As the weather changes our thoughts turn towards cabins shrouded in mist, hearths amongst a wild winter terrain. These cabins, micro houses, tiny homes and eco-cabins are becoming increasingly predominant within the architectural community and Australian society at large, seen both as an opportunity to breakout from the haste of city life and as an alternative to conventional living. 

Whether you have considered down-sizing, appreciate the ingenuity of small-scale architecture or are just seeking a weekend escape, contemporary cabins and their minimalist design have become exemplars for small-footprint living.

One such example is Appareil Architecture’s Chalet Grand-Pic, a beautifully executed but fundamentally simple house and cabin in Quebec’s mountainous region of Austen. An austere exterior of glossy black corrugated steel conceals a light and warm interior clad with natural birch plywood, a wood-burning fireplace and minimalist furniture. 

Andrea Moore’s Ross Farm Cabin in Victoria’s Gippsland is a similarly understated and simple space inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian design. Handcrafted elements, ample woodwork, and application of natural materials such as leather and linen, meld together to create a sense of cosiness and authenticity. 

As our guilty pastimes include scouring blogs like Cabin Porn (not what it sounds like we promise!), falling down the Pinterest rabbit-hole and watching far too many episodes of Kirsten Dirksen’s series on tiny homes, we have come to identify three key tips on small-space living as inspired by micro cabins.

Inspired by micro cabins: 3 tips for small-space living

Keep things simple

A minimal interior design will not only evoke calm and create space for living, it will ensure longevity - a principal that adheres to the small-footprint philosophy. Invest in finishes and furniture that is designed to last, by means of both a timeless design and high-quality craftsmanship.

As architect Philip Johnson wisely said, ‘pick very few objects and place them exactly’. 

Dual-function pieces

Especially in small spaces furniture with dual functionality lessens the need for multiple items, saving precious space. For example, our Shibui collection is designed to operate as a dividing element and modern storage shelf, and our Big Nest Storage Cabinets can be used as a mantle, an open-shelf, or a cupboard (or all at once). Multi-functional furniture also negates the need to purchase additional items into the future. Our needs are ever-changing and the right furniture can accommodate this, for example our Flor Planters can be used both to house indoor plants or as a movable storage basket.

Shibui Large Shelf	Big Nest Storage Cabinet	Flor Planter

Smart storage

No matter how much one simplifies, life comes with unavoidable clutter. In small spaces bits-and-pieces are especially evident, so cover up what you don’t want to display with thoughtful storage pieces. Trundle drawers, storage vessels, and cabinetry are all examples of minimalist storage solutions that are designed to conceal the chaos of everyday life. As the adage goes - out of sight, out of mind.

Singolo Single Bed and Trundle Drawer	Sweden Storage Vessel	A4 Drawers