The small spaces are usually less than 500 square feet and often on the wheels of a flatbed trailer. The narrow house tends to have a kitchen, bathroom, and sitting area, and usually a loft bedroom.
Tiny houses appeal to home buyers who are not interested in living large. For a small but growing segment of the population, the small dwellings are making homeownership a possibility.

The tiny house appeal

Money & Investments

The reasons for the popularity of tiny homes are affordability and that they satisfy young people&#39;s need for mobility. They can be easily sold or rented. 
Whether tiny houses will continue in the future depends on the economy. If the middle class continues to shrink, small homes will likely increase in popularity as people will need affordable housing.

Tiny houses meet practical needs

Some of the appealing qualities of living in tiny houses are related to environmental concerns and eco-friendliness. Homeowners of a tiny house feel they are making a positive contribution to the world because it leaves a lighter carbon footprint.
With limited space, it can also be part of living a simpler life with a dramatic downsizing of clothing, housewares, furniture, and other possessions. It is less to clean and maintain and has lower housing payments and utility bills.

Tiny houses and eco-friendliness

While living in a tiny home may feel cozy and comfortable, others might consider the living space cramped and claustrophobic.&nbsp; <ul><li>To make it seem more spacious, a light colour on the walls, like light sage green, can make a room seem larger and more relaxing.</li><li>Maximising natural light will improve a person's mood while wood grains will have a calming influence.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure to add sound-absorbing surfaces, such as rugs or curtains.</li><li>Curvy patterns in towels or a rug on the floor can also feel comforting.</li><li>Keep the space not to complex visually by tucking things out of view.</li></ul>

 Making it seem more spacious

<img src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pKJnBKULoVE8c4Mj4taesM-320-80.jpg" alt="A tiny house" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pKJnBKULoVE8c4Mj4taesM-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pKJnBKULoVE8c4Mj4taesM-480-80.jpg 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pKJnBKULoVE8c4Mj4taesM-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pKJnBKULoVE8c4Mj4taesM-970-80.jpg 970w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pKJnBKULoVE8c4Mj4taesM-1024-80.jpg 1024w" width="745" height="497"><div>(Image: © Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock.com)</div>Tiny houses can make big dreams come true. For an extremely small but growing segment of the population, the diminutive dwellings are making home ownership a real possibility.The teensy living spaces, which are usually 500 square feet or less, are often perched on the wheels of a flatbed trailer, legally making them recreational vehicles (RVs), and easy to move. These narrow homes tend to have a kitchen, bathroom and sitting area, and usually a loft bedroom.Tiny houses appeal to home buyers who are not interested in "living large" and would never give <a href="https://www.livescience.com/7447-mcmansions-spread-suburbia-cities.html" data-original-href="/7447-mcmansions-spread-suburbia-cities.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">a McMansion</a> a second thought.For some young people, the realities of home ownership in this economy are bleak, and tiny homes allow for entry into the market and the chance to claim something as their own, said Dak Kopec, an environmental psychologist and architect who directs the Design for Human Health graduate program at The Boston Architectural College.<div>RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU...</div>The affordability of tiny homes is one reason for their current popularity, but another reason for their appeal is that they satisfy <a href="https://www.livescience.com/38061-millennials-generation-y.html" data-original-href="/38061-millennials-generation-y.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">young people's need for mobility</a>, but also some roots, Kopec said."The tiny home is a relatively low-commitment venture that can be easily sold or rented, at this point in time," Kopec told Live Science. So such homes fill a need, especially for young, single people, that gives them some freedom and flexibility as they bounce between cities pursuing their career goals and personal aspirations, he said.Whether tiny homes will turn out to be a fad or not hinges in large part on the economy, Kopec said. If the middle class continues to dwindle, the tiny homes will likely become more popular because people will need affordable housing, he said. [<a href="https://www.livescience.com/11357-10-ways-green-home.html" data-original-href="/11357-10-ways-green-home.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">10 Ways to Green Your Home</a>]Tiny livingThe tiny house movement began as a small grassroots effort, but the concept has intrigued so many people that it now has its own TV shows like "Tiny House Hunters" and "Tiny House Nation." There are also DIY house-building kits, and an active community of bloggers and tiny-living enthusiasts who share information and advice about the lifestyle.&nbsp;Besides their lower living costs, tiny abodes have many other attractive qualities that have piqued the public's curiosity and the media's fascination with them. For example, some folks are drawn to these micro residences because of environmental concerns and their eco-friendliness.A tiny house leaves a <a href="https://www.livescience.com/13772-city-slicker-country-bumpkin-smaller-carbon-footprint.html" data-original-href="/13772-city-slicker-country-bumpkin-smaller-carbon-footprint.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">lighter carbon footprint</a>, and so homeowners feel they are making a positive contribution to the world, said Sally Augustin, an environmental psychologist and the founder of Design with Science in Chicago.With little space and limited storage, a tiny house can also be part of a conscious shift toward a simpler life. Moving into one might require dramatic downsizing of clothing, housewares, furniture and other possessions, but the benefits are less house to clean and maintain, as well as lower housing payments and utility bills.&nbsp;Other advantages of "living tiny" are that people feel in control of their housing experience and have more privacy, especially if the other affordable housing alternatives involve <a href="https://www.livescience.com/28877-negative-thoughts-depression-contagious.html" data-original-href="/28877-negative-thoughts-depression-contagious.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">living with roommates</a>, Augustin said.Having a house that's their own, no matter how tiny, may strike some people as cozy and comforting, while others might consider the living space cramped and claustrophobic."A tiny home is a very different way to live and some people who have a high need for uniqueness may view living in one as a psychological boost," Augustin told Live Science. [<a href="https://www.livescience.com/56597-ways-to-improve-mental-health.html" data-original-url="/51841-ways-to-improve-mental-health.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">9 DIY Ways to Improve Your Mental Health</a>]The space constraints of tiny houses may make them unrealistic for families or older adults, she said. But still, Augustin believes that the tiny house movement has a lot going for it financially, environmentally and even psychologically, and she suspects the trend will continue to grow, with communities of tiny homes popping up featuring shared facilities for self-storage, laundry or socializing.She shared a few design tips to make tiny houses — or any small living space — seem more spacious. Using light colors on the walls, like a light sage green, can make a room seem larger and <a href="https://www.livescience.com/24826-relaxation-stressful.html" data-original-href="/24826-relaxation-stressful.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">more relaxing</a>, Augustin said.Maximizing <a href="https://www.livescience.com/38604-camping-resets-circadian-rhythms.html" data-original-href="/38604-camping-resets-circadian-rhythms.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">natural light can improve a person's mood</a>, and seeing wood grains has a calming influence, whether as hardwood flooring or exposed wooden surfaces.She also said to make sure there are sound-absorbing surfaces, such as rugs or curtains, so the living space doesn't feel like a box and it's not too echo-y. Using curvy rather than rectilinear patterns in towels or a rug on the floor can also be comforting, Augustin suggested.Although storage will be at a premium, tiny-house dwellers should find ways to tuck things out of view so the space is not too complex visually, she said.She also recommended, "Don't make these living environments too stark. Personalize a tiny home in small ways to feel comfortable living there."&nbsp;Follow Live Science <a href="https://twitter.com/LiveScience" data-original-href="https://twitter.com/LiveScience" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">@livescience</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/livescience" data-original-href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/livescience" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">Facebook</a>&nbsp;&amp; <a href="https://plus.google.com/101164570444913213957/posts" data-original-href="https://plus.google.com/101164570444913213957/posts" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">Google+</a>. Originally published on <a href="https://www.livescience.com/52031-tiny-houses-psychology.html" data-original-href="/52031-tiny-houses-psychology.html" data-component-tracked="1" dir="ltr">Live Science</a>.

For a very small, but growing number of people, diminutive dwellings are making dreams come true.

Tiny houses can make big dreams come true. For an extremely small but growing segment of the population, the diminutive dwellings are making home ownership a real possibility. The teensy living spaces, which are usually 500 square feet or less, are often perched on the wheels of a flatbed trailer, legally making them recreational vehicles (RVs), and easy to move. These narrow homes tend to have a kitchen, bathroom and sitting area, and usually a loft bedroom.

Tiny houses appeal to home buyers who are not interested in "living large" and would never give <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="/7447-mcmansions-spread-suburbia-cities.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/7447-mcmansions-spread-suburbia-cities.html">a McMansion </a>a second thought. For some young people, the realities of home ownership in this economy are bleak, and tiny homes allow for entry into the market and the chance to claim something as their own, said Dak Kopec, an environmental psychologist and architect who directs the Design for Human Health graduate program at The Boston Architectural College.

The affordability of tiny homes is one reason for their current popularity, but another reason for their appeal is that they satisfy <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="/38061-millennials-generation-y.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/38061-millennials-generation-y.html">young people's need for mobility </a>, but also some roots, Kopec said. "The tiny home is a relatively low-commitment venture that can be easily sold or rented, at this point in time," Kopec told Live Science. So such homes fill a need, especially for young, single people, that gives them some freedom and flexibility as they bounce between cities pursuing their career goals and personal aspirations, he said.

Whether tiny homes will turn out to be a fad or not hinges in large part on the economy, Kopec said. If the middle class continues to dwindle, the tiny homes will likely become more popular because people will need affordable housing, he said. [<a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="/11357-10-ways-green-home.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/11357-10-ways-green-home.html">10 Ways to Green Your Home </a>] Tiny living The tiny house movement began as a small grassroots effort, but the concept has intrigued so many people that it now has its own TV shows like "Tiny House Hunters" and "Tiny House Nation." There are also DIY house-building kits, and an active community of bloggers and tiny-living enthusiasts who share information and advice about the lifestyle.

Besides their lower living costs, tiny abodes have many other attractive qualities that have piqued the public's curiosity and the media's fascination with them. For example, some folks are drawn to these micro residences because of environmental concerns and their eco-friendliness.

A tiny house leaves a <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="/13772-city-slicker-country-bumpkin-smaller-carbon-footprint.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/13772-city-slicker-country-bumpkin-smaller-carbon-footprint.html">lighter carbon footprint </a>, and so homeowners feel they are making a positive contribution to the world, said Sally Augustin, an environmental psychologist and the founder of Design with Science in Chicago. With little space and limited storage, a tiny house can also be part of a conscious shift toward a simpler life. Moving into one might require dramatic downsizing of clothing, housewares, furniture and other possessions, but the benefits are less house to clean and maintain, as well as lower housing payments and utility bills.

Other advantages of "living tiny" are that people feel in control of their housing experience and have more privacy, especially if the other affordable housing alternatives involve <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="/28877-negative-thoughts-depression-contagious.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/28877-negative-thoughts-depression-contagious.html">living with roommates </a>, Augustin said. Having a house that's their own, no matter how tiny, may strike some people as cozy and comforting, while others might consider the living space cramped and claustrophobic. "A tiny home is a very different way to live and some people who have a high need for uniqueness may view living in one as a psychological boost," Augustin told Live Science. [<a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-url="/51841-ways-to-improve-mental-health.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/56597-ways-to-improve-mental-health.html">9 DIY Ways to Improve Your Mental Health </a>]

The space constraints of tiny houses may make them unrealistic for families or older adults, she said. But still, Augustin believes that the tiny house movement has a lot going for it financially, environmentally and even psychologically, and she suspects the trend will continue to grow, with communities of tiny homes popping up featuring shared facilities for self-storage, laundry or socializing.

She shared a few design tips to make tiny houses — or any small living space — seem more spacious. Using light colors on the walls, like a light sage green, can make a room seem larger and <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="/24826-relaxation-stressful.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/24826-relaxation-stressful.html">more relaxing </a>, Augustin said. Maximizing <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="/38604-camping-resets-circadian-rhythms.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/38604-camping-resets-circadian-rhythms.html">natural light can improve a person's mood </a>, and seeing wood grains has a calming influence, whether as hardwood flooring or exposed wooden surfaces. She also said to make sure there are sound-absorbing surfaces, such as rugs or curtains, so the living space doesn't feel like a box and it's not too echo-y. Using curvy rather than rectilinear patterns in towels or a rug on the floor can also be comforting, Augustin suggested.

Although storage will be at a premium, tiny-house dwellers should find ways to tuck things out of view so the space is not too complex visually, she said. She also recommended, "Don't make these living environments too stark. Personalize a tiny home in small ways to feel comfortable living there."  Follow Live Science <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="https://twitter.com/LiveScience" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/LiveScience">@livescience </a>, <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/livescience" dir="ltr" href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/livescience">Facebook </a>  &amp; <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="https://plus.google.com/101164570444913213957/posts" dir="ltr" href="https://plus.google.com/101164570444913213957/posts">Google+ </a>. Originally published on <a data-component-tracked="1" data-original-href="/52031-tiny-houses-psychology.html" dir="ltr" href="https://www.livescience.com/52031-tiny-houses-psychology.html">Live Science </a>.

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