The first yurt on this list features a traditional structure with some permanent residence amenities. The structure itself is traditional with the lattice panels that add an interesting visual element, but are also vital to the stability over the home. The space utilizes an open floor plan which is the standard for yurt living. The homeowner utilizes zoning for space organization and creates “rooms” by grouping furniture around different central elements. You can also see a bedroom loft behind the kitchen to maximize the space.

This yurt also features a traditional structure with the lattice interior supports and wooden beams to create the domed roof. However, this yurt features a few extra modern touches. The cable railing on the stairs and loft face is commonly found in modern and minimalist homes. The loft over the kitchen provides more room in the main room of this tiny house. The track lighting over the kitchen is another common feature of residential yurts. It doesn’t sacrifice any floor space, but it can light a large area.

You can see this homeowner full embraced the bohemian style that comes with living in a yurt. With an eclectic mix of patterns and materials, there’s a lot of live in this small space. Its layout is similar to a studio apartment where each major piece of furniture has its own space in the layout. They also utilize a small apartment organization tip by taking advantage of vertical storage. You can see the shelves above the door that hold different boxes and binders. This is the perfect solution for homeowners that don’t want to take up too much floor space.

This home is similar to the emerging trend of frame panel yurts. Because people are starting to use them as permanent residences rather than as a nomadic tent, builders have started to use more traditional home elements. We also see a solid separation of rooms that you would find in a typical house. The loft design is still used to make the most of this yurt design’s square footage. A spiral stair has a small footprint that allows you to have the benefits of full steps without a large traditional stair taking up your entire home.

This yurt channels the idea of simple living with a studio apartment layout. The one wall kitchen follows the curve of the home. This helps make the most of the space unlike a straight counter that would leave empty and unusable spaces. They use a few different tiny house hacks to make the most of their yurt. Vertical storage can be found in the form of a hanging pot rack and the loft opens up all of the space underneath it.

Another tiny house seemed to inspire the interior décor for this yurt. The bright colors and patterns are reminiscent of a vardo, or British Romani wagon. There are curtains hung around the sides, hiding the traditional lattice paneling. The daybed style seating features a bright orange and teal accents that match the roof supports. Ornate rugs in a dark maroon pull in the designs on the daybeds while grounding the room. The central heat source creates the natural communal feeling of the room, much like a fireplace in a traditional home.

This minimalist approach to yurt living pulls in new architectural aspects and mixes them with some traditional elements as well. The walls have a solid structure over the traditional lattice paneling, but feature traditional rugs hung as tapestries. The ceiling has the standard support beams and also features a ceiling fan. This helps promote air circulation that can sometimes be a problem in these adapted tents.

If you love your modern kitchen and don’t want to give it up, you don’t have to! This yurt features granite countertops and a stovetop built right in. The island and barstools can act as your dining area without having to make room for a separate table and chairs set. The island is on wheels, meaning you can move it as needed around the yurt. The rest of the furnishings are minimal with a futon and two chairs. This homeowner added a playful element with a plush bear skin rug.

Another yurt design that shows you don’t have to give up certain elements of your home for a smaller living space. This home office area takes up a small amount of square footage by lining the all and making use of the lattice panels. While they’re there for structural support, they can also be used as a bulletin board. The wall mounted track lighting provides plenty of light in a small package. The screen doors on either side of the space also provide lots of ventilation and natural light which can make you more productive.

This yurt features a contemporary design style that is a change from the typically rustic interiors. The all wood features that are traditional in a yurt are still present, but their contrasting finishes update them. It also features an interior wall for separate private spaces. The loft above the kitchen has a full wall rather than the open railing that is commonly used. Track lighting is also used over the kitchen on the loft face.

This cozy yurt loft is definitely a different design than the previous images. It keeps the traditional shape, but uses solid wood paneling to complete the structure. The dark ceiling creates an ambiance that’s supported by luxurious fabrics and rich colors. The main source of light is the central chandelier, but the large windows around the space keep it from feeling claustrophobic.

This yurt design takes another approach to a cozy and relaxing interior. The interior designer took the traditional wood dome and lattice paneling and incorporated it into the décor. The wood furniture uses the same light wood tones and is paired with lighter neutrals. This yurt features a private bathroom with a claw foot tub for an extra sense of luxury. A pendant light is featured as the main light source in the center of the room.

This ultra-modern yurt actually features a lot of the traditional design elements. The lattice panels and roof supports are painted white to blend with the rest of the home’s interior, making them hardly noticeable. This paired with marble counters and acrylic pieces makes a minimalist tiny house. The wood burning stove creates a central heat source for comfortable nights at home and the bedroom is lofted right above the kitchen! The fur rugs adds to the luxury of the space.

While this isn’t technically a yurt, this round home has a lot of the same architectural elements. The ceiling features the beams in a sunbeam pattern meeting at a center column and skylight. The pendant lights and wall sconces around the home provide soft light throughout the space. The archways connect the separate rooms while still keeping an open flow of air and light.

This single bedroom yurt design is perfect for a guest house in your backyard! It’s a traditional design with lattice panels and roof supports. The double doors provide plenty of natural light but also feature curtains on either side of the doors to block out any unwanted light. The simple design features privacy screens for decoration around the room and a simple bench at the end of the bed.

This bedroom loft is the perfect addition to any yurt that’s looking to make the most of their main floor space. This rustic design fits into the traditional yurt design with lattice paneling and roof supports. The keyhole window at the center of the roof has a pole to adjust it easily from the loft and a ceiling fan is nearby helping with air circulation. There’s a spiral stair leading up to the bedroom keeping with the theme of small footprints. This is the perfect alternative to a loft ladder which can be unstable.

This bright yurt is the perfect weekend getaway. One of the unique features of this yurt is that large panel in the slope of the roof. It follows the curve of the yurt design and allows in lots of natural light making the space even brighter. This large sitting area is arranged around the coffee table and focused on the fireplace. The leather couches and fur throws add a touch of luxury and the bright accents keep the furniture from feeling too heavy in the space.

This simple yurt is perfect for a beach trip. The ocean front tiny house has the casual style that’s popular in beach house interiors. The simple furnishings fit well in the traditional structure. With only a futon, simple coffee table, and two cabinets, the home allows you to put the focus on the incredible view. This yurt also features a wraparound porch which you don’t normally find on a traditional tent.

This homeowner decided to highlight the uniqueness of a yurt’s structure with their interior design. The central loft highlights the center window as a focal point with their loft and platform. The kitchen wraps around on side of the center column while the bed sits on the other side. The loft acts as a relaxing seating area with large cushions and plenty of natural light. Track lights are installed above the kitchen area for maximum light where it’s needed most.

This rustic yurt embraces all of its surroundings to create a unique interior. The log cabin aesthetic is perfect for this small getaway. Tree trunks and branches are used to create the loft’s supports and railings. The bedroom loft is situated above the bathroom and is nestled into the corner leaving the center open for living space. The interior walls are wooden panels for a solid separation of the rooms.

This wood paneled interior is the perfect accent to the traditional yurt design. The full kitchen has everything that you would find in a traditional home with a full size refrigerator, oven, and plenty of cabinet space. The counter extends out into a small table for a dining area. Although there are interior walls, all of the rooms have open archways, except for the bathroom. This gives some privacy will keeping the open air flow throughout the space.

Yurts come in lots of shapes and sizes. They’re a blank canvas for any interior design style you want! Just like any tiny house, they’re all about finding the balance between maximizing space and not overcrowding it. Take some of these design ideas to make the most of your home, whether it’s a tiny house, a yurt, or a traditional home!

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Throughout school, everyone learned about ancient architecture and our ancestor’s ability to build iconic structures such as The Coliseum and the Pyramids. These buildings still stand as representations of the superb engineering capabilities of past civilizations. In doing research for my next blog entry, I stumbled upon some interesting information about spiral staircases in ancient and medieval architecture. I thought I would share a bit about the origin of the spiral stair in my next series of posts. From the skillfully engineered spirals of the ancient Greco-Roman empire, and stair designs used to thwart invaders in the castles of the medieval time period, to the more modern and imaginative spiral stairs of the 21st century.

Some people are surprised to hear that spiral stairs are not new to design; they’ve actually been around for centuries and have been used throughout history for many different reasons. In the Bible, two spiral staircases were depicted as being a part of Solomon’s Temple, which would suggest that spiral stairs were being used some 3000 years ago. The stairs this temple, are said to have been used to access a sacrificial altar. As for actual archaeological remains, the earliest example
is believed to appear in Temple A in Selinunte, Sicily, to both sides of the cella, which was constructed around 480-470 BC. The common design of many ancient spiral staircase structures included a center newel, crafted out of stone, which the stone stair slabs where constructed around.

It wasn’t until the completion of Trajan’s column in Rome.(113 AD.) when the new spiral stair design really became more common in Roman Architecture. Still standing in Rome today, Trajan’s column is said to be the oldest ‘preserved’ spiral stair structure in the world. Trajan’s column, including its base is built of marble standing at about 42m high (138ft). The outside of the column is wrapped with a band of reliefs depicting the victories of Trajan’s army in the Dacian wars. More than 2000 carvings spiral upward, the entire height of the column, depicting the war from army preparations to the very last Dacian expelled from their country. But, perhaps the most unique characteristic of Trajan’s Column is the winding staircase that exists inside. The precision and workmanship displayed in this spiral stair is incredible. Also present are a series of windows strategically placed on the outside of the column to give light to someone walking up the stairs. At the top of the stairs was the viewing platform, which overlooked the Markets of Trajan, Trajan’s Forum, Capitol Hill, and the Campus Martius. After completing the spiraling journey, the visitor would be viewing the splendor of Rome from over 120 feet in the air, which must have been simply breathtaking for the ancient Romans, even as it is for us today.

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San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in the state of California; it is well-known for its sourdough bread, the Golden Gate Bridge, and its breathtaking surroundings which attract tons of visitors each year.

In the city of San Francisco, Pacific Avenue boasts one of the most expensive homes currently on the market. At 2724 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, California, there is a gigantic mansion which stands proud and tall with its palace-like presence. The cream-colored castle of Pacific Avenue is ready for purchase—as long as you have an extra thirty million to spend.

Built in 1894 by Captain Hermann Meyer, the mansion originally supported his wife and eight children. It was designed in an American Queen Anne style, which includes characteristics of a front-facing gable, polygonal towers, and overhanging eaves. The Hermann family sold the home to Countess Suzanne de Tessan, who added more land to the estate and hosted a good amount of parties.

The current owner of the estate—Doug Engmann—is selling the home.

There have only been three owners of this estate ever since it was first built in 1894, which has helped it to remain in good condition.

With the beautifully pristine exterior, the home additionally features many other desirable characteristics. Inside, there are seven bedrooms and seven full baths. There is a gym, spa, hot tub, sauna, and steam room on the top floor of the mansion. There’s a library and a grand entertaining room as well. This Pacific Avenue palace has spiral staircases which lead to the multitude of available rooms.

One of the spiral staircases leads to a walkway full of apple trees, which is near an original carriage house which has been renovated as a recreation lounge.

This home—which towers over the rest on Pacific Avenue—is truly a sight to see. With its spiral staircases, pristine exterior, and its own personal apple orchard, this is the palace of Pacific Avenue.

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Not every spiral staircase in the world has its very own unique story. Some simply provide an interesting and aesthetically pleasing way to get from one floor to another. Perhaps your young child painted the stairs with nail polish while you weren’t looking and you have a story of that type to share. However, there is a palace in a place called Heliopolis, Egypt, that certainly has a spiral staircase story worth sharing with the world.

Known as the Baron Palace, this outstanding piece of architecture was built in 1910 by a Belgian businessman, industrialist, and amateur Egyptologist by the name of Baron Édouard Empain. In fact, he built the entire city of Heliopolis; it was intended to provide Egypt with a city of luxury and leisure.

Heliopolis was built with broad avenues, necessary convenience shops, water drains, electricity, and hotels. Empain additionally built recreational facilities such as golf courses, racetracks, and parks. Houses, apartments, terraced villas, and more were available for rent in this fine city, offered in innovative designs which appealed to a variety of social classes.

There are a few interesting myths about both the palace and the spiral staircases, such as:

1. The palace was built on a rotating base so that the Baron could see the entire city without moving from his seat.
2. Some people claim that the palace had a secret tunnel which connected to the Basilica Church. Another part of this rumor is that the Baron had a customized vehicle to take him from one part of the tunnel to another.
3. There are rumors that the Baron Palace had an enchanted chamber. The Baron’s daughter and sister were not allowed to enter the pink bedroom at the basement of the palace, which is where the door that took him to the tunnel in Basilica was located.
4. The Baron’s daughter, Mariam, suffered paralysis since birth and grew up to have psychological issues. They were mostly related to her father’s firmness and his cold behavior. Some people say he imprisoned her at times. She was found dead at the service elevator which connected the kitchen to the roof, but some speculate that it was a suicide attempt after a love affair with one of the servants.
5. It is believed that the spiral staircase caused the death due to the palace’s revolving base where his wide fell to her death.
6. When Baron died, it is said that the mirrors covering the walls of the pink room in the basement turned red.
7. Currently, it is believed that the Baron’s Palace is extremely haunted. Bats, stray dogs, and ghosts are said to wander about the palace. Others believe that the Baron’s daughter lingers in the palace. There have been multiple stories of ghosts in the palace, mysterious music playing as though the days of palace partying had never ended, and the sounds of furniture being swept from one room to another during midnight have been heard.

Although the Baron’s Palace is full of horror, it is an incredible piece of historical architecture containing a beautiful spiral staircase inside.

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They appear harmless enough, right? Maybe they even appear captivating for some. With that gigantic spiral leading to beautiful blue rays, it is difficult to not be enchanted by these spiral stairs. But behind these well-crafted and specifically designed balusters holds a haunting tale; one involving innocent deaths.

At first, the Queen’s House in Greenwich was a royal residence built sometime around 1616 to 1619. It was only a few miles from London. Architect Inigo Jones altered and completed the Queen’s House in 1635 for Henrietta Maria, the queen at the time. It is an important part of British architectural history since it was the first classical building created in the country.

On June 19^th, 1966, Rev. Hardy and Mrs. R.W. Hardy (a retired couple on a vacation from Canada), went to the Queen’s House for a visit. They were interested in its architecture and went to take a tour of it.

During their stay at the Queen’s House, Mr. Hardy took a photograph of the foot of the staircase. He took a photograph which would soon change the history of this staircase forever.

Once they returned to Canada, they developed the photograph. It turned out that the photograph revealed something unexpected: a shrouded, shadowy figure, who was on the hanging upon the staircase.

When they observed it fully, they realized that the figure appeared to be ascending the stairs in pursuit of a second and possibly third figure.

A team called the Ghost Club came to visit the spiral staircase to see if the ghost did exist. They were highly interested in his photograph and were ready to investigate the staircase. The picture was genuine due to the lack of photograph editing at the time, and the Ghost Club was determined to film, record, and make contact with the supposed ghosts.

Seven of the Ghost Club members spent the night on June 24^th, 1967 investigating the spiral stairs and the Queen’s house. They found some startling discoveries, such as bells ringing and shadowy figures.

Every spiral staircase has a story. The tale of the Tulip Staircase will forever be remembered due to its haunting and petrifying tale.

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Have you ever read the timeless classic novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D Salinger? If you have, then you might not have known where he actually wrote and completed the novel.

J.D. Salinger stayed in a North Stamford home in Connecticut to work on “The Catcher in the Rye” which served as a comforting resort and ideal working area.  At the time, it was the home of Himan Brown, who was a famous and successful radio producer during the 1940s and 1950s. He worked with well-known actors and musicians such as Helen Hayes, Boris Karloff, Gregory Fleck, Frank Sinatra, and Orson Welles. Himan Brown was also good friends with plenty of writers, with J.D. Salinger being one of them. Himan Brown produced more than 30,000 radio programs during  the course of his lifetime.

Himan Brown’s home was the perfect location for Salinger to write his most famous novel. It is currently own by Brown’s granddaughter, Melina Brown. The charming estate is located on a hill in the quiet woods of North Stamford. It is a small house with high ceilings, a stone fireplace, and a spiral staircase which leads to a balcony bedroom.

Salinger rented the house to produce the novel in 1947. He would use the spiral staircase of the Rustic home to write in the bedroom with the beautiful balcony and view.

It’s pretty interesting to know that one of the world’s greatest novels was written in a North Stamford home with a spiral staircase.

Today, the estate still has its spiral staircase and bedroom with a balcony. It is in relatively the same condition as it was when J.D. Salinger first worked on “The Catcher in the Rye”. Melina Brown has a bevy of animals on the estate, such as chickens and turkeys.

The spiral staircase in the Brown estate led Salinger to the bedroom with the balcony which assisted him in writing his most famous novel. What could a spiral staircase lead you to?

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Below are five of the world’s most famous spiral staircases and the tales that surround them.

1. Loretto Chapel, New Mexico

When it was constructed in the 19th century, the Loretto Chapel seemed to have the problem that modern spiral stair have; they needed a staircase to the second floor choir loft and there seemed to be no room for one. Legend has it that the sisters of the chapel prayed to St. Joseph, patron saint of carpenters, for a solution to their dilemma.

Nine days later, a mysterious man appeared outside the chapel with carpenter’s tools and constructed a staircase whose structure still baffles engineers today. No one is sure how the carpenter managed to construct a stable staircase that has no visible means of support and no nails. Perhaps the Loretto staircase really is a divine miracle?

2. Vatican Museums, Rome

Founded by Pope Julius in the 16th century, the Vatican Museums consist of several different pontifical galleries that house the art that the Roman Catholic Church has acquired since 1506. Giuseppe Momo was commissioned by Pope Pius XI to create a central staircase that connected all of the different galleries. Momo actually created two spiral staircases that twist together to create a double helix structure similar to that of DNA. One staircase allows visitors to asc
end, while the other brings them back down.

More than 4 million people flock to the Vatican Museums every year, making this one of the most visited spiral staircases in the world.

3. Museo de Pobo Galego, Spain

The Museo De Pobo Galego, or the The Galician People Museum, was created in Spain. Designed by Domingo de Andrade in the 17th century, the central spiral staircase is a triple helix. Three spiral staircases weave together to create dynamic architecture. Each staircase leads to its own floor, streamlining traffic patterns.  It’s said that the triple helix construction was chosen to reflect the Celtic traditional solstice symbol..

4. The Garvan Spiral Stairs

Located in Australia, this incredible staircase spans six floors and has 6.5 revolutions. It is the centerpiece of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and matches the modern decor of the building with its sleek white base and chrome railings. The spiral made sense due to the size of the building. With needed access to six floors, a spiral stair made the most sense as it took up the lease amount of room.

5. The Great Fire Monument, London

Constructed between 1671 and 1677, the Monument was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and the rebuilding of the city. The first began in a baker’s house on September 2, 1666 and was not extinguished until September 5, burning a large portion of the city. The giant Doric column features an interior spiral staircase with 311 steps that leads up to the viewing platform. It reaches a height of 160 feet and is a featured tourist location.

Spiral stairs have been around for centuries and have been featured in some of the most beautiful buildings. Whether they’re in a historical monument or in a modern atrium, spiral staircases will make a statement. We’ve listed some of the most famous, but there are plenty more of monumental staircases out there!

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1. Beirut, Lebanon

This colorful geometric stair is a product of a small group of designers called Dihzahyners. Their name is taken from the phonetic spelling of designers in the dictionary. The group consists of recent design graduates in the Beirut area that meet once a month to create street art. Their goal is to create a more beautiful cityscape. Dihzahyners find their inspiration from blank spaces in their city and beautiful street art from others. The idea for a rainbow step emerged when a member posts a picture of #4 in this list, the Holsteiner Stairs in Germany. They found these blank steps and decided to make them beautiful. Because they are still a small group, they wanted to start with stairs and move on to bigger projects, like walls, later. It took the artists 8 hours to create the geometric pattern that runs across the entire staircase.  The artists worked in rounds to complete the street art piece due to the extreme heat. They are completely self-funded and are looking forward to continuing their mission of making Beirut beautiful.

2. 16th Ave Mosaic Steps, San Francisco, CA

The 16^th Ave Mosaic Steps in San Francisco have become a popular tourist destination, but they were originally decorated as part of a neighborhood project. Led by artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, over 300 neighbors design the custom tiles that create the mosaic. They were also inspired by another stair on this list, #10 Escadarua Selaron. Found at the corner of 16^th Avenue and Moraga Street, the iconic stair was funded by the San Francisco Parks Trust. Each of the 163 individual steps is as unique as the residents of the neighborhood!

3. The Rocky Steps, Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Art Museum featured a Salvador Dali exhibit in 2005. The museum is home to one of the most iconic architectural structures in the city of Philadelphia, the Rocky Steps. They took advantage of the familiar sight by creating a giant advertisement for their exhibit. The museum took an iconic portrait of Dali and blew it up to billboard proportions. From there, they cut it into strips that were attached to the step’s risers. The overall image is projected across the 72 steps from afar.

4. Holsteiner Stairs, Wuppertal, Germany

The Holsteiner Stairs in Wuppertal, Germany have been renamed in the general public as the Rainbow Stairs for obvious reasons. German artist Horst Glasker painted the steps with acylic paint, which he then titled Scala, the Italian word for staircase. Each stair got its own color, creating the rainbow through the city that residents and tourists are so familiar with. The 112 steps each have a German word representing human relationships and emotions stenciled on them. The ranged from honor and innocence to rage and prohibition. These stairs have become viral, inspiring the steps in #1 painted by the Dihzahyners.

5. Valparasio, Chile

These stairs are different from the previous entries as they are a more conventional approach to art in an unconventional space. This mural is something you can easily see on a wall, but instead of one scene, it’s been broken into tableaus on the risers of each step. The artist didn’t spare any details in this beach scene. The image holds charm from the houses’ shutters to the waves in the shoreline. This old stone staircase is just one of many decorated stairs in Chile’s cultural capital. Other famous stairs include piano keys and color block steps.

6. Montee St- Maurice, Angers, France

When you think of street art, you probably think of graffiti with spray paint. Maybe a mosaic for unique spaces, but folded paper is the last medium you would expect. French artist Mademoiselle Maurice used the brightly color paper to decorate the stairs leading up to a cathedral. The installation was one of three origami designs that Maurice created for the 2013 ARTAQ Festival. The first was a portrait lining the river Maine and the second a geometric pattern on the fence of the cathedral. She enlisted the help of local residents, children, and inmates to create the over 30,000 pieces of brightly colored folded paper. This wasn’t the artist’s first foray into uncommon street art materials. Mademoiselle Maurice has also crated street art installations using lace.

7. Ottawa, Canada

This piece wasn’t originally intended for stair art! Titled “White Wolf in Winterland,” the image was chosen as one of the winners of the Eco Art competition in Ottawa, Canada. Once the winners were chosen, the committee decided to display their artwork on the stairs leading up from underneath the Wellington Street Bridge in downtown Ottawa. This image was displayed on the stairs the same way the Dali portrait was in Philadelphia. The image was blown up to a large scale and then applied in strips to the risers of the stairs. The final product is a full picture from far away with an odd optical illusion when someone walks up the stairs.

8. Santiago, Chile

This stair features another odd use of materials in the name of street art. LEV, Laboratorio Escenico Visual, partnered with Converse to create this installation. LEV works to create thought-provoking arts installations in cities that interact with the city itself. By partnering with the shoe designer, they created different pairs of rainbow sneakers that were then used as planters. They staggered them across the steps at the exit of a park in downtown Santiago. These brightly colored shoes bring life and color to an otherwise dull stone staircase.

9. Caltagirone, Sicily

The Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte can be found in Caltagirone, Sicily. The 142 step staircase is often decorated according to the local festivals. Because of its monumental size, it is a natural centerpiece for all cultural events. It also connects the higher and lower parts of the city, meaning it is well traveled by locals and tourists alike. This particular picture was taken during the La Scala Flower Festival. The image is made up of living plants that are strategically placed to create the image of roses leading up the staircase. During the Scala Illuminata Festival the stairs are decorated with candles to create dynamic images. Throughout the year, the stairs are typically decorated with images of patron saints.

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Escadaria Selaron is an incredible centerpiece to the city of Rio de Janeiro. Each of the 215 steps have unique tiles. The artist, Jose Selaron, used green, blue, and yellow tiles to connect the stairs to the Brazilian flag. He often referred the stairs as “my tribute to the Brazilian people.” He began the project in 1990 when he noticed the plain stairs in front of his home. The mosaic features over 2,000 tiles. While he self-funded the project in the beginning, as the staircase gained popularity, tourists began to bring Selaron tiles from their home countries. He hand painted over 300 of the tiles with his own images. When he would finish on section of the stairs, he would move on to the next saying his work will never be complete. This famous street art stair inspired the 16^th Ave Mosaic Steps in San Francisco. They share a common goal of locals making their neighborhoods beautiful.

Stairs are a necessary part of any city’s infrastructure, but that doesn’t mean that they are limited to a basic design. While many cities use simple concrete and metal to create their public staircases, these stairs are another level of street art. The artists decided to create fixtures in their cities to inspire residents and visitors alike.

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Bus Conversions

Living in a bus may seem like a crazy idea, but bus conversions have become popular DIY tiny home projects. When you think of a school bus, you don’t picture a spacious home. However, once you get the bus and take out the rows of seats, you’re left with a long home that has plenty of space for your home design! There are a few different sizes of buses, so you should decide what you want to include in your home before buying the bus. The widths will remain consistent, but the lengths have a wide range that goes up to 40’. Many people might associate an old school bus with retro and dated home décor. However, once you completely empty your bus, you have a blank canvas. A school bus allows plenty of natural light into your space, as the walls are lined with windows. For times when you want more privacy, you can add curtains.

Many bus conversions cover their windows to add insulation and privacy. This bus conversion takes advantage of the large amount of windows by keeping the coverings translucent. They add coverage, but also allow the pass through of some light. This particular picture was taken from the back of the bus, giving you a full bus shot. The floor takes advantage of tiny house storage and has trap door panels in the floor for extra storage. The benches are also multifunctioning pieces of furniture. The seats lift up to create a storage trunk. The all wood interior is simplistic and compliments the minimalist lifestyle of the homeowner.

Cob Houses

The idea of a home may seem intimidating to some, but cob houses are much more than a small clay hut. Cob, a mixture of clay, sand, and straw, is the perfect all natural material for your tiny home. Not only is it cheap, but it is also durable. Many homeowners assume that natural materials will deteriorate over time, but if you take the right measures in your tiny home design, you can have a home that will last for a lifetime. There are known cob structures in England that have been standing for 500 years. The key is to have an overhang roof too keep too much direct moisture from your exterior walls. A strong stone foundation will also help keep the bottom of your walls dry and safe from the elements. Cob is definitely the material to use if you want a one of a kind tiny home.

This cob house is probably what you think of when you think of a tiny home that is made of all natural materials. It has a fairytale look to it with its uneven roof and quirky design. You can see the large overhang of the thatched roof that is designed to protect the walls from excess moisture during a rainy day. The stone foundation is also pictured. Cob houses are built in stacks of stones that elevate the home above ground level and keep the bottom of the walls from absorbing any moisture in the ground.

Vardo Tiny Homes

It doesn’t get tinier than living in a small wagon. Vardo tiny homes take the classic British Romani wagons and fit them into their minimalist lifestyle. Traditionally, vardos were horse-drawn and ornate in design. They had intricate carvings with rich color schemes on their interiors and showcased the work of woodcrafters. Modern vardos are commonly towed behind vehicles. They keep their iconic design which features a bow top and large wheels on the outside of their frame. The rounded top maximizes the space by keeping the widest part of the wagon where the bed would most likely be placed. This design also helps to minimize the side effects of strong winds.

This vardo design takes advantage of every opportunity for natural light. The skylights and large window over the kitchen sink help the space feel more open. There are lights built into the cabinets that line the top of the wagon. It keeps the classic design features of an all wood interior with lots of cabinets and storage space. The bed is placed at the back of the wagon against a large window. The light color compliments the rich wood tones and makes the space brighter.

RVs

It can be said that RVs are the original tiny house. Their small living quarters have been used as campers and low budget housing long before microliving trends came to be. If you’re looking to downsize or you want to live simply, an RV is a standard option. They have the benefits of mobility and no construction. You can easily find a ready-made RV that is ready for you to move in. An RV is also a good test to see if you want to commit to tiny house living. One drawback to living in an RV year round is that it is reserved for mild weather and shouldn’t be used during cold winters unless you have made some serious renovations.

This RV design is light and airy and proves that a small space doesn’t have to feel cramped and dark. The all white walls and cabinets open up the space. The homeowners steered clear of any dark color accents to keep the space feeling open. There is a clear walkway down the center of the RV and there is plenty of seating in their living room area. This fresh RV design also features lots of storage space in the form of cabinets built into the counter and above the sink.

Trailer Homes

The name of this tiny home design is deceiving. While it may sound like the same thing as the previously mentioned RV, a trailer tiny home is very different. Trailer tiny homes are full tiny houses that have been constructed on a trailer that’s hitched to the back of a truck. This tiny home design is the most common and the first tiny home plan to gain a lot of media attention. You can either hire a contractor or DIY with a plan you purchase online or simply draw your own. The frames are usually made of timber for cost effectiveness. This particular design is usually chosen for its mobility. If you’re a homeowner that likes a change of scenery, this mobile tiny home is perfect for you.

This trailer home doesn’t sacrifice any traditional home features for a tiny home size. Not only does it have both a front door and a side door, but there are large windows that allow in lots of natural light. The covered porch with a singular seat is a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors. You can see the wheels along the side of the trailer home, which are covered during when the house is stationary. The trailer is supported by cinderblocks to keep the house from rolling away. The steps leading up to either door can easily be moved and placed back into position as needed.

Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are probably the most mainstream tiny house design. People are very familiar with shipping containers themselves giving the large structures an easier transition into residential construction. While most homeowners use the large steel boxes that people are familiar with, there is a wide variety of materials for shipping containers. You can have a large scale wood shipping container if you want to build your tiny home with more traditional materials. Because it’s original commercial uses, shipping containers are both hurricane and fireproof, making them a durable option for your home. They coming different sizes which makes them ideal for a wide range of projects. If you choose a smaller container, you can make your space feel bigger by added windows and doors to let in natural light. These prefabricated frames are great for single container tiny homes, but they can also be combined to create a modular average size home.

This shipping container home brings some industrial design to the outdoors. With the addition of a porch, this shipping container is the perfect tiny house for those looking for a simple lifestyle. Most of the wall is glass doors and windows, extending the living space. There’s lots of shelving for extra storage and the bed fits perfectly in the center.

Houseboats

Houseboats are essentially the RVs of the water. These tiny homes have an element of fantasy by allowing the residents to live on the water. While they’re aren’t mobile on land, you can easily move through a body of water if you want a change of scenery. The small space is perfect for those looking for a simple lifestyle in an unconventional setting. You can’t deny that a houseboat gives you a unique lifestyle.

This houseboat embraces its nautical surroundings and used a navy, white, and teal color scheme. As you saw in the RV, white walls help a space to feel bigger. This is particularly important when you are surrounded by dark water at all times. The bed frame as the built in storage of the cabinets underneath the mattress. The houseboat also has an upstairs deck that is perfect for the homeowners to enjoy the outdoors. The large windows can be opened to let fresh air into the small space, making it feel bigger that it really is.

Yurts

If you want to be truly connected to your surroundings, a yurt is the tiny home design for you. Yurts are the traditional round tents that Mongolian nomads lived in. They were made to be portable with a basic wooden frame and felt covering. The walls were usually constructed with wood or bamboo latticework for a stable frame. Modern yurts are made to be semi-permanent. Construction takes a few days and they are able to be moved with some work. Many yurt builders use traditional lattice work for walls that is then reinforced to ensure that your home is structurally sound. They keep their traditional round shape and perfect for those looking for a minimalist lifestyle.

This yurt is definitely one that’s been modernized from the traditional tent frame. Not only does it have a closed off bathroom, but it also features a fully functioning kitchen with a stove. Because of the interior structure, this yurt isn’t mobile, but it still allows for simple living. The floor is a poured concrete that’s been finished and sealed to support the heavy foot traffic. Small rugs were added as accents and for comfort in places where the resident may stand for a period of time, like in front of the kitchen sink.

A-Frame Cabins

A-Frame cabins have a defining geometric shape to their home design. They have a classic cabin design that is usually made up of all wood. The simplicity of the cabin is appealing to those looking for a tiny home getaway with rustic charm. The interesting slanted walls give your tiny home a unique architectural element. The steep slopes are perfect for supporting bedroom lofts, a common feature in tiny homes to maximize space. The exterior is characterized by a steep sloped roof with large overhangs. This creates a covered porch aesthetic for your classic cabin.

Right away, you can see the defining slanted walls of this A-frame cabin. The all wood panel walls give the cabin a rustic décor. A common feature of rustic décor is the mixture of metal with organic materials, such as wood. This is present throughout all of the furniture in the home. This particular A-frame cabin has a second floor in the point of the house’s frame. Tiny house stairs are one of the most important aspects of a two floor tiny house design. This particular floating stair helps keep the floor plan open which makes the space feel larger.

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Home Alone

Anyone who watched Home Alone as a kid was in awe of Kevin’s genius. They’ve also wanted to sled down their house’s steps and straight out the front door into the yard. The carpet on the stairs gives him a good send off and he flies out the door. Several people have tried the stunt in real life, and it works!

Titanic

It can be said that these stairs are one of the most iconic images from Titanic. The ornate detail captures the essence of first class. The grand scale of the stair is heightened by having it split and rise to each side of the balcony. The carved detail on the back panel give the stair a focal point at its center. This stair is the perfect setting for women in extravagant dresses and men in dapper suits.

Rocky

It would be difficult to write a post about staircases made famous by film and not mention Rocky. The staircase at the end of the iconic scene shown above is actually the entrance of the Philadelphia Art Museum. While they have their own purpose, many people recognize the steps by a more casual name, the Rocky Steps. Since the movie debuted in 1976, visitors to the city of Philadelphia have run up the 72 step staircase to recreate the moment of glory. A bronze statue of the boxer made its appearance in Rocky III and now lives at the bottom of the staircase.

Harry Potter

This stair isn’t famous for those walking up and down it, but rather what’s going on under it. Anyone who has read or seen the Harry Potter films knows that Harry started his wizarding journey with a letter addressed to The Cupboard under the Stairs, 4 Privet Drive, Little Winging, Surrey. This very specific address points to Harry’s room in his aunt and uncle’s house under the stairs.

Inception

The movie Inception is about the manipulation of dreams and how that can affect us in our everyday life. This particular dream features the Penrose Stairs, also known as the impossible staircase. This stair seems to turn into itself with no end. The right angles form the landings of the next staircase. This never ending stair in the movies shows how dreamers can manipulate architecture to contain projections.

Vertigo

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film Vertigo uses a spiral staircase to set off Detective John Ferguson’s fear of heights and the plot for the rest of the movie. By using a shot that focuses straight down the center of a spiral staircase, Hitchcock creates a feeling of unrest and the loss of balance. This iconic shot not only represents a classic film, but also gives insight into the aptly named Vertigo shot in film. This consists of changing the center focus and zoom while leaving the surroundings untouched.

Labyrinth

While this scene looks very different from the previously mentioned Penrose Stair in Inception, they are actually the same basic idea. The film’s director, Jim Henson, was inspired by M.C. Escher’s images of never ending stairs and impossible architecture. These stairs became real on set. These stairs, just like the ones mentioned previously, are never ending and seemingly impossible to climb.

The Brady Bunch

While this may be the only staircase from a television show featured in this post, it is arguably the most iconic. “The Brady Bunch” is defined by its large family and their classic 70’s style. The floating stair is an iconic part of their home’s architecture. This picture was taken every season as the kids got older and their styles changed.

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