
Images via Matt Impola at Handcrafted Movement
There are so many reasons I am drawn to this tiny house more so than some of the others I have written about. I instantly fell in love with this one as soon as I saw it. The main reason? Plants. Lots of plants. There’s even a little plant shed off the back! Those along with the light interior and ample windows create such a fresh and welcoming atmosphere in this little space. The 250 square foot gem, known as the Artisan Retreat, was designed and built by Matt Impola of Handcrafted Movement.
According to one of Matt’s Instagram posts about this tiny house, a few of his goals when creating the Artisan Retreat were choosing quality over quantity, combining art and science in equal amounts, and not sacrificing form for function. I think he absolutely succeeded on all counts.
As you can see, the house has a real staircase leading up to the loft – something not commonly seen in tiny houses. The mix of materials throughout the house are brilliant and reflect the thought and purpose put into this project.
The tiniest details make this house so unique. For instance, the copper pipe and wire hooks used to hang kitchen utensils, and the small but beautifully functional shelving spaces.
Did you notice the leather tabs on the cabinets? How amazing are those? These are used throughout the house on the drawers and doors.
The nook at the far side of the kitchen is used as a coffee station.
The bathroom has a window and a cabinet with two large drawers for storage. The LED lights on the medicine cabinet turn on automatically when you enter the bathroom.
I love how Matt incorporated plants right into the design of the home, as you can see with the palm in this end table. I’ve never seen anything quite like that – but now I want one!
There is something magical and life giving about transforming raw materials into functional art. In a world of homogeneous overproduction I strive to go against the grain and alter the natural materials as little as possible. I’m equally interested in form and function so strive to make beautiful objects that will work well in the real world for years to come. I enjoy finding ways to integrate multiple mediums such as wood, leather, glass, metal and live plants. – Matt Impola
Visit Handcrafted Movement to see more images of the Artisan Retreat along with some of Matt’s other creative projects.
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