"I wanted a simpler, more contemplative life," says Stephen Proctor, who left Nashville to continue work as a visual artist from the remote Pacific Northwest. But after being targeted by a hard-nosed permitting official, he faced too many unknowns, ultimately deciding to sell the home. "I didn't want to fight them or have to blaze a new trail—that’s not why I got into the tiny home thing," he says.
"I wanted a simpler, more contemplative life," says Stephen Proctor, who left Nashville to continue work as a visual artist from the remote Pacific Northwest. But after being targeted by a hard-nosed permitting official, he faced too many unknowns, ultimately deciding to sell the home. "I didn't want to fight them or have to blaze a new trail—that’s not why I got into the tiny home thing," he says.
Tomi Ungerer and Ayla Suzan Yöndel: Kindergarten Wolfartsweier, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2002.
Tomi Ungerer and Ayla Suzan Yöndel: Kindergarten Wolfartsweier, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2002.
The view from the bedroom into the living space. The double-sided joinery unit features a wardrobe and storage space.
The view from the bedroom into the living space. The double-sided joinery unit features a wardrobe and storage space.
Closet Case

To consolidate most appliances and food storage, keep his compact kitchen looking neat, and save money on cabinets, Sherman built a closet into the kitchen wall (“Cabinets are expensive but closets are cheap,” he offers). Inside is a countertop, blackboard surface, toaster oven, garbage cans, magnetic knife rack, and plenty of shelves. When the doors are closed, the unit recedes from view.
Closet Case To consolidate most appliances and food storage, keep his compact kitchen looking neat, and save money on cabinets, Sherman built a closet into the kitchen wall (“Cabinets are expensive but closets are cheap,” he offers). Inside is a countertop, blackboard surface, toaster oven, garbage cans, magnetic knife rack, and plenty of shelves. When the doors are closed, the unit recedes from view.
SYMFONISK WiFi speakers by IKEA and Sonos
SYMFONISK WiFi speakers by IKEA and Sonos
Inspired by a picture of a lunar lander, naval architect Kurt Hughes designed and built a 250-square-foot tiny house that perches in the shrub-steppe landscape of Eastern Washington and serves as his weekend getaway on a remote plot next to the Columbia River. Constructed with plywood, foam and fiberglass (with the same strength as A36 steel), the compact dwelling is epoxy encapsulated (and therefore fire-proof). Hughes painted the exterior white to protect against UV damage. A galley kitchen, a bathroom, a breakfast nook, a lower-level bedroom (accessed via a ship ladder) and plenty of storage comprise the interior. Hughes also incorporated an outdoor deck and a clear geodesic dome that tops the structure and floods the interior with natural light.
Inspired by a picture of a lunar lander, naval architect Kurt Hughes designed and built a 250-square-foot tiny house that perches in the shrub-steppe landscape of Eastern Washington and serves as his weekend getaway on a remote plot next to the Columbia River. Constructed with plywood, foam and fiberglass (with the same strength as A36 steel), the compact dwelling is epoxy encapsulated (and therefore fire-proof). Hughes painted the exterior white to protect against UV damage. A galley kitchen, a bathroom, a breakfast nook, a lower-level bedroom (accessed via a ship ladder) and plenty of storage comprise the interior. Hughes also incorporated an outdoor deck and a clear geodesic dome that tops the structure and floods the interior with natural light.
The Japanese "no-brand" masters of minimalism unveil the first single-story design in their line of prefab homes.
The Japanese "no-brand" masters of minimalism unveil the first single-story design in their line of prefab homes.
This Beverly Hills kitHAUS is comprised of modernist prefab modules that can accommodate a variety of uses: from yoga studios to home offices, and from weekend retreats to pop-up kiosks and guest rooms.
This Beverly Hills kitHAUS is comprised of modernist prefab modules that can accommodate a variety of uses: from yoga studios to home offices, and from weekend retreats to pop-up kiosks and guest rooms.
Built in 1962, the four-bedroom, two-bath home has already been spruced up with modern features that respect the home’s original midcentury modern character. Highlights include updated bathrooms with Carrara marble and walnut cabinetry, a private backyard, and a renovated kitchen with a pretty impressive "edible garden" off the side.
Built in 1962, the four-bedroom, two-bath home has already been spruced up with modern features that respect the home’s original midcentury modern character. Highlights include updated bathrooms with Carrara marble and walnut cabinetry, a private backyard, and a renovated kitchen with a pretty impressive "edible garden" off the side.
We love this gingerbread version of a camper van. Hipcamp even published the recipe and a DIY tutorial—the best thing is that this is an easy holiday project can be tackled by even the most novice gingerbread builders.
We love this gingerbread version of a camper van. Hipcamp even published the recipe and a DIY tutorial—the best thing is that this is an easy holiday project can be tackled by even the most novice gingerbread builders.
The gorgeousness of this edible Airstream by Black Market Bakery (which has locations in Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, and San Diego) may just inspire you to head out on your own holiday road trip. It even boasts a pretzel-lined campfire in the back.
The gorgeousness of this edible Airstream by Black Market Bakery (which has locations in Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, and San Diego) may just inspire you to head out on your own holiday road trip. It even boasts a pretzel-lined campfire in the back.
This 1950s-inspired gingerbread house originally found on Flickr is complete with period-appropriate decor that includes a black Eames lounge chair, a Noguchi table, a coconut shag rug, a wafer cookie brick inlay chimney, and a Nelson wall clock to complete the retro look.
This 1950s-inspired gingerbread house originally found on Flickr is complete with period-appropriate decor that includes a black Eames lounge chair, a Noguchi table, a coconut shag rug, a wafer cookie brick inlay chimney, and a Nelson wall clock to complete the retro look.
Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes is a bakery in Connecticut that did this amazing gingerbread version of Philip Johnson's iconic Glass House.
Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes is a bakery in Connecticut that did this amazing gingerbread version of Philip Johnson's iconic Glass House.
Taking inspiration from a Cliff May Home Tour during Modernism Week, this gingerbread house was inspired by a classic example of his clean, modular architecture. There is even a template you can download to recreate this one at home.
Taking inspiration from a Cliff May Home Tour during Modernism Week, this gingerbread house was inspired by a classic example of his clean, modular architecture. There is even a template you can download to recreate this one at home.
This retro camper comes complete with a recipe and a tutorial. We love the addition of Christmas decor which includes the vintage-looking lights, a tree on top, and even a little wreath in the back.
This retro camper comes complete with a recipe and a tutorial. We love the addition of Christmas decor which includes the vintage-looking lights, a tree on top, and even a little wreath in the back.
Based in Australia, McKean Studio chose sunny Palm Springs was an obvious source of gingerbread house inspiration. They IKEA-hacked a few prepared kits, modifying the designs to craft three midcentury houses.
Based in Australia, McKean Studio chose sunny Palm Springs was an obvious source of gingerbread house inspiration. They IKEA-hacked a few prepared kits, modifying the designs to craft three midcentury houses.
This midcentury modern abode comes complete with a recipe and the plans on the DWR blog.
This midcentury modern abode comes complete with a recipe and the plans on the DWR blog.
We love this Palm Springs-style gingerbread creation, complete with native drought-resistant plants, a carport, and even a kidney-shaped pool in the rear. Unfortunately, the vintage pink Bug is not edible.
We love this Palm Springs-style gingerbread creation, complete with native drought-resistant plants, a carport, and even a kidney-shaped pool in the rear. Unfortunately, the vintage pink Bug is not edible.
This impressive reproduction of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater in gingerbread was a total labor of love, taking over 12 hours to design and 40 hours to build and decorate. The river and waterfall are made up of three batches of hard candy.
This impressive reproduction of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater in gingerbread was a total labor of love, taking over 12 hours to design and 40 hours to build and decorate. The river and waterfall are made up of three batches of hard candy.
Last year in London, the Museum of Architecture hosted a "Gingerbread City" with over 50 architecture firms participating, including Zaha Hadid Architects, who built this monumental creation.
Last year in London, the Museum of Architecture hosted a "Gingerbread City" with over 50 architecture firms participating, including Zaha Hadid Architects, who built this monumental creation.
Food artists Caitlin Levin and Henry Hargreaves took gingerbread art to the next level with their rendition of Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum.
Food artists Caitlin Levin and Henry Hargreaves took gingerbread art to the next level with their rendition of Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum.
If their everyday mantra sounds something like "reduce, reuse, recycle," these eco-conscious gifts won’t weigh on their conscience.
If their everyday mantra sounds something like "reduce, reuse, recycle," these eco-conscious gifts won’t weigh on their conscience.
Joey the pup, Jimmy Brower, and Damien Merino chill in their live/work loft.
Joey the pup, Jimmy Brower, and Damien Merino chill in their live/work loft.
While technically a little later than midcentury, and certainly not a traditional home, this renovation of a 1980s RV by a Portland couple took advantage of the potential beyond the dingy wood laminate cabinets and the dirty beige carpet that was consuming the floor. Owner Liz Kamarul envisioned how she could transform it, imagining white cupboards, interesting wallpaper for the ceiling, and texture introduced by textiles.
While technically a little later than midcentury, and certainly not a traditional home, this renovation of a 1980s RV by a Portland couple took advantage of the potential beyond the dingy wood laminate cabinets and the dirty beige carpet that was consuming the floor. Owner Liz Kamarul envisioned how she could transform it, imagining white cupboards, interesting wallpaper for the ceiling, and texture introduced by textiles.
Janina Gavankar's playful personality is captured through such elements as a duo of swings and a Star Wars helmet, balanced by an imaginative, hand-painted mural.
Janina Gavankar's playful personality is captured through such elements as a duo of swings and a Star Wars helmet, balanced by an imaginative, hand-painted mural.
The living room's modern, midcentury-inspired furniture comes courtesy of Rove Concepts.
The living room's modern, midcentury-inspired furniture comes courtesy of Rove Concepts.
Rustic wood beams and a painted green arch create a soothing background for the master bedroom. Here, like the guest room, the bed is from Inmod.
Rustic wood beams and a painted green arch create a soothing background for the master bedroom. Here, like the guest room, the bed is from Inmod.
“I love the contrast of the white siding with the black metal roof and the Scandinavian-style wood accent around the door,” says owner Amber Estep. “It takes the exterior of the home to the next level.”
“I love the contrast of the white siding with the black metal roof and the Scandinavian-style wood accent around the door,” says owner Amber Estep. “It takes the exterior of the home to the next level.”
Once the sun sets, the Clocktower Penthouse glows like a beautiful beacon of light.
Once the sun sets, the Clocktower Penthouse glows like a beautiful beacon of light.
This wooden staircase doubles as kitchen shelving in the English designer's home. Tyler hired David Restorick, a furniture maker and friend, to build a staircase that doubles as display space for Tyler's vast collection of colorful cookware.
This wooden staircase doubles as kitchen shelving in the English designer's home. Tyler hired David Restorick, a furniture maker and friend, to build a staircase that doubles as display space for Tyler's vast collection of colorful cookware.
Set in the sprawling, wooded Kistefos sculpture park—just 50 miles north of Oslo—The Twist by Bjarke Ingels Group connects the banks of the Randselva River.
Set in the sprawling, wooded Kistefos sculpture park—just 50 miles north of Oslo—The Twist by Bjarke Ingels Group connects the banks of the Randselva River.
The kitchen, living room, and dining room are combined in a single, airy, great room.
The kitchen, living room, and dining room are combined in a single, airy, great room.
Adding built-in plywood bookshelves to the living room side of the kitchen island was a logical way to add storage and display space. Anderson also built a coffee table to match, using a remnant piece of blackened steel from his office, building a plywood box, and adding caster wheels.
Adding built-in plywood bookshelves to the living room side of the kitchen island was a logical way to add storage and display space. Anderson also built a coffee table to match, using a remnant piece of blackened steel from his office, building a plywood box, and adding caster wheels.
Upon entering the home, a central gathering of clerestory windows immediately focuses the view. Architects Bridgett Shank and Megan Carter refer to this architectural feature as a ‘light monitor.’
Upon entering the home, a central gathering of clerestory windows immediately focuses the view. Architects Bridgett Shank and Megan Carter refer to this architectural feature as a ‘light monitor.’

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