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November 06, 2008
There may be a box bigger than that in my basement right now
I spend a lot of time writing copy these days. Some days it is fun. On other days the stock market falls 5% while I’m trying to write a press release for a guy who says the market has bottomed and everything is going to be fine. Those days are less fun.
While desperately searching for inspiration – or was it just plain distraction – on the internet today, I somehow stumbled across a link to this story about a guy who makes over tiny spaces for Oprah. Well, he probably does other things too, but they only talked about the tiny space makeovers. I know tiny houses are kind of a hot new thing these days. They are economical, environmentally friendly, in keeping with the new frugal we-don’t-want-another-depression chic and unlikely to get foreclosed on.
They are also really, really small. This woman’s apartment is 250 square feet. If you click through and look at the photos, you’ll see they made it an exceptionally nice 250 square foot apartment, with all sorts of clever storage and tucked away things (the litter box is particularly fancy) and a very cool looking teensy kitchen. Even so, I would lose my mind in a space that small. She doesn’t even have room a door for the bathroom, just a curtain. I just couldn’t do it. I don’t need some 10,000 square foot mega mansion, but I need walls and space and a room of my own. Even when I was growing up, I loved it when my family went out and left me in the house by myself. Another classic American case of Manifest Destiny, I guess, just on smaller scale.
Plenty of people seem to feel these tiny spaces are just wonderful. What do you think? How small a space could you live in on your own? Or share with others?
Posted by Bad Penguin at November 6, 2008 10:45 PM
Comments
Wow that place was small, I've lived in some pretty small places but not that small
Posted by: Jerri Ann at November 7, 2008 08:19 AM
Wow, I couldn't do it, especially after the make-over. All of that fabric on the walls and ceiling would make me feel even more closed in. I don't need a lot of square footage, but I need rooms with doors and open spaces.
Posted by: Melissa at November 7, 2008 08:54 AM
I'd have to agree - it seemed smaller after the make over. Having just spent the last day and a half cleaning the house (and it's still not done) for tomorrow night's company, however, I can see two distinct advantages: less upkeep and a great excuse NOT to have company! :)
Posted by: LaurieH at November 7, 2008 10:40 AM