"What's fun about smaller spaces is that it really challenges your creativity and makes you maximize the space that you've got," says Joanna. "From the beginning, the tiny shotgun house had lot of big challenges, but in the end, the reward was huge. Every design element that we got to incorporate really stood out. We love this house."

The renovation included an addition above the original roofline, enabling the "tiny house" to have a main living area with dramatic 20-foot ceilings as well as a new multipurpose loft offering this view onto the living room and kitchen below.

The footprint the new kitchen was tight, but carefully thought-out design helps create the impression of a much larger space. Oversized windows that start at the floor, vaulted ceilings, an oversized ceiling fan in a modern design and lots of natural light are all factors that contribute to an open and roomy feel.

A challenge with adding the loft was where to locate stair access. Chip came to the rescue with specialized retractable stairs that can be raised and lowered drawbridge style. When the loft is not being used, the stairs can be raised to a storage position where they hang suspended about 10 feet above the kitchen.