A Life Less Ordinary
February 27, 2012
I was feeling very under the weather with a head cold this weekend, as were my two girls, so the majority of our family time was spent snuggling on the couch or making soup. Watching an LA-based real estate show one evening, I fell in love with several of the modern homes featured but was shocked by some of the immense sizes…do people really think it’s normal to live in 16,000 square feet? I would really love to build someday and have often browsed through home plans, trying to imagine what our ideal layout would be, and it’s always surprised me how limited the pre-drawn options for houses under 3000 sq ft in size are. I mean, how much space does a family really need? So I found it very refreshing to come across the current home of one of our favourite designers (whom we’ve also featured here and here) Jessica Helgerson…
Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
Located on Sauvie Island, just North of Portland Oregon, Jessica and her husband live with their two children in a mere 540 square feet of space. Yes, you read that right, five hundred and forty square feet! Their tiny house sits on 5 acres of property and the Helgerson’s remodelled it using only reclaimed materials, choosing not to add to its existing footprint…a daring choice for a family of four!
Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
With a sleeping loft, well-planned built-ins and storage in literally every nook and cranny, Jessica’s family has managed to live here comfortably for several years…with room to spare for regular weekend guests! The couches have drawers beneath for toy storage and double as guest beds while a pull-out closet in the kids’ bunk room provides storage for clothing and more…
Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
I love this example of simplified living and find it much easier to aspire to than living large. You can read more about the Helgerson’s home and green renovations here. Rachel pared down their belongings in a very big way before they left and it’s inspired me to do the same. Rather than continuously letting the clutter frustrate me (and the kids, in turn, with my nagging!), I’m determined to tackle my closets and basement and get rid of the excess once and for all. The more challenging goal will be to keep it that way!
