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Designing Small Homes: An Interior Design Studio Project

Article · May 2014

DOI: 10.15341/jmer(2155-7993)/04.04.2014/007

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Journal of Modern Education Review, ISSN 2155-7993, USA
April 2014, Volume 4, No. 4, pp. 299–303
Doi: 10.15341/jmer(2155-7993)/04.04.2014/007
 Academic Star Publishing Company, 2014
http://www.academicstar.us

Designing Small Homes: An Interior Design Studio Project

Kenneth R. Tremblay, Jr.1, Katharine E. Leigh1, Laura H. Malinin1, Amy M. Huber2

(1. Department of Design and Merchandising, Colorado State University, USA;
2. Department of Interior Design, Florida State University, USA)

Abstract: Small homes may become more popular in the future due to rising costs and resource shortages.
For some population segments smaller homes are especially attractive such as retired households wanting to
downsize. A studio project was developed and given to sophomore interior design students in which they were
asked to design a home of 1,000 square feet or under which was functional and aesthetically pleasing. During
class discussions students were provided with a number of design ideas that they could utilize in their designs. The
projects displayed a variety of design techniques to visually enhance the size of space. The projects “My urban
farm” and “My small house” were highlighted. Students were excited with their attempts to create small homes
for themselves.
Key words: small homes, interior design, design project, design education

1. Introduction

While some people continue to move into larger homes, others have begun opting for houses with less square
footage. These smaller living units may be any type of structure or tenure status. For young families buying their
first home or mature adults wanting to downsize, smaller houses make sense. Single adults or couples without
children are also prime candidates for small homes. The purpose of this article is to propose ways in which to
successfully design small homes and then to present an interior design studio project focusing on small homes.
Smaller homes offer numerous advantages. They require less cleaning, painting, and routine maintenance.
They also tend to be more sustainable and energy efficient than larger homes. In addition, smaller homes may
allow their occupants more time to pursue recreational or other personal activities. Thus, many individuals and
families have discovered that small houses best meet their needs and lifestyles.
The meaning of small is not totally clear. In the past an average American home occupied about 1,700 square
feet. In 2013 the average newly constructed single-family home was closer to 2,500 square feet with four
bedrooms and three bathrooms. In contrast, many Asians and Europeans consider 1,000 square feet for a city
residence to be quite generous. A general misconception exists concerning small spaces and quality. To some
people, small connotes cheap or less desirable. This does not have to be the case. Small homes in fact can be


Kenneth R. Tremblay, Jr., Ph.D., Department of Design and Merchandising, Colorado State University; research areas: alternative
housing. E-mail: Kenneth.R.Tremblay@ColoState.EDU.
Katharine E. Leigh, Ph.D., Department of Design and Merchandising, Colorado State University; research areas: creativity and
sustainability in design.
Laura H. Malinin, Ph.D., Department of Design and Merchandising, Colorado State University; research areas: creativity in
architecture and design.
Amy M. Huber, M.S., Department of Interior Design, Florida State University; research areas: teaching interior design.

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jewel-like, ideal places for living. The question is: how can a designer either create or re-create qualitative space
that, although limited in square footage (reality), looks larger and roomier than it actually is (illusion)?

2. Key Design Ideas

To achieve optimal results, small homes must be transformed through the act of design. For example, mirrors
can essentially double space, photographic murals can provide a three-dimensional perspective, and built-in
furniture and storage walls can free up floor area. People perceive a rectangular space as larger than a square
space of the same square footage. Where white walls ordinarily move backward visually, in some situations
appropriate lighting can make combinations of dark and light colors effective.
Any design device that distracts the viewer from noticing the intersection of planes or the termination of
features provides the illusion of a continuum. Visual variety in the interior, especially where the geometry of the
interior architecture is concerned, adds to the illusion of enhanced space. Proportion and scale become very
important; choosing smaller-scale objects and furnishings will suggest to the eye that the interior space is larger
than it in fact is.
A smooth transition between the interior and exterior appears to bring the environment inside, thereby further
expanding visual space. Glass doors, windows, and interior plants help to create the desired illusion. Thus, a
combination of innovative interior and exterior design can produce a dynamic, non-claustrophobic atmosphere.

3. Studio Project Description

During fall semester 2012, a sophomore-level interior design class at a CIDA (Council for Interior Design
Accreditation) program was assigned a project to design a fully functional house under 1,000 square feet. Students
were free to select location and design inspiration. They were required to use Photoshop and Revit for floor plans,
elevations, and perspectives. These graphics as well as a concept statement were placed on one board. Forty
students participated in the project.
Students were given the following instructions:
In this assignment we will demonstrate our knowledge of the needs for residential spaces that we have explored
through the semester. You will be the client for a small home, less than 1,000 square feet, to accommodate your
needs. Thinking about the presentation on small houses, develop a plan that meets your needs for function and
aesthetics; although contemporary spaces may reflect sparseness in furnishings in this project you will need to
“furnish” the spaces to show your understanding of dimensions, ergonomics, and human factors as well as aesthetics.
Requirements:
 Creative project title
 Client brief (paragraph about your lifestyle)
 Bubble diagram
 Plan at ¼ inch scale for a plan of 1,000 square feet or less (may be multiple levels), indicating exterior setting
and rendered in color
 Front exterior elevation showing the style (generally placed directly under the plan wall that it represents)
 Backing board is to be black foam core, cut to specific dimensions of 18” x 23½” and presentation is to be
portrait
The requirements may not fill your board effectively and if that occurs, be creative in “filling” out the visual

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results. You may include elements that reflect your style — furniture selections for seating, materials, accessories,
perspectives, interior elevations, reference photos, etc. The plan does not have to be rectangular but the total
square footage used should be on the front face of the board to allow for space comparison when we pin up. Have
some fun with the project — dream a little (have you wanted to live in a tree, under water, in the air, or
underground?). What kind of landscape, style, or built-ins do you want?

4. Project Results

Examples of completed projects included a 968 square foot modern mountain retreat featuring large windows
to emphasize the views surrounding the home and connecting the home with nature. A secluded shanty was
another project. This home was located on an island reachable only by boat. It had spaces for sleeping, cooking,
relaxation, dressing, and yoga. A swimming pool was also available as well as views of the ocean. The lotus house
was inspired by the harmonious shape of the lotus blossom. The open floor plan created a constant circular flow
from one space to the next, was illuminated through plentiful amounts of natural light, and honored the resident
with the purity of heart and mind that the lotus represents. BLDG.M was a sustainably focused home with 620
square feet of interior living space and 330 square feet of outdoor living space, perfect for a location such as
Hawaii. It has wide roof overhangs and decks that visually expand the home’s size, a green roof, clerestory
windows for day lighting, and easy access to nature.
“My urban farm” is shown in Figure 1. It is a home that is environmentally responsible and small. For
sustainability there are spaces for a vegetable garden and animals as well as bike storage. Some of the design ideas
for a small home are shown in this project through the rectangular shape, open floor plan, use of glass, use of
smaller scale furnishings, and connection between the interior and exterior.

Figure 1 Urban Farm Small House (Sara Beaujon)

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 Designing Small Homes: An Interior Design Studio Project

A second example is shown in Figure 2 —“My small house”. This home is metaphorically inspired by a
coffee cup. It is a simple home with open design, small furnishings, asymmetrical shape, and lots of glass. With
large windows there is a good interior-exterior connection. Also of note are porthole windows, a three-sided
fireplace, and a custom swiveling dining table.

Figure 2 Coffee Cup Inspired Small House (Paul Vanderheiden)

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5. Conclusion

In the future because of cost, resource limitations, and personal choice, an increasing number of individuals
and families will probably live in small homes. Thus, the studio project described here is very relevant. Students
learned how to marshal a variety of design ideas to create an attractive, functional, and comfortable small home.
The projects amply demonstrate that small living accommodations can be just as enjoyable as any other, and just
as valid an expression of personal style. This was a challenging project but one which students enjoyed while
expressing their creativity.

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