Big wasted space may mean less opportunity to enjoy the space we have - solutions found in downsizing - a lot. We love modern cabinets and appliances and finishes, but with the cost of buying real estate in this part of the county, how can someone afford both the land and the house of their dreams?

Simple - chose a little differently. The rules are changing in housing. Tiny houses are becoming more and more accepted not only socially (i.e., the virally popular tiny house movement) but also legally, “King County recognizes tiny homes as an affordable and efficient method of providing housing. The current building and zoning codes do not specifically define or regulate Tiny Homes. Regardless of size, all residences are required to meet the same health, life/fire safety, structural, and energy building Code requirements and local zoning code requirements.”

While people extol the many benefits of tiny house living - everything from easy maintenance, environmental responsibility, housing affordability, land management, and population density solutions, one area sometimes overlooked is the luxury aspects.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the average kitchen size is 161 square feet (approximately 13’x13’). HomeAdviser.Com says, “On average, a kitchen remodel costs $23,723 or $150 per square foot. Most homeowners spend between $12,567 and $34,972 or $75 to $250 per square foot. The total expense varies depending on the size of the space, the quality of materials, and whether you change the layout of the room.”

So then let us ask ourselves, with the average house in the US being approximately 2670 square feet, what are the spaces that we value in our homes, where do we get the most function, and what are the best ways to use these spaces?

An average kitchen might cost $23,000, but a tiny, luxury kitchen can be had for as little as $10,000. A bells and whistles kitchen includes a speed oven, magnetic induction cooktop, fridge/freezer, modern cabinets, sink, faucet, backsplash, washer/dryer combo, built-in television, and integrated, telescoping hood. You are presented with an opportunity for many to take advantage of higher quality over higher quantity by choosing to go with less overall space - luxury at half the price as mediocrity. 

While some see austerity and claustrophobia in tiny houses and ADU living lifestyles, the reality for many is freedom and amenity only paying for the items and space that they need. 

Forward-Thinking kitchen and bath retailers are making themselves available to this market by helping potential tiny homeowners design and select cabinetry and appliances which not only fit the measurements, but help by matching this new consumer with possible solutions that they might not otherwise have been aware. 

Not only are retailers getting in the tiny house game. People from every walk of life are coming around to the idea that large, open floor plan homes that come at a high price but with “builder-grade” amenities are not worth the price. Contrasting this high ticket home with a much smaller footprint means luxury cabinets and much more satisfying finishes.