Tiny homes have become a regular way of life at the turn of the century. Despite the fact that people have been living in Tiny homes for thousands of years, it’s nothing new as people have been living in Yurts and other small housing. The question is, whether people believe in Tiny homes. We ran a poll with pickfu.com of 30 Americans (men and women), where we asked if they would buy a tiny home. Here’s the summary!

The survey results reveal several common themes regarding the acceptance of living in a tiny home, particularly one that is portable like those from Elon Musk’s Boxabl company. A significant portion of respondents (approximately 50%) expressed conditional interest, primarily hinging on their current life circumstances such as family size and lifestyle preferences. Many indicated they would consider it if they lived alone or were younger, highlighting the appeal of affordability and flexibility. However, concerns about space limitations, comfort for children or pets, and lack of privacy were frequently mentioned as barriers. Additionally, some respondents appreciated the minimalist and modern design but emphasized the importance of price and practicality.

So, now that we’ve established that Tiny homes have some limitations, and people are on the fence about purchasing one, here’s what you should keep in-mind if you do purchase one!

1. Size Isn’t Everything: It’s All About Efficiency

Yahoo claims that tiny homes, defined as under 600 square feet with an average of 225 square feet, are too cramped to be worth it. Sure, they might not fit your grand piano or your extensive collection of garden gnomes, but let’s be real—how much space does one really need to live comfortably? If Marie Kondo has taught us anything, it’s that less clutter leads to more joy. Plus, cleaning a tiny home is like playing real-life Tetris—every piece has its perfect place, and it takes fewer steps to vacuum than it does to find Waldo in a cluttered mansion.

2. Cost: More Bang for Your Buck (And Less of It!)

According to Rocket Mortgage, tiny homes can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $150,000. That’s quite a range, but even at the upper end, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a traditional home. Think of all the money you’ll save—enough to buy a lifetime supply of avocado toast or maybe even a small yacht (which might be bigger than your house, but hey, priorities).

3. Maintenance: Size Doesn’t Matter (When It Comes to Quality)

Sure, tiny homes might require more upkeep due to their compact size. But think of it this way: it’s like having a pet hamster instead of a Great Dane. Both need attention, but one fits comfortably in your lap while the other needs a stable big enough to house a pony. Invest in quality materials and proper insulation, and your tiny home will weather the storms (literally and metaphorically) just as well as any McMansion.

4. Claustrophobia: Embrace Hygge, Even in Winter

Andrew Fortune warns of winter claustrophobia in tiny homes, but isn’t that what blankets, high ceilings, and open design are for? Embrace the cozy life! Tiny homes can incorporate very high ceilings, creating an atmosphere of spaciousness and comfort that rivals larger homes with standard 8-foot ceilings. Besides, if you’re feeling the need for space, just step outside—it’s not like you have a sprawling estate to wander through. Winter in a tiny home is an opportunity to channel your inner Scandinavian and fully embrace hygge—candles, fuzzy socks, and all.

5. Resale Value: It’s Not Just About Square Footage

Resale value concerns? Pshh, tell that to the tiny home enthusiasts who have turned their mini abodes into Instagram sensations. It’s all about finding the right market. Plus, tiny homes are eco-friendly, trendy, and appeal to minimalist millennials who value experiences over square footage. Who needs a big yard when you can have a rooftop garden or a portable hot tub?

6. Quality Control: Craftsmanship Comes in Small Packages

Erin Hybart warns of inconsistent quality in tiny homes, but that’s like saying there’s a difference between a hand-knitted sweater and one from a discount store. Custom-built tiny homes are like bespoke suits—they fit perfectly and make you look damn good. Mass-produced models? Well, they might have a few loose threads, but hey, even Gucci has an outlet store.

7. Financing: Small Loans, Big Dreams

Seamus Nally talks about mortgage woes, but isn’t flexibility what dreams are made of? Who needs a traditional mortgage when you can fund your tiny palace with a personal loan and be debt-free sooner? It’s like choosing between a fixed menu and à la carte—you might not get the appetizer, but you can definitely afford dessert.

In conclusion, tiny homes are more than just a living space—they’re a lifestyle choice. Embrace the simplicity, relish the coziness, and laugh in the face of those who doubt the power of living small. Tiny homes offer the opportunity to live comfortably in a space that can be as inviting as a small standard house or large condo, enhanced by the airy feel of high ceilings. They allow for a life lived fully, unencumbered by the weight of long-term mortgage payments, fostering a sense of freedom to explore and experience the world. So, to anyone who says tiny homes are a mistake, we say: challenge accepted, with a side of tiny home charm!

Poll verbatims

1 – No, we’re very happy in the three-bedroom ranch home we own.

2 – Yes. I think there is a lot of demand for this, but people are too greedy and don’t want people to live by them.

3 – Yeah it would be a good felling to be able to transport my house to the location I want, a good idea

4 – I would like to, but I would want to make sure that my child was comfortable and enriched enough living that lifestyle.

5 – I would not want to live in a small house that is portable and not durable.

6 – I’ve thought about it before, and it would probably be pretty similar to living in a one-bedroom apartment which I have done for years, so I think yes, I would live in one. The question is finding a place to put one.

7 – Yes, I would consider living in a tiny home like Elon Musk’s Boxabl, especially if it could be easily transported, as it offers flexibility, minimalist living, and affordability while being efficient and compact.

8 – Yes, i dont prefer excess, i dont think i would trust anything of musks but the concept i really do like.

9 – Absolutely! I wish they sold something like these in my area.

10 – No, I think it will be too small for my needs.

11 – I wouldn’t do that as an adult because it’s very basic and it doesn’t meet my current life goals.

12 – I’d have no interest in living in a tiny home. I like to have more space, as well as my own personal space. I wouldn’t do well with a tiny home, especially living with someone else

13 – This home deign looks efficient and modern, I would consider it depending on the price and mobility.

14 – Yes, I would definitely live in one. I think it would be the perfect size for me.

15 – Yes, I would. Seems like a great way to beat the crazy house prices these days.

16 – I would if it was that or being homeless. I personally think that type of living would be for younger people starting out, not someone in their 40s.

17 – I might someday, but not now. I like to have a lot of space and I don’t want to downsize my possessions. I like having guests stay overnight and allow them some privacy. I like having lots of room for meal preparation. Also, I like having pets, and I don’t think they’d be real happy in a tiny home.

18 – Yes. All the room anyone could need.

19 – Well for me its not practical I feel calsterphobia. the appeal of affordability and portability is undeniable but I value having a dedicated space for work, relaxation and hosting guests.

20 – If I were to be living alone or single without being married with kids, I could consider living in it.

21 – If it’s affordable, I would certainly consider it. Housing is far too expensive these days!

22 – if the price is right i would consider it. it makes a lot of sense to downsize and the ability to move it around would be really nice. but it comes down to price. i see dome that cost the same as a house that is stupid if it was affordably priced then yes.

23 – Yes if I was living by myself, why not? No need to have more space than you need

24 – If I lived alone I would do it in a minute. I think it looks great and expenses would be less.

25 – I live in a 3000+ sq ft home now, so I think I’d have a very hard time of it. However, the concept is interesting, and the portability is a cool feature. I’d consider it but would maybe want to do a month trial or something first. Maybe do a rental for a month to see if I could make it work.

26 – It is just a little too small for me and the is no privacy in the bathroom. The kitchen and living room would need to be about 4 feet longer, It would need a place for company to sit comfortably. The table would need to be made out of wood. it would have to be on a piece of property where I had some privacy and greenery.

27 – Yes if there were no better options, it looks clean but extremely cramped

28 – I would not have enough space to live in a tiny home, however I like the idea of portability and the idea that maybe it could be more affordable. I think that maybe if it was more modular and rooms could be added and storage added to it, it could be more desirable. maybe with premade rooms or sections.

29 – No, I would never accept such an arrangement. There is enough room on this earth for everyone to have a decent home. We should not have to live in cages like this.

30 – I would consider it if I lived alone. Since I have a husband and 2 children, this would not be feasible.

Following up on my last Journal, I wanted to focus on how spinach and Kale

That being said, over the last batch of spinach and kale that we produced (which would probably retail to be $30 – $50 of kale and spinach at supermarket), we got a little lazy and just added water when we felt like it. We also forgot to add liquid fertilizer twice and see how these plants still exploded! We plan on trying a number of root vegetables eventually, but the leafy greens are definitely the easiest to grow!

Our team has purchased three of these beautiful products and are currently trying different types of leafy vegetables.

Here are some of the results from our first batch of seeds. 

Here is a mixture of Kale and Spinach that we grew over the last month. Kale and spinach seem to be the easiest things to grow within the Tower Garden as they’re resilient. Also, while Kale and Spinach isn’t extremely expensive at the store – if you dedicate your entire tower to the spinach and can provide the appropriate amount of sunlight (whether that’s UV lamps or natural sunlight), you will end up getting roughly 1 to 2 KGs. worth of vegetables from one batch. I personally like spinach and kale because it can last long in the refrigerator and you can also freeze it for smoothies (which will quadruple the life extension). 

Basil leaves was also something that was extremely easy to grow. Anyone with outdoor or indoor garden knows that basil can sprout up like a weed (and you end up having more than you need).

The one thing that’s nice about the tower garden is you know you will only get a certain amount of basil leaves because the size of the pod restricts root growth. This makes the leaves large, while keeping the plant somewhat manageable.

What’s also fantastic about the tower garden is the lack of need for soil and maintenance. All we did was add the seeds and pods (I will write an article about this) and watch these little suckers grow.

From a gardening perspective, this is much lower maintenance than planting outside or even having indoor pots.

Ultimately, this is our first foray into Tower Gardens and it won’t be our last. Stay tuned for more in-depth walkthroughs as we build out our tiny home tower gardens!

Back at the beginning of the last century, Elsie De Woolf became possibly the first person to receive payment for decorating a home. Although the term wasn’t yet coined, De Woolf effectively became the first professional interior designer.

Of course, there was already keen interest in decorating the interiors of homes and other properties, and for hundreds of years, the Italians had led the way. Around the middle of the fifteenth century, design ideas from Italy started to spread to royal dwellings in France. The Palais de Fontainebleau featured ornate molded and carved wooden paneling throughout its galleries.

Between the 17th and 18th centuries, intricate, engraved woodwork used as wall panels, became a common feature in the homes of aristocrats. The term boiserie came from the French term for wood and gave this type of wall covering its name.

What is boiserie and what is its purpose?

The term boiserie refers to carved wooden paneling. You may have heard of wainscoting panels before. French boiserie is a high quality wall covering which is similar, but often more intricate than wainscoting panels.

It was used heavily in French architecture during the 17th century and is seen in the period houses of that time. The carving could often be intricate, and costly, and was unlikely to be a feature in a regular person’s home. Some homes would feature whole paneled rooms, while in others the woodwork may have been used more sparingly.

But, boiserie needn’t be overly complex. Simple square wooden paneling and clean geometric lines and designs are also used in boiserie. The original purpose of these panels was not only to elevate a room’s beauty but also to provide insulation and heat retention.

Wooden panels were added to the walls of homes to help protect them, and to make homes warmer in the days before central heating existed. Carved and molded designs added decoration to the wooden panels. And they were fitted to bare areas of homes and other buildings to make them aesthetically pleasing.

Having boiserie in the home was also something of a statement. It signified taste, and perhaps wealth. As the fashion for this type of interior design grew, boiserie was no longer limited to living room walls, and ornate ceilings started to appear, along with grand corridors and even libraries were decorated with boiserie.

Is boiserie still used in interior design today?

For over 140 years, Parisian boiserie designers, Féau & Cie, have produced complex wood paneling for some of the grandest homes. Yet, despite having large projects everywhere from South America to Asia, it is just as often that boiserie will be used in a regular home or apartment.

Likely, the majority of homeowners who have boiserie have never heard of the term. Kitchen cupboards will often be decorated with boiserie. While the wall paneling seen in the Palace of Versailles is unlikely to fit a New York apartment, boiserie is still very much in today.

Where can boiserie be used?

Space is a premium in many cities, and interior designers know a few things about creating space, or at least the illusion of it. Boiserie can also add romance, and through careful use of this paneling, a tiny bedroom can become a grand Parisian boudoir.

Mirrors can create light and the illusion of space, and boiserie frames add elegance. If boiserie panels are used correctly, they can make rooms appear larger. They can also be painted, and treated. They don’t need to be simply used as they come.

Today, boiserie is used to convey the classic feel of France from centuries before with fireplaces or mirrors. Or, more modern styles can be used to create clean lines and add character to the dullest spaces. Boiserie can be used throughout a room or home, or a feature wall could be added. These wood panels are also useful for hiding imperfections and wall damage.

What materials can be used in boiserie?

The word ‘bois’ in French means wood, and the definition of boiserie is wood processing. Others say boiserie simply means wood cladding on walls. Traditionally this French decor would therefore be made from some form of timber. Typically, mahogany, oak, chestnut, or dark wood would be used. Yet, modern interior designers have found other materials that can be effectively used for boiserie, even if technically it should be named something else.

A boiserie type of wall or ceiling covering can be made from plaster, cement, marble, ceramic, and even bamboo. For an industrial effect, even metal can be used for a boiserie-style wall design. Shabby chic can be introduced along with pastel colors as you try different materials and DIY effects.

While a 17th-century French aristocrat may turn their nose up at a stucco boiserie effect, avoiding wood can offer more flexibility in some ways, and certainly, help to reduce costs. Moldings can come ready to use, can be used on fireplaces, and walls, and are high quality.

Summary

Some decorative styles and aspects of interior design never truly disappear. While there are especially grand examples of boiserie in evidence in stately homes, museums, and royal residences, much more modest dwellings can also benefit from these wall panels.

You can use boiserie to create one bold statement, or simply to create a rather special bedroom that screams classic French decor and romance. And unlike in the past, ready-made panels exist, so adding boiserie to a home is far simpler than back in the 17th century.