10 Airbnb Tiny Houses on the Most Beautiful Beaches

Kimberly Smith Tiny House July 16, 2017

The tiny house experience is exploding around the globe and every day people are finding different uses for these gorgeous little, but fully equipped, tiny homes. Airbnb is an innovative company in its own rights to think of the idea of renting real homes and cabins as vacation spots. It works out great for the vacationer and the home owner. We are still in the midst of hot summer weather and many people are still wondering where to go as a nice luxurious getaway. We will show you 10 Airbnb homes on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, to inspire your fabulous summer getaway.

1. The Malibu Dream Airstream

Malibu, California has one of the most beautiful beaches and natural scenery in the world, and this Airstream tiny dwelling fits perfectly against this gorgeous backdrop. The Airstream camper comes equipped with all you need to enjoy a fabulous vacation. It even comes with a large deck for bbq beach parties or just for enjoying each other to watch the sunset.

2. Small Cottage in Norway

This charming small cottage house in Norway does not just come with a beautiful beach but instead comes with that and its own lovely green island. You will feel like a star during this getaway, taking in the quiet and peace of a Norwegian island, while enjoying all the amenities that comes with this quaint tiny home in Vesteroy, Ostfold, Norway.

3. A Bamboo Treehouse in Fern Forest, Hawaii

This tiny home fulfills two dreams, one is to visit the beautiful state of Hawaii, but to also do it by living in a treehouse tiny home. Hawaii is well-known for its beautiful waters and friendly open people and atmosphere. What a spectacular getaway, to stay in this tiny treehouse in one of America’s most beautiful states.

4. Tiny Home in the Philippine Islands

The Philippine Islands is known for its fantasy scenery and this lovely and quaint tiny home fits right in with the backdrop. You will feel as if you have left all your cares at home and are now experiencing, at least for a few days, a carefree and beautiful getaway.

5. Carolina Beach, NC

This cute tiny house brings us back to the States to North Carolina, one of the country’s friendliest states, with all of its natural southern hospitality. You can stay and enjoy Carolina Beach, the delicious food that is in the area, because most Carolinians love to cook and share. The home itself is wonderful for a quiet vacation weekend.

6. Bird Island, Placencia, Belize

Belize is becoming more popular these days as a vacation spot and also a place for expats to get away from the busy life. If you’re not ready to be an expat of the U.S. or the U.K. then a vacation should be enough to inspire and energize you. Do you see that water? It is remarkably clear and glistening. You will feel as if you are in paradise.

7. An Eco-lodge in Popa Island, Panama

This lovely community of eco-lodges on Popa Island, Panama, is a spectacular site. Not only do you get to enjoy the sparkling beaches but you may meet some great people along the way. These tiny homes sit right in the water and you will feel as if you’ve found an oasis of your every own.

8. Tiny Home in Cape May, NJ

Cape May brings back a lot of memories for those who grew up in this area. Now, more people are discovering its beauty as a vacation getaway for themselves and their families. If you want to be reminded of childhood walks on the beach and locals gathering for bbqs and picnics, then Cape May is your place. This lovely home is reminiscent of an old log cabin.

9. Mt. Martha, Victoria, Australia

Equipped with your own outdoor bar area, this tiny home in Victoria, Australia is the perfect vacation area for those who love clean and brilliant sandy beaches and a bit of that Aussie hospitality. The home is equipped with the right amenities and most importantly, sits near the beach where you can get your tan while having some peace and quiet as well.

10. Balmain, New South Wales, Australia

We end this list with another beautiful place in Australia, but this time it is in Balmain, located in New South Wales. This tucked-away tiny house is glorious. It makes you feel as if you are in an old classic film. And again, Australian beaches are hard to compare. They are still not overcrowded and the water is as pristine as ever. Enjoy any of these tiny home beach getaways if you can. It is a wonderful and rare experience.

Source: 21 Tiny Airbnb Houses on Beautiful Beaches

Photo Credit: PopSugar

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The Tiny Home May Help to Solve Homeless Crisis

Kimberly Smith Tiny House July 16, 2017

CBS national show, Money Watch News,  has shared an article on using the tiny house revolution to help solve the homeless crisis in America. America’s homeless number is at an epic high. The amount of homeless women and children continue to rise in the country. There are many organizations trying to come up with a solution to this devastating problem and so far nothing has made a huge impact. In the city of Chicago, tiny houses that range in size from 100 to 400 sq. feet may just be what a big city like Chicago needs to get the homeless off the street. CBS Chicago reported that there are approximately 6000 homeless individuals in the city presently.

A local homeless advocacy group called the Pride Action Tank, took CBS Chicago staff on a tour of a tiny home. The home was the size of a studio apartment in the city with everything a dweller would need to live a comfortable life. The house had a kitchen area, a small bedroom area, full bath, and storage. There are homes this size in big cities that many working people cannot afford. Eithne McMenamin, spokesperson for the Pride Action Tank, stated that the tiny house revolution can help the homeless find affordable housing, though it’s not a complete panacea for the issue. However, McMenamin does feel that this would be another option on the list of options, of which many are not working.

The Tiny House Summit was held in Chicago and it was shown and proven that a tiny house that is filled with every necessity and a few extra amenities, can be built for under $30,000. The Summit wanted to prove that maybe in the future it could be a realistic idea to build a section of tiny homes for the homeless in the city. There are a few issues that the tiny house movement cannot fix. There is a different story from every homeless person that is on the street and many of them do not want the interference. There is mental illness, alcoholism, and rebellion against the current society, that keeps many homeless in the streets and shelters. So we are talking about a small group of homeless people and families that would qualify for this solution.

McMenamin says he just wants to add to the menu of choices and solutions. He does not expect one idea to solve the country’s homeless problem, but it could be one of the choices that will suit some of the homeless population who are homeless due to loss of income, lack of education, and a lack of family support. Utilizing the tiny house movement in this way is a great start. In Philadelphia, there was a project to rid the city of all of its public housing, most of which was not safe, and build simple attractive homes on the same land and offer these homes to those who were willing to look for work. These homes were only made available to people making less than $40,000 per year. The project so far has been a success.

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6 Reasons to Retire to a Tiny Home

Kimberly Smith Tiny House July 16, 2017

Not everyone is looking for a sprawling condo in Florida once they retire. More and more as the tiny house revolution is spreading across the globe, many retirees are seeking to downsize their lives to something much more manageable, and the tiny home is on their list of options. Another reason the tiny home is becoming a popular idea for retirees is that you don’t have to leave the state unless you choose to, because there are many ways to have a tiny home built somewhere near where you already are. Often, if you are a land owner, your tiny house can be built in your backyard. These are issues that need to be discussed with your county and all of its rules and regulations.

Here are 6 reasons you may want to think about retiring to a tiny home:

1. You Get Rid of Your Mortgage

Getting rid of their mortgage is normally the number one perk when it comes to downsizing to a tiny home. You can sell whatever property you have and use those funds to build your tiny home or to buy one that is already built. Most likely you will have money leftover from this process.

2. You Can Travel the Country

If you want to build your tiny house on wheels or turn a camper into a tiny house, you can use it to travel and never really leave home. For many this is a plus, to be able to see the country, enjoy freedom of travel and still be able to live in your own comfortable surroundings. You will also save money on hotels, so gas will be your most important expense, but you can sleep in your own leisurely and familiar space.

3. Less Stuff, Less to Clean

The practical reason to downsize to a small home, is that if have less things, there is less to clean and care for. Living a minimalist life doesn’t need to be boring. You can always add a lot of color to your tiny home instead of a lot of furniture. As retirees, it would seem like a great idea to lessen the amount of chores and work that a regular sized house would require.

4. Lower Utility Bills

Lower utility bills is another great practical reason to retire into a tiny home. Lower utility bills is another perk that will help you save you money and the more money you save, the more you can travel with ease, should that be your desire. If you’re not into travel and are simply looking for comfort, lower bills are still one of the best reasons to downsize.

5. You Can Retire Early or Work Part-time

Having lower bills and no mortgage, frees you up to either retire early or work only part-time. The pressure to make a certain amount of money a month will change drastically. You will feel more freedom in your life especially if you ran your own business. You can cut your hours down to the minimum, if you choose.

6. Create a Super Fun Retirement Project

You can also create your own tiny house plans and begin a project together building your own home. You can design it just the way you want to and create a home that is specifically catered to your needs and wants. It can also be a lot of fun watching your tiny house come together, particularly if you are a natural DIYer. There are endless reasons why retiring to a tiny house is a great idea for retirees, but what is most important is that you enjoy the process.

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6 Reasons Why You Should Move Into a Log Cabin Immediately

Kimberly Smith Cabins July 16, 2017

The log cabins of yesteryear are a long reach from the modern, but still quaint, cabins of today. Some grow up in this wonderfully rich and peaceful experience while others take to this life later on during retirement or simply at a time when they are ready for a quieter existence. There are many reasons why singles, couples, and families choose the log cabin life, and we’ll explore some of those reasons during the sharing of this list, as to why you should move into the log cabin lifestyle.

Here are just 7 reasons why you should pack your bags and move into a log cabin immediately:

1. You love peace and quiet

Most log cabins are built among nature and far away from neighbors and the busy urban lifestyle. If you find yourself craving more peace and quiet, maybe it’s time to begin looking into moving into a log cabin where peace and quiet are usually the norm. For some it will be a nostalgic experience, for others the experience will be welcomed and brand new.

2. You enjoy the log cabin aesthetic

If you are already trying to turn your current home into a log cabin by dressing it like one, maybe it’s time to think about a move to the real thing. If you currently enjoy the decorations and wildlife experience, this sign may be telling you that it’s time for your move into a log cabin. Think about it this way, you already have the furniture and all the right aesthetics so you won’t have to get rid of anything, just take it with you to your new log cabin home.

3. If you love a good picturesque Winter Wonderland

For those of us who have lived in the city, we know just how messy and dirty snow can be. Between the trampling of feet and the cars, snow is not like what we see in a Rockwell painting. However, if you move into a traditional log cabin outside the city limits, you will get your own Winter Wonderland and more. There are no strangers racing for the train or cars blowing exhaust onto the snow and turning it black. You will get that dream Christmas you’ve always wanted when you lived in that city condo.

4. You’re a natural DIYer

If you are a person that feels as if most of your furniture should be made of recycled wood and you want to build it all yourself, you sound perfect for a log cabin dweller. Being a DIYer should be a lot of satisfying fun when you have a home that calls for handmade furniture and a log cabin is just the right place calling for an owner like yourself. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can live in a beautiful and special home that was created by your own thoughts and creativity.

5. You love trees and branches

If you have a love for trees, living in a wooded area would be just perfect for you. Are you a city dweller who decorates their home with tree branches you picked up from your local park? If so, you will be in tree heaven by living much more rural in a gorgeous log cabin. Tree limbs fall all the time in areas where traditional log cabins are built, so you wont have to try and fit one in your tote bag. You can simply go foraging for any already loose or broken branches to decorate your cabin.

6. You’re a natural minimalist

Natural minimalists are perfect for the log cabin life. Living in rural wooded areas can be quite a change for those from the city who are used to having everything nearby. Normally, rural living causes you to stay home more unless you really need something. There is most likely no mall down the road in which you can spend unnecessary money on items you don’t need. Also, you may have to deal with some lack of technology. WiFi signals aren’t always that strong in wooded areas, so you’ll need to adjust to not being on your laptops and tablets all day and night. Of course, this also means more rest, another great reason to move to a log cabin.

Source: HGTV 15 Signs You Should Move into a Log Cabin Immediately

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These incredible self-deploying buildings pop up in 8 minutes flat

Kimberly Smith Modular July 12, 2017

We live in times where everything is planned and deadlines are more crucial than ever. This time-conscious society is no different when it comes to building homes and offices. People want things done right away and that’s the market for these self-deploying buildings that pop-up in 8 minutes flat. It sounds unbelievable but this is the new building innovation these days. Many decades ago, it would take, sometimes, years, for a home or small office to be built from the ground up, now you can see the results in minutes. So who does this serve? Families that want to choose a home and move in right away or for those who move around for new work or a new career, and don’t want to continue to spend their money on renting flats and houses.

There are a few choices of this self-deploying building model, so you’re not just stuck with limited ideas. There is the Tree House which sits up off of the ground a few feet. The Moot Hall is well-suited for those who love a very modern look and style of home. Its design will remind you of futuristic architecture. Then there is the Mobile Home Unfolding House which will surely be popular for those who are downsizing so that they can have freedom to travel or simply move whenever they feel the urge. This is creative innovation at its best and sure to be popular in a very short span of time.

The “Twist And Shout” Model Unfolding House

The “Mobile Home” Model Unfolding House

The “Moot Hall” Unfolding House

The “Tree House” Unfolding House

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What Does it Cost to Live On a Houseboat Year-Round

Kimberly Smith Houseboats July 7, 2017

The idea of living on a houseboat year-round sounds like being on a permanent vacation, but if you’ve never done it, there will be things that will come up that can be quite costly. But is it necessarily expensive to live year-round on a houseboat. Let’s explore what it takes to live this dream and approximately how much it costs.

You must take into consideration whether or not you want to remain docked in one place or if you are the type that will want to move regularly and take your home with you. This decision will determine some of your costs; docking fees, being one of them. Your upfront costs are determined by your decision to pay full price for your houseboat or apply for a monthly mortgage. There are ups and downs to both choices; with the first you need a lot of cash in the beginning of building your dream,  and for the latter, you will need to make sure that you can make enough money each month to cover mortgage and other expenses.

Research shows that you can buy a pre-owned Catalina, 40 ft. houseboat for about $150,000 depending upon the condition of the houseboat. A mortgage depending upon credit ratings, would be anywhere from $800-$1000 a month. Most people who make this decision are freelancers, consultants, sales people, artists, those who cannot guarantee exactly what their monthly income could be, so you must be comfortable with the amount of your monthly income. Also, other expenses, repairs, food, heat, all must be taken into consideration.

Marina fees can cost up to $1000 and more, plus the “live on board” fees, which can cost up to $250 or more each month. Overall, you are looking at a cost of $2500-$3000 per month to live year-round on a houseboat. For some who come from big cities where it costs easily $3000-$4000 a month with rent, utilities, and other expenses to live, this may be a bargain, so boat life is worth it for those who are used to those prices. For those already living in rural or in country areas, this may be an expensive choice. But it doesn’t mean that the choice cannot be made. For many, the serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery, are worth the extra costs.

Photo: damngeeky via Pinterest. Source: What it Costs to Live on a Houseboat Year-Round. And a few more for ideas:

For another gallery of houseboat designs and more info, click here.

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Really Cool Beds for Van Dwellers

Kimberly Smith RVs July 6, 2017

You may be wondering where and how, those who live out of their vans sleep comfortably. You may also be someone thinking about buying a van to convert into a living space and wondering what options you have for bedroom furniture. It takes no genius to realize that it would require a genius to put a full bedroom in a van, so what are the options for van dwellers once nighttime rolls around and it’s time for sleep? Well, there is always the floor, but no one wants to do that long term.

We wanted to inspire you and spark your imagination by giving you some really cool options for how to sleep comfortably as a van dweller. Some of these options are beds you simply place inside your van space and others will have multiple uses. You can also get crafty and build the kind of bed that would fit perfectly in your van space, but not everyone has that kind of time, talent, or interest.

Below we share some pics that should motivate you to think outside the box when it comes to beds and bedding, while living in a van.

The Simple Solution

You can go the simple route if you’re not hard to please and you’re also an easy sleeper, by purchasing a few crates and a mattress and throwing the mattress on top of the crates. It’s simple, quick, and most importantly economical.

The Futon

The futon is another great and simple solution. Many come with their own wooden or metal frame that can be propped against the wall during the day with a few reinforcements to keep it from flying around when you’re driving.

Go Totally DIY

If you have any building skills at all or are a quick learner. you can build your own bed from your own specific measurements. Many van dwellers do this and they don’t mind having their bed be the center of attention when they have visitors.

The Multi-Purpose Bed 

Stores like Ikea and other home stores sell economical crates that can be used as coffee tables, dining tables, and side tables. The great thing about using crates is that they can also be used for storage. You can place the crates where you want in any design you want, L-shaped for example, put your mattress or futon mattress on at night or use as a sitting space during the day with pillows and accessories, so it can act as a sofa as well as a bed.

Try an Air Mattress

Air mattresses are not the lumpy cheap plastic things they used to be. Although, you can still find that kind if that’s all your budget can allow, but there are excellently made air mattresses out there on the market today that sleep just as well as any decent regular mattress.

The Loft Bed

Some van dwellers are savvy enough to build a loft in their van and a ladder with just a few steps and throw a good mattress up there in that space. It’s out of the way and the rest of the van can be used for living and dining space.

Below are some examples of the bed solutions we talked about and more, in our gallery.

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5 Fabulous Tiny Homes Built for Under $20K

Kimberly Smith Tiny House July 6, 2017

One of the major reasons why so many people are downsizing and trying out a lifestyle with a smaller carbon footprint on our planet is because of the lower cost of the tiny home. You can basically have all that you need in a tiny home and many things you actually desire as well, with a much lower cost than the average home. Of course, the idea of a tiny house can be overwhelming, not knowing where to begin or how much you will need financially to finish your dream, but maybe these tiny house dwellers and builders can inspire you with their tiny homes that were all made for under 20K! Amazing!

1. The Hawaiian Tiny Dream House for $11K

Kristie Wolfe of Boise, Idaho followed her dream of having a home in Hawaii and built her fabulous tiny house for $11K, way under $20K. What inspired this Hawaiian dream vacation house? Wolfe already lived in a tiny home in Idaho and saw how much money she saved by living in a tiny house and decided that this revolution has made it possible to have a dream off-the-grid, tiny home in one of her favorite vacation spots. Wolfe has build two homes for far less than the price of one average house.

2. A Romantic Forest Home Built for as Little as $4K

That’s correct, there’s no zeros missing here. This gorgeous little house is built on wheels and was built by a gentleman and his fiancee in 6 week’s time for $4K. It appears as a small log cabin with the view of the century. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest right from a small deck that was built facing the forest. This tiny house is a treasure for this couple and just the savings alone is enough to warrant a celebration.

3. A Tiny House Built in the Trees  for Only $8200

Growing up, I don’t think there were too many kids that didn’t want a fabulous tree house and many of us had them and we thought they were great, but this tiny house built in the trees is one of a kind. Graduate student Geoff de Ruiter  built this amazing tree house with salvaged materials and by now we know that salvaged materials can save a home builder of any kind, lots of cash. And that is exactly what it did for Ruiter, but it also gave him the tree house anyone would have loved to have as a kid, except this tree house is a tiny house for real living.

4. A Texas Couple Builds Their Tiny Home for $7000

Physical Therapists for Veterans by trade, Ethan and Kelsey built their tiny home for $7000. They utilized Craigslist and found an old trailer. For many DIYers building tiny homes, Craigslist seems to be a bounty of goodies. The two work full-time, so though it took them 6 months from start to finish, the actual work only took 20 days out of that 6 month period of time. Remarkable. The home is 100 sq. feet of living space.

5. Tiny House Builders in New Zealand build their home from 80% Recycled Materials

New Zealand is a gorgeous place to live but it is becoming known for earthquakes and these quakes have destroyed a lot of homes, so many people are thinking that they would be better off spending less money on a home and also making it mobile. That’s what American ex-pats Patrick and Cori decided to do. With their labor and salvaged materials, Patrick and Cori built their tiny home for $10,000 American dollars.

We hope this inspires you to build your own tiny house if that has been a dream of yours. As you can see, there are many ways to follow your tiny house dream without worrying about about financing a huge loan for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Please check out our gallery and be inspired!

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Resources for Tiny House Dwellers

Kimberly Smith Tiny House July 6, 2017

Once you have decided to downgrade from a regular sized home to a tiny house, there is a lot that is different about the way you live. Often, families don’t realize just how different life can be in a tiny home. The idea of it starts off as a novelty, and quickly turns into reality. A lot of the revelations are great. Bills should be lower because there is less house to heat and cool in the summer, and the electric bill should also be less than usual, considering that there is less space to light.

Though the venture from the decision to move into a tiny house and downsize your life is exciting, one still needs help every now and again, or just ideas on how to make all this downsizing work. There are some wonderful resources out there that are able to support and assist with the what is sometimes “the shock” of moving from 3000 sq ft. to 250 sq. feet. Here we list some resources that can help you along the way with your move and once you actually begin to live in your tiny house.

Tumbleweed Houses

Tumbleweed Houses was started by Jay Shafer, author of The Small House Book. This company provides tiny house dreamers with the plans for tiny homes. If you don’t know where to begin, check out Jay Shafer’s website or get his book, The Small House Book to help you decide what you want your tiny home to look like.

Tiny r(E)volution

This website is truly valuable because it is not only for those thinking of moving into a tiny house but it also helps those who are already in their tiny homes, with personal stories of how others dealt with the transition. It’s a great place to search for help with just about any issue or physical problem with your tiny home. Tiny r(E)volution is a public project and is here to help anyone or you can contribute your own stories.

Pin-Up Houses

Pin-Up Houses provides floor plans and designs to give tiny house dreamers a place to begin. This site differs from other sites that are similar because it is geared towards people who have already made up their minds to move into a tiny house and are past the point of going back and forth with their decision. Pin-Up Houses is available to  help you from start to finish.

Coming Unmoored

This site is quite eclectic. It is a blog of a woman in her thirties in the process of changing her entire life and the tiny house is one aspect of this change. It is personal, funny, poignant and help for those who may feel that they lack the courage and/or resources to build or move to a tiny house. The author downsized from a large home in Arizona to a small floating home in Portland.

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For the Love of Chairs: 7 Chairs that Will Blow Your Mind

Kimberly Smith Interior Design July 6, 2017

The chair has always been a centerpiece of a classically styled living room, and even modernists have worshiped the chair as a must-have piece of furniture and conversation piece. A great chair has a few things going for it; it’s sturdy, durable, well-constructed mostly by hand, and most importantly, beautiful. Here are seven chairs that represent all those qualities and more, for they also will stand the test of time when it comes to style.

1. The Classic Chaise Lounge

The chaise lounge has become a staple in traditional and luxurious homes. It has become so popular that you may even find a cheaper, less durable version in a dorm room. However, the chaise lounge we love so dearly is made from beautiful and plush fabrics and are really used to lay your troubles down at the end of a busy socialite’s day. We introduce you to the perfect red chaise lounge.

2. The True Arm Chair

We have been trained in the past few decades to call just about any chair that sits in the living room, an arm chair. But the original arm chair was always made of the finest wood, sometimes maple wood, and upholstered meticulously, as is this pink arm chair we share with you today. It will never go our of style and you can pass it down to your grandchildren. The pink gives it a modern swing.

3.  The Eames Chair

No list would be complete without showcasing the Eames chair. Eames chairs were first popular in the 1950’s and were staples in the hills of Hollywood if you visited a star’s home. Anyone who considered themselves to be someone special had an Eames chair, and there may not be Eames all over Hollywood homes anymore but it is still a prize to own this remarkable piece of furniture for nostalgia’s sake.

4, The Black Leather Chair

Any chair done in black leather is hard to resist. It’s like women resisting James Dean in his heyday. Black leather is just about the coolest chair you can have in your home. It’s super stylish, and also never goes out of style. It may not be known for comfort, as leather tends to be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, but all chairs are meant for sitting, some are just meant for envy.

5. The Minimalist Chair

For all you minimalist and modernists out there, this sleek and slim chair is a must for any dining room. This chair will be a great complement to a home that is decorated in minimalist furniture. An NYC or London apartment would be the outstanding background for this beautifully constructed chair.

6. The Scandinavian Chair

Scandinavian design is well recognized throughout the world, especially when it comes to their design aesthetic. This aubergine/eggplant colored chair reminds of us a luxury beanbag chair for those who were around in the 70s. However, the construction and detail within the design are just perfect. A beanbag chair may last you a semester, while this chair will last a lifetime; perfect for that luxurious family room.

7. The Swivel Office Chair

This is no office chair you will get as an associate unless you may be an associate at Apple or IBM. The CEO will definitely be the one swiveling around from you to the window, in this amazing leather swivel chair. Made with the colors of gorgeous and rich deep burgundy and tan, this chair speaks of importance and is made for two people; one who rules and one who is happy thinking that he rules.

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