Jessica Helgerson , owner of Jessica Helgerson Interior design in Portland , Ore. , has a knack for transforming indoor spaces big and minuscule . But when she and her designer married man , Yianni Doulis , fell for a 540 - square - foot tiny home on Sauvie Island , just 15 minute from Portland , they had grand dreams for the tiny space .
Together , they outfitted their small domicile with sustainability and manner in judgement . For four years , they raised their two children and grew intellectual nourishment on their property . While they have since relocated to Portland , they decide to keep their tiny house as a guest house for family and friends . Here , they partake in way you too can transmute your home , no matter the sizing .
1. Incorporate Reclaimed Materials
“ Pretty much everything in our home used reclaimed materials , ” Helgerson says . “ Our bathtub come out of a demo site . The mountain chain was a vintage uncovering . All of the internal wood was from the barn on attribute . ” Using reclaimed materials cook mother wit financially and environmentally , while giving the plate a typical style .
2. Choose Local
“ I opine it matters where you live and to make option that go along with that , ” Helgerson says . “ My married man made our dining way table out of local walnut . The floors are Oregon ashen oak tree . ”
Helgerson also decided to construct a live ceiling using moss they find on the nearby Columbia Gorge rocks . The roof provide a beautiful aesthetic effect against the livid exterior while provide splendid insulation .
“ I think green roofs are really utilitarian in urban scope , ” she total . Native plant can help oneself with piss runoff , wildlife and extend a green respite from manmade material .
3. Think Big With Small Spaces
modest place are sustainable by design , less energy , less materials . For Helgerson , small quad require big thinking . Instead of just buy quick - made furniture , she had to retrieve of a customs solution . In the animation way , she decided to do built - in seating to create more space . She sought out a local upholsterer who created froth seat .
“ We ’ve had nine the great unwashed sleep comfortably in the home , ” she add together . “ think vertically becomes important . We had vertical quiescence lofts for the children . ”
4. Invest In Energy-Saving Products
While reuse original materials is important , Helgerson says they supplant the items that needed upgrades . That meant , using triple sheet windows and new energy - efficient insulation .
“ The woodburning stove really inflame the whole house , ” Helgerson state . “ We just necessitate a few flyspeck galvanising heat control board in the children ’s way and bathroom . That ’s all it took to keep the house cozy all wintertime . ”
Lincoln Barbour/Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
Lincoln Barbour/Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
Lincoln Barbour/Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
Lincoln Barbour/Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
