learned, putting them behind the sofa, reflects too much active energy that is not needed.

6] Bookcases

With bookcases, the taller the better. It could either be put against a vertical wall space or as a privacy divider between the living room and the bedroom.

Here, opt for a closed bookcase at the bottom for storage needs while displaying pretty pieces up top.

7] The dining area

If your space has a dining area go for a slim banquet flanked right up against the wall. It frees up more space.

Normally in tiny spaces, there is no room for chairs. Therefore, the source for a bench. An armless bench that is slim is easily accessible. Much more comfortable than an upright desk if you work from home since you can stretch out your legs.

As for the dining table, I always opt for around one. It is easy to walk around and I can easily sit one more person.

8] Prioritize your air quality

Small spaces tend to have less air circulating around. The smells, dust and dumps easily circulate the area. Which if not properly let out it can cause respiratory problems.

If you have windows, keep them open during the day and make use of your ventilators. An air purifier also comes in handy.

The smaller the home the more important it is to design with form and function in mind. Despite their size, they have major potential to help you live a more stylish and functional life.

I will now give you some tips for the small bedroom having tackled the living room. The main question here is what mood do you want to set? Do you want your bedroom to help you relax and unwind? Or have a bedroom devoid of saturated hues?

Every piece of furniture and the bed included helps in dictating the feeling in the room. While the paint solidifies it. It really is how one piece vibes with the next and the next.

Being a small space, storage needs are very paramount. So what are some of the items that help in storage?

1] Wardrobe

It can act as the focal point of the bedroom if you choose a design statement armor. Always opt for the one with legs because they make the room feel larger. Not forgetting one with identical cabinets.

In case the wardrobe is too big, stack shelves also come through. They make the bedroom look clutter-free. Moreover, they can be combined with closed cabinets for extra storage.

For keeping the belongings organized, I use baskets and boxes.

Bookshelves too can come in handy in place of wardrobe and stack shelves. With a beautiful backdrop color, they look cozy and chic. If not, opt for a do-it-yourself closet system. Use the same idea of functionality to increase storage. You could have one tall shelf and a closet with cool garment racks.

2] Lighting

If the space allows opting for symmetrical nightstands. If not a wall-mounted one can work as well and makes the bed seem larger.

Personally, I preferred a headboard integrated with ledges for a clean minimal look. Wall sconces are also a favorite instead of table lamps.

Since my space did not allow for a nightstand, I opted for small side tables. With a chair that serves double duty as a surface for evening essentials and extra sitting.

3] End of the bed bench

This bench should be shorter than the mattress and with a smaller width than that of the bed.

Those with hidden compartments inside are the best because they are used for storage. Hence they’re dual functionality when used for sitting, putting your throw blankets and clothes while getting ready.

To start your day with intention and purpose, make the bed every morning. Coming home to a made bed encourages relaxation and winding down. In addition, changing the linens often can freshen the whole area.

What are some of the do’s while living in a small cozy house?

Here’s a list of things you can do in a small cozy house.

Paint the wall and ceiling the same color. Your eyes will naturally draw up to the ceilings with no visual break. Thus elongating the look of the walls.
Go for tone on tone. Whether your tone is darker or lighter, the same tones blend the whole room in a less visual space. Keep everything neutral to allow visual breathing room.
Opt for fewer larger pieces instead of a bunch of small pieces which make the space look cramped.
Purchase sectionals. They maximize every inch of the living room.
Use see-through furniture for example a glass table. They reflect natural light around the room and open up the space.
Purchase low-back furniture and seatings.
Scale your furniture proportional to your space.
Opt for one statement piece of art and hang it high.
Whenever you bring something new in, something of equal size must be donated.
Use high curtains. Ceiling to the floor and as an additional favorite tip extends the width of the rod. Makes the window look bigger.
Use coat racks around the house especially on doors or adjacent walls for winter coats and bags.
Letter holders and trays help keep receipts and stationery tidy.

Are there things you should not do while living in a small house? Yes. Having low pendant lights takes up too much space as well as high back furniture. Also, short bookshelves and wardrobes make the space look as if it’s hanging.

When it comes to area rugs. I discovered buying the largest you can afford is the best option. I can use it again and again without having to purchase a new one every time I move to a new house.

In conclusion, living in a small house takes creativity, flexibility, and ingenuity. But I believe it is worth the effort. It really made me intentionally consider the things I own, what I need and not need. I am more mindful of the physical objects I choose to live with.

You really do not need a bunch of stuff to be happy. There is something of value in knowing you can get by on living with less.