For many, the idea of living in a spacious house with plenty of room for everything is the ultimate dream. But for Kaden and Olivia, the pursuit of simplicity, affordability, and purpose led them to embrace a tiny house lifestyle. Their journey, marked by resourcefulness, creativity, and faith, offers a glimpse into the possibilities and challenges of living small while dreaming big.
From the Basement to the Tiny House
The journey began with a tight budget and a dream. Living in Kaden’s parents’ basement for two years, they saved diligently for their move to Nashville. “We couldn’t afford a new build,” Kaden recalls, highlighting the financial limitations that drove them toward an innovative solution. With Olivia pursuing her music career in Nashville, the city’s allure was undeniable, but affordability was a hurdle.
This led to their decision to build a 12×30-foot tiny house, a project that would combine practicality and creativity.
Designing the Heart of the Home: The Kitchen
Every square foot of their tiny house was meticulously planned. The kitchen, a priority for the couple, became a central hub of their home. Despite Olivia’s initial concerns about having enough space, Kaden championed an L-shaped countertop design that maximized functionality. The result? A spacious, bright, and highly functional kitchen featuring full-sized appliances (even an oven big enough for a turkey!) and ample storage.
Lighting played a crucial role in the kitchen’s design. A clever addition of a built-in light above the sink ensures the space remains inviting and functional at all times. For Kaden, who enjoys finding good deals on bulk groceries, the nearly full-sized fridge and pantry were non-negotiable.
Cozy Comfort: The Living Room
While the living room was secondary in design, it still holds its own charm. A compact yet versatile couch doubles as a recliner and sleeper, catering to both relaxation and functionality. The addition of a bay window not only floods the room with natural light but also frames a beautiful view of the surrounding fields.
The challenge of mounting a TV in such a small space was solved ingeniously by creating a pop-out section in the loft, allowing the TV to be tucked away and accessed as needed.
A Bathroom Built for Comfort
In their tiny house, even the bathroom is a testament to thoughtful design. From the fan installed to combat humidity (essential for Olivia’s love of hot showers) to a full-sized tub that Olivia insisted on, the space balances practicality and comfort. The bathroom also features cleverly hidden storage for essentials like towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.
Multifunctional Spaces
The lower-level bedroom initially seemed like the obvious sleeping area. However, Kaden and Olivia realized it could serve a greater purpose. This space now functions as a laundry room, office, and future nursery, offering flexibility as their needs evolve.
Upstairs in the loft, the bedroom provides a cozy retreat. The design includes extra storage, and a small desk tucked into a corner is perfect for Olivia’s songwriting and Kaden’s studies. An innovative solution to limited legroom involved cutting a hole in the floor to allow for more comfortable seating—a unique and practical touch.
Inspiration Loft
Another small loft serves as Olivia’s sanctuary. This area, bathed in natural light, has become her creative haven for morning devotionals and songwriting. The tranquil view of the fields enhances its peaceful atmosphere, making it a beloved part of the house.
Overcoming Challenges
Building and transporting the tiny house came with its own set of challenges. From navigating zoning restrictions to finding land, each hurdle required ingenuity. Ultimately, they found a farmer willing to rent out land through Hipcamp, allowing them to set up their home with full hookups for water, electricity, and sewer.
The transportation of the oversized tiny house from Pennsylvania to Tennessee was another feat, costing $4,000 and requiring permits. Despite the effort and expense, the move was worth it.
Living with Purpose
Kaden and Olivia’s decision to go tiny was not just about practicality but also health and purpose. After a previous experience with a home that had black mold, Olivia discovered she had Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, making a clean and controlled living environment essential.
Moreover, their faith and Olivia’s music career played significant roles in the decision. Living tiny allowed them to focus on what mattered most: pursuing their passions and living intentionally.
Advice for Aspiring Tiny Homeowners
Reflecting on their journey, Kaden and Olivia encourage others to follow their dreams, even when faced with doubts and naysayers. “There’s always a reason not to do it,” Kaden says. “But once you take the leap, you’ll find happiness in ways you didn’t expect.”
Their story has not only transformed their lives but also inspired others to take bold steps toward their own dreams.
Conclusion
Kaden and Olivia’s tiny house is more than just a home—it’s a symbol of their commitment to living purposefully and creatively. Every detail, from the fold-out kitchen table to the outdoor porch built by Olivia’s parents, reflects their journey and values.
FAQS
1. Why did Kaden and Olivia choose to live in a tiny house?
Kaden and Olivia decided to live in a tiny house to save money, prioritize a healthier living environment, and enable their move to Nashville for Olivia’s music career. The affordability and flexibility of a tiny house made it the perfect solution for their goals and lifestyle.
2. How much did their tiny house cost, including transportation?
The tiny house itself cost $110,000. Transporting the oversized home from Pennsylvania to Tennessee required permits and hiring a shipping company, which added an additional $4,000.
3. How do they manage storage in a small space?
Their tiny house incorporates creative storage solutions like cabinets under the stairs, a false drawer for deeper cabinet access, and built-in storage in the loft and bathroom. These designs maximize the use of every square inch.
4. Where did they find land for their tiny house?
Kaden and Olivia found land through Hipcamp, renting space from a farmer. The spot includes full hookups for utilities like water, electricity, and sewer, which simplifies their living situation.
5. What advice do they have for people considering the tiny house lifestyle?
Their biggest advice is to follow your heart and take the leap, even if others discourage you. While challenges will arise, the rewards of living intentionally and pursuing your dreams far outweigh the obstacles.