(New 2018 Update! My husband recently started a Tiny House blog called TinyHouse, BIG Design. Please visit it for more info and also for a copy of our complete floor plan!)
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I have an exciting announcement about a little project our family has been working on behind the scenes for the past year. And by "little," what I really mean is "tiny" - we've built a Tiny House on Wheels (THOW) to use in the mountains! Here in Charlotte, NC it gets hot hot HOT in the summer (I'm talking highs in the mid-nineties with crazy humidity), so we've long dreamed of being able to regularly escape to the nearby mountains. With just a 2 or 3 hour drive you can cool off by about 15 degrees (or even more on a good day) and have a whole new set of activities at your disposal ... and pretty views, too!
Why Tiny?
As I mentioned, we always dreamed of being able to spend more time in the nearby mountains, but buying a cabin or vacation house is just not in our budget. So, after putting loads of thought into our options (and being inspired by our recent RV trip and HGTV, of course!), we decided if we went tiny we could realize this dream sooner rather than later.
One of the things we loved about our time in the RV was just how simple life was. It was such a small space to clean and keep up with and didn't require much in the way of housewares or other "stuff" in general. But, at the same time we are also very much sticklers for things that are well-made and high-quality, so building a tiny house seemed liked the best of both worlds.
Our tiny house is 300-square feet (not counting the sleeping lofts) and, since I am a food blogger and cookbook author, you can probably guess my priority when we were figuring out the design - the kitchen, of course! Many Tiny Houses on Wheels have equally tiny galley kitchens - some even just have a small beverage style fridge and no oven. But, it was super important to me to have a kitchen with plenty of room for cooking and recipe testing. So, here is what we came up with! I honestly love some aspects of this kitchen even more than my kitchen at home!
See our Tiny House Plans
My husband recently started a Tiny House blog called TinyHouse, BIG Design. Please visit it for more info and also for a copy of our complete floor plan (to scale).
Tiny House Video Tour
Only our Most Used Kitchen Tools for our Tiny House Kitchen
We've got all sorts of fun kitchen gadgets at home that only get occasional use - such as our panini grill and waffle cone maker - but of course there's no room for luxuries like that in a tiny house kitchen. So, I thought it would be fun to share the list of our most used kitchen tools and appliances that made the cut for our tiny house. Between inexpensive finds at Ikea, sales at a variety of kitchen stores, and pots and pans that were factory seconds - I've been a busy little bee trying to find the best deal on everything we need.
Kitchen Tools and Appliances in our Tiny House
- Pots and pans: 3 Pots (1 quart, 2 quart, 4 quart) and 3 Pans (8" skillet, 10" skillet, 3 quart saute pan) - all factory seconds!
- Cast iron skillet: Great for homemade tortillas
- Cutting boards: A combo of wood and plastic all from Ikea
- Good set of knives: Most were a gift from a blog sponsor (yay!)
- Kitchen shears
- Colander and small strainer
- Salad spinner: I honestly didn't even own a salad spinner before cutting out processed food, now I use it all the time for lettuce, greens and even fresh herbs!
- Steamer basket
- Set of graduated mixing bowls: I hope the big ones can double as serving bowls
- Baking dishes
- Big and small casserole dishes: Also from Ikea
- Pie plate: It's an extra one from home, but we make quiche enough to warrant having one
- Small baking sheet: A regular sized baking sheet won't fit in our tiny oven, but it came with one that I hope will work
- Cooling rack: Obviously great for baked goods, but we also use ours for oven-cooked bacon!
- Muffin pan
- Loaf pan
- Cooking utensils
- Basic cooking spatulas/spoons
- Rubber spatulas
- Small whisk
- Tongs
- Roux spoon
- Other small kitchen tools
- Box-style cheese grater
- Carrot peeler
- Small zester/microplane
- Silicone brush
- Can opener
- Potato brush
- Stainless steel measuring spoons/cups
- Glass measuring cups: Both 1 cup and 2 cup size, good for liquids
- Lemon juicer
- Apple slicer
- Small ice cream scoop: Great for spooning muffin, cupcake and cookie batter!
- Wine opener: Of course!
- Meat thermometer
- Small rolling pin
- Small Appliances
- Electric hand mixer
- Slow cooker: Cannot live without this one
- Basic toaster
- Hand-held immersion blender
- Waffle maker: This was our one "not really necessary" splurge, but the girls talked me into getting a Belgian waffle maker (ours at home is just a regular waffle maker, not Belgian), and I liked the idea of having something special like this that we only get to have in the mountains!
- Misc. Items
- Handful of jelly jars and lids
- A couple cookie cutters: I use these when making biscuits
- Milk frother: So I can make my Maple Mocha
- Still deciding
- What type of coffee/espresso maker: We tried a French Press and it didn't go well
- Food processor: Not sure if we'll have room for one (big or small) and will go without for now
- Full-sized countertop blender: Hoping the hand immersion style will do for a while and hopefully forever
For direct links to some of my favorite kitchen tools and appliances check out my Kitchen Essentials Page.
Other Kitchen Items
- Simple white dishes: Dinner plates, salad plates, bowls all from Ikea
- Basic set of silverware + serve ware
- Cloth napkins: At home we keep our cloth napkins on our chair so we can reuse them a few times before washing, but since we don't have a table at the tiny house (we hope to mostly eat outside) everyone just has their own designated color
- Glasses: Very durable and also will nest
- Coffee cups: These were a fun splurge to add a little visual interest to our open shelving
- All-purpose wine glasses: Good for red or white, also from Ikea!
- Serving platters: I have the same elongated simple white set from Ikea at home and use them all the time
- Water pitcher: Also from Ikea and can double as a vase for mountain wildflowers!
- Tupperware: I love Lock & Lock brand for being completely 100% leak-proof, which means perfect for picnicking
- Pot holders: These will also have to double as trivets
- Little "nut" bowls - The other anthro splurge, just to add some character other than white dishes to the open shelves
- Insulated thermos cups - great for picnics and hikes without added waste from plastic water bottles!
Whether you live in a small space or need help figuring out what items are most critical when it comes to making real food (or even need ideas for a wedding registry) - this list might be a good place to start!
Also, I've never had open shelving in the kitchen before, but it's obviously great for many reasons in a small space. My plan is to keep glasses upside down and to dust a lot, I guess. Anyone else with open shelving have advice on how to keep things clean?
More Pics
Here are a few more pictures for those who are interested! If you have (or want) a Tiny House on Wheels as well I'd love to hear about it in the comments! :)
Jessica K says
Wow I'm in love with your tiny home!! I'm wondering if you could let me know where You got this? The layout is absolutely amazing!! Looking to have one built. Thank you so much!!!
Jen says
Beautifully done! Did you build it yourself? Or have a builder do it? I am currently finishing two Tinies (for my daughters to use at college), next I'll be building one for myself. Would love to build this floorplan.
Lauraloo says
Where will they put their Tinies at their college? Sounds cool
ashli says
Your new tiny house is beautiful. I am also interested in who you used to build it as I am looking to create/design a tiny house too. Thanks!
Chelsea says
SO I am obsessed with this tiny house, not just in awe of the actual arrangement and layout but the all the things that make it so beautiful! I know you shared many of your favorite kitchen essentials but would you mind sharing where you go those light fixtures and stools? I just love them and your blog! Thanks for sharing!
Milka says
I love your THOW! Everything about it is so cool. Where did you get that sofa that doubles as a guest bed?
Julie says
It's beautiful! The finishes make it feel really luxurious for a house on wheels!
For your coffee/espresso, I highly recommend the AeroPress. It couldn't take up less room and so long as you have a kettle, you're good. Check out the Amazon reviews and there is even a world Aeropress completion.
Jaime says
I second the aeropress. We use a chemex most days, but I use the aeropress when making only a cup. It takes up such a small amount of space, is really easy to clean, and has very little waste. It took several tries to get the right combo of grind and amount of coffee to fit my tastes.
Trish F. says
I'm so in love with your home! I've become a tiny house lover but have yet to make the transition. I'm a single mother of 3 but only have one child left at home now , so I'm ready to make the move. Your home has given me more great ideas on how to built my tiny home. What a beautiful home you've made!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Boni Faith Haynes says
Love your design and ideas! We're a couple hours north of Charlotte in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia... you chose a beautiful spot to escape to!
Cali says
Oh my goodness I love it all!! Where did you get that fabulous chevron rug?!!!!
Lauraloo says
In video she mentions rug is from world market
Tracy says
The rug is beautiful, but know that it is made up of rectangular slices of dyed cow hide, I believe.
Andrea says
Love, love, love!! Such a beautiful view and gorgeous design. What is the brand of your fridge and do you like it (once you've had a chance to use it)? I've been looking at using an apartment fridge for a small basement bar. Thanks for sharing your space!
Lynn says
Am seriously considering a THOW. I don't know where to start!!
Lindsey martin says
Please give me the name of the builder! Or if you custom built it! Please share, I love your home!
Elisabeth McDowell says
Love it!! What are you doing about utilities? Please create a blog on how to actually go about getting a tiny house done.
Kyle Cave says
What is the name of the company you use to build the tiny house? Just love it!❤️
amanda says
where did you get your fridge and dishwasher from? also the lazy susan cabinet?
thanks
Sarah Filchak says
What do you do with the open shelves when you're moving? Don't things fall off?
Crystal says
Where is your rug from?
Cami says
In the video she says it's from a world Market
Melissa says
Love your tiny house. My husband wonders how are the utilities connected way up in the mountains?
Linda Meckes says
You need to write out the plans so others can design their own. Great ideas!
Shalee Shuayto says
This is exactly how I would want a tiny house! How much did you spend? Do you have plans for it that can be duplicated?
Sue says
Thank you for sharing, Lisa! I can see how well-thought out every part of your tiny house has been, and I love the style and practicality of each area. Beautiful--what a great little get-away house! You are an inspiration, as always!
Suzanne says
Amazing- can you tell us what range you'really using? Looking for one for my tiny kitchen!
Christine says
love, love, LOVE the video, thank you for sharing. While I like the idea of a small house, this is the first design I've seen that actually looks like something I could live with, it's so nice, great job!
Klensy Davis says
Lisa, how much did your tiny house cost?
Klensy Davis says
Lisa, I hope you read my comment. I think your tiny house design is perfect, perfect, perfect 100%. You definitely prioritized the right things such as regular toilet and regular vanity, stove, and fridge which are a must for a family of four. Also the views are gorgeous which makes the windows so important and I must say You have windows in all the right places. I absolutely love the one above the vanity for a glimpse of nature in the morning and some natural light for applying makeup. I loved the custom drapes and pillows for the girls. I am totally in love with your tiny house. Honestly, if I were to build one I would copy your design minus the dishwasher. That is how perfect I find your tiny house.
Donna says
Wow! How Beautiful!!
Congratulations!
I would love one. Who makes this Tiny Home? And can you give us more info about it? Where we can purchase it?
Lienna says
Lisa, wow! Love your work and all the design!!!!! It looks amazing! Great job!!!!!!!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
WOW - Lisa - soooo adorable. You guys thought of everything! Really, really impressed. It looks amazing!!:)
Barb says
Do you mind sharing who built your home?
Martha Miller says
Lisa, this is absolutely adorable! I love tiny houses and am so impressed with all that you do that you managed to build this too. Love your cookbooks and your decorating style.
We lived in a tiny apartment in Rome for nearly two years and it changed the way we live forever.
Congrats!
Martha
Aubrey Heki says
I'm super inspired!!! Thanks for the tour!
Meredith Griffith says
That is so darn cute!! Looks like a fun way to get away!
Aj says
I just have a curious question pertaining to functionality. When you head out to the mountains, or wherever you may be going, do you take everything off of your kitchen shelves and replace them when you arrive at your destination? Or have you found another way of keeping things in their place during movement?
Leah says
Your tiny home is gorgeous! I have watched a million shows on HGTV about tiny homes and yours is one of my favorites! Please do another post about the bedrooms and bathrooms and logistics of a tiny home in the mountains. What an amazing adventure with your family!
Emily says
Where is that herringbone rug from??? It's awesome.
I just put open shelves up in our kitchen. I'm hoping that frequently using the items on the shelves will keep them dust-free, so the shelves will only require monthly wipe downs.
Rona Small Bobey says
We have just shiplaped our family room and have 2" pieces of raw wood we are using as shelves in wet bar area. How do you hang the shelves like you hav in kitchen??
Camille says
I'm in love!!!! This is fantastic!! Can you please share where you purchased and the floor plan. I want to see more!!!! Maybe that's another's blog post or more.
Margo says
Just curious, how do you power all of those appliances? Looks like you must have bout a piece of land. Did it come with an electrical hook up, or do you have a generator?
Slk says
Congrats on your tiny home. I must chime in on the coffee situation. We use an Aeropress and a bialetti stovetop. The bialetti leaves a bit more oil/body and the aeropress is a "cleaner" finish. ;) just a matter of preference.
Lindsey says
We love our aeropress too!
Lisa says
Can you share who built your Tiny House? I am interested in purchasing one.