Small houses are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more affordable and sustainable living options. Double story small houses allow you to maximize space while still keeping a relatively small footprint. The vertical design means you can have all the functionality and comforts of a larger home condensed into a compact area. In this article, we’ll look at great double story small house designs and what makes them work.
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Minimalist Box Design
This simple double story box design shows that less can be more when it comes to small houses. Large windows flood the interior with natural light while the muted color palette and lack of ornamentation embody minimalism. The ground floor is an open plan living and dining area with a compact kitchen while the upper floor houses the bedrooms and bathroom. By sticking to the essentials, there is no wasted space.
See also: One Story House with Porches
Rustic Farmhouse Style
Bring the coziness of rural farmhouse living to the suburbs with this small home. The use of wood paneling, exposed beams and a muted color scheme connects to classic farmhouse aesthetics. An open stairwell connects the floors and allows daylight to filter throughout. The ground floor hosts living spaces and kitchen while bedrooms and bathroom occupy the second story. Wide porches allow you to enjoy the fresh air in a homey rocking chair.
Contemporary Cube
White, grey and black shades meet clean lines in this contemporary small house. The cube-like geometry looks slick and modern. Floor-to-ceiling windows usher in natural light, making the interior feel more expansive than its footprint suggests. The ground floor features open plan living, kitchen and dining while the second story has two bedrooms and a bathroom. Through careful space planning, all everyday needs fit into the compact build.
See also: Mid Century Modern House
Coastal Cottage Hideaway
This petite coastal cottage-inspired double story home punches above its weight with charm. A show-stopping spiral staircase connects the two stories. Pale wood floors and painted wood trim keep things light and bright. Nautical accents like a ship wheel mirror or driftwood art introduce the seaside theme. French doors open the ground floor living room to a small veranda that overlooks the waterfront. Two small bedrooms upstairs have the same enchanting view.
Tropical Tree House
Bring the tropics to your backyard with this small double story house that resembles an elevated treehouse. The triangle roof, exposed wood beams and liberal use of glass connect you to the outdoors. An external staircase leads to the entry on the second floor, which hosts a combined kitchen, dining and living space surrounded by glass walls and a balcony. The first floor bedrooms and bathroom feel like private tropical hideaways nested beneath the canopy.
See also: Simple Modern Single Floor House Design
The clean lines, light color palette and fuss-free detailing of this petite home embody Scandinavian minimalism. The compact footprint only takes up half a typical house lot but still fits in two stories. An external staircase leads up to the main living level with an open plan kitchen, living and dining zone. Floor-to-ceiling windows enhance the sense of space and connection to nature outside. Two petite bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs complete the uncomplicated layout.
Modern Barn Design
This contemporary double story small house puts a modern spin on the classic barn aesthetic. Black painted board and batten siding coupled with a generous roof overhang nod to archetypal barn elements. Yet floor-to-ceiling windows, glass balconies and an open plan interior bring things up to date. The ground floor hosts living spaces that open to a rear terrace while bedrooms occupy the second story. Despite the compact footprint, thoughtful design ensures everyday comforts.
Double Story Small House Design
Double Story Modern Small House Design with Garage
Small double story house designs allow you to have the functionality of a larger abode condensed into a petite package. As these 41 examples illustrate, dual stories can maximize space while still embodying different aesthetics from farmhouse to tropical. Careful layouts ensure all living necessities fit compactly into the vertical shape. If you’re looking to downsize or build an accessory dwelling, a double story tiny house opens up inspiring possibilities.
