One of the biggest housing trends in Colorado is not actually big, but small. In fact, tiny. With the promise of more freedom, greater mobility and less expense, tiny houses are becoming increasingly popular for those who are looking to play more and work less. And since Colorado is essentially a vast outdoor playground just waiting to be explored, it’s no wonder tiny houses are an attractive option. Add to that the affordability of these microstructures in an economy where housing prices are rising at the fastest rate in the country, and you can see why Colorado (Colorado Springs specifically) is being called the tiny house “capital of America.” 

Curious if you could live in just a couple hundred square feet? Tumbleweed homes, based in Colorado Springs, offers one-night rentals for interested buyers. I must confess: there is no way I could possibly down-size enough to live in such a small space, but I am very interested in staying the night in one of these structures just for the unique experience.

However, if you are serious about tiny-house living, check out these resources at your nearest Anythink:

Microshelters: 59 Creative Cabins, Tiny Houses, Tree Houses and Other Small Structures by Derek “Deek” Diedricksen

This book is not only full of color pictures depicting different types of structures, it also contatins the floor plans for them.

Jay Shafer’s DIY Book of Backyard Sheds & Tiny Houses by Jay Shafer

Truly a DIY go-to. For those actually considering building your own tiny house, this is a must-have resource.

150 Best Mini Interior Ideas by Francesc Zamora Mola

Tiny house or not, this book is a fun resource for a minimalist, simplistic, organized approach for spaces that are stunning and beautiful.   

Tiny Homes on the Move by Lloyd Kahn

Every one of these tiny houses is mobile, either by wheels or water. Chock-full of color photos of both the housing exterior and interior, this book also showcases the families who hit the road in them (or sail off in them).

Other titles for exploring:

Compact Living by Michael Guerra
The Big Tiny: A Built-it-Myself Memoir by Dee Williams
The New Small House by Katie Hutchinson
Tiny: A Story About Living Small (film)