# Floating Practical Living Solutions Julius Taminiau Creates Living Spaces in Japanese Houseboats By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-03-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/practical-living References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/03/27/julius-taminiau-houseboat-floating-architecture-interiors-tatami-amsterdam-netherlands/) & [juliustaminiau.nl](http://juliustaminiau.nl/) Architect Julius Taminiau is jumping on the practical living trend with exceptional Japanese-inspired space-conserving layouts. Borrowing from the principle of traditional tatami rooms, the Taminiau builds an affordable and [minimalist floating residence](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garde-hvalse) for himself, his girlfriend and their two children. To achieve a harmonious, yet practical living interior, the architect is informed by [Japanese tatami mats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oku-house), "which have standardized dimensions and are typically used to create modular room layouts." In addition, Julius Taminiau utilizes principles of good design to create a space where the furniture is stylish but compact, with multiple smart storage options. The floating home — which consists of two floors, one of which is partially below water level, is a great example of how [practical living concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/julia) and modern design can coincide. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Minimalist Floating Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: designing and building affordable, compact floating homes inspired by Japanese tatami rooms and utilizing principles of good design and smart storage. - **Practical Living Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: creating harmonious yet practical living interiors with furniture that is stylish yet compact and with smart storage options. - **Modular Room Layouts:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: using standardized dimensions, such as those of Japanese tatami mats, to create modular room layouts that can be used for practical and flexible living spaces. ### Who This Affects Most - **Real Estate:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: offering affordable, compact and practical floating homes as an alternative to traditional living spaces, especially appealing to those seeking mobility and a connection to nature. - **Furniture and Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: designing and offering stylish, compact furniture with smart storage options that fit into minimalist and practical living spaces, inspired by Japanese tatami rooms and principles of good design. - **Architecture and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: designing and building modular living spaces inspired by Japanese tatami rooms and utilizing principles of good design and smart storage options, for a practical yet harmonious living experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Japanese Inn-Inspired Micro Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-tarta-piccola.md) - [Sustainable Floating Cork Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-float-1.md) - [Fish Tank-Inspired Japanese Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nao-iwanari.md) - [Compact Japanese Moden Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nozawa.md) - [Modern Floating Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pura-vida-floating-home.md) - [Reinvented Compact Living](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-housing-prototype.md) - [Flax Fiber Floating Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-nomad.md) - [Japan-Inspired Tiny Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mizuho.md) - [Floating River Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-river-cabin.md)