A Letter To My Tiny House

Dear Tiny House,

For the past 15 months I have poured every spare moment, dollar, and ounce of emotional energy into you and now; you’re done. 
 

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

You still have some trim to attach here and there, and some sealing and caulking to finish. I still need to install your composting toilet, and the curtain rods under the countertops keep falling down, but, you’re done.

 

I am both elated, and sad.
 

 

You see, some people drink or smoke or exercise or find other means of stress relief.  But for me, you’ve been it. You’ve been my happy place, and given me challenges to conquer and problems to solve. 

There are so many problems in my world and life that I cannot solve, so, I look excitedly forward to solving the ones I can.

 Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

Yesterday, even though we couldn’t get your heater to work, we had Thanksgiving Dinner in your living room. I even made a tiny table just big enough for a turkey dinner for two. 

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

Last week, we moved you and it was horrible, and you got stuck, and I cried. It felt like my child was sick and there was nothing I could do but wait for others to make you better.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

Two weeks ago, we invited all of my friends to come see you and welcome you to the world and now they love you as much as I do. 

Photo Courtesy of American Standard

Last month, I was so happy when your shower was installed and I got the fender boxes built.  Last Spring, I cried happy tears when I plugged you in for the first time and your lights came on!

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

I’m not sure that others would be so emotional about their tiny houses but this ending is so bitter sweet for me. Now that you’re done I need to start putting my emotional energies towards the “what next” and that’s pretty scary. 

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

I am happy that you’re finally settled where you’ll be for (hopefully) a long time but also sad that you’re not parked in my driveway where I can keep an eye on you.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

Just above the doorway to the bathroom there is a spot in the wall that I have reserved for a time capsule. I am surprised, but nobody has asked me why the trim was missing, right there. 

Photo Courtesy of American Standard

Maybe they were being nice and trying not to point out such an obvious error. Nonetheless, behind that trim piece this letter will be. 

Photo Courtesy of American Standard

 

I’ll add a few pictures of your early days, a few of your building days, and then a few of you now, in all of your glory and color. I’ll even put in my original sketches of your design, with the blue tape still attached.

Photo Courtesy of American Standard

 

And, I think I’ll add a scrap of fabric from your chairs, a small block of barn wood, and maybe a nail or two.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

Someday, that time capsule will be opened. And, when that day comes I hope you are still as lovely as you are now. I hope you are loved, and colorful, and full of life and laughter. 

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

 

I do not completely know what will become of you. Someday I envision living in you, and then maybe traveling the world, and then returning home to appreciate you even more.  

Photo Courtesy of American Standard

 

I envision enjoying your quiet space as a place for friendships and love to grow.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

I can picture sleep overs, and parties, and sun drenched windows that warm your very heart. I hope there will always be wine, and giggles, and joy within these four walls. 

Photo Courtesy of American Standard

I originally named you My Empty Nest and, when I started building you, I was eagerly anticipating the day when my two kids would grow up and move on with their adult lives. Now, however, I am thinking that the name I gave you does not really fit you.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

You have helped me see that no matter where my kids are, and even if I am your only official occupant, you will never ever be truly empty. 

You will always be full of love, and memories, and friends, and maybe even someday, grandbabies!

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

 

When I am gone, I hope that whomever you choose to live with, next, will love you as much as I do at this moment. I hope they will appreciate the time and creative energy that went into making you, uniquely you. 

Photo Courtesy of American Standard

Because, you’re wonderful and amazing and adorable and inspiring and lovely and quiet and peaceful and quaint and witty and joyful, all at once. 

Photo Courtesy of American Standard

You are, in many ways, so much like me.

And you’re perfect.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

Sincerely,

Your Designer and Maker

M.J. Boyle

November 28^th, 2015

My Stair Obsession

From the very beginning of my design phase, I knew I wanted stairs for the main loft and a ladder for the guest loft.  After seeing so many cramped lofts and narrow ladders with a vertical ascent, I knew that I wanted my stairs to float up the wall.  I knew I wanted them to be unencumbered by railings, or complicated by hardware or brackets.

I had this picture in my head but it would take a few months before the final design really came to life.

Somewhat serendipitously, I found a picture of my inspiration for my stairs in a house called the “Sherwood” and since I live in Sherwood Oregon it seemed almost laughable that it would take me so long to find them.  I contacted the owner and he admitted that he didn't have a design, he just "built them on the fly".  Oh.  OK then.....

 

Since this all happened pretty early in the design phase, I was lucky to be able to then incorporate the necessary blocking in the walls behind the stairs.  But, where to put them?

Next, I cut card stock into pieces that would resemble the stairs and taped them to the walls.  I then marked the card stock with the screw locations and penciled in the block locations.  Then, I put in the blocks.  Let me tell you this, of all of the projects I have done in my tiny house I HATE BLOCKIKNG!  Not just the blocking for the stairs but also for the siding….dozens and dozens of tiny blocks between the studs.  Ugh!!

Not fancy, but oh so effective.

After the blocks were done, I still wasn’t happy with how it would “look”.  It is difficult to see something in 3D when all you have is paper on a wall.  So, I spent $34 on cardboard boxes that were the same size as each stair and stapled them to the wall. 

3D from the front.

 

 

3D from the side.

 

There.  Much better!  Now they started to come to life and I could more easily envision how they would fit in the space.  Also, I planned to use a vintage credenza that I already own, under the stairs.  These were two “deal breaker” design options so they had to fit perfectly together!

While still in the design phase, my good friend Todd approached me.  He is a talented designer and builder and all-around-kick-ass and creative guy.  I had already seen some of his very impressive restoration and furniture design work so I felt nothing but gratitude for his offer to help me with my stair build.

We still had several approach options to consider and he got straight to work in designing them on something other than the paper and pencil I had been using.  We met, we brain stormed, and we talked about my goals for a multi-functional set of stairs that would impress.  Even as I sit here today and look at them in real life, I am stunned that he so perfectly took the picture in my head and brought them to life.

This was one of the options but not the one I chose.

 

After we settled on the final approach and font details (yes, I had to decide on a FONT for my stairs!?) he gave me his timeline and I went to work doing my thing, knowing full well they would be awesome and delivered on time.

The first piece is done, in the shop, and awaiting stain.

A month or so later he called to let me know they were done and made an appointment for the dry fit.  We wanted to make sure they would fit, as we had envisioned, before we installed the flooring and fender boxes.  It was an amazing day to see them in the space.

 

 

 

We then took them out and stored them in my living room while the flooring was installed.

A few weeks later he returned to do the final installation.  He brought the hardware and the tools and even the caulk.

Hard at work!

First, he traced the location of the inside of each stair.  Then, he went to work attaching the stabilizer plates to the walls and the blocks behind the sheetrock.  Then, we slid the stairs over the plates and he then put in the “beauty plates” so when you look inside the stairs you see only the pretty wood and no hardware in sight!  He attached the stairs at the top, to the loft joist, and attached the bottom of the stairs to the approach stair piece.

 

They can hold 4 people!?

I am in love with my approach stairs with their shoe storage inside, and cat box storage below, and their whimsical invitation to remove your shoes upon entry.  And, so does everyone else!

The day before I moved my tiny house for the first time, and after much debate about unnecessary weight, I installed the vintage credenza under the stairs and it fit with less than 1/8” clearance.  Perfection!!!!

Close doesn't begin to describe this.

 

In retrospect, I probably should have added a bit more width, but only for visitors.  I personally appreciate the minimal design and the unobtrusive and stunningly beautiful function.  I did, however, add some handles in the window sills so visitors can have a sense of security while taking a tour of my queen loft.

So pretty.  So Perfect.

 

Todd is, in a word, amazing.  I am so lucky to have had his talent and creative mind behind my design. So many people contributed to my tiny house and he is certainly amongst the most appreciated.  He loved my design, and understood my intent, and treated me like a real customer instead of just his friend.  And, the best part is that no matter how far away his projects are, he’s THERE and dedicated. 

Such a cool guy.

Thank you, also, to his wife Heather for letting me borrow him and his time.  You’re a lucky gal and yes, I still owe you both a personal tour. 

Stop by, anytime! 

And finally, at the risk of over booking his time, if you're looking for a  guy who can build anything from a sketch on a piece of scrap paper, Todd's your guy.  You can find him at evanstodd.com.  He's a built-in-furniture-recycle-anything-genius.

 

 

 

 

 

My 10 Tiny House Answers for A College Student

I was contacted recently by a college student who was writing a paper about the tiny house movement and was happy to help by answering to the following 10 questions:

1.- How would you describe tiny living to someone unfamiliar with the tiny house movement?

 

Think about when you were a child and your whole world revolved around your favorite things. You had a small room, some toys, food, and were eager to learn more about what was outside the four walls of your house. It's like that. Adults get caught up in what others think, or expect them to be, and we forget that life can be simple. We work too hard and rest too little. We buy too much and then store our stuff and get caught up in the cycle. Tiny house living is a simpler way of enjoying life on terms even a child can understand.

 

2.- What made you decide to become a tiny house dweller?

 

I have no savings for retirement and need to start paring down my life to a level that is manageable on a meager income.

 

3.- What are some benefits of living tiny?

 

As mentioned above, living tiny is about living simply. Living tiny is about going outside, and enjoying life on your own terms.  Small meals, naps, traveling, reading books, listening to music....

 

4.- What are some challenges of living tiny?

 

If you are sharing your tiny space with someone else, there is NO privacy.

Also, if you do not own the property your tiny is parked on, dealing with hosts and landlords can be cumbersome.

 

5.- What is your definition of adequately living?

 

Enough food for a week, enough clothes for a season, enough money for a year, and enough love for a lifetime.

 

6.- How could people who are not tiny house dwellers or enthusiasts benefit in adopting the philosophy of living adequately?

 

You don't have to live in 200 sq feet to appreciate that living simply means downsizing OUT of that closet or garage full of stuff you have not seen or used in a year.  Smaller footprint means smaller utility bills.  Smaller house means less to clean and maintain.

 

7.-What would be some basic tips you would suggests for people interested in living more adequately?

 

Start with a closet, or a junk drawer.  Empty it on the floor.  Touch everything in it.  Ask yourself tough questions about your need for that thing.  Ask yourself tough questions about why you still have it.  Answer those questions.  You'll be surprised what the answer is.

 

8.- What is your opinion of American people's affinity for the so-called "McMansions"?

 

Its understandable and if my life had gone a different direction, I would be living in one.  I do not begrudge those who live in them.  I think there should, however, be more options in a given neighborhood or town then just option #1 of an apartment and option #2 of a 2000+ sq foot home. 

 

9.- What can you tell me about the Tiny House community?

 

Its amazing and growing and new and still finding it's identity. We are all creative, and passionate, and resourceful and love that we have found others that don't fit into the "normal" society, just like we don't.

 

10.- Where do you see the Tiny House movement in the future?

 

Growing so big and so fast we cannot keep up. Society is ripe for alternate solutions for homelessness, for downsizing baby boomers, for off gridders, for young graduates, for elder care, and for vacation homes that travel with you.  The tipping point has happened, now watch us change the world, one tiny house at a time!

Big Holiday and Tiny Houses - A Gift Guide For Those That Love Living Small

Dear Santa,

I am writing you on behalf of all tiny house enthusiasts.  (If you look on your Nice List, you’ll see them all listed there.)  Since we are working very hard to reduce our footprint on the earth, as well as to simplify and downsize, the gifts you have given us in years past just won’t do. Now, that’s not to say we certainly do not appreciate your gestures.  We do!  And, in that spirit of gratitude, we are giving back to YOU!   (we’re also a very helpful group of people and full of great ideas!)
 

As you have no doubt noticed, tiny house enthusiasts span the globe.  But, we’re a very tech savvy bunch. So we all got together via the internet and complied (just for YOU!) this list; of all the things that tiny house enthusiasts need, and love, and that will fulfill our heart’s desires for better relationships, a closer community, and a healthier world. 

Life Experiences – Instead of stuff (what “normal” people like) we crave life and embrace opportunities to experience it.  We like to cook, hike, kayak, ski, eat out, garden, paint, knit, go to museums and movies, ride our bikes, write, jump out of airplanes, take road trips, read, build, attend tiny house events and classes, and spend lots time with our pets and loved ones.  In our neighborhoods, and nearby cities, there are people to meet and places to go and we want to see them all!  So, if you can think of a way to put all of these experiences (or even some of them) in our tiny stockings this year…that would be awesome.  (I understand that gift certificates are very popular nowadays?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

One on One – As I’ve mentioned already, we love spending time with our family and friends.  Finding that time, however, can be a bit tricky.  So, if you could tell everyone we love that we would really appreciate nothing more than for them to carve out a day, a weekend, or just an afternoon for just us; that would be truly great.  Oh….and if they can find some time to help us build our tiny house; we promise we’ll make them cookies or buy them beer. 

Stuff that will fit in a TINY box - Truth be told, there are a few things we actually do need.  (But, the key word here is “NEED”) So if you’re thinking that we might like organic vegetable seeds, tiny multi-functional kitchen gadgets, new towels, a welcome mat, slippers, sulfate-free soaps and cleaners, sawdust (don’t ask) a little tiny hammer, or a book about tiny houses;  you wouldn’t  be too far off the mark. 

 

 

Outside the Box –  For those of us who live in tiny spaces, having a place for everything, and having everything in it’s place is a key to maintaining our sanity.  We might love our tiny house, but we never said it would be EASY to get used to.  So, instead of gift wrapped boxes or bags this year, would you mind sending our gifts in organizational bins or baskets?  (Have you heard of IKEA or The Container Store?)  We also love mason jars for kitchen storage and if you find a vintage storage tin (or five) at an antique store, that’s even better!

And Last But Not Least – Sometimes we don’t know what we need, until we need it.  And for those occasions, there is simply nothing that fits the bill as well as a gift card to a local hardware store.  We won’t spend it, until we need it, we promise.  But if you’re going for a peace-on-earth kind of message/vibe, having one of those on hand will certainly help with the peace-of-mind part of our tiny little house dwelling lives.

 

I know you’re a very busy man this time of year.  And I know this list may seem long.  But, there are so many of us out here, I sincerely hope you will consider reading this as time well spent. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed researching it. 

Thank you for being the awesome give-back kind of guy you are.  And if you ever need a hand, fixing up your toy shop or painting some lovely accent colors on that sleigh of yours, you know where to find me.

Tiny Hugs and Kisses From Your Biggest Fan,

MJ Boyle

P.S.  I am also selling coffee gift bags to help fund my tiny house build.  If you’d like some enthusiastic help with filling all those stockings, hit me up!