Hi Everyone!
Happy Friday loves.
I’m so excited about today’s SHBS feature guys! Elizabeth is one of my favorite people, ever! You know how sometimes you “meet” someone via social media and you think “where have you been all my life”…well Elizabeth is one of those people for me. She’s so funny and sweet, and she has such a great style and eye for beauty. Have you seen the progress on her One Room Challenge bathroom remodel? Ummm, yeah, you should get on that…its seriously good stuff. When I first learned she is a small space dweller I just HAD to have her come hang out and share her story. I was so delighted she said yes! Here’s how she lives and loves in her small spaces:
Where/What city do you live in? – St. Louis, Mo
Who do you share your home with? – I share my home with my husband, two daughters (6 and 3) and my beagle
Do you own or rent? Own
How many sq ft is your home? 1200 grand square feet – 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.
What do you love most about small space living?
I love that we really live in our home and use every inch. I grew up in a big house and there were so many rooms that were only used when company came over, or bedrooms that were only used for those over night guests a few times a year. I promised that I wouldn’t spend more on a house just to make sure I had extra space for those once a year visitors. Our home is for us to use every day in every way.
What challenges have you faced?
The only challenge is running out of rooms to design (I’m only half kidding). There have been occasions where an extra bathroom would have been nice, but as I mentioned above, those moments are fleeting and would never outweigh all of the good experiences we’ve had with this house. Any other challenges that I’ve faced (like storage) only magnify that I was/am not efficient when it comes to organization and storage and if I just take a bit of time to plan it out and do it correctly, I find I have more than enough room for all of our stuff. And trust, we have a lot of “stuff”.
Any unique storage solutions?
Just as you look for “teaching moments” in parenting, I’m always looking for “storage moments” in a room/project/redesign. Notice some unused space above that top shelf in your closet? Add another shelf. Have a piece of furniture with storage in your living room? Use it to store items you use seasonally – holiday decorations, candles, serving dishes etc. Look for furniture that can work for you in multiple ways. And always edit. Be honest with yourself about those pieces you are holding onto – if you’re over them, donate them or sell them so someone else can enjoy them.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
My teeny tiny bathroom. It reminds me that a lot can be done to bring life to a space, regardless of the size. It’s bright, colorful and fun and I can smile at my shower curtain while down the hall making dinner. (joys of small house living)
Do you every wish you had more space?
No. I’ve lived in big houses, and you always end up living in the same three or four rooms anyway, so I’m not missing anything – except for extra rooms to clean. Do I sometimes see a fabulous master bath suite in a magazine and wish I had one? Of course. But I have a feeling my girls would hunt me down mid bubble bath no matter the size of my house so I’ll enjoy my old tub and the giggles I can hear in the hallway thanks to our small home.
Best piece of small space living advice? Own it. Not literally, but be proud of your space. Hell yes my house is small and I love every inch of it! Oh, and make regular trips to Goodwill. The purge is good for the soul.
Seriously though Elizabeth….I think we were separated at birth. I love so much about the way she approaches living small. We also realized we only really lived in the same 3 rooms, which sparked our decision to downsize. I’m so happy we did. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us today Elizabeth. Im gonna start making “Own It” prints now! For even more Elizabeth awesomeness head over to her blog. But I must warn you, you may not want to walk away for a while;)
Happy weekend my friends. Until next time….
Xo-Shavonda
All images courtesy Elizabeth via Little Black Door
Haley says
Love your home Elizabeth! I’m in a 1 bedroom apartment with two adults, baby, and dog. My parents keep asking when we’re getting a bigger place, but there really is no need at the moment. I love small homes… especially yours.
Kimberly Hughes says
Absolutely adore Elizabeth and her style. So much awesome in her home and she’s just… I dunno… ultra cool. I totally want to hang out with her. 😉 xxx
Andrea Branch says
So proud of you and love everything that you have done big sis! We are about to start living like the Gardner’s! When we move, much smaller space…helps us with saving! Cant wait until you start helping me plan my wedding!!!!!!You are my inspiration and I could not have asked for a more amazing sister! Keep going, there are greater things in your future! Love you!
Bethany DeVore says
love her and her colorful home!
Summer Hogan says
Such a beautiful tour and unique home. Love it!!!
Cathy Jensen says
Love her style. Elizabeth can decorate my house anytime.
Freckles Chick says
Elizabeth’s the best!! Style, design talent, and hilarity all wrapped up in a refreshing package. She speaks the truth too. Small living is the way to go!
Katrina ChicLittleHouse says
Love her home its so pretty and full of charm and life!! Totally agree on making regular trips to Goodwill – lol gotta purge hardly used stuff 🙂
Julia Konya says
I so agree about running out of rooms to design 😉 Love Elizabeth’s style!
Megan Gordon says
Beautiful!!
Kathy Green says
Thank you so much for your posts on small homes. As new retirees, we are in the process of downsizing and your blog has been so inspiring. More square footage does not equal more style or more happiness. I appreciate your illustration of this every week!
Steve Meyer says
I am so grateful for finding your blog! Aside from your design talents (which are amazing), your small home features have been an absolute inspiration! Thank you so much for focusing on great living in a smaller space.
Kathy