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If you haven’t been following news about tiny houses in Oregon, you’re missing out on some inventive ways to live. These wee-space dwellers know how to avoid clutter piles, maximize storage and cut utility costs by living in homes that are about the size of (or smaller than) the average double-car garage.

Designers create a sense of spaciousness with vaulted ceilings, skylights and lots of windows. Outdoor living spaces – think decks – expand rooms beyond four walls.

Plus, it’s just fun to learn about creative ways to live happily, even if the tiny house is only temporary.

Take for example, a tiny houseboat bobbing in the Willamette River. Studio Hamlet Architects, PLLC designed the 433-square-foot water abode for owners who needed a place to live while their main house was being constructed on the Oregon Yacht Club marina.

Now the compact structure with a corrugated metal ceiling is a guesthouse, with kitchen, bathroom, dining and living space. In the sleeping loft, there is just enough headroom to crawl into bed.

Architect Russell Hamlet had to adhere to the marina’s strict rules about the size of a concrete float – 18 feet by 34 feet – and elevation restrictions of 15 1/2 feet. Also eating away at the footprint was an exterior deck and a fire code that requires paths and access on all sides. Still, the tiny house can accommodate five guests when a couch is opened up.

Idea to adopt to any size house: One of two benches in the dining booth fits snugly against a wall but its back is lower than the window, so no inch of the view is blocked.

Architect Todd Miller of the Oregon Cottage Company in Eugene sells plans for a 172-square-foot tiny house on wheels. A dormer loft allows for greater headroom, better air circulation and views.

A utility room housing the hot water tank and bathroom storage is outside on the trailer tongue. 

Idea to adopt to any size house: The bathroom (6-feet-10-inches by 3 feet) 
is just large enough to squeeze in a composting toilet, tub with shower surround, recessed lighting, exhaust fan and access to the utility storage.

Miller also created a 134-square-foot tiny tea house built on wheels that is parked on property in Marcola. As in traditional Japanese design, the floor plan is based on the exacting dimensions of tatami mats.

Idea to adopt to any size house: A concealable heater for a teakettle was built into the elevated floor. Under the floor are two antique Japanese drawers for smart storage.