The exterior doesn't look like much, but this double-decker fifth-wheel has all the bells and whistles for a family of five

After years of renting a Colorado home while paying off student loan debt, Katrina and Kyle wanted to make a change that would transform their lives physically and financially. So, they decided to move with their three small children into a custom-built tiny home.

A smart layout with thoughtful touches accommodates all of their needs into the fifth-wheel's small footprint. Large windows and a roomy skylight let in light and views wherever the family is parked.

The main piece of the house is made up of a galley-style kitchen and dining area.

At the front of the trailer is a full bathroom, and the parent's sleeping loft is overhead. From there, a stylish catwalk — complete with a rainbow-painted wall — leads to a second loft that serves as the children's bedroom.

When Katrina and Kyle first started designing their home, a dining area with seating for five was a top priority, as their family enjoys daily meals together. A tiny house rarity, long banquette seating and a custom table crafted from Ikea butcher block countertop offers plenty of room for the whole family to gather together. A large picture window runs along the wall next to the dining area. Across the way, a 24-inch, counter-depth GE refrigerator fits nicely in the space without jutting out into the walkway.

Just as functional as a traditional kitchen, the space features the family's trusted appliances, including the same deep Ruvati sink they had in their last home. Sleek white counters offer lots of prep space below glossy blue Ikea cabinets, which are horizontal so that children can easily reach. Katrina and the kids don't love doing dishes, so they sacrificed some drawer space for a full-sized dishwasher.

A pocket door offers privacy in the bathroom, which features an Ikea sink and vanity with a contemporary Delta faucet. The Dreamline shower has a Delta shower head, and its corner orientation maximizes real estate.

Full-size LG washer and dryer units are tucked across from the shower to make laundry day a breeze. Since the family generates a lot of laundry, they were happy to sacrifice the space in favor of full-size appliances.

At the back of the bathroom, a water closet features drawers and hanging space for the children's clothing. Mom and dad have their own closet between the bathroom and the kitchen.

A Separett composting toilet is ventilated for easy maintenance, and affords the family off-the-grid living.

In Katrina and Kyle's bedroom, a queen-sized wool mattress is flanked by black industrial sconces. At the foot of the bed, a small pocket door leads up to the loft area.

Above Katrina and Kyle's bedroom is their toddler's small loft space, which features a twin bed and play area with a children's kitchen and shelf for books and toys.

Across the catwalk is the second bedroom shared by the family's two eldest boys. A trundle bed pulls out to accommodate two twin beds, transforming into a sofa when not in use. The rest of the loft is used as play space for the children when the weather is bad, but they prefer the outdoors on nicer days.

At the back of the home downstairs, a sectional Ikea sofa can seat the whole family. Plus, it transforms into a queen bed for overnight guests. Custom-built cubbies accommodate tanks for the children's pet snakes behind the sofa, with books and craft supplies tucked overhead.