This Adorable Pair of Tiny Houses Makes Small Living Look Easy and Stylish

published Mar 3, 2021

This Adorable Pair of Tiny Houses Makes Small Living Look Easy and Stylish

published Mar 3, 2021
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Bedrooms
Square feet

270

Sq ft

270

Name: Tim Davidson and Oliver the cat
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Size: Tiffany the Tiny House is 270 square feet. Shellmate Island Octagon Tiny Home is 320 square feet.
Years lived in: 4 years, owned

Tim Davidson shares a lovingly crafted 270-square-foot tiny house he calls Tiffany, on a neat spot of land called Shellmate Island (which is actually a  private 1.5-acre inland peninsula). “Shellmate Island has been in Sarasota since 1920 and over the years it has been used for storage, horses, workshops, and fruit tree fields,” Tim explains. “It’s great to have a piece of land that has so much history on it!” But Tiffany isn’t the only home located on Shellmate Island: Tim also owns a 320-square-foot octagon-shaped tiny home that he rents out on Airbnb.

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Credit: Tim Davidson

“I love that each home has its own character and every inch of space is thought out for function and with the tight space in mind. Things have so many multiple uses which fits perfectly into the small space,” says Tim. “I usually pass the time on the island in the cabana area either in the hammocks or on the balance board listening to music. My next favorite thing to do at night is use the sand fire pit and roast marshmallows with my toes in the white sand. Having this outdoor space is really important in tiny living because you can use it to entertain guests and really doubles your living space”

Credit: Tim Davidson

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Tiffany is a 1920 bungalow-inspired Craftsman style home. Shellmate Island home is a farmhouse beach modern home.

Inspiration: Inspiration was old school Florida homes

Credit: Tim Davidson

Favorite Element: Tiffany – The stained glass windows. This allows the light to shine through and splash the walls with color.

Shellmate Island – The lights on the beams of the ceiling. I have it to change the whites to mimic the natural colors of the sun throughout the day in order to help with circadian rhythm and make the space feel more open throughout the day. Almost tricks the brain and eyes. Also can change up to 16 million different color options.

Credit: Tim Davidson

Proudest DIY: Proudest DIY would be the lights on the beams of the ceiling of Shellmate Island.

Credit: Tim Davidson

Biggest Challenge: Biggest challenge in a tiny house is always finding the right way to use the space. The balance between fitting everything and making sure it feels open can be challenge.

Credit: Tim Davidson

Biggest Indulgence: The biggest indulgence would be Craftsman details in Tiffany. It really makes the home. It was 100% worth it and changed my views on craftsmanship overall.

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? I think what is unique about the Shellmate Island home is that the design and engineering of the home have gone through all the major category 5 hurricanes with a 99.99% success rate. It being an octagon makes it more aerodynamic and the roof truss system is like spokes on a wheel, so if the wind was to try and lift one of them off they all act together to hold the roof in place. It’s arguably the strongest tiny house ever made.

Credit: Tim Davidson

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? Favorite product would be an air fryer lol. It’s a game changer, which speaks volume since I don’t want a microwave because of space but I will allow the real estate of the air fryer because I love it that much.

Credit: Tim Davidson

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: Corners are always my space-spacing ideas with homes; they are the most under-utilized spaces in any home. Corner sinks, corner shelves, corner bookcases, they even make corner toilets! I also always look for multiple purposes. If one item can eliminate two then it’s a win-win! And with cabinets with no shelves (like under the sink) I use tension rods in order to hang cleaning bottles.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Less is more and unique colors are a must to set your space apart from others.

Resources

Credit: Tim Davidson

PAINT & COLORS

  • Tiffany — Sherwin-Williams “Oceanarium Drive”
  • Shellmate — Sherwin-Williams “Heather Green”
Credit: Tim Davidson

LIVING ROOM

  • Lizeth Linen 58″ Wide Square Arm Sleeper in Shellmate —  Wayfair
  • Tollis pendant light — Kichler

KITCHEN

  • Concord Adjustable Wall Mount Bridge Faucet — Wayfair
Credit: Tim Davidson

BEDROOM

  • Sagamore Storage Platform Bed — Wayfair

Thanks Tim!

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