Paxson Fay is a full-service marketing and public relations firm specializing in the architecture, design, and arts industries.
Paxson Fay
4770 Ohio Ave S
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Seattle, WA 98134
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15 Tiny House Ideas That Prove Small Spaces Unlock Big Creativity
From floating pods to mirrored homes, these designs will have you completely reimagining the possibilities of petite living
Choose a mirrored tiny house
Mirrors envelop this tiny home by Ööd Mirror Houses, making it seemingly disappear into its surroundings. Known as the Golden House, it uses architectural camouflage to foster a connection to its location, exemplifying that a tiny house can have a big impact, and creativity is key in small-space interior design. “Every detail matters, so focusing on essentials and keeping the design clean and straightforward is crucial,” says Tiik, who designed the home with Jaak Tiik, Ööd head of product development.
Go minimalist with clean lines and bold accents
Every small detail matters in tiny house living, so ensure the design plan considers functionality and stays uncomplicated. “Instead of maximizing storage everywhere, we intentionally kept the space clean and uncluttered, so the design, materials, and views can really stand out,” says Tiik. This modern tiny house, which was developed in collaboration with Buster + Punch, features metallic gold accents, a leather headboard, and rich red cabinetry for a refined, elevated feel.
Pick furniture that doubles as hidden storage
“In a tiny footprint, there is no room for unconsidered or wasted space,” says Ian Butcher, founding partner of Best Practice Architecture, who designed this tiny house along with partners Sarah Elaine Smith and Kip Katich. This sleeping nook adds dimension through its green tone while providing practical places to organize everyday necessities. Built-in shelves maximize storage space, while drawers conceal clutter and even double as a DIY pullout dog bed.
Let go of what you don’t need
Designing a tiny house isn’t just about what you include, but what you can eliminate. For tiny house homeowner and architect Scott Specht of Specht Novak, that meant skipping a formal dining room and creating a seating nook instead of a more bulky dining table. The 1,000-square-foot house is also devoid of hallways and window treatments. “Every one of those eliminations gave us something back, whether that was square footage, budget, or maintenance time,” says Specht. “Small houses should be subtractive, not additive.”
Use large windows to open up a tiny house
Drenching a tiny home in natural light can make it feel larger than it is. “The cabin’s single-room interior is strategically arranged to capture filtered lake views through the pine trees, creating a sense of both prospect and refuge,” says designer Prentis Hale, principal of Shed Architecture & Design in Seattle. This configuration opens up the tiny house design and fosters a connection to the natural landscape.
Opt for full-size furniture
A tiny home doesn’t have to be synonymous with tiny furniture. In this Escape tiny home, Kelly Davis, former principal at SALA Architects, chose full-size furniture to make the floor plan feel larger than it is. “In a tiny home, there’s traditionally an expectation that everything needs to be smaller, and that’s simply not the case,” Davis explains. “Using standard, or even larger, interior furnishings and fixtures, when creatively and sensitively done, can greatly affect and enhance the sense of spaciousness.”
Don’t be afraid to play with color
When it comes to small spaces, instinct may be to keep the design plan light and airy, but adding a little color can have a big impact. This tiny guest house by Best Practice Architecture has a pink door that welcomes visitors with immediate cheer. Tall ceilings help maximize the 500-square-foot residence.
Add secret bookshelves
Want to design your tiny home to feel like a getaway and encourage relaxation? Add a cozy reading nook to the living space, like in this two-story bunkhouse, with cleverly placed bookshelves. “Built-in seating and shelves support conversation, reading, or overflow sleeping, while maintaining an efficient use of space within the compact footprint,” says Hale of Shed Architecture & Design.
Create a cohesive flow between spaces
Every element of a tiny home should be intentional. This home may be 850 square feet, but it incorporates distinct living spaces, including a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a dining area, and a bedroom. “Each space was designed to stand on its own, with unique materials, textures, and moments of interest that give it character and depth,” says Melissa Holt, principal and founder of Holt Design House. Using a cohesive palette and layering consistent detailing throughout the floor plan creates a sense of continuity.
Divide a bathroom for multiuse
To achieve a well-designed tiny home, there must be a balance of size, functionality, and livability. One way to do so is by designing with modularity in mind. The primary suite in this Escape tiny home has a dressing area, a vanity with double sinks, a large walk-in shower, and a separate toilet compartment. “Double pocket doors can be closed for privacy, but when open, visually connect both spaces,” explains Davis of the floor plan.
Pull inspiration from your surroundings
This tiny house in Ecuador, made entirely from natural materials sourced within the region, has windows and doors on all sides to facilitate cross-ventilation. “Layered lighting, subtle changes in ceiling height, and moments of compression and release allow a tiny home to feel expansive despite its limits,” explains Nandar Godoy-Dinneen, senior associate, PJCArchitecture in New York City, of the home design.
Maximize both indoor and outdoor living areas
The interior of a small home is often dictated by necessity. “The real design opportunity, and where we focused our energy, was in shaping the outdoor ‘rooms,’” says Amy Hovis, owner of Barton Springs Nursery Design Studio & Showroom and author of the upcoming book A Home Called Outside: How Living Small Opened Our World. When Hovis lived in this 192-square-foot trailer in Austin full-time for a year, she added plants to make the home feel more lively and a cozy outdoor seating area to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
Go with a loft layout
Lofts are common in tiny houses and ADU floor plans because they truly make the most of your living area. “The design emphasizes maximizing spatial interest by giving each room a distinct volume and specific orientation to natural light,” says Hale of Shed Architecture & Design of this 800-square-foot detached accessory dwelling unit built for off-grid living. A steel ladder provides access to the lofted den while adding contrast to natural wood tones for a modern tiny house.
Take advantage of vertical storage
When designing a tiny home, don’t forget to look up. Taking advantage of vertical space can provide crafty storage solutions and visual height, such as in this 183-square-foot Los Angeles A-frame. “It’s a really small footprint, but it’s really tall,” architect Jesse Hammer previously told AD. A sculptural shelving unit captures the eye, but perhaps the best design idea was using the home’s original beams for book storage.
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Consider an alternative living solution
Choosing to live small means you can also get creative with how—and where—you live. This sea pod, called Alpha Blue, was designed by Ocean Builders to float above water. It might look like a small space, but the circular design allows for an open floor plan that includes a living room, full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. It combines luxury with sustainability for an off-the-grid living experience.
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meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Originally from Seattle, Amy left her home in the Pacific Northwest to attend Fordham University, fulfilling her dream of living in New York City. After graduating with a BS in business administration, specializing in marketing and minoring in economics, Amy began her career in advertising sales at CNN and the Hallmark Channel in New York and LA. However, Amy’s love of writing, design, and connection with people ultimately led her to PR. While finishing her MBA back home at Seattle University, in 2015, Amy cofounded Paxson Fay with her friend and business partner, Tessa, driven by a shared vision to build a PR agency that reflected their values and passions. At Paxson Fay, Amy thrives in media relations and pitch development, enjoying the process of diving deep into each client’s story to craft compelling narratives that resonate with editors and journalists. Amy has a particular passion for architecture-focused projects, and securing SHED’s feature in The New York Times was an especially rewarding moment, as they were her first client. Another major career milestone was helping build out Paxson Fay’s talented team, fostering an environment where young professionals can grow their skills and pursue their passions. Outside of work, Amy loves spending time with her family, chasing after her two little boys, exploring Seattle’s restaurant scene, traveling with friends, and reading.
colby wood
account manager
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
senior account executive + digital lead
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
martina povolo
account executive
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
account executive
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
Jamie Paxton
Communications Assistant
jamie@paxsonfay.com
Growing up in the Bay Area, Jamie made her way to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Psychology. Jamie first joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern during her senior year at the University of Washington and is excited to continue her journey with the team as a Communications Assistant. With a passion for writing and social media, Jamie is excited to bring her creativity and unique perspective to the role. Outside of work, you can find Jamie exploring local restaurants or picking up a good book.
We are hiring for our internship program! We are looking for an intern with a passion for design to help manage key communication channels. Click here to read more.
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what we do
We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
marketing
marketing strategy
brand strategy
project management
partnerships acquisition and management
e-mail blasts
public relations
media strategy
content production
media communications and outreach
awards: strategy, content development and submissions
social
platform strategy and management
content production
targeted campaigns
results + reporting
advertising
advertising strategy
budget strategy + negotiation
calendar management
creative coordination
content
storytelling
copywriting
website and e-mail marketing
video: sourcing, storyboarding and scheduling
photography acquisition + curation
events
event management
sponsorships + partnerships
tradeshow coordination
press tours
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clients
Here is a little taste of who we love to work with and what we love to do.
