Elements of Style Blog

I have always been obsessed with things in miniature- small scale anything drives me bonkers with glee.  Which is why I have always loved small homes, cottages and guest houses.  When we arrived at the Carneros Inn in Napa Valley last year I think I did a cartwheel when I saw we each had our own mini-cottage to stay in instead of a hotel room.  Same goes with my recent trip to the Hamptons- instead of wishing for the waterfront mega mansions I pressed my nose to the car glass whenever I saw a teeny tiny shingled cottage (still probably with a price tag well over a million though…)

These small homes designed by Marianne Cusato were based on her designs for FEMA homes after Katrina.  People admired the small scale living concept and Lowe’s began selling the house plans.

Tiny space, big style inside!

The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company designs small homes for real living… I adore the cottage designs, all of which max out at no more than 874 square feet for a THREE bedroom!

Tiny Texas Houses crafts teeny homes using salvage materials- a completely green venture.

Salvage construction doesn’e mean everything looks ancient….check out the bathroom for the cottage above.  It’s designed as a guest room, not a full house, with bath and kitchenette.

Check out the old chandelier, farm sink and reclaimed tin backsplash in this cottage!

Could you dream of downsizing in the extreme?  This couple moved into a 130 square foot tiny home.  I’m not sure 6′ 4″ Andrew and I could manage….