Home & Garden

5 Alternative Housing Ideas that Can Actually Be Stylish

Life often feels like it has set standards we have to follow, get a 9-5 office job, buy a storybook-worthy big house with a picket fence, but as we’ve discovered the traditional standard isn’t built for everyone. Some people want to work and travel, and other people want to work from home, and not everyone wants to live in a huge house. Not to mention the costs that come with buying and owning a house, including things like roof maintenance, home safety and other other concerns. For a lot of people, this is something they take in stride, but a lot of other people would rather do without these responsibilities and opt for something simpler.

Alternative housing ideas

Enter alternative home options, a trend and conversation that has really opened up over the last decade. People want to have more freedom, and more creativity so they can put a unique stamp on their domain. So if you’re looking for a good alternative to a traditional house here are some great ideas to consider.

An Eco-House

An Eco-House

The modern home uses a lot of energy, and many people would love to live in a place that is environmentally low-impact, and uses creative and innovative ways to supply the house with energy. Energy efficient housing is all the rage because it’s actually environmentally responsible. Also if you’ve seen eco-homes, a lot of them are built with a lot of glass and that means the home is supplied with tons of natural light, and gorgeous views.

A Tiny House

A Tiny House

The tiny house movement is such a big deal it even has TV shows about it. Our world has gone through a lot of economic changes that have forced people to downsize their lifestyles and change their lives. One way they do this is letting go of the sprawling big houses, and opting into a studio or something that’s the size of a small apartment. It saves costs and simplifies life. Now one might be wondering is how they can actually make this work, look good and still be functional. Well one idea is to create a space with pieces of furniture that can folded rolled away or converted. A tiny house doesn’t have to look like you’re struggling, you can actually be very trendy.

A Motorhome/RV

A Motorhome/RV

A motorhome doesn’t need to just be for travels, it can actually become the place you call home. If you’re a person who hates being in  the same place for long periods of time, an RV allows you to have the freedom and move around while still having a comfortable and cosy place to lay your head every night. Living in an RV doesn’t have to feel like living on the edge. Make sure you get insurance and warranties to keep your home-on-wheels safe and in tip top condition. You can find out about motorhome warranties at Good Sam and see what works for your place.

A Houseboat

A Houseboat

If you want to live right by the water, forget a house near a lake and consider a home that can actually be on a lake! A houseboat is another common housing idea for the fun loving and unconventional person. You can have a great relaxing space to entertain, and a peaceful place to sleep at night.

A Shipping Container

A Shipping Container - Alternative housing ideas

If you’ve come across apartment buildings that are made from shipping containers, you’ll know just how stylish these alternative housing ideas can be. Shipping containers don’t have to look dingy or dodgy, with the right furnishings and the right air conditioning and lighting, they can actually be a really nice, comfortable and cosy. You can also build a house that has parts of a shipping container so that you get the best of both worlds.

Nowadays, the place you call home can really be what you make it and what you want it to be. You don’t have to buy the big mansion in order to feel happy and successful. There are plenty of alternative housing options that can comfortable, chic, and even affordable. And the great thing is, you can become part of a really cool community and be a trailblazer in a completely new way of living. This is the perfect time in the history of the world to do something alternative and actually live a fulfilling life.