The Nomadic Life: Luxury Living Simplified
Is there anything more romantic than staying in a simple structure made highly luxurious? Tiny homes, yurts, and tents can all be designed to be both incredibly efficient (low carbon footprint, too!) as well as creatively outfitted to feel incredibly sumptuous and luxurious. In this day and age-- where we are looking for new ways to live more economically, and with less impact on our fragile planet--these smaller, more simple residences are very compelling and appealing.
Yurts, Tents, and Tiny Homes
Yurts
We’d like to start by exploring yurts! These lovely circular structures originate with the Nomadic tribes of Mongolia and have ancient origins. The round footprint allows for any number of wonderful “open floor plan” configurations, and the decor can have endless creative possibilities.
In the image above and to the left, we see how a very simple yurt structure can be made to be very comfortable for multi-functional living in one space. The copper-lined tub adds a nice vintage touch and a little hint of luxury to the simple decor. The hole at the top of the structure is designed to be constructed over a fire pit/cooking area within the yurt structure on the ground below. Pretty genius!
In the image above, we have a huge yurt-style space--complete with cozy twin beds, and wooden doors that tie in nicely with the wood lattice walls. The funky, eclectic combination of design styles and elements makes for a fun, playful, warm-feeling space. I cannot imagine wanting to leave this awesome place!
Tents
Tents also lend themselves perfectly to this “high/low” design aesthetic. There is something incredibly appealing about being in a very simple structure that we associate with camping or adventurous expeditions, and then having the “surprise” of beautiful, soft bedding, canopies of fabric, soft pillows, and romantic lighting sources.
Even being more rustic, the image above and to the right gives us another view of this luxurious combination. The traditional tan canvas tent has been given a luxurious “twist” by outfitting it with white camp chairs and a coffee bar just inside! Very cozy!
Although this super cool structure above is not exactly a tent, it is definitely tent-inspired! We love the way the curved wood structure arches over the created pathway and incorporates the existing trees. It looks perfectly, organically “sprung” out of the landscape, and marries natural building materials with more sumptuous, high-end decor, such as luxurious cushions and high-style sofas and side tables.
Tiny Homes
Finally, we come to the ever-popular tiny homes! With the increasing popularity of both low-impact and more flexible, economic living, tiny homes have garnered lots of attention! The beauty and genius of these small-footprint residences is the way the homes can incorporate endless, creative forms of efficient design.
In the images above, we see several very different styles expressed in the tiny home decor. In the first image, showing a tiny home in Stowe, Vermont, the white A-frame structure is highlighted and set off by the dark metalwork of the windows. The design is clean and simple with a dramatic effect.
In the second image, we see a really visually appealing white cabinetry and wood combination. Notice the cool, plant-filled loft space created in the space above the main living area. The clean lines and simplicity of the (primarily) white/brown palette keep the space visually uncluttered and feeling open and airy.
The final image is more of a “stacked” or layered design concept. A central area, including a galley-style kitchen, is set off from the sleeping area above. This tiered space planning works really well-keeping everything delineated and well-organized. Here again, we see some well-planned design elements, like the cute open shelves and built-in window seat.
And last but not least, the smallest home (on wheels). A converted van!
In Conclusion
Let’s not forget the added benefit of the mobility of these nomadic-style homes! Yurts and tents, by nature of the building materials and the inherent simple structures, are relatively easily constructed and de-constructed. You can bring your home to wherever you may want to go! The tiny home, of course, is an even more mobile version of nomadic/travel-style living. Often constructed on wheels to be a fully mobile home, you can literally “pick up” and go to a different location in your amazing tiny home! The design “tricks”, clever space planning, and luxury details we see in these smaller structures can also be easily incorporated into residences of any size! So, the next time you are ready to embark on your design project, consider taking inspiration from the wonderful tents, yurts, and tiny homes that are popping up everywhere!
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