living large in a small house

I read an article today that talked about a new trend: living large in a small house. I think this is a first, never before have I been a trend setter (always wearing the classics, listening to the classics, investing in the classics) but today, I am!

I have believed in living in small homes my whole life. I grew up on a lake that was dotted with over the top McMansions. But not our home - ours was a sweet, New England style Salt Box that housed the six of us!  I currently live in a small storybook Tudor with only two bedrooms up and enough room for us, the kids and our pets (barely). But we make it work. This past week we were honored with hosting our extended family for my youngest daughter's 8th grade graduation. 26 guests crowded together in our back yard (oh how I prayed for sun) because there isn't enough room inside for that many people -at least not in one, or even two, rooms (as you can see in the photos below). It was a lovely day, which we spent outside, and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely (I hope).

our tiny entry

our back porch filled with love

our tiny breakfast room

dining for six, eight if we all hold our breath :)

our graduate (and her dog) in the living room

Ok, I am off topic a bit but my point is, you don't have to have a large home to entertain, a cottage does just fine! It's the warmth and welcome of your home that your family and guests remember, not the number of bedrooms or size of the day rooms. Maybe that's why this article stood out to me.


The following is a synopsis of the article:

NEW HOMES ON UNDERSIZED LOTS

Density is a big topic right now, especially in Seattle, so DPD is allowing single-property lots to be split into two "undersized" lots. Typically, the original house stands as-is (on a lot about half the size it was), while a new, small home is built in what was the backyard or side yard.

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BACKYARD COTTAGES

Sometimes referred to as "accessory dwelling units," and more commonly known as "mother-in-law houses," backyard cottages are small, second homes built on the same lot as an existing house. The owner of the property owns both homes, and typically leases the backyard cottage, or offers it for free to a family member.

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SMALL PRE-FABRICATED HOMES

To accommodate the growing desire for small living spaces, a number of companies are specializing in pre-fabricated small homes, which cost less than custom-construction and are faster to build.

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MICRO APARTMENTS

Often just 200 square feet of space, these tiny apartments rent for around half what a traditional urban apartment might cost, and have become a hit with students and lower-income tenants.

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MOBILE HOMES

For those who like the idea of spending less on a smaller living space, and being able to move at will, mobile homes continue to be popular, together with mobile-home parks.

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This articles references a website for more information - notsobighouse.com.

Until next time.

la chasse au bonheur