By Maggie Winterfeldt, Pop Sugar
"At under 400 square feet, our Craftsman cottage is indeed tiny, but in
the five years we've been here, we've never needed more space," says
Whitney Leigh Morris, small-space living aficionado, designer, and
blogger behind The Tiny Canal Cottage.
So what's her secret to making everything fit? "Nearly everything about
the cottage — from the built-ins to the decor — was deliberately chosen
to maximize the space. I selected furniture and accessories over time
as we learned how to best navigate this particular layout with one
another." Whitney recently refreshed her Venice Beach, CA, home for
Spring, and the pictures were so stylish and full of small-space living
inspiration that we had to share them with you. Take a look at Whitney's
gorgeous digs and tiny-space living tips here, and then shop the look
on Joss & Main.
[post_ads]In a small space, everything must serve a purpose. Whitney's genius is
that she's managed to keep everything she brings into her tiny home both
functional and attractive. "I am drawn to earthy textures and tones,
which I enjoy pairing with bright whites, simple lines, and abundant
greenery." The overall effect is pure style.
"While it might seem natural to buy small accessories and home goods
when outfitting a tiny room, I've found that getting rid of clusters of
little tchotchkes and replacing them with a single, medium-sized
statement piece is usually much more visually appealing, and helps avoid
clutter." This is sage advice no matter what size space you live in!
Whitney's home proves you can't judge style by square footage. Her
coffee table easily doubles as an elegant dining table — perfect for
entertaining — when she sets it with springtime dishes, flatware, and
flowers.
Hanging tapestries and plants go a long way to conceal and enhance
Whitney's home. "Plants instantly make a space feel alive, fresh, and
welcoming, and can transform a room of any size," she explains. Plus,
for the budget-conscious, she adds, "Greenery is an easy way to
regularly update the style of your home without hurting your wallet or
the environment."
Every mirror and window plays a role in a small space. Whitney explains,
"Be deliberate when choosing which windows to dress with blinds or
curtains, as curtain rods and hangings can sometimes bring walls inward.
We only have one set of curtains (over the French doors in the
bedroom), and have left all other windows free of coverings."
"I began decorating with plants and clippings when I decided that I
didn't want to live a cluttered life," says Whitney. If possible, forego
items like bookends and trinkets, and fill their place with plants.
You'll brighten your home and avoid accumulating excess belongings.
"I love sitting on the stoop with Adam after work while the pups run
around in the yard," shares Whitney. "Thanks to the twinkle lights,
grapevines, bougainvillea, and lanterns, it feels like our little secret
garden."
The softly glowing backyard is warm and welcoming thanks in large part
to twinkle lights. "Twinkle lights are the simplest way to make an
outdoor space look and feel magical," says Whitney.
No inch of Whitney's outdoor space is a wasted opportunity for decor or
storage. "Hang throw rugs, lanterns, serving trays, gardening tools,
baskets, and more to create a lived-in ambiance, while also keeping your
outdoor necessities within reach."
[post_ads_2]
Whitney's love of overgrown greens is evident in her cozy backyard — and
serves a useful purpose. "Outdoor walls covered in ivy or creeping fig
can soften the appearance of city porches and patios," she points out.
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