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It seems there is a trend towards minimizing. Living a full life with less stuff…the ‘less is more’ theory is alive and well. There are several blog sites dedicated to helping those interested in accomplishing this task. I confess I drank the kool-aid. I too, find myself paring down, weeding out. I assumed my motivation was due to where I’m at in my life [read: age]. After 7 months of actively working on selling, giving away, or tossing items, I really like the feeling of living with what I love. This, for me, is not minimalist in the usual sense, since much of what I love involves stuff that I’ve collected along life’s journey and I treasure those items. For me it’s culling the boxes of things that are no longer useful, my adult kids don’t want, or that maybe someone might treasure.
Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something. – Nicholas Burroughs
In the same area of interest, I’ve read a lot of articles about smaller houses being in demand. I think that part of living with less space is so very personal. One man’s 4,200sf house may seem small for their lifestyle, family needs, etc. Our 1,750sf house is feeling large in the way of the maintenance involved in caring for it. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not ready to sell and buy an Airstream, but there have been conversations about the possibility of townhome living in the future. All of this got me to thinking about that cottage I’ve always dreamt of and what that might look like, as well as some of the larger homes that are labeled as “cottages”. So here are some pretty cottages, and a couple of homes that aren’t quite cottage-sized by U.S. standards.
I’ve written on this topic before, HERE, HERE and HERE.
Is this the Brit’s idea of a small house? I doubt it, but I have to share a line from an all time favorite Jane Austen movie…
Are there any Sense & Sensibility movie fans out there? Preferably the 1995 Ang Lee version, starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet & Hugh Grant? Fanny, the not so nice sister-in-law, says this of Barton Cottage, “Oh, a cottage! How charming. A little cottage is always very snug” [while knowing that she [Fanny & her husband] will be moving into the beautiful, large, estate that Elinor and her mom and sisters are forced to move from due to British law. Does this look like a cottage to you?! -below-
This is what I envision as a cottage…stone walls, nice roofline and a soft, welcoming glow from the windows. For more images of the interior of this dreamy cottage visit Caroline Holdaway Designs.
{Designed by Caroline Holdaway ~ Photography by Simon Brown}
This might be a backyard studio…it appears to be very small, but isn’t it sweet?
The cozy feel of a cottage has been interpreted for us though lots of movies, but I realize I don’t live in England, probably never will, and that rooms in a smaller home in the U.S. will probably have a different feel. Still, here are some of my favorite small space rooms.
This charming home was posted a few years back on Cote de Texas. The home belongs (or did at the time) to artist Melanie Millar. It’s a charming, but smallish home.
{Cote de Texas ~ Artist Melanie Millar}
{Cote de Texas ~ Artist Melanie Millar}
{Cote de Texas ~ Artist Melanie Millar}
While I love the open floor plans so popular today, its the the tucked away rooms, the surprises, that appeal to me. The dining nook below may have been something with an entirely different purpose before.
{Cote de Texas ~ Artist Melanie Millar}
Cindy over at Rough Luxe Lifestyle did a post on Musoka Living Interiors last month. I fell in love with their style and this bedroom in particular.
{Rough Luxe Lifestyle ~ Muskoka Living Interiors}
Dan Marty always managed to make any room seem comfortable, large or small.
Sometimes smaller rooms may force you to employ double-duty of pieces of furniture or rooms. This table, turned desk space, could be wonderful in any living room.
This towel bar serves as a pan holder, clever use for a small kitchen.
The breakfast bar doesn’t have to be strictly utilitarian, the canisters and flowers make this bar such a pretty addition to a small space.
{Chris Barrett Design}
Can you imagine yourself living in a smaller home? Maybe once the nest is empty?
Garden, Home & Party 
Anita Rivera said:
Good morning Karen! LOVE these cottages, and over the years, my husband and I have learned to LOVE the minimal amount of things. We actually prefer space and that echo that is in a room sparsely decorated. Our dining room is that way and also our kitchen. I love it!
Enjoy your day and dream…
Karen B. said:
Good morning Anita, We’re the same way. There is something inviting about *simple. *I’ve loved small spaces for most of my adult life. Mr. B. and I wonder if it stems from our upbringing during childhood in California bungalow homes? 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 2:36 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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laney said:
…the cottage I love the most is not even real…it is the english house in the movie “the holiday”…every single detail is perfect…right down to the saggy roof line…location…and the wellies by the door…love your blog…blessings laney
Karen B. said:
Ha, ha, ha. I agree, the cottage in the The Holiday is perfect in so many ways. Leave it to Hollywood. Nancy Meyers always puts the right touches in a home. Have you seen some of the preview pictures of Nancy Meyers newest film The Intern? The NY loft that Anne Hathaway lives in is so charming…has a young vibe while still sharing a history. Laney, thanks for joining the conversation. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 2:41 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Jeannine said:
Love these “small” spaces. I can’t imagine living in a much smaller space than we already do. Our home is not quite 1100 sq ft (we do have a full basement as well, which is partially finished). We raised two children here, which worked out just fine. The only things I’ve really wished for is a separate dining room (we have an eat-in kitchen) and a window over the kitchen sink, which is impossible as the sink is on an interior wall!
laney said:
…is there a window behind you as you stand at your sink?…if so…place a mirror behind the sink…and you will have your window…blessings laney
Karen B. said:
What a great idea, Laney.
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 5:13 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karen B. said:
Good morning Jeannine, You win, 1,100 is probably as small as I could go as well. I will say, I’ve always been impressed with what some designers can do with tiny spaces—especially in NY lofts and the like. The largest house I ever lived in had a lovely kitchen but the sink looked towards the living room, I understand that obstacle. 🙂 I think I’d like a basement, but I’m sure that comes with certain challenges like so many other spots in a home. Thank you for stopping by, I love the conversation. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 4:59 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Kelly - Talk of the House said:
Yes! I have been wanting to downsize for a couple of years now – not that our home is a big mansion or anything like that, but I have been looking at plans that are 1200-1400 square ft. in size. My husband says it is way down the road before we build – way down the road means I won’t have the energy to do it in my old age! 😦
I have always been a “throw or give it away-er.” My husband is just the opposite. So it is a balancing act here. Love your images – especially the one with the towel rack holding the pans. I am going to have to look around for a place to utilize that idea! 🙂
Karen B. said:
Hi Kelly,
I know what you mean, Mr. B’s idea of paring down is to get rid of 1/10 of the stuff I’ve weeded out. He would say it’s because I have more stuff, but he has more boxes…I ask you, who has less? 🙂 I’m comfortable for now in our house, but I’m certain there will come a day when we’d like to have a little freedom from the landscape…a smaller scale would be welcome.
xo,
Karen
Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Hi Karen, Downsizing has been wonderful for us and we are still going through “stuff” that we’ve accumulated over the years. I like the idea of creating a multipurpose area. Little nooks can be created anywhere and are so cozy. My aunt lives in a cottage in the Carmel area and parts of these (at the top) remind me a bit of her place. So much fun!
Karen B. said:
Hi Leslie,
It’s definitely a journey, this paring down. Once I got through the first layer, I’ve been surprised how motivating it is to continue and I discover new boxes or cupboards that I’ve forgotten about each month. Oh, Carmel, how we would love to live there! It’s such a magical little town. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 9:15 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
Hi Karen, I was just looking at lakeside real estate for a post, and realized that the listings were either new 6,000 s.f. homes, or original 1940’s 1200 s.f. cottages. The new houses were stunning, but those cottages had so much appeal!
Our house is similar in size to yours, and while it was a little challenging when the kids were small (all the toys and baby paraphernalia!), it’s perfect for us now. Like you, I could even see us downsizing in the future, as well.
Have a lovely week!
Karen B. said:
Vicki, I wouldn’t have guessed your home was smaller than our 1,750 sf house. I’m with you, I have many friends with very large house, one is even masion sized at 10,000 sf. I appreciate the design value in my friend’s large and spacious home but I always gravitate to a smaller home. I’m with you, when our boys were teenagers I thought our house was way too small, but not it’s perfect for the 2 of us and even accommodates our son, wife and granddaughter when they visit us from Austin. I’ll be eager to see the small home you may be posting about soon. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 10:24 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
Karen, your subject this week is so timely. As you know we have just downsized from a 3000 sq. ft. home to a rental half that size. In the process of moving I discovered things I hadn’t seen for 20 years or more. Obviously these were things I probably didn’t need to hold onto! I found the hardest part was deciding what to do with those sentimental things I didn’t use but couldn’t quite part with.
I loved the Burroughs quote about minimalism. That is what I’m striving for in my future home – having just the right amount of things!
Karen B. said:
Gretchen, I know what you mean, especially since you’re living the first shock of not having quite the storage you used to have. I can tell you, it gets easier each time we tackle a closet or set of boxes. When I feel over sentimental I avoid trying to pare down. I know your new home will be lovely and have just the things you love and use. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 12:09 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
I was struck by the timeliness of this post given what’s going on in my sister, Gretchen’s, life right now. While I’m not quite ready to downsize, I do want to pare down the things I have. I know that there will be many things that I still can’t part with but I also know that once I start the process, I’ll find it easier to get rid of the things that have been collecting dust for many years.
Nicholas Burroughs is right and my goal is to arrive at “the perfect amount of something.”
Karen B. said:
Hi Linda, Hahaha, Gretchen just emailed me on the topic. I know it can be a challenge, but since I’ve been steadily forging ahead with the process, it’s definitely gotten easier. Hopefully, you won’t have to move until Ian and Karlee have their home, then they can store stuff. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 1:01 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Hello Karen,
I’ve never aspired to a large house but do aspire to live in a comfortable one no matter how small it may be. My current house is not particularly large but I enjoy the space and even though I am a collector at heart, I am careful to never over-fill any of my rooms. I cannot stand clutter!
We just watched Sense and Sensibility two nights ago and introduced my teenage daughter to the film (same version as your favorite). I loved their “cottage” although no, it is my no means a traditionally-sized small little cottage by any stretch of the imagination.
Good for you to cull items in your home that are no longer useful to you. Only live with what you love.
Karen B. said:
CD, I’m in full agreement, I have to keep things that I use and love…like more than one set of dishes. But I sure had a lot of items that I simply never used…that felt good to sell them on eBay when our kids didn’t want them. I do like a comfortable home that flows and is open. We enjoy that now, even in its 1,750 sf size. I think if we ever downsize home wise, we’ll insist that it’s a comfortable, open airy cottage. 🙂 I’m happy there are additional fans of Sense and Sensibility. My daughter-in-law loves that story and the other daughter-in-law loves Pride and Prejudice. Austen fans all. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 1:24 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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debra @ 5th and state said:
YES, YES, YES! i am a small house person; nooks, crannies, low ceilings, COZY!
perfect cottage home in the cotswolds you showed above…to die for karen. i still dream of living in england some day, but i am a big dreamer. they too would not call the first home a cottage, much too big.
suddenly i am wanting to watch pride and prejudice again, longing actually. and yes the ang lee version.
one week and touch down london!
Karen B. said:
Hi Debra, I’m thrilled you commented, I know you’re swamped and getting ready for your tour. Thank you for your input. I knew we were kindred spirits—cozy, comfortable. You’ll be seeing that in spades on your upcoming trip. Enjoy and safe travels. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 2:41 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Hi Karen–Our 1500 sq. ft. bungalow is so cozy and just right for two–except for the dinky closets! People didn’t have many clothes 200 years ago, and I have WAY too many now. And we have a detached Model T garage. We’ll actually add a few square feet to our retirement home (a third bedroom and another bath), but we still want to keep it under 2000.
Love the bamboo blinds … always have loved how the light looks so mellow through them.–D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, This has been a fun post for me to discover some of my favorite readers have similar smaller homes. I agree, there are certain size requirements, such as # of bathrooms and such, but the thing we’re finding challenging at this point is the yard work. I love yard work but honestly, with full time work it sometimes seems like too much. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 7:24 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
No kidding! I know we both love gardens, but the older I get, the harder it is to work that hard! Mine get crazy out of control, as I’ve shown … and then it’s not so fun.
Dawn said:
Love this quote, Karen! Our cozy bungalow (also with a detached Model T garage) is just right for the two of us. While my husband is a true minimalist, I’m the sentimental type who loves all of the cozy, little touches. I’m working through the KonMari ‘Tidying Up’ method right now… saving only those things that ‘spark joy.’ It’s truly a celebration… and feels so wonderful! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dear Dawn, I am finding a way through this trend toward keeping only what we love and use, and keeping the “treasures” I’ve collected, and still enjoy seeing in my home. There’s a blending of the true minimalism and the collector in so many of us, don’t you agree? xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 16, 2015 at 7:50 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Dawn said:
Although I’m still working hard at this challenge, it does seem like a perfect blend. It assures that our small, cozy spaces hold our most joyful treasures! ♡
Kristin Smith said:
We have an 1,800 square foot house, and it’s enough to maintain for me. I couldn’t imagine having any more space to clean! I’ve been feeling the urge to pair down for awhile now. I’m not a shopper (other than Costco!), so I really don’t bring any new “stuff” into the house, and we are still constantly making trips to donate stuff to Goodwill. I have a tall hamper in my garage where I put stuff to donate. That thing fills up so quick that some months, I go to Goodwill twice. Clutter drives me crazy – I’m not a minimalist, but it’s hard to be clutter free with three boys!
Karen B. said:
Hi Kristin,
We raised our 2 boys in our “little” house. There were times when it felt too small, but like you, it’s now all I can manage. Living in the same house for years, I’m often surprised how much we’ve managed to store in closets and the attic space in the garage. We would like a little less garden space so one day we may move to something with a less lawn and flower beds. Clutter makes me crazy too. Thanks for stopping by, it’s nice to hear from you.
Karen
Jayne on Weed Street said:
Love Sense & Sensibility. And loved their cottage! It looked a little dreary at first, but it became their home. Two years ago I started selling a lot on Ebay, and I haven’t missed anything I sold. But I kept the treasures and the things I hope the offspring will come to love one day. I think a home, no matter the size, looks a little sad without personal moments and collections.
Karen B. said:
Jayne, My initial test of importance of an item was to pare down and put it in the garage. Like you, I found almost 99% of those items weren’t missed and the extra space was welcome. It’s been a good year of selling and giving away and I’ve not missed any of it. In fact, it’s been true, I feel lighter without all of the stuff. I still have boxes of treasures [accessories and seasonal items] that I thoroughly enjoy using and rotating in and out. Those are the personality of our home, the memory book so to speak. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Fri, Sep 18, 2015 at 9:27 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Karen, I enjoyed going through this post again 🙂 There will always be those extravagant homes .. but there is also a trend towards smaller and minimizing “foot prints” AND open floor plans. The home we rebuilt was 30 years old and was so claustrophobic. I remember leaving a huge home with high ceilings and walking in this sort of run down old house and just cringing. I think cottages are very cozy and if designed well can work for anybody!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you get some cooler temperatures so you can pull out some fun boots and sweaters;) Enjoy your weekend! xxL
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Leslie, You are such a sweet friend. We were in the high eighties today and tomorrow is predicted to be warmer, then we can expect a cool down. Sweaters are ready for the day…I can hardly wait. xo, Karen
On Sat, Sep 19, 2015 at 7:43 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Taylor Greenwalt said:
My husband and I are looking for a smaller home. Something easier to take care of… I wish we had cute little cottages where we live… The one above by Caroline Holdaway is perfect!
Karen B. said:
Julie, I hear you…finding a small home that has the charm and character we seen online doesn’t seem to exist around us either. Even though I love to work in my garden, I’m ready for less in the landscape arena. xo, Karen
On Thu, Oct 1, 2015 at 6:42 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Trish said:
Hi Karen! I was enjoying catching up on your blog posts, and feel like you could have written then just for me! It’s perfect for where I am these days! Off to read some more! Best wishes, Trish (Trouvais)
Karen B. said:
Hi Trish, It is amazing to me how much I’ve managed to squirrel away. I’m convinced it comes with living in our house for 33 years. I used to save things I no longer used for our sons, figuring that once they married they might want the items. No, they don’t. I remember that same feeling when my mom would ask if I wanted this or that. We all have our own style and while some of the family treasures will possibly be treasured years from now, the young families have no need for them now. It’s very cathartic to pare down. Thank you so much for stopping by. I always enjoy your posts. I’ve slowed down to posting much less. I feel like maybe I’ve said all I can. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Mon, Oct 19, 2015 at 12:07 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Reviving Charm said:
I live in almost 2400 square feet with just the 2 of us. It’s perfect for us as each has their own private office/studio spaces, which is definitely a luxury we enjoy. But when we first got married we lived in a fabulous 750 SF condo and was great for us at the time. It’s all about efficiency and how well you use the space you have. I hate clutter so small space living is probably easier for me than some. But don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love our current home and the room it offers.
Karen B. said:
Hi, I think our largest home was a home we purchased when we were transferred to Dallas/Ft. Worth. It was 2,400 sf and I loved it. Our home now is 1,725sf and it works very well for the 2 of us. I’ve been paring down this past year and continue to do so into the new year. We’ve been in our home for 33 years and it’s easy to accumulate! [Was I a mere child when we moved in, or what?!] 🙂 I enjoy keeping things simple so it’s pretty easy for us to operate effectively in our home. Karen
On Fri, Jan 8, 2016 at 9:57 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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