Redesigning a Single-Wide Mobile: A Modern Take on Small-Space Living
Redesigning a year old single-wide trailer presents an exciting challenge: how do you update a compact, antiquated space into a warm, modern home? For this project, I focused on combining the kitchen, living, and dining areas into a cohesive, multi-functional space with a sleek gold and black aesthetic. Using VR for precise measurements and Blender for visualization, I brought this vision to life—balancing elegance, functionality, and comfort in just 26 feet.
Let me walk you through the process.
Step 1: Reimagining the Space
The original design was dated and lacked the functionality needed for modern living. My goal was to transform it into a stylish, inviting space that makes the most of its small footprint. To begin, I captured precise dimensions using VR, which allowed me to get measurements of all the dimensions single handedly.
From these measurements, I created a floor plan and began building out the space.
Step 2: The Design Process
The Kitchen:
The kitchen received a dramatic facelift with a bold black and gold palette.
Cabinets: Sleek black cabinets with warm, under-cabinet lighting create depth and ambiance while making the space feel modern and sophisticated.
Backsplash and Countertops: A mix of rich wood tones and matte surfaces adds contrast and warmth.
Lighting: Adjustable track lights and gold-accented pendants illuminate the space, making it both functional and inviting.
Storage and Functionality: Smart storage solutions, including open shelving with greenery, keep the space organized without feeling cluttered.
The Living Room:
The living room shares the open space with the kitchen, creating a natural flow between the two areas.
Seating: A neutral-toned sofa anchors the room, offering a cozy space to relax while complementing the darker tones of the kitchen.
Entertainment Wall: A feature wall with vertical wooden slats frames the TV, blending natural elements with modern design.
Decor: Minimalist accents, such as vases, candles, and plants, add personality without overwhelming the space.
The Dining Area:
Nestled between the kitchen and living room, the dining area serves as a transition zone.
Table and Chairs: A glass-topped table with black legs pairs beautifully with slim, modern chairs, maintaining the aesthetic while saving space.
Lighting: A row of pendant lights creates a focal point and defines the dining area visually.
Step 3: Incorporating Modern Techniques
Using Blender as my design tool, I imported the floor plan as a reference image and scaled it to real-world dimensions. I then modeled every architectural element, ensuring the design was both visually stunning and practically achievable.
Blender’s photoreal rendering engine, Cycles, allowed me to experiment with lighting setups and material finishes to refine the black and gold aesthetic. This iterative process ensured every detail—from the placement of the kitchen appliances to the modeled wood panels of the floors—felt cohesive and purposeful.
Step 4: Key Features That Maximize the Space
Smart Zoning: By blending the kitchen, dining, and living areas, the space feels larger and more connected.
Layered Lighting: A combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting adds depth and warmth, elevating the overall ambiance.
Textures and Colors: The contrast of matte black, warm wood, and gold accents strikes a balance between bold and inviting.
Multi-Functional Furniture: Pieces like the glass dining table and the entertainment console serve dual purposes, serving as a place to entertain, but also as a transition or as localized storage, reducing clutter.
The Result
The transformation is a modern look that combines functionality with sophistication. The kitchen feels like the heart of the home, the living room invites relaxation, and the dining area bridges the two seamlessly. The black and gold palette adds drama and elegance, while the layered lighting creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for entertaining or unwinding.
Conclusion
This redesign showcases how even a small, antiquated space can be revitalized into something contemporary and beautiful. With thoughtful design and modern tools like Virtual Reality and Blender, it’s possible to create a home that feels both luxurious and practical—no matter the size or history of the space.
If you’re considering a similar transformation or want help visualizing your dream space, let’s bring it to life together.