(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! :)
Jessika says
Can you tell me how many meters in length your tiny home is please? :)
Laura Schmidt says
We have an 18 ft. Trailer that we have taken from Ohio to Montana and Ohio to DC. We have very little storage but manage to get our "full service kitchen" in order. We use collapsible strainers and bowls. We also have a mini mandolin instead of a food processor. (Amazon) Oxo
Denise Mitchell says
I'm curious about why you chose a tiny home instead of an RV?? I know the price of tiny homes are much higher than RVs and since tiny homes are heavier I'm thinking they are much more expensive and harder to tow. My husband and I own an RV. We are looking at tiny homes. We are now weighing the pros and cons of both. Any insight would be appreciated.
Zeel Kitchen Designs says
Absolutely love your tiny house! I’m in the planning stage for a tiny house for my family. I was wondering what company you worked with for your house or if you built and designed it yourself.
Kim Whitehead says
Really love this one a Lot what is this one
Mandolynn says
Hi-
We would love if you shared your house plans and details with us! We have to have house built by July, so we are in a time crunch to get going, and LOVED everything about your house! How long did it take for your house to be completed? Thank you so much!!
Marce says
Love your very upscale tiny house. Where are the bed and bath pics? Try a small Ninja blender instead of a regular one or food processor. Inexpensive and does everything. Mine has two pitchers and two small 16 oz containers with the motor that goes on top that you press down to turn on. Got it on QVC but they are available all over now for $70- $95.
Kim says
Can you tell me the name of the gold light fixtures in the kitchen. Or where you purchased them? We are building a tiny pool house and I love the lights- also did you purchase the kitchen cabinets or make them. What color paint is on the lower kitchen cabinets? Thanks so much and we love your 100 days real food site. My daughter in law follows your recipes.
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Hi Kim - We got the lights at SchoolHouse.com. The cabinets were custom made and pained Farrow and Ball Hauge Blue. Good luck with your build! - Jason
Angela says
Wow looks amazing! My dream is to live in one when I get the kids out of the house. LOL
I appreciate you going through what you use in your kitchen.
Heathet says
Absolutely love your tiny house! I'm in the planning stage for a tiny house for my family. I was wondering what company you worked with for your house or if you built and designed it yourself. Thanks.
Jenni says
When do you expect the information about the tiny house to be up on your husband’s new website?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Soon, we hope! Thanks for your patience. :)
Jodie says
This is my favorite tiny home! Great lay out and love all the windows. Where did you get the bedding on the queen bed and the bird fabric near the girls bunks? Would love to know your builder since we decided this was what we are doing instead of an RV. We are researching right now to see what we like.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. You can go here soon: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/ for more detailed information.
Sarah says
What are the countertops used in the tiny house? They look like quartz? Which brand and style if you don't mind?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. You can go here: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/ for more detailed information.
Pamela B. says
I love your kitchen and overall use of space in your tiny home design. Also, your bathroom space is wonderful too.
david says
WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR APPLIANCES?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. You can go here: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/ for more information.
Diana Daw says
I LOVE your THOW! We have lived in our Tiny House that has 399sq ft for about a year now and are loving the Tiny House life! I just love all of your hidden away storage! I love your kitchen too. The whole thing is just beautiful! You can ck out my hubby's blog at: tinyhousehusband.blogspot.com & friend me on FB at: Diana Hutchins Daw to see video's & photos.
Marina says
Hi! I love everything, but please, next time, film using landscape mode. You can fit a lot more in the camera and I really missed a wider view of this fabulous house.
Love the storage solutions!!
Jennifer says
Love the layout, feels like a home to me. Awesome
tiny house says
Where this area can you inform me
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello. It is in the mountains in Western NC. More information will be coming soon: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/.
Nikki says
Hello, I absolutely LOVE the large rug in the living area under the couch - can I ask where you purchased it from?
Nikki says
Disregard! I see in the video it was purchased from World Market :)
DCollins says
What are the square footage of the kitchen area?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. All details will be available soon: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/.
Julie says
Good Morning-
Love, love the tiny house! Beautiful!
I was curious as to when the tinyhousebigdesign.com will go live. I recently started a charity that donates finished rooms to families in need or weather-related catastrophes. I am in the midst of planning to build a tiny house for a family in need. I am very interested in this particular layout. I love the openness, the kitchen but most of all the 2 beds for the girls on the main floor. A little safer than a loft bedroom. Thanks! Julie
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. More info is on its way: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/.
Renie Tottenham says
Love this tiny home what is the pricing range
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
More info is on it's way: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/
Sue Leimkuehler says
Love your tiny house on wheels! We have a large motorhome that we take for a month or more at a time. I have about 2/3 the amount of countertop you have and a smaller oven accompanied by two induction plate cooktops. What I found interesting is that your list of must-haves for your kitchen resembles what we take quite closely with a few exceptions. We didn't do a waffle maker and we have an electric temp adjust teakettle instead of an espresso maker. Otherwise, the list was very close!
Amberly Selle says
You should try a Biatelli Moka Pot instead of French press. I loooove my Nespresso but for trips I take just the frother (that I noticed you already included ) and a Moka pot. Try it and thank me later. Added bonus, it will look super cute on your open shelving.
Arden | Real-Food-Real-Life.com says
I've followed the tiny house movement for several years, subscribing to a couple of the main tiny house newsletters, so I've seen (pictures, at least) of a *lot* of tiny homes and this is absolutely one of the best layouts and most attractive homes I've ever seen. Building on the 10' trailer was absolute genius (makes you wonder why more folks don't) since that addition 2' over the standard 8' trailer makes a world of difference. Bravo to you guys. I subscribed to the TinyHouseBigDesign blog, too, so will look forward to reading more. Well done!
Rachel says
I would also love to know who the builder was so I subscribed to your tiny house site to see if you discuss any of this information. Thanks!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
More information will be coming soon: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/
Janie Vanderpool says
Love this home, what is the price?
Would love more information.
Rene says
Most of them can be pretty pricey. This one looks like it is.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. Musch more info is coming: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/.
Gloria says
Can I know who built your tiny?? And how much it costs?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
We will be making more info available soon: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/
Caitlin says
I love this tiny home! Wondering what your budget was and how much it cost total to build? Everything about it is beautiful!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
More information will be coming soon: https://tinyhousebigdesign.com/
Lisa sadighi says
Absolutely love your beautiful tiny house. I would also like to your floor plans because they are perfection.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
More info will be availbale soon.
Karen Squires says
Great post! We put an offer in on a almost-tiny house in Blowing Rock NC last year. 900 square feet, however it did not work out. We are still on the hunt! Cheers, Kary~
English says
I am so eager to get more information on your plans and build! Thanks for sharing - its an inspiration.
Peggy Crowell says
Your detailed list of kitchen items can be very helpful for anyone trying to downsize. Thank you for sharing.
Can you also share the floor plan of your home?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
More information will be available soon.
Katelynn says
This is the very first tiny house that I am in love with Everything in it. What are the floor plans? I want to build my own and this is perfect. Great use of space for everything. The bunk beds are a wonderful idea!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
More information will be available soon.
Linda says
Love your floor plan. Where is the bathroo?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
You can see it in the video above.
Amber says
What size is your refrigerator? I love it but have no clue what size it is
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
More details will be available soon.
Hannah says
I would. also like to know your floor plans. I have plans to make a tiny house for college.
Heather McG says
I would love to learn more about your process of building your tiny home! I especially would love to know what plans you used. This is the first tiny house I have seen that I love everything about it.
Cathi says
I would love to know the floor plans and other helpful info, this is my new goal to build my own even if it's little by little.
Karmen Scott says
Like yourself I am a family of four with my husband and two kids. We have an existing shell of a structure on my land that is 315 sq. ft and was looking for ideas on how to plan out our space. I am very inspired by your layout and the storage , and was wondering if you had a floor plan available on your tiny house?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
More information will be available soon.