‘Ladybird’ the Tiny House Hides Some Seriously Genius Built-In Storage Ideas

Name: Amanda Wolters and two pups, Barb and Vera
Location: Weatherford, Texas
Size: 380 square feet
Type of home: Tiny House on Wheels
Years lived in: 1.5 years, owned

If you’ve ever needed a strong reminder that going tiny does not mean losing the luxuries of a larger home, Amanda Wolters’ tiny house named “Ladybird” is that example. “Ladybird is named after my great aunt Ladybird, a strong eccentric character with a fantastic sense of style and design,” Amanda explains. “She was big on entertaining and threw sensational parties. She and the other strong Southern women in my family (along with my patient saint of a father) all encouraged me to follow my dreams even when they might follow a different path than others.”

Though very small with a footprint of only 380 square feet (plus an extra 120 square feet of sleeping loft), Amanda’s tiny house design includes a huge couch for lounging, plenty of room for cooking big meals, a cozy bathroom packed with amenities, and even a washer and dryer.

The couch area can turn into ample space for guests to stay over, and along with a projector and drop-down screen, also transforms into an enviable at-home movie theater. Working with Small Dwelling Company, the build began in early 2018 and was finished in late 2018, and Amanda’s been enjoying—and entertaining—in the space ever since.

Amanda wasn’t interested in sacrificing comforts when designing her home, so you’ll find a full-size stove and mini dishwasher and lots of storage for tools and servingware in the kitchen. The closet is tucked away next to the laundry area, making putting clothes up after dong laundry a breeze. She can quite comfortably fit six people at her dining table… but has entertained up to 11 people for Thanksgiving (though admittedly had to use other areas of the tiny house for dining). The dining table also hides one of the best built-in storage solutions I’ve ever seen: The table folds up to reveal a mirrored vanity area for getting ready in the morning, complete with electrical plugs.

It’s not just Amanda’s kitchen that’s luxurious—her full-size bathroom is also spacious, and Amanda made sure when she was sketching plans for this house that it would include a bathtub. The bathroom is also home to the second best built-in storage solution I’ve ever seen: pull-out shelves that hide all of her beauty products, jewelry, and towels.

Describe your home’s decor style in 5 words: Bright, airy, comfortable, welcoming, posh.

What’s your favorite thing about your home? The huge sofa.

What’s your least favorite thing about your home? It’s hard to find a place to put it.

What’s your best small space trick? Built-in storage in every possible space.

Thanks, Amanda!