Author: tinyhousejoy1

store it, revisit it, donate it

“Find freedom in temporary storage,” advises Finding Minimalism’s Joshua Becker. If you are decluttering and stymied by beloved collections or other possessions, then put them aside.

For these hard-to-removes, Becker recommends “an intermediate step of packing a box, labeling it with a date, and storing it out of sight. It will be easier emotionally. Six months later, revisit the box. You may be surprised how much easier it is to part with these items after not seeing them for six months.”

Do you have a large collection, like this Depression Era glass? Store it "out of sight" for a few months, and it will be easier to sell or donate then. (Calder Clark)

Do you have a large collection, like this Depression Era glass? Store it “out of sight” for a few months, and it will be easier to sell or donate then. (Calder Clark, event planner)

We like having the time to mentally prepare for giving away memory-laden stuff. Putting items away enables you to live without and maybe forget about them, on a trial basis. Also don’t forget to take pictures too, to look back after items are truly gone!

Finding Minimalism’s 7 Tips to Speed Up the De-cluttering Process

Below are uncommon yet practical tips that should help you begin decluttering because the process will feel a bit less overwhelming. Click here to read all the details.

  1. Start easy with a clean sweep.
  2. Find motivation with built-in deadlines.
  3. Donate more.
  4. Include some help.
  5. Find freedom in temporary storage.
  6. Tell a friend and invite them over.
  7. Don’t confuse intent with action.

traditional moldings would be nice

Have you seen moldings in tiny or small houses?

Moldings add vertical interest between walls and ceilings of all types. They also eliminate monotony from similar materials and colors. Most importantly, they offer a subtle, finishing touch.

See the traditional white crown molding installed in this welcoming entry area. The tiny cottage is based on Whidbey plans from Tumbleweed Houses. (At Home Arkansas)

See the traditional white crown molding installed in this welcoming entry area. The tiny cottage is based on Whidbey plans from Tumbleweed Houses. (At Home Arkansas)

One rustic treatment caught our eye because it’s not a true molding. Instead, barn wood is installed like a formal picture frame around the ceiling — and creates a smart transitional impact.

Brownback wood comes from the protected, unexposed back of reclaimed barn siding. Milled pieces get used to define the ceiling here. (JC Woodworking, Houzz)

Brownback wood comes from the protected, unexposed back of reclaimed barn siding. Milled pieces get used to define the ceiling here. (JC Woodworking, Houzz)

Whether you envision a modern home, cabin, cottage, bungalow or other style, there are many molding options. Start looking up for your downsizing inspirations, even in larger places. As a reference, below are some classic shapes.

Architectural styles call for different plane, concave, convex and complex molding shapes. In tiny houses, moldings are possible on a smaller scale. (Classicist)

Architectural styles call for different plane, concave, convex and complex molding shapes. In tiny houses, moldings are possible on a smaller scale. (Classicist)

More information: Molding prices vary depending on whether you pre-purchase or make them from scratch, plus installation costs. To see some of the steps, check out Fine Homebuilding or DIY Network.

mountain modern begins life again

Here’s to new beginnings: a mountain modern prefab built where wildfire had burned down David and Kristen’s dream place two years earlier. The couple is now downsizing from 1,200 to 500 square feet of living space.

This 500 sq. ft. “mountain mansion” was first constructed at Cabin Fever’s warehouse in Florida, packed up and delivered to Colorado, and finished locally. (Tiny House Nation)

This 500 sq. ft. “mountain mansion” was first constructed at Cabin Fever’s warehouse in Florida, packed up and delivered to Colorado, and finished locally. (Tiny House Nation)

As featured on the Tiny House Nation TV show, this aerie is off-grid with solar power and some propane gas, a deep well and (we think) a septic system. Did we mention the amazing views?

The owners have breath-taking views of the Colorado Front Range, not far from Denver. Their terrace is postcard perfect. (Tiny House Nation)

The owners have breath-taking views of the Colorado Front Range, not far from Denver. Their terrace is postcard perfect. (Tiny House Nation)

Take an inside house tour

This Colorado home supports more internal uses than you might expect! There’s an open great room, modern kitchen, bath, two small offices and sleeping loft with closets. The height in the home is the clincher.

In this loft bedroom, there's a 15-foot ceiling and closets for the couple. You ascend by steep stairs. (Tiny House Nation)

In this loft bedroom, there’s a 15-foot ceiling and closets for the couple. You ascend by steep stairs. (Tiny House Nation)

Software integrator David has his own office and desk, which transforms into a guest bed as needed. (Tiny House Nation)

Software integrator David has his own office and desk, which transforms into a guest bed as needed. (Tiny House Nation)

Next to David, Kristen writes books and consults from her own office with a desk, daybed and views. (Tiny House Nation)

Next to David, Kristen writes books and consults from her own office with a desk, daybed and views. (Tiny House Nation)

This Colorado home features a modern bathroom with a hip shower, sink and flush toilet. (Tiny House Nation)

This Colorado home features a modern bathroom with a hip shower, sink and flush toilet. (Tiny House Nation)

The Coloradans wanted a full gas range and stove, large sink and custom refrigerator in their home. (Tiny House Nation)

The Coloradans wanted a full gas range and stove, large sink and custom refrigerator in their home. (Tiny House Nation)

Here's the great room view into the Colorado home, with the bathroom to right and kitchen to left. (Tiny House Nation)

Here’s the great room view into the Colorado home, with the bathroom to right and kitchen to left. (Tiny House Nation)

More access: Want video? Tiny House Nation offers clips from the “Rocky Mountain Mansion” episode. The show is free online, and soon will transition access via your cable provider here. You may also pay $2.99 to view itunes.

a little southern style

Where have you been all my life, lovely little Southern house? It turns out that Southern Living sells smaller plans, designed exclusively by local architects. Design changes are possible for a fee.

Let’s take a look, from smallest to largest houses.

"Fontanel Bunkie" has an open plan, along with a bathroom, tiny kitchen and attic storage. It features 317 sq. ft. and an 18 ft. width. (Our Town Plans, Peachtree City, GA)

“Fontanel Bunkie” has an open plan, along with a bathroom, tiny kitchen and attic storage. It features 317 sq. ft. and an 18 ft. width. (Our Town Plans, Peachtree City, GA)

"Garden Cottage" sports separate living and bedrooms, a small bathroom and galley kitchen. The 540 sq. ft. size excludes its porch. (Architects Group 3 Design, Hilton Head, SC)

“Garden Cottage” sports separate living and bedrooms, a small bathroom and galley kitchen. The 540 sq. ft. size excludes its porch. (Architects Group 3 Design, Hilton Head, SC)

"Grayson Trail" is a open cottage that has a bedroom and plus loft. At 808 sq. ft., it seems like a just enough, right space. (Architect William H. Phillips, Dauphin Island, AL)

“Grayson Trail” is a open cottage that has a bedroom plus loft. At 808 sq. ft., it seems like a just enough, right space. (Architect William H. Phillips, Dauphin Island, AL)

"210 Gentilly Road" is a classic New Orleans shot-gun house with 934 sq. ft. We found this one through a Southern Living architect. (Our Town Plans, Peachtree City, GA)

“210 Gentilly Road” is a classic New Orleans shot-gun house with 934 sq. ft. We found this one through a Southern Living architect. (Our Town Plans, Peachtree City, GA)

"Topwater Lodge" has country and southern influences, such as dual porches. Featuring three levels and 1,042 sq. ft., this home fits a family. (Architects Caldwell/Cline, Marietta, GA)

“Topwater Lodge” has country and southern influences like dual porches. Featuring three levels and 1,042 sq. ft., the home fits a family. (Architects Caldwell/Cline, Marietta, GA)

name these three buildings

These three buildings pay tribute to houses, though it’s hard to tell their exact functions. After taking a look, identify whether you see an apartment building, hotel or standalone house. (Answers at bottom.)

Holland — Apartments or Hotel?

HOLLAND - Smile at the fanciful building facade, located 10 minutes from Amsterdam's city core. (Dezeen)

HOLLAND – Smile at the fanciful building facade, located 10 minutes from Amsterdam’s city core. (Dezeen)

HOLLAND - Like a mirage, this building rises with hundreds of houses. The picture comes from its 2010 construction. (Dezeen)

HOLLAND – Like a mirage, this building rises with hundreds of house facades. The picture comes from its 2010 construction. (Dezeen)

Cambridge, MA — Apartments or House?

CAMBRIDGE, MA - This modern structure provides privacy yet surprisingly open and light interiors. Is it one or three units? (Archdaily)

CAMBRIDGE, MA – This modern structure provides privacy yet surprisingly open and light interiors. Is it one or three units? (Archdaily)

CAMBRIDGE, MA - This plywood-clad structure includes three slightly rotated and assembled modules. (Archdaily)

CAMBRIDGE, MA – This plywood-clad structure includes three slightly rotated and assembled modules. (Archdaily)

New York City — Apartments or Hotel?

NYC - On the right is a rendering of an approved building in four subtle colors. Can you tell its future use? (nArchitects)

NYC – On the right is a rendering of an approved building, in four subtle colors. Can you tell its future use? (nArchitects)

NYC - During construction, each living space will be assembled by crane. They look like modern tiny homes! (nArchitects)

NYC – During construction, each living space will be assembled by crane. They look like modern tiny homes! (nArchitects)

Answers: (1) Successful Inntel hotel in Holland; (2) Standalone “X-S” house in Cambridge, MA; and (3) Future modular apartment building in New York City.

Teeny decor for your tiny house

It’s natural to admire teeny decor, which some tiny housers proudly display or even use. With a little thought, miniatures become icons…or talismans.

Modern furniture — Consider well-known pieces in a tiny modern house. Chairs by Eames, van der Rohe and Rietveld are affordable if you downsize to 1:12 or 1:24 replicas. See what’s for sale here.

Charles and Ray Eames designed this American chair (1956) to be stylish and comfortable. Why not display one in a modern tiny house? (KSpence)

Charles and Ray Eames designed this American chair (1956) to be stylish and comfortable. Why not display one in a modern tiny house? (KSpence)

Bauhausers Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich first created the familiar Barcelona Chair (1929) for Spanish royalty! (KSpence)

Bauhausers Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich first created the familiar Barcelona Chair (1929) for Spanish royalty! (KSpence)

Gerrit Rietveld designed this angular colored chair (1923) which honors and echoes fellow Dutchman Piet Modrian's paintings. (KSpence)

Gerrit Rietveld designed this angular, colored chair (1923) which honors and echoes fellow Dutchman Piet Modrian’s paintings. (KSpence)

Porch swing — Custom built by a tiny houser located in Oakland, CA, one teeny porch swing creates a perfect welcome. Check out the house images, including custom furniture for people.

When a carpenter builds a tiny home, the porch swing becomes fine art. Look at the joinery! (Oakland Tiny House)

When a carpenter builds a tiny home, the porch swing becomes fine art. Look at the joinery! (Oakland Tiny House)

The custom made bench, storage, desk, chair and shelving make this tiny house special. (Oakland Tiny House)

The custom made bench, storage, desk, chair and shelving make this tiny house special. (Oakland Tiny House)

This old-fashioned tiny house sits on verdant hillside. It's a secondary unit on a city lot. (Oakland Tiny House)

This old-fashioned tiny house sits on a verdant hillside. It’s a secondary unit on a “city” lot. (Oakland Tiny House)

Armoire — A couple from Rhode Island fit an armoire inside their tiny house, on a shelf! Let’s take a sweet photo tour of the home, which should be ready for a cold winter soon.

Maybe this armoire seems too small, though it's a cute way to store jewelry in a tiny house. (Another Tiny House Story)

Maybe this armoire seems too small, though it’s a cute way to store jewelry in a tiny house. (Another Tiny House Story)

Sating nestled between shelves and a large window has become a favorite place to lounge. (Another Tiny House Story)

Seating nestled between shelves and a large window has become a favorite place to lounge. (Another Tiny House Story)

Called "The Pod" this off-grid tiny house is getting built by a couple who hold day jobs. (Another Tiny House Story)

Called “The Pod,” this off-grid tiny house is getting built by a couple who hold day jobs. (Another Tiny House Story)

first time for a recording loft

For the first time, a recording studio loft has been custom-built in a tiny house on wheels. There are sound dampening squares placed on the loft floor and walls, plus an interior window to keep sound from leaving the area.

Let’s see the studio and entire 220 sq. ft. modern home, below.

Here part of the recording studio loft within a tiny house on wheels. The musician at home says he appreciates its acoustics and roomy area to sit, play and record. (Tiny House Nation)

Here’s part of the recording studio loft within a tiny house on wheels. The musician at home says he appreciates its acoustics and roomy area to sit, play and record. (Tiny House Nation)

This modern home, painted an energizing blue, features a sloped roof and plenty of light shining through highly-placed windows. (Tiny House Nation)

This modern home, painted an energizing blue, features a sloped roof and plenty of light shining through highly-placed windows. (Tiny House Nation)

We love the transition, from the chartreuse entry door to the calm seating area. Also notice the bathroom, with herringbone tiling and a traditional tub. (Tiny House Nation)

We love the transition, from the chartreuse entry door to the calm seating area. Also notice the bathroom, with herringbone tiling and a traditional tub. (Tiny House Nation)

It fits: a U-shaped kitchen, sleeping loft and expandable dining table. The table even becomes a quilting zone, with one sewing maching and materials hidden there. (Tiny House Nation)

It fits: a U-shaped kitchen, sleeping loft and expandable dining table. The table even becomes a quilting zone, with one sewing machine and materials hidden there. (Tiny House Nation)

Meet the homeowners, a traveling nurse named Angela and her musician boyfriend Hydrect. They are flanked by Tiny House Nation hosts Zach and John. (Tiny House Nation)

Meet the homeowners, a traveling nurse named Angela and her musician boyfriend Hydrect. They are flanked by Tiny House Nation hosts Zach and John. (Tiny House Nation)

More access: Want video? The Tiny House Nation show offers a video tour that’s free. The “Bohemian Escape” episode may be viewed online via your cable provider here or pay $2.99 to view itunes.

find 10 gaffs in this kitchen

Do you get tired of perfectly staged pictures of homes? Even if you live in a pristine manner, there will be some signs of human life. Let’s lovingly call them gaffs.

Check out this Rocio Romero modern home exterior, followed by the owners’ kitchen picture. Your challenge is to record 10 gaffs and compare them with our results.

This Arizona home is clad in a rust-colored metal. Its deck is accessed from the bedroom and great room. (Rocio Romero)

This Arizona home is clad in a rust-colored metal. Its deck is accessed from the bedroom and great room. (Rocio Romero)

Michael and Aaron's kitchen is lovely, especially with the blue counters and white spaces. They live here! (Rocio Romero)

Michael and Aaron’s kitchen is lovely, especially with the blue counters and white spaces. They live here! (Rocio Romero)

Where are the kitchen gaffs?

  1. Pot Cover – There’s a pot on the burner, with a top that clearly fits another sized-pot. We have been guilt of this crime before, you?
  2. Plants – Notice the plants over the cabinets and to the left of the sink. As not exactly perfect specimens, they resemble ones in many homes.
  3. Towel – The towel hanging from the oven has been, gasp, used. It’s located correctly but is dingy and lacks a color pop.
  4. Knife – Here’s an empty knife block save one ready to use. Either remove the block or find volunteers willing to share the block.
  5. Water container – Why would a shoot include a plastic vessel, shown next to the counter plant? It’s the Arizona desert, after all.
  6. Window ajar – A little window sheds light on the kitchen counter. From what we see, it’s half-open and revealing some kind of fencing outside.
  7. Books – Check out the books inserted in the closed part of the window. Maybe those could lodge somewhere else for now.
  8. Candle set – The candle holder sits unused and sans candles, above the cabinets. Place it on the island with some candles for the shoot.
  9. Banana – We love the single over-ripe banana, sitting lonely in a larger bowl on the kitchen island. It’s crying out for fruity friends.
  10. Island – The blue colored counter and island are glorious. Why not use the empty island as a food display for snacks or more?

If we missed anything, then please comment below or reach us at tinyhousejoy1-at-gmail-dot.com.

Want a bigger little place

Let’s say a tiny or small house fits in your world view, except you crave a larger footprint. More office, sleeping, hobby or hang-out room might be nice.

Here are a few companies offering kits or prefabs, which handle materials (both) and construction (prefabs) for you.

Prefabs: assembled on your land

Check out these Kanga modern prefabs, ranging from 280 to 800 sq. ft. (Kanga Systems)

Check out these Kanga modern prefabs, ranging from 280 to 800 sq. ft. (Kanga Systems)

Kanga cottage prefabs, with porch/entry options, range from 280 to 640 sq. ft. (Kanga Systems)

Kanga cottage prefabs, with porch/entry options, range from 280 to 640 sq. ft. (Kanga Systems)

This Greenbuild cabin, measuring 810 sq. ft., is the smallest prefab from Resolution 4 Architecture. (re4a.com)

This Greenbuild cabin, measuring 801 sq. ft., is the smallest prefab from Resolution 4 Architecture. (re4a.com)

With a streamlined and hip feel, the Greenbuild cabin offers plenty of square footage to add your touches. (re4a.com)

With a streamlined and hip feel, the Greenbuild cabin offers plenty of square footage to add your touches. (re4a.com)

Kits: materials delivered to your land

This LVM modern home, shown with grey cladding, offers 693 sq. ft. Its kit may be ordered via the architect. (Rocio Romero)

This LVM modern home, shown with dark cladding, offers 693 sq. ft. Its kit may be ordered via the architect. (Rocio Romero)

In the LVM, there's a main floor bedroom and great room. The place calls for mid-modern decor. (Rocio Romero)

In the LVM, there’s a main floor bedroom and great room. The place calls for mid-modern decor. (Rocio Romero)

This Greek Revival style, popular in the 1700s, measures 560 sq.ft. with an 800 sq. ft. porch. (Pennywise)

This Greek Revival style, popular in the 1700s, measures 560 sq.ft. with an 800 sq. ft. porch. (Pennywise)

Kits for these old-school, 1700s styles may be ordered via the architect's manufacturing partner. (Pennywise)

Kits for these old-school, 1700s styles may be ordered via the architect’s manufacturing partner. (Pennywise)

can’t argue about stuff

“Too much stuff” is a rallying cry among so many Americans, regardless of where they live. It’s easy to get knowing responses when complaining about and dealing with stuff.

Joshua Becker, who writes Becoming Minimalist, advocates for the least amount of things as achievable and ideal. His quote about stuff, below, almost sounds like a commonly-held belief to us.

Stuff - Becoming Minimalist

Sarah Susanka, architect and supporter of The Not So Big Life, comments on our impulsive need to collect things: “If we don’t let ourselves slow down and stop accumulating for a while, we will never see what is hidden below.”

Many folks (we are guilty) opt for the quick fix of external storage. Out of sight, out of mind, right? We’re not sure whether it counts when you store things and just feel better.

"I think that it's time for a confession," says cookbook author Julie Hasson. "Well I am crazy for dishes." She would have to part with her store-sized stash, in a small place.

“I think that it’s time for a confession,” says cookbook author Julie Hasson. “Well I am crazy for dishes.” She would have to part with her store-sized stash, in a small place.

Time for a little stress

Stuff becomes sensitive when when changes are afoot like job relocations, other moves, family additions, empty nests, elderly parents arrangements and more. The stress occurs whether changes happen quickly or are long-planned.

When watching people move into smaller places, you’ll see emotions running high. It takes time to pare down, give away, sell, donate or throw out stuff. Unless you are a certified hoarder, it’s possible to make progress.

This sofa bench functions for day and night-time use. It's ready for overnight guests, including storage filled with all bedding. Specific storage is essential in a tiny house. (Sol Haus)

This sofa bench functions for day and night-time use. It’s ready for overnight guests, including storage filled with all bedding. Specific storage is essential in a tiny house. (Sol Haus)

Design for display and storage

As people relocate to small or tiny homes, storage become core critical. One THJ reader opined that “designers of tiny houses and recreational vehicles do a much better job at designing storage and kitchen spaces” than apartment designers. Let’s add boat designers to the list.

Presumably there’s a place for everything, whether design creates order or people who live smaller are drawn to orderly living. Tumbleweed’s lead designer, Meg Stephens, explains “when designed well, tiny dwellers gain a sense of ‘fitting’ in their downsized surroundings.”

We do know that whatever size place you choose, you will need to take steps to get rid of stuff AND to focus on what display/storage works — as a bibliophile, gourmet cook, artist, skier or your unique self.