4. Expert Interior Design Hacks to Easily Update Your Tiny House on Wheels
Episode 4: Expert Interior Design Hacks to Easily Update Your Tiny House on Wheels
In this episode Sarah share professional interior design recommendations specifically for "the real mobile homes" or homes that will be on the road. Types of Road Homes include THOW (tiny house on wheels) , Rv's, vans, travel trailers, skoolies, buses, and more.
Facing general small space challenges, these homes also need to be prepared to withstand a category 7 earthquake, which is essentially what happens every time it hits the road. Check out this episode and keep your mobile abode looking sharp while road worthy!
Show Notes:
INTRO
The advice in this episode will work in all spaces but there are A LOT of special considerations for mobile spaces which we'll talk about today.
This episode is focused on interior design tips for real mobile homes.
Lots of tiny homes are stationary not mobile or road homes as I like to call them.
Types of Road Homes: THOW (tiny house on wheels) , Rv's, vans, travel trailers, skoolies, buses, and more.
These spaces require A LOT of specialized thought and attention bc they are not only facing "small space" challenges, they need to be prepared to withstand a category 7 earthquake, which is essentially what happens every time it hits the road.
Understanding the frequency and distance you might be moving will be helpful in determining the best design for your space.
Address Storage Needs:
evaluate amount and type of belongings to plan accordingly.
Proper storage and organization will allow for minimal visual clutter and make living/cleaning easier
Utilize vertical wall space
Hang shelving, racks, and hooks
Ex hanging coffee mugs from hooks underneath the upper cabinet
Be creative with walls and ceilings
Ex Skoolie with faux beam for storage
Open shelving will make the space feel more expansive but storage cabinets would make more sense if you plan to be mobile. * in either case you'll want a lip to keep things from flying off in travel.
multifunction furniture is a worthwhile investment.
Furniture that can be used for multiple purposes, can help save space.
Ex like an ottoman that can double as a coffee table or a table that converts to a guest bed.
I hired help to build out a custom sofa that converts to a bed and has storage underneath.
2. Security Check
Make sure to strap down any furniture or boxes before moving
Command strips are great for wall decor as well as decorative items on shelving (although I recommend packing anything precious or fragile like mirrors)
Again the frequency you plan to move is helpful to keep in mind while designing. If you move often you'll want to minimize the things you need to strap down and pack where you are like me and usually only move a few months or longer extents at a time strapping and packing won't feel as cumbersome.
3. Keep it light
Natural light will help make a small room feel bigger and brighter but today I'm referring to weight.
It is super important to know how much your rig weighs to safely tow or drive it
contrary to popular belief this doesn't mean you can't install weighty materials (for example real tile) but you do need to be aware of how heavy things are
weight distribution
it's also important to consider how the weight is distributed.
Especially in travel trailers and tiny houses - abodes that you tow behind.
generally speaking the majority of the weight should be in the front of the trailer as low as possible.
additionally try to keep the weight on each side somewhat equal with the least weight in the back.
4. Design for Usage and Goals
Hooks up vs Boondocking
Do you plan to be staying at campgrounds/parks with hookups or boondocking in a remote areas?
Ex Solar, composting toilet, propane fridge+stove top vs electric cook top/ light fixtures
will you be reselling eventually? If so you'll want to consider both off grid and hook up capabilities to appeal to the most renters
5. Opt for high quality materials/fixtures
Even brand new Motor homes and travel trailers often feel dated and impersonal, especially when they use cheaper materials like vinyl and plastic
Real wood, tile, and high end fixtures will make the space feel more homey, elevated, and last longer.
*quality materials maybe somewhat heavier in weight so make sure to keep an eye on that.
6. Invest in Professional help
These types of projects need to be implemented properly or you could have a very expensive disaster on your hands.
In small spaces it's even more important that the space is functional and beautiful to YOUR needs. Invest in proper design planning and hire help for things you aren't savvy in.
remember every time you move it's like an earthquake so you don't want to skimp.
Best way to throw money down the toilet in design projects is by cutting corners in the wrong places.
Not only can these mistakes be costly they can be potentially dangerous (ex electrical fires, propane leaks, etc)
Unless you or a pal are experienced in this type of work it's worth it to hire a professional.
In closing THOWS and other road homes are unique in nature and require a lot of special considerations when designing. As an experienced designer AND living in a mobile tiny house on wheels myself, I am well versed in solving these challenges.
The Design Project Jumpstart takes you through the first step of the design process together which will set you up for success whether we work together in a larger project capacity or you take on the implementation yourself or with a local builder.
If you are ready to invest in your space you can book a design project jumpstart using the link in the shows notes.
Not ready to pull the trigger? use the Complimentary connection call button - I'd love to chat!
Hope you found this interesting and helpful!
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