Part One: Dreaming about it.
I’m obsessed with small dwellings that exhibit extremely good design. I’m not talking good design in terms of efficiency & good use of space. That’s a given. I’m talking beautiful lines, lotsa light, simple & sleek finishes, minimalist furniture and a few eclectic pieces original to the designer. No plywood here…just tons of thought put into a space unique to its owner.
I have my favorites.
I have my Pinterest image arsenal that fuels my desire for small and lovely.
via. Olson Kundig
I have my small dwelling dreams in place.
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I believe I could live in a 800 square foot space if it had high ceiling and tall windows.
It’s always been about the light for me. Being a Northwest girl, I crave sunshine most of the year, but will settle for gray window light. I like viewing the world outside as a part of the inside world. That connection is happiness to me. I used to think I needed the space to twirl (you know…flailing about to Earth, Wind & Fire while dusting), but now I think I could live in a small space if it was designed with light in mind.
I also love landscaping that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep.
Currently, the hub spends countless hours mowing acreage at the Blair Abode and I’ve groused more than once about it eating up the few sunny days we have for fun & frolic. Not to mention the fact that he is looks like a sci-fi character with his huge goggles, bunny suit and face mask (he’s an allergy nightmare). It’s that whole own your space, don’t let it own you deal. My dream of a high desert lot in Bend, Oregon lives on (above). Pretty, but easy.
It’s true that we fill the space we live in.
Smaller space, fewer spots for Crap We Don’t Need. The small space in our Airstream, The Twinkie, is so fun to navigate when we travel. I really love having everything within arm’s reach. I even like how the small closet forces me to choose a few favorite clothing items for a trip. ‘Simple living at its best. It has me daydreaming about cross country road trips in retirement. Being a teacher, I realize that for now these trips will be summer excursions…practice runs for when we’re gone months at a time. It has me wondering why we didn’t do this as a family before the kids went to high school. I know the rational answers, of course, but there were days when it could’ve happened and practicality won out.
That’s a whole other post for another day….Part Two comin’ at ya soon.
P.S. Dan Hayes, from Simple Life Together, recommended a great Youtube vlogger for some small dwelling entertainment. Good stuff!
theextraordinarysimplelife 
I love the “tiny house movement!” The floor to ceiling windows are gorgeous and totally make the space more “possible.” Ahhhh, someday.
Don’t forget your dream. The high desert is great. The best of both worlds and minimal if you let it be. When there in the spring, remember to look down at your feet for the most simple and beautiful colors you will ever see ( small desert blooms); or miss if you don’t pause for the cause.
You’re so right. The colors out there get me every time. My heart lives as a high plains drifter 🙂
my husband has been a tiny house guy for awhile. just now we’re working out this: when we sell our house (Lord help us, it’s up for sale now.), do we buy a bus, or just live in the camper for awhile? we have 4 little kids, so we’d need a big tiny house?
what’s a big tiny house, anyway? 😉
I can’t wait to see what you do! Your kids are so lovely, btw—really cute picture. To answer your question, I think a big tiny house is one that makes your heart swell because it’s so easy to maintain (and all of your clan is within arm’s reach). 🙂
THAT is the perfect description. heart swelling. . . that’s what we’re after! (& thank you for your kind compliment. 🙂 ) here’s to swelling, in the best possible way!!