Designing a Tiny House / Backyard Cottage (permanent, not mobile)

[Roots&Wings]

I’m planning to build a small (approx 16’ x 24’, 384 sf) backyard cottage, and *think* I’ve narrowed it down to two favorite layout options:

                                    

Wanted to check if anyone has any suggestions/preferences on the above plans, design tips for a small space, or "lessons learned" from small space living (I know that teeny tiny mobile living is not for me).

This will be a fully contained 1 bedroom / 1 bath cottage with laundry (the white box in middle) that someone could live in full-time. Entry is the sliding glass door into the living room on the bottom right. It’s interesting to think about how little space you could realistically want to live in full-time (short-term or vacation rental is different). I may move in here and possibly rent out the main house.

A few inspiration ideas I’ve enjoyed are the cottages at Cabot Cove, Kirsten Dirksen’s videos, and the Tiny House World shows on YouTube.

[ixtap]

It looks like both designs require you to walk through the bedroom to get to the bathroom. Even if that fits your lifestyle, future occupants might want to entertain without having folks traipsing through the bedroom.

It looks like the first design would allow for two doors if you switch the laundry to where the current tub is an rearrange accordingly.

The second design could be rotated around, so that the door is into the kitchen, right outside the bedroom door.

[Roots&Wings]

Very good point about the bathroom access! And great ideas to make the bath accessible from the main living space instead of the bedroom.

I've seen it both ways and was thinking of having the bath in the bedroom since it'll mostly be used by one or two people with occasional guests. Definitely a personal preference and good to consider this in small space design.

[ixtap]

Very good point about the bathroom access! And great ideas to make the bath accessible from the main living space instead of the bedroom.

I've seen it both ways and was thinking of having the bath in the bedroom since it'll mostly be used by one or two people with occasional guests. Definitely a personal preference and good to consider this in small space design.

That is why both of my ideas still involve easy access from the bedroom. I love having an en suite.

[chemistk]

I've stayed in my fair share of cottages/cabins on various vacations & trips - I personally like the design on the left.

Although some people don't care much for kitchen space, often I've appreciated small cottages which have the most generous use of counter space, especially since elevated surfaces are definitely scarce in such spaces.

The closet in the bedroom also allows for a more versatile use of space, and the user can actually walk in rather than have to scooch stuff in the room out of the way to open the closet doors.

[firstmatedavy]

I live on a 36 foot long sailboat with my husband. (Similar square footage, less overall volume since walls are sloped and some space is devoted to engine and water tanks.)

Having enough space for two people to easily pass by each other is important, and it looks like you've got enough room for that. Boats usually don't, but on ours we can create passing space by hanging our dining table on the wall. (If you need a bigger table but only sometimes, having it fold onto the wall can work very well.)

Storage spaces like that closet are also great to have. Will there be a basement or attic? Or any furniture with storage hidden inside, like a bed frame with drawers?

If you expect to ever have overnight guests, a high quality futon can be good at being both a bed and a sofa. (Definitely not necessary, though. I had one when I lived on land because it made managing my dust allergies easier.)

[BDWW]

Is that  a tub in the second design?
I'd be skeptical of that. Especially small tubs that struggle to fit a full size adult even if they wanted to.
Tubs are great for children, but would someone with children ever live/stay there?

[wellactually]

I like the second and would do that if designing for myself. This is because I don’t have that many clothes but love taking baths, so I’d prioritize bathroom space over a walk in. I also like that the living room is bigger.

I was just wondering if you could still do the l-shape kitchen in the second design. I know it’s not as deep of a kitchen, but it seems like you could still slide the fridge down to a similar spot as the first design. Even if you needed to give yourself a couple more inches of clearance before the washer closet, I think the extra counter space would be worth it.

[Roots&Wings]

I've stayed in my fair share of cottages/cabins on various vacations & trips - I personally like the design on the left.

Although some people don't care much for kitchen space, often I've appreciated small cottages which have the most generous use of counter space, especially since elevated surfaces are definitely scarce in such spaces.

The closet in the bedroom also allows for a more versatile use of space, and the user can actually walk in rather than have to scooch stuff in the room out of the way to open the closet doors.

Agree completely, I’d also want more kitchen space, especially if living in it full time. That’s often an issue (not enough counter work space, or storage). Good point about the closet flexibility, I actually hadn’t thought about that, thanks so much!

[Roots&Wings]

I live on a 36 foot long sailboat with my husband. (Similar square footage, less overall volume since walls are sloped and some space is devoted to engine and water tanks.)

Having enough space for two people to easily pass by each other is important, and it looks like you've got enough room for that. Boats usually don't, but on ours we can create passing space by hanging our dining table on the wall. (If you need a bigger table but only sometimes, having it fold onto the wall can work very well.)

Storage spaces like that closet are also great to have. Will there be a basement or attic? Or any furniture with storage hidden inside, like a bed frame with drawers?

If you expect to ever have overnight guests, a high quality futon can be good at being both a bed and a sofa. (Definitely not necessary, though. I had one when I lived on land because it made managing my dust allergies easier.)

Wow, a sailboat is the ultimate in efficient space design, how cool! How long have you been living there? 36’ does sound fairly spacious and livable longer-term.

No basement, but there will likely be an attic hatch that could store rarely used things that don’t need a temperature conditioned environment. Having enough storage will be key (things like a broom/vacuum, suitcase, sports gear, holiday decorations, etc), and finding appropriately sized furniture with some extra storage like you're suggesting.

[Roots&Wings]

Is that  a tub in the second design?
I'd be skeptical of that. Especially small tubs that struggle to fit a full size adult even if they wanted to.
Tubs are great for children, but would someone with children ever live/stay there?

That’s actually supposed to be a 32” x 48” shower (limitations of fixture selection in free RoomSketcher program, it had a 48” shower with a wooden fold-down bench), but could easily be a Japanese soaker tub or similar :) I can’t imagine anyone with kids ever staying there, and agree about the small tub.

[Roots&Wings]

I like the second and would do that if designing for myself. This is because I don’t have that many clothes but love taking baths, so I’d prioritize bathroom space over a walk in. I also like that the living room is bigger.

I was just wondering if you could still do the l-shape kitchen in the second design. I know it’s not as deep of a kitchen, but it seems like you could still slide the fridge down to a similar spot as the first design. Even if you needed to give yourself a couple more inches of clearance before the washer closet, I think the extra counter space would be worth it.

You’re right, that’s exactly the tradeoff between the two designs (more bathroom/bedroom space vs more kitchen space).

I tried the L-shape kitchen with the larger bathroom in earlier iterations, and then the issue is the bedroom door access and laundry placement, it just became awkward. Agree the extra counter space would be worth it!

[Roots&Wings]

Thanks again for all the ideas and feedback! The design is now reoriented lengthwise along the back fence with entrance on the right side, which allows for more kitchen counter space in both options. There will also be an outdoor shower. I’ll stake these out next to get a better feel for the space on-site and views/window placement.

                                 

[zolotiyeruki]

We're in the final stages of finishing our basement, and it took me eight years (off and on) to tweak the design just right.  Here are a few thoughts I have:
1) Layout is everything.  The bedroom we put in our basement is about 10' x 9', so it's pretty cozy, but it's laid out in a way that doors do not block passage within the bedroom, there's room for night stands on either side of the bed, you don't have to walk around the bed to get to the closet, etc.
2) With the space constraints you have, you'll have to make a list of priorities, and every inch counts.  Opting for a 32"x32" shower (or even a 36x36) instead of a 36"x48" frees up a few precious square feet that could bring greater benefit as something else. Yes, a 32x32 shower isn't roomy, but we've lived in a house like that for several years, and realistically, it's not a problem.
3) I don't see any space dedicated for a water heater or HVAC of any sort.  What are your plans for those?
4) What is your approach regarding building codes?  For example, toilets require 30" minimum width.
5) Window placement: in the left-hand design, rather than a triple window, I'd suggest you have three separate windows:  over the sink, over the stove, and next to the table, i.e. the places where you'll be spending time.
6) Personally, I'm not a fan of sliding doors.  We have one.  While the extra glass is nice, they're expensive, inefficient, and difficult to install when compared to standard swing doors.  They also reduce usable wall space.  I'd prefer a window plus a swing door over a sliding door any day.
7) Window height:  our house's windows are tall, which looks nice, but it means the sills are low, which severely restricts where furniture can go without feeling awkward.  You haven't called out any window heights in your layout, but it's something to keep in mind.
8) Others have pointed out storage, and it's worth repeating. 

[Roots&Wings]

Great feedback @zolotiyeruki, thank you for looking at this! After all your careful planning, it must be quite rewarding to see the basement design come to life.

We're in the final stages of finishing our basement, and it took me eight years (off and on) to tweak the design just right.  Here are a few thoughts I have:
1) Layout is everything.  The bedroom we put in our basement is about 10' x 9', so it's pretty cozy, but it's laid out in a way that doors do not block passage within the bedroom, there's room for night stands on either side of the bed, you don't have to walk around the bed to get to the closet, etc.
That sounds like an ideal small bedroom layout, would love to see this, I'll check if you have any threads on your basement project.

2) With the space constraints you have, you'll have to make a list of priorities, and every inch counts.  Opting for a 32"x32" shower (or even a 36x36) instead of a 36"x48" frees up a few precious square feet that could bring greater benefit as something else. Yes, a 32x32 shower isn't roomy, but we've lived in a house like that for several years, and realistically, it's not a problem.
Absolutely yes. I’ve gone back and forth on shower size in particular, and can see it both ways. 32” x 32” would be adequate. On the other hand, for something that’s used everyday, I’d rather not be bumping elbows in a super tight space and would prefer a compact yet more light/bright/airy bathroom. It's a trade off though.

3) I don't see any space dedicated for a water heater or HVAC of any sort.  What are your plans for those?
Electric tankless water heater in the laundry closet. HVAC will either be mini splits (one unit in living room, one in bedroom) or a normal ducted system (air handler in attic). The builder has said there’s no cost difference between these two systems (I have a builder for the shell and MEP systems, I’ll be doing the interior finish work and fixtures).

4) What is your approach regarding building codes?  For example, toilets require 30" minimum width.
To be compliant. The toilet in the preliminary designs has 30” width, and the final plans for building permit will be formally drafted & sealed by a licensed engineer (required in my location).

5) Window placement: in the left-hand design, rather than a triple window, I'd suggest you have three separate windows:  over the sink, over the stove, and next to the table, i.e. the places where you'll be spending time.
Agree, natural light and getting window placement right is key in a small space. I tend to prefer a large expanse of glass/views than isolated windows, and need to spend more time mocking this up.

6) Personally, I'm not a fan of sliding doors.  We have one.  While the extra glass is nice, they're expensive, inefficient, and difficult to install when compared to standard swing doors.  They also reduce usable wall space.  I'd prefer a window plus a swing door over a sliding door any day.
Good feedback, this is something I’ve been debating. Sliding glass doors (decent quality ENERGY STAR) are dirt cheap here, and seemed like a good way to get a large window too. I’ll ask the builder about installation preference. It would be easy to change this to single door + window, or possibly french doors (more expensive).

7) Window height:  our house's windows are tall, which looks nice, but it means the sills are low, which severely restricts where furniture can go without feeling awkward.  You haven't called out any window heights in your layout, but it's something to keep in mind.
You’re absolutely right, the window size/proportion and head/sill height is key.

8) Others have pointed out storage, and it's worth repeating.
Noted!

[zolotiyeruki]

I've attached a detail of the bedroom/bathroom corner of our basement.  You'll have to judge how applicable it is to your design.  The walled-off corner area is where our sump pump and ejector pit are.  The larger green rectangle is a queen bed with room on either side for a night stand (and I put outlets on that wall where the night stands will be, for alarm clocks, lamps, cell phone chargers, etc).  The smaller green rectangle is the closet area.  We don't have it walled/doored off.  It's not-so-coincidentally just large enough for a twin mattress.  The door into the bedroom opens from the square, stubby hallway, and is pulled toward the hallway so that when the door swings, it doesn't interfere with the walking area around the bed.

The bathroom has a 36" sink and a 36x36 shower, and is about 5'5" wide.  It doesn't feel cramped at all.  A 32 x 32 shower might feel tight at first, but the vast majority of bathtubs are that width, and they're worse than showers with regards to floor space, and lots of people shower quite comfortably in those.  We lived with it for 7 years, and it never occurred to me that it was too tight.  It was only later that I realized that 32" is the smallest common size for showers.

The total footprint for the bedroom, bathroom, sump pump room, closet, and square hallway is about 16' x 14'.

From what I've heard, french doors are even worse than sliding doors when it comes to cost and installation difficulty.  My in-laws put a set of french doors in their addition, and I've never seen them open the second door.

[Roots&Wings]

That is a great use of space, very efficient layout. Looks like the bathroom is about 8.5' long, and the 36" shower would feel more spacious. Very interesting with the closet doing possible double duty as an extra twin bed area, that gives a lot more flexibility. Definitely hear you on the french doors.

I'll have to play around with this some more. For plumbing efficiency, it would likely be best to move the laundry next to the bath (the plumbing is pretty much condensed in a line in the first layout, updated the second below). That would also gain a pantry/extra storage.

             

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and fun projects ahead in the New Year!

[zolotiyeruki]

Thanks! When framed in, the bathroom ended up about 9 feet deep, and the shower is recessed into its alcove.  Not deliberately, I just maximized the space.  The bathroom could be probably a foot shorter.

While we're optimizing the space, I have to ask: do you really need a closet that big?

Another thing that just occurred to me:  how do you get the bed into the bedroom?  Can a box spring get around that corner from the kitchen?

I took the liberty of throwing together one idea that shows what economizing on the shower size can gain you.  In this layout, the laundry moves to the end of the kitchen and you gain another two feet of counter (plus cabinets above and below).

[Villanelle]

That is a great use of space, very efficient layout. Looks like the bathroom is about 8.5' long, and the 36" shower would feel more spacious. Very interesting with the closet doing possible double duty as an extra twin bed area, that gives a lot more flexibility. Definitely hear you on the french doors.

I'll have to play around with this some more. For plumbing efficiency, it would likely be best to move the laundry next to the bath (the plumbing is pretty much condensed in a line in the first layout, updated the second below). That would also gain a pantry/extra storage.

             

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and fun projects ahead in the New Year!

Have you considered continuing the counter down the right wall and then moving the door to where you have what looks like a console table on the bottom wall?  It could then be used as both prep space and also seating (certainly for 3, maybe for 4), meaning you could get rid of the table with is eating up a lot of space in the floor plan.  If you can't move the door, even just putting counter on the inner wall across from the sofa and using that for bar seating would open up the floor space.

Also, have you considered a Japanese-style toilet?  Not the fancy, heated, bidet-included type.  The type where the top of the tank is a sink with faucet and the rinse water fills the tank to be used for the next flush.  I am not familiar with code so this might not be legal, but if it is, it would save you a significant amount of space, and possibly some $ on plumbing since it would be one less thing to plumb. 

[Roots&Wings]

Thanks! When framed in, the bathroom ended up about 9 feet deep, and the shower is recessed into its alcove.  Not deliberately, I just maximized the space.  The bathroom could be probably a foot shorter.

While we're optimizing the space, I have to ask: do you really need a closet that big?

Another thing that just occurred to me:  how do you get the bed into the bedroom?  Can a box spring get around that corner from the kitchen?

I took the liberty of throwing together one idea that shows what economizing on the shower size can gain you.  In this layout, the laundry moves to the end of the kitchen and you gain another two feet of counter (plus cabinets above and below).

Thanks so much for doing that layout @zolotiyeruki! Yes, dropping the larger bath and doing a 36” or 32” shower would free up more options. As a natural space optimizer, you might have a second calling or side hustle as a designer :)

The closet is the main storage area. The bedroom basically fits only a queen bed and side tables (no bureau, unless someone puts it in the closet), but you’re right, maybe a bureau space and smaller closet could be better.

A queen box spring that isn’t flexible would not fit. The mattress I have is memory foam queen size on a platform base, which would fit.

[Roots&Wings]

                                 

In this layout, could you carve out enough space next to the washer-dryer to fit the toilet in that corner, and then do two pocket doors -- one entering the bathroom from the living area, and one from the bedroom?  Then you could consider not having the door entering the bedroom in the corner, which would give you more options for storage/furniture arrangement.

That’s a very interesting idea, and would free up a lot of wall space in the bedroom. The toilet requires 30” minimum width for code, which means the laundry closet would need to be 1’ wider, which doesn’t sound like much, but in a small space where the living room is already tight (about 10’ wide, and would drop to 9’), it’s a pretty big impact.

[Roots&Wings]

Have you considered continuing the counter down the right wall and then moving the door to where you have what looks like a console table on the bottom wall?  It could then be used as both prep space and also seating (certainly for 3, maybe for 4), meaning you could get rid of the table with is eating up a lot of space in the floor plan.  If you can't move the door, even just putting counter on the inner wall across from the sofa and using that for bar seating would open up the floor space.

That’s another good idea, but the bottom wall is actually the neighbor’s back fence, and would not work well for overall site access and circulation. Sorry, I should have posted more details. The entry really should be on the front wall/towards the street (I was thinking of moving the entry to side wall, but that probably isn't optimal either).

The layout does need to account for the energy patterns / circulation / natural daylight orientation of the site, which the plans don't clearly convey.

Also, have you considered a Japanese-style toilet?  Not the fancy, heated, bidet-included type.  The type where the top of the tank is a sink with faucet and the rinse water fills the tank to be used for the next flush.  I am not familiar with code so this might not be legal, but if it is, it would save you a significant amount of space, and possibly some $ on plumbing since it would be one less thing to plumb.

Yes, toilet tank sinks are a great use of space and for reusing hand washing water!

[Roots&Wings]

That is a great use of space, very efficient layout. Looks like the bathroom is about 8.5' long, and the 36" shower would feel more spacious. Very interesting with the closet doing possible double duty as an extra twin bed area, that gives a lot more flexibility. Definitely hear you on the french doors.

I'll have to play around with this some more. For plumbing efficiency, it would likely be best to move the laundry next to the bath (the plumbing is pretty much condensed in a line in the first layout, updated the second below). That would also gain a pantry/extra storage.

             

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and fun projects ahead in the New Year!

I understand you wanting the convenience of entering the bathroom directly from the bedroom, but if you EVER have someone stay over and sleep in the living room it would be helpful if they could enter the bathroom directly.

In this layout, could you make the shower area fit into one corner, flip the sink over to the rest of the wall on that outer side of the building, thus allowing you to put another pocket door accessing the bathroom from the kitchen?  Modified jack and jill bathroom, basically?

Yep, a corner shower and moving the vanity over would be fine. I can see the benefit of a bathroom with access that isn’t only through the bedroom, I just don’t like two doors into a bathroom, or the bath being so close to the kitchen, but it’s definitely another possibility.

With a wider laundry/storage closet and reorienting the kitchen to the back wall, there would be more space separation between the kitchen and bathroom, e.g.
           
           

Or shifting the closet and keeping the bath access in the bedroom, e.g.

           

For such a small space, there are a ridiculous number of layout options. Also, the furniture can be placed any number of ways, and is mostly to give a sense of scale (e.g. queen size bed, 6' sofa, TV console, 48" x 24" dining table/kitchen bar).

[Cadman]

As others have pointed out, storage is important, but I wouldn't want to lose precious floor space to it. My solution for a 12x20 structure we built recently was a bump-out window seat with storage beneath it, and 12 linear feet of waist-high storage along the front of the building that also 'bumps-out' a couple of feet beyond the primary interior wall. This has the added benefit of providing some visual interest and avoiding that school-portable look.

Since I built it on a pair of I-beams, it was easy enough to incorporate a 4' deep deck off one end (and roof extended over it) to use as outdoor living space and reprieve from the tight interior.

Since you're hooking up to sewer, I assume inspections and codes will come into play. I'm sure you've done your homework, just be sure there aren't some hidden 'gotchas' that would derail your design.

I wonder how home-owners insurance would code this? Kitchen/bath/living quarters might get tagged as a second dwelling?

[iris lily]

I don’t understand where the exterior door(s) are in these plans. Does your building code required two means of egress? I believe ours does, and most municipalities adopt the National Building Code.

I would not put two doors into a bathroom for the  very occasional guest to use. So what if they walk thru your bedroom to access the bathroom?

I say this as someone who is, at this moment, designing major changes to a 1941 cottage with small bedrooms. We are putting two doors into both small bedrooms and a small bathroom. The doorways really cut down on functionality!

[Roots&Wings]

Good storage solution Cadman with the window seat bump out. This will be permitted as an accessory structure for building code and property tax assessment, I haven't talked to insurance yet beyond a general question about adding an accessory structure (which should be fine). It's on the list once things get rolling.

iris lily, the exterior door started out as a glass sliding door into the living/kitchen area in the earlier layouts (it's a little hard to tell from the windows), and has become a "normal" swing door in the latest plans. 

[LostGirl]

It sounds like you are up on your local codes but also check if the slider can be primary access.  I know in my state it has to be asking door, not a slider.

[Roots&Wings]

I had no idea about the sliding door primary access, thank you Pennycounter! Another reason to go with a normal door.

Also, I didn't explain the siting/orientation very well. The location is in the far back right corner of the property (5' setback from neighbors back fence and property line). It can be sited either parallel or perpendicular to the neighbor's fence (I'm now thinking parallel with entry door on the front), due to existing landscape features, which will create more privacy in both the main house backyard and the cottage.

[zolotiyeruki]

You're on the right track.  A couple more thoughts I'd like to add:
1) doors are almost never the full width of the wall they're in.  A 28" door will require at least a 29.5 (and probably 30") opening in the framing, and the door casing will require even more.  In our basement, the doorway, including door, frame, and casing, is probably a good 6" wider than the nominal width of the door.
2) there are lots of ways to optimize storage without sacrificing floor space.  The underside of a queen bed, for example, can house a LOT of storage.  You can put a cabinet above the toilet and the washer/dryer.
3) Drawers instead of doors on cabinets wherever possible
4) When it comes to orientation, think about where you will spend the most time, and where you'll look out the window the most.  For me, a bedroom or bathroom window is about letting light in, and less about the view, so maybe that would be a good option to put against the fence (if the view isn't good in that direction)

[Roots&Wings]

Thanks again @zolotiyeruki, all great points. I can see why it’s so important to take plenty of time getting the design right. The doors in my house don’t have casing (just a rounded edge to the jamb stop) and need to confirm with the builder if that’ll work.

At this point, I’ll play around with those final tweaks and refinements. Thinking through things like where would a cat litter box go, dog food, mail, etc. And staking everything out on-site to better visualize window size/views.

Also really like @Cadman's bump out wall storage idea for exterior stuff (might work well for a bike, etc).

[zolotiyeruki]

The point about a cat litter box is a good one--your home has to hold more than just furniture.  I'm not sure where you're located, but where would you hang your coat/hat/jacket when coming in?  What about an umbrella?  Will you wear your shoes indoors, or will you have a place to put them when you enter?

It's all the day-to-day activities that need attention, too.  Where will the TV remote live? Do you read books/newspapers/magazines/etc, and do they have a place?  Will you have seasonal decorations?  If you have carpet (or maybe even if you don't) where will you keep the vacuum? 

Will there be a space for spare linens?  Where will your trash can live?  If you're in a place with snow, where will you store your snow shovel?

It's important to think not just about how to fit everything in, but how you will go about your life in that space.

[Roots&Wings]

Exactly, yes, all the day to day living activities. I go back on forth on built-ins vs furniture for some of this. Shoes for instance could go under built-in shelves at the entry, along with keys, mail, books, TV, modem, printer, etc. But furniture might be more versatile.

Or a wardrobe wall vs built-in closet in the bedroom which would free up about 4” of wall space.

But it’s coming along. Ideally the space will be flexible enough it can be used a variety of ways.