How much STUFF do we need?

[Jen12]

On Black Friday, I walked passed the last 32" Toshiba LCD flat screen TV for only $130 (a real deal). And part of me really, really wants an iPad. But the last thing I need to do is invest money on something that is going to encourage me to sit even more!

That's a great deal for the TV. I'd love to upgrade mine, but I think they'll get even cheaper after Christmas. I'm not sure I'd really categorize a TV as "more" stuff because you're probably replacing one you already have.

Totally another issue, but I just received a check from my uncle with instructions to buy myself an ipod. He's enthralled with his. I feel guilty because it's incredibly generous on his part, but it seems redundant since I have a laptop already. I don't even have a data plan for my phone. I'm just not convinced I need internet access everyplace I go. AND I really could use the money to pay for several things I need more than I need fancy trendy technology.

[Reesha]

I'm currently smitten with this one. It looks more liveable than lots of their homes - but it's still small. And it's so cute!!

Ohhhh that one is Sooooo nice. I can't wait to downsize. 1000 SF is way too much space for my boyfriend and I. The harbringer looks perfectly awesome!

[grey]

Ohhhh that one is Sooooo nice. I can't wait to downsize. 1000 SF is way too much space for my boyfriend and I. The harbringer looks perfectly awesome!

They did a really nice job decorating it and choosing materials. Most of the time small houses wind up looking cutesy or cabin-esque - but the lavender bath (too fun!) and the bright kitchen is really sweet.

The only thing I wasn't impressed with was the porch. It fell a little flat. Needs rails or steps to change things up a little - but I do love that they had a full table out there instead of just chairs. It says "we like having (and feeding) company" - very welcoming! I actually prefer a larger dining area than living room. I love to set a table, and have a big dinner with friends. It's nice to see others throw out that kind of welcome mat.

We lived in 425sq ft guest house for a few years while working on our house. It was actually pretty nice - 10x10 kitchen, small living room, small bedroom, stackable washer/dryer. It was really quick to clean, and it forced us not to have too much stuff because there was no room for more. So if you wanted something, you had to be willing to get rid of something else. I will say that I think another 50-75 sq ft would have been nice for an office area.

I did a post on small houses a few weeks ago - my favorite was the one on the Oregon coast - check the link in the article. They did TONS of research to make it self-sufficient and off the grid. It was so light and bright, too - and I'm a total sucker for weathered shaker shingle homes. http://www.crisangsteninteriors.com/...y-tiny-living/

Oh and all that lavender growing outside. Can you imagine the smell of the sea heavily filled with that heavenly smell? I have ONE Provence lavender - and I can smell it halfway across my yard when it's in bloom.

[Reesha]

The one on the oregon coast is absolutely amazing. I absolutely love wood tones in homes... there is no limit for me. I think all that time in cabins in Maine and in Lake Placid have left their mark. In that particular house, I also love all the built in shelves. What a fabulous idea! The less useless wallspace, the better. I envision lots of built in sitting area as well.

Check this one out:
http://strataprojects.com/houchenscreek_01.php

[emily_in_nc]

Grey - thanks for sharing that blog entry. Those houses are amazing! The one on the Oregon coast is simply lovely, but I like 'em all. Don't think I could go for the 68-sq ft guest house (other than as a guest!), but I could live in the others. Love the little house trend!

[grey]

The one on the oregon coast is absolutely amazing. I absolutely love wood tones in homes... there is no limit for me. I think all that time in cabins in Maine and in Lake Placid have left their mark. In that particular house, I also love all the built in shelves. What a fabulous idea! The less useless wallspace, the better. I envision lots of built in sitting area as well.

Check this one out:
http://strataprojects.com/houchenscreek_01.php

I love it! I think you just handed me another blog post. That place is beautiful! I'll write them and see if I can get more pictures and information.

[pll]

I just saw a video clip from BBC News on tiny houses and remembered this thread. Perhaps the clip might be of interest, so here's the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16348594

I like the concept of the tiny houses, but just don't think I could live in the long run with a loft bedroom. I think I'd go for the tiny condo instead, everything on one level.

[shootingstar]

I would not do great in loft homes since my vague fear of heights would make me wonder if I would fall and trip at night or from the ladder when I am by myself.
For the past 20 years, I've lived in 1 level condos under 770 sq. ft. in different cities.

Perhaps having an extra 100 sq. ft. would give me more comfortable workspace for doing art.

But I did paint, using the dining rm. table for several years. It just means unpacking and repacking art supplies with a drop sheet after a few hrs. of dabbling.

At this time in my life, it is nearly inconceivable t(to me) to have ie. a 1,000 sq. ft. place when we don't have any children at this time with us.