There’s something magical about a shipping container that allows for unlimited creativity. Empty steel shells can be converted into highly practical, off-grid, sustainable homes by considering storage, partitions, appliances, and furnishings—and they can look great while doing it.
You generally have two options when it comes to making the interior of your shipping container home seem larger. The first option is to physically expand the space.
A second choice is to utilize interior design techniques to make the existing space appear larger and more efficient. A variety of concepts have been shared that can be applied to container homes, including some that have been adapted from tiny houses and RV living.
Some of the techniques apply to those who already have a container home. Other strategies are easier to implement while your project is in the design or construction phase. No matter how they are viewed, though, these ideas can be quite transformative.
Many people gravitate toward smaller container homes due to a limited budget, site constraints, or part-time use. Regardless of the size and shape of a shipping container home, nobody wants to feel like they’re living in a shoebox.
Here are some great decorating ideas:
Barn Doors
The last few years have seen countless home design and renovation shows feature barn doors. Barn doors are often made from rustic wood to replicate the look of an actual barn, and they can be used to enhance the aesthetic of a room.
Despite the fact that barn doors hang from wall-mounted rails, one of the downsides of these doors is that the track holding them is mounted on the wall, covering up a large portion of the wall while in the open position, and thus taking up valuable wall space.
Sofas That Convert into Beds
Finding furniture that can serve multiple functions is a great way to maximize your space efficiency. A couch that turns into a bed is a great example of this, and there are a number of variations to this theme.
You can design your container house however you see fit, but a convertible couch will certainly add flexibility to your design. Having a convertible sofa in the bedroom can save you space and also double as a seating area. A daybed is an ideal substitute for a couch in the living room, and can also be used as a guest bed when people stay over.
There are some key differences between a sleeper sofa and a traditional sofa bed. Taking the cushions off, you’ll find a folded frame and mattress underneath. These can be flipped out Transformers-style. Here, the key is that the mattress you sleep on is different from the surface you sit on.
Built-In Furniture
If you buy off-the-shelf furniture, you may end up with some extra space. It is rare for furniture to fit exactly the way you want it to, and typically there are a few inches (or feet) of wasted space.
Building your own built-in furniture, if you have the budget and know-how, is an excellent way to make the most of all the space and to have a completely customized build-out. A built-in piece of furniture will also save you time and hassle since you won’t need to clean around or under it as the piece is integral to the container!
Whether it’s shelves, dressers, or wardrobes, custom built-ins get extra storage and fit exactly into the space you have. An L-shaped or U-shaped couch also serves as a great guest bed and provides a lot of storage underneath the cushions.
Wall-Mounted Desks
A floating desk is a wall-mounted desk that is rigidly attached to the wall, so it does not need additional support from the floor or higher up the wall. The desk would need to either be narrow or permanently extended into the room in most cases.
When not in use, a wall-mounted folding desk folds flat against the wall. For support from below, it will have legs or brackets, and for support from above, it uses chains and wires. A folding desk can accommodate more workspace while leaving a much smaller footprint in a room when not in use, regardless of its support.
An Elegant Double-Sided Fireplace
Those who live in colder climates or need heat for several months of the year should consider a two-sided fireplace. A single source of warmth covers two areas of the container house. In addition, even when it’s not lit, it can provide a pleasant ambiance.
A Rotating Entertainment Center
The next time you want to impress your friends, you should consider this option. Generally, TVs and associated media players should be located on a vertical surface that can rotate 180 degrees. It can be the entire wall that rotates, or it can be just a section of it above and below the TV. In both cases, you’ll be able to see the screen from either side. When you leave the areas adjacent to the spinning entertainment center clear, you can have room separation while still being able to walk around it.
Embrace Colour
Making sure all your colours go together is one of the most helpful interior design suggestions. Your space will feel accentuated and cheery without feeling harsh or jarring. It’s especially important in a small space to have everything blend well in design and colour.
You should be able to flow your colour scheme throughout your small space, including between rooms if you have glass partitions or doors with windows. You don’t have to use the same colours in every space of your container home; just make sure they all complement one another.
It’s not just solid colours that can make a room stand out; try engaging your creativity with different patterns (painted or wallpapered) and even murals. The possibilities are endless!
Make Comfort a Priority
Building or living in a shipping container home requires the courage to design the interior in a stylish way. When you’re looking to buy a shipping container in Ontario, be sure you can make it a comfortable place to live. Customize it to suit your taste.
For more information on buying shipping containers in Ontario, call Secure Container Solutions at 416-817-3216 or contact us here.
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