Interior Design for Small Dwellings

Interior Design for Small Dwellings addresses the onrush of interest in smaller homes and the possibility that small dwellings might be the answer to housing needs and sustainability. The book explores key principles essential to residing and designing small interiors with emphasis on client involvement and implementation of participatory, inclusive design as advocated by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Does living in a small space mean living small? The authors believe that by simplifying one’s life intelligently and applying certain principles of design, planning and organization, one can actually live a meaningful life in a smaller space. These tenets are based on the authors’ professional experiences and living in small homes. To this end, the book provides discussion, images, case studies, interviews, worksheets, activities and suggested explorations.

Interior Design for Small Dwellings is a teaching guide and provides information and exercises that help professional designers utilize design theory, space planning and programming techniques. Throughout, the text affords sustainability, biophilic design and wellness methodologies.

Sherrill Baldwin Halbe, PhD, is a professional interior designer and instructor of interior design at San Francisco State University and Montana State University’s, Gallatin College and School of Architecture. Dr. Baldwin Halbe has taught interior design for two decades and has presented and published interior work nationally. With firsthand experience of living in a 600 square feet home in the Napa Valley, California, her theoretical background, design experience and aesthetic sensibilities provide understanding of living smaller and simpler.

Rose K. Mark, MA, is an educator, learning specialist, writer and food professional. Her food and travel articles have been published internationally and in the United States. Her personal journey, planning a 624 square feet home, in addition to inhabiting a number of diverse small dwellings, have given her insight and lessons on how living smaller and simpler can provide a richer life style.