“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” -William Morris
Living in a tiny house that is a mere 32 square metres demands of one to be creative in finding storage solutions.
It is important for me to live in a space that is calming and restful, which is why I’ve chosen a neutral colour palette – white, grey, brown. The horrible pipe for the cooker hood still needs to either be covered or removed. The extractor isn’t working the way we thought it would, so we may actually install a cupboard above the stove and buy another one to fit under it.
As I yearn for a life living with less, it is about eliminating everything that is not useful or beautiful.
I still have far too many posessions (especially clothes) to my liking, but I’m giving myself time to decide what I need and want to keep and what I should get rid of.
We still need to find the perfect mirror cabinets before we can finish tiling, as well as put up towel rails, etc., but I believe that as one lives in a space, one finds what one thought was important changes.
I am planning to blow up a photograph on canvas to cover the electric boxes above the bed. And yes, I have a handbag weakness, so I’m not sure I’ll be able to get rid of even one. They all tell a story, and I can still recall the country and circumstances in which I’ve bought every single one, so I guess they are more than just possessions.
I’ve been struggling to make up my mind about the backsplash in the kitchen, but I’ve decided that a glossy white subway tile would most probably be the best fit, instead of bringing permanent colour into the house. It is much easier to do so with carpets and cushions. On Friday I bought picture frames for some of the photographs I want to put up on the wall to the left.
I dream of a colourful rug from either Turkey or Morocco. I’m patient – one day I will buy one where it is made.
With our new porch, we have essentially an extra room to enjoy when the weather is good.
“One of the advantages of being born in an affluent society is that if one has any intelligence at all, one will realize that having more and more won’t solve the problem, and happiness does not lie in possessions, or even relationships: The answer lies within ourselves. If we can’t find peace and happiness there, it’s not going to come from the outside.” -Tenzin Palmo
Portuguese Words: acasa – house/home acasa de banho – bathroom a cozinha – kitchen o quarto – bedroom a sala (de estar) – living room a sala de jantar – dining room
Written by: Jolandi
24 comments on “A Look Inside our Tiny House”
It is absolutely amazing what you and Michael have achieved in such a short space of time! Your tiny house has become a home and the few things that need to be added or replaced or finished will be done in no time at all. It is always best to wait until the right moment to finish decorating or until the right object presents itself rather than making do with a rushed job or a second-best object because your eye will always be drawn to whatever is not quite right and that will make you feel dissatisfied.
I love your choice of decor – the calm, neutral shades are so soothing and the little splashes of colour give life and excitement to the rooms. Be in no rush to get rid of belongings you are still attached to. You will probably regret it. I know this because I have done this in the past and the memory of the lost object stays with one longer than you’d think!
Take care and keep well, Jolandi <3
I completely agree with you, Clare. I’d much rather live with things half-finished than regret a rushed decision later. Luckily I’ve never been a hoarder, and most of my travel memories come from jewelery I bought, which doesn’t take up much space. The handbags and various decor items, bought on my travels are lovely visual reminders of my life and stories that enrich it. I think I will always find a place for these, because like you say, regret always comes too late when one parts with something one isn’t ready to part with. I would like to thin out my closet though . . . . – Jolandi
My eagerness for this look at your tiny house is reflected in the speed with which I’ve opened the post! Still, I lingered over the photos, studying your ingenious solutions for space saving and beautification at the same time. It looks great! Really great. I can almost imagine the contented feeling you must have living there, each thing designed to be useful and/or meaningful, and the light of your land outside always visible. Thank so much for opening your house to us!
Thank you for your kind words, Lexie. I love how Michael and I have managed to create a wonderful living space out of a stone ruin. I should actually do a post to look back on the whole process, as that should also be interesting to be reminded of what it used to look like. I love how I can always see the land and the changing light during the day. Our focus soon will start to shift to creating a garden around the house with various outdoor living spaces. . . I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. – Jolandi
“as one lives in a space, one finds what one thought was important changes” Your comment resonated with me because I have been slowly remodeling my own home, a room at a time. Many of my original ideas for this place have changed now that I live here. Also, I have created a whole list of things I would do if I had the opportunity to build a home from scratch. Jolandi, your home is stunning. I can see that you held peace as a priority, because it exudes that, from each space. The white completely works because of how you have added things. Typically I am bored with white, but it is great here. I am excited to think about that future rug and the country it will come from. Your outdoor deck gets a lot of use, I am sure. What excellent taste you both have. The place is truly beautiful. Thank you for giving us a tour of your home. <3
Thank you so much, Crystal. Yes, peace and beauty are important values in my life. Michael initially wasn’t convinced about all the white, but it really makes the space look so much bigger than it is, and I do think that it adds to the feeling of peace. I also think that it serves as the perfect backdrop to add splashes of every colour of the rainbow without the feeling that they clash with one another.
You are wise to remodel one room at a time. I don’t think one can ever understand how overwhelming the process can be, unless one has gone through it. The one thing I’ve learned well during the process, is that everything takes at least three or four times longer than I ever would have expected it to. I also think that, as you’ve discovered for yourself that places often dictate what would work better, and when we live there for a while we open ourselves up to discover these things. Such a blessing. – Jolandi
I’m impressed by how beautiful your house looks! But having moved from a small house to an even smaller one bedroom apartment, I know exactly what you’re going through. Because I am now the keeper of the family’s history, meaning children’s art, old photographs, my husband’s paintings and ceramics, and mementos passed from my parents and grandparents, I had to cave in and rent a storage unit (a small one!) to hold those treasures. Three moves over the last ten years also forced me to purge a lot of the books, clothing and furniture I’ve accumulated over a lifetime. I would caution you to not get too Marie Kondo with your belongings, however. I still feel a twinge of pain when I think about old toys I gave away, some of them belonging to my children, but many of them mine from my childhood. Those all had memories, and good ones at that. I’m also cursing myself for having given away books that I now want to re-read or use for reference.
Also, souvenir collections! Anyone who’s traveled accumulates a fair number of old postcards, seashells and stones, pieces of clothing bought from local vendors, and the odd gift shop discovery that brings back a smile (and maybe a rueful one over how much you paid for it). I think your handbags would qualify as a collection, since each piece has a story to it. Don’t feel guilty about holding on to them, even if you’re no longer taking them out for shopping or the occasional trip out of town. When you’re ready to let go of them, you’ll know it. But good memories should not be taken lightly!
Being the keeper of your family’s history cannot be an easy task, Hangaku. No wonder you had to rent a small storage unit. I am lucky in the sense that I have none of that responsibility. I can selfishly only think of myself. When Michael and I left South Africa 10 years ago to live in the UAE, I did an enormous purge, as we moved with suitcases only. We kept only the most essential household items and whatever was very sentimental, which went into storage. In 2017, when I realised that we will never move back to SA, and I spent a couple of months in the country, I did another purge of the storage space, which only left the things I thought we might bring over to Portugal.
I will do my best not to Marie Kondo myself into regret, but I am VERY attracted to minimalism, and still dream of a 20 item wardrobe per season . . . I’m not sure I’ll ever get there, but it is a dirty little minimalist dream I toy with. 😉
Your words “good memories should not be taken lightly” rings true for me, so I will definitely heed your advice and not become too ruthless without thinking carefully about it. – Jolandi
Jolandi, I SO look forward to visiting; to experiencing your home in person… excellent work you and Michael have done… such a life-affirming accomplishment, with so much more to come…
I love it! You and Michael have created a modern but cozy home for yourselves with only the things you love and absolutely need. Great job! I understand the purses, I would have a hard time letting go of my shoes. The space is awesome and you guys have done an amazing job. Cleaning must be a breeze and for that I am a little jealous.
Thank you, Terri. Yip, I think we all need to have some sort of indulgence. When I recently told a friend that I have this handbag addiction, she had a good giggle, as she said it wasn’t something she pictured me to indulge in. 🙂
Oh, and cleaning is an absolute joy. It is a chore I despise, but at least now it doesn’t take as long as it used to. If only I can teach the cats to wipe their feet and shake off their fur it will stay cleaner for much longer. Midnight loves to roll in the sand, and I am amazed how much of it she manages to bring inside despite her short hair. Lily again with her long hair, brings in an assortment of things that sticks to her. But I guess I’d rather clean a bit more often (I have a little hand held vacuum cleaner) than not have the company. – Jolandi
Jolandi, I’ve been following your journey from afar and am so pleased with each milestone you make. (I was especially excited when the cats joined you.) These photos are such a contrast from the last time we saw the inside your house — it’s now a home.
It’s been such a gift this past year to be able to follow along. Thank you.
Ah, thank you so much for following us on this journey and commenting, Elizabeth. I still marvel at how much the house has change, and like you say, it is now a home. And one I really love. I’ve always been attracted to smaller spaces, so this really is a dream come true for me. Michael would prefer something bigger, but as he is not yet living here permanently, it is working out perfectly. We have a crazy idea of linking the barn and house to make a bigger house, but for that to happen there are a lot of crazy logistics to fall in place (which may not, as it involves buying the neighbouring piece of land, which is a tangled mess on its own) . . . not to mention saving up for it.
Anyway, we keep dreaming and working on making our vision a reality. I hope it is inspiring you to follow your dreams too. No matter what they are.
I must admit that I love having the cats here. They are such good company. – Jolandi
I think your home looks lovely, Jolandi. I admire you for trying to simplify your lifestyle. Most of us own too much stuff and it clutters not only our houses, but also our minds.
Best wishes,
Tanja
Thank you so much, Tanja. You are spot on about the clutter in our minds. I think our living spaces are often a reflection of that. Also, it is difficult to choose a different path when living within a consumer oriented society. Yet, I marvel at how many people are consciously choosing a different way of life, so perhaps it will inspire more people to do so. – Jolandi
Jolandi what a deep sense of relief that you settling, making cosy and living simplistically. My favourite spot would be on one of those outdoor chairs with that textured wall behind and am sure a magnificent vista.
I am quite the opposite am realising what a magpie I actually am and love items with a story or history being pre-loved. Its is wonderful state to be living quietly without all the stuff .
Happiest of nesting time with your new space x
Thank you for your kind wishes, Nanette. I cannot imagine you living in a house like mine. Yours is such a beautiful space and a fantastic reflection of who you are. Part of the secret to a happy life is definitely to create a living space that reflects one’s values and priorities (which also changes through life). And we are all different. Thank goodness. I definitely echo your sentiment about objects telling stories. I definitely think it is the stories I’m surrounded with and surround myself with that enriches my life. I’ve been looking through some travel photos yesterday, including our time in Rishikesh. What an experience that was. Wish I could join you for a cup of tea. – Jolandi
I love your little home. And I totally understand where you’re at having recently relocated. I got rid of SO MUCH stuff that it almost seemed shameful to pass it on, but the staff at our old apartment I think we’re really pleased with all the free stuff. 😛
Sometimes when everything gets tucked away in closets we forget how much we really have. At least that was the case with me. Since I buy 2nd hand it’s easy to get carried away, too. But I told myself, the more I got rid of the more it made room for new things that will suit the next chapter in my life. And if I didn’t need or want anymore more that was okay as well.
Love that rug in the kitchen and your overall aesthetic. I love color, so my spaces are more obnoxious but I can appreciate the calm interior you’ve created. Have fun! xo
You are so right that we often don’t even know what we have tucked away in closets, Lani.
Cheers to new chapters and owning what is suitable to them! I hope you are settling in well. – Jolandi
Hello Jolandi,
This is amazing – you have both come such a long way! Everything has already been said, but just wanted to add our hearty Congratulations to both of you. This is amazing and we are so happy for you. I can also related to the “magpie” instinct, and it’s been 3 years since the hubby and I bought our home, and the time has come to do some housecleaning….
I know you’re taking a break right now so not sure when you will see this, but just wanted to say it’s a real pleasure to join you on this journey 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Takami. We’ve indeed come a long way. Good luck with the housecleaning. It never fails to amaze me how much and how quickly one can accumulate things one doesn’t actually need, or even want. – Jolandi
It is absolutely amazing what you and Michael have achieved in such a short space of time! Your tiny house has become a home and the few things that need to be added or replaced or finished will be done in no time at all. It is always best to wait until the right moment to finish decorating or until the right object presents itself rather than making do with a rushed job or a second-best object because your eye will always be drawn to whatever is not quite right and that will make you feel dissatisfied.
I love your choice of decor – the calm, neutral shades are so soothing and the little splashes of colour give life and excitement to the rooms. Be in no rush to get rid of belongings you are still attached to. You will probably regret it. I know this because I have done this in the past and the memory of the lost object stays with one longer than you’d think!
Take care and keep well, Jolandi <3
I completely agree with you, Clare. I’d much rather live with things half-finished than regret a rushed decision later. Luckily I’ve never been a hoarder, and most of my travel memories come from jewelery I bought, which doesn’t take up much space. The handbags and various decor items, bought on my travels are lovely visual reminders of my life and stories that enrich it. I think I will always find a place for these, because like you say, regret always comes too late when one parts with something one isn’t ready to part with. I would like to thin out my closet though . . . . – Jolandi
My eagerness for this look at your tiny house is reflected in the speed with which I’ve opened the post! Still, I lingered over the photos, studying your ingenious solutions for space saving and beautification at the same time. It looks great! Really great. I can almost imagine the contented feeling you must have living there, each thing designed to be useful and/or meaningful, and the light of your land outside always visible. Thank so much for opening your house to us!
Thank you for your kind words, Lexie. I love how Michael and I have managed to create a wonderful living space out of a stone ruin. I should actually do a post to look back on the whole process, as that should also be interesting to be reminded of what it used to look like. I love how I can always see the land and the changing light during the day. Our focus soon will start to shift to creating a garden around the house with various outdoor living spaces. . . I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. – Jolandi
“as one lives in a space, one finds what one thought was important changes” Your comment resonated with me because I have been slowly remodeling my own home, a room at a time. Many of my original ideas for this place have changed now that I live here. Also, I have created a whole list of things I would do if I had the opportunity to build a home from scratch. Jolandi, your home is stunning. I can see that you held peace as a priority, because it exudes that, from each space. The white completely works because of how you have added things. Typically I am bored with white, but it is great here. I am excited to think about that future rug and the country it will come from. Your outdoor deck gets a lot of use, I am sure. What excellent taste you both have. The place is truly beautiful. Thank you for giving us a tour of your home. <3
Thank you so much, Crystal. Yes, peace and beauty are important values in my life. Michael initially wasn’t convinced about all the white, but it really makes the space look so much bigger than it is, and I do think that it adds to the feeling of peace. I also think that it serves as the perfect backdrop to add splashes of every colour of the rainbow without the feeling that they clash with one another.
You are wise to remodel one room at a time. I don’t think one can ever understand how overwhelming the process can be, unless one has gone through it. The one thing I’ve learned well during the process, is that everything takes at least three or four times longer than I ever would have expected it to. I also think that, as you’ve discovered for yourself that places often dictate what would work better, and when we live there for a while we open ourselves up to discover these things. Such a blessing. – Jolandi
I’m impressed by how beautiful your house looks! But having moved from a small house to an even smaller one bedroom apartment, I know exactly what you’re going through. Because I am now the keeper of the family’s history, meaning children’s art, old photographs, my husband’s paintings and ceramics, and mementos passed from my parents and grandparents, I had to cave in and rent a storage unit (a small one!) to hold those treasures. Three moves over the last ten years also forced me to purge a lot of the books, clothing and furniture I’ve accumulated over a lifetime. I would caution you to not get too Marie Kondo with your belongings, however. I still feel a twinge of pain when I think about old toys I gave away, some of them belonging to my children, but many of them mine from my childhood. Those all had memories, and good ones at that. I’m also cursing myself for having given away books that I now want to re-read or use for reference.
Also, souvenir collections! Anyone who’s traveled accumulates a fair number of old postcards, seashells and stones, pieces of clothing bought from local vendors, and the odd gift shop discovery that brings back a smile (and maybe a rueful one over how much you paid for it). I think your handbags would qualify as a collection, since each piece has a story to it. Don’t feel guilty about holding on to them, even if you’re no longer taking them out for shopping or the occasional trip out of town. When you’re ready to let go of them, you’ll know it. But good memories should not be taken lightly!
Being the keeper of your family’s history cannot be an easy task, Hangaku. No wonder you had to rent a small storage unit. I am lucky in the sense that I have none of that responsibility. I can selfishly only think of myself. When Michael and I left South Africa 10 years ago to live in the UAE, I did an enormous purge, as we moved with suitcases only. We kept only the most essential household items and whatever was very sentimental, which went into storage. In 2017, when I realised that we will never move back to SA, and I spent a couple of months in the country, I did another purge of the storage space, which only left the things I thought we might bring over to Portugal.
I will do my best not to Marie Kondo myself into regret, but I am VERY attracted to minimalism, and still dream of a 20 item wardrobe per season . . . I’m not sure I’ll ever get there, but it is a dirty little minimalist dream I toy with. 😉
Your words “good memories should not be taken lightly” rings true for me, so I will definitely heed your advice and not become too ruthless without thinking carefully about it. – Jolandi
Jolandi, I SO look forward to visiting; to experiencing your home in person… excellent work you and Michael have done… such a life-affirming accomplishment, with so much more to come…
Thank you, Tom. I can’t wait to welcome you here. Michael and I better get started on our guest accommodation!! 🙂 – Jolandi
I love it! You and Michael have created a modern but cozy home for yourselves with only the things you love and absolutely need. Great job! I understand the purses, I would have a hard time letting go of my shoes. The space is awesome and you guys have done an amazing job. Cleaning must be a breeze and for that I am a little jealous.
Thank you, Terri. Yip, I think we all need to have some sort of indulgence. When I recently told a friend that I have this handbag addiction, she had a good giggle, as she said it wasn’t something she pictured me to indulge in. 🙂
Oh, and cleaning is an absolute joy. It is a chore I despise, but at least now it doesn’t take as long as it used to. If only I can teach the cats to wipe their feet and shake off their fur it will stay cleaner for much longer. Midnight loves to roll in the sand, and I am amazed how much of it she manages to bring inside despite her short hair. Lily again with her long hair, brings in an assortment of things that sticks to her. But I guess I’d rather clean a bit more often (I have a little hand held vacuum cleaner) than not have the company. – Jolandi
Jolandi, I’ve been following your journey from afar and am so pleased with each milestone you make. (I was especially excited when the cats joined you.) These photos are such a contrast from the last time we saw the inside your house — it’s now a home.
It’s been such a gift this past year to be able to follow along. Thank you.
Ah, thank you so much for following us on this journey and commenting, Elizabeth. I still marvel at how much the house has change, and like you say, it is now a home. And one I really love. I’ve always been attracted to smaller spaces, so this really is a dream come true for me. Michael would prefer something bigger, but as he is not yet living here permanently, it is working out perfectly. We have a crazy idea of linking the barn and house to make a bigger house, but for that to happen there are a lot of crazy logistics to fall in place (which may not, as it involves buying the neighbouring piece of land, which is a tangled mess on its own) . . . not to mention saving up for it.
Anyway, we keep dreaming and working on making our vision a reality. I hope it is inspiring you to follow your dreams too. No matter what they are.
I must admit that I love having the cats here. They are such good company. – Jolandi
I think your home looks lovely, Jolandi. I admire you for trying to simplify your lifestyle. Most of us own too much stuff and it clutters not only our houses, but also our minds.
Best wishes,
Tanja
Thank you so much, Tanja. You are spot on about the clutter in our minds. I think our living spaces are often a reflection of that. Also, it is difficult to choose a different path when living within a consumer oriented society. Yet, I marvel at how many people are consciously choosing a different way of life, so perhaps it will inspire more people to do so. – Jolandi
Jolandi what a deep sense of relief that you settling, making cosy and living simplistically. My favourite spot would be on one of those outdoor chairs with that textured wall behind and am sure a magnificent vista.
I am quite the opposite am realising what a magpie I actually am and love items with a story or history being pre-loved. Its is wonderful state to be living quietly without all the stuff .
Happiest of nesting time with your new space x
Thank you for your kind wishes, Nanette. I cannot imagine you living in a house like mine. Yours is such a beautiful space and a fantastic reflection of who you are. Part of the secret to a happy life is definitely to create a living space that reflects one’s values and priorities (which also changes through life). And we are all different. Thank goodness. I definitely echo your sentiment about objects telling stories. I definitely think it is the stories I’m surrounded with and surround myself with that enriches my life. I’ve been looking through some travel photos yesterday, including our time in Rishikesh. What an experience that was. Wish I could join you for a cup of tea. – Jolandi
I love your little home. And I totally understand where you’re at having recently relocated. I got rid of SO MUCH stuff that it almost seemed shameful to pass it on, but the staff at our old apartment I think we’re really pleased with all the free stuff. 😛
Sometimes when everything gets tucked away in closets we forget how much we really have. At least that was the case with me. Since I buy 2nd hand it’s easy to get carried away, too. But I told myself, the more I got rid of the more it made room for new things that will suit the next chapter in my life. And if I didn’t need or want anymore more that was okay as well.
Love that rug in the kitchen and your overall aesthetic. I love color, so my spaces are more obnoxious but I can appreciate the calm interior you’ve created. Have fun! xo
You are so right that we often don’t even know what we have tucked away in closets, Lani.
Cheers to new chapters and owning what is suitable to them! I hope you are settling in well. – Jolandi
Hello Jolandi,
This is amazing – you have both come such a long way! Everything has already been said, but just wanted to add our hearty Congratulations to both of you. This is amazing and we are so happy for you. I can also related to the “magpie” instinct, and it’s been 3 years since the hubby and I bought our home, and the time has come to do some housecleaning….
I know you’re taking a break right now so not sure when you will see this, but just wanted to say it’s a real pleasure to join you on this journey 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Takami. We’ve indeed come a long way. Good luck with the housecleaning. It never fails to amaze me how much and how quickly one can accumulate things one doesn’t actually need, or even want. – Jolandi
Serene and happy, your home. <3
That it is! 🥰 – Jolandi