In the world of tiny living, stories of downsizing and simplifying life abound. But what happens when a single mother and her two young daughters decide to take the leap? Katie, a mother from Idaho, did just that, transitioning from a nearly 5,000-square-foot home to a cozy tiny house. In this blog post, we’ll explore Katie’s inspiring journey and discover how embracing the tiny lifestyle has transformed her family’s life.
Why Tiny Living?
Katie’s decision to adopt the tiny house lifestyle was driven by a desire for adventure, simplicity, and a focus on what truly matters in life. She realized that the key to happiness lay not in material possessions but in the cherished memories created with family and loved ones. By choosing to live with less, Katie found that she had more quality time to spend with her daughters, Rain and Willow.
As a homeschooling mom, Katie relishes the opportunity to be close to her children emotionally, physically, and intellectually. The tiny house lifestyle has allowed her to prioritize these relationships and foster a deep, meaningful connection with her daughters. Now in their fourth year of tiny living, Katie and her girls have discovered that the experience has exceeded their expectations, with each day stretching out before them, filled with joy and cherished moments.
Exterior Design;
When designing the exterior of their tiny home, Katie prioritized practicality to withstand Idaho’s snowy climate. The family’s 8×20 trailer is topped with a metal roof, allowing snow to slide off easily when temperatures rise during the day. The fallen snow also creates an extra layer of insulation around the house, providing added warmth during the cold winter months.
Katie got creative with the skirting around the base of the home, enlisting the help of her friend, Paul. Together, they spray-painted metal sheets with a copper finish and used them to cover the insulation. Since the house is stationary, this solution has proven to be an effective and visually appealing way to protect the underside of the home.
Katie and her daughters make the most of their tiny living experience by embracing the great outdoors. They highly recommend finding ways to garden, even in a small space. Not only does it teach children responsibility, but it’s also a fun and rewarding activity to enjoy together during the summer months. The family even has a small herb garden right outside their home.
To keep their home warm and efficient, Katie relies on a propane heating system, with a propane tank located just outside the house. When the snow thaws, the outdoor area becomes an extension of their living space, serving as a place to gather with friends and family around a cozy fire. The family enjoys activities like kayaking and fishing in the beautiful surrounding area, making the most of their outdoor space and creating lasting memories together.
Interior Desig;
Upon entering the tiny home, you’ll find yourself in the living room, dining room, and eating area combined. A folding table serves multiple purposes – from homeschooling and family meals to yoga and meditation. When extra space is needed, the table conveniently folds up against the wall. Underneath the table, a couch doubles as Katie’s closet, keeping her clothes organized and out of sight.
A ladder leads up to Katie’s personal oasis – her loft bedroom. She keeps the space simple and serene with a white comforter and a few plants. The dormers, which Katie had added to the original house plan, provide extra headspace and allow her to open the window, letting in fresh air and a view of the beautiful forest and water outside.
On the other side of the tiny home, you’ll find the kitchen, bathroom, and the girls’ loft bedroom. Rain and Willow’s room is a cozy space filled with comfortable bedding, resembling a tree house. The girls joke about the occasional kicks and stolen blankets during the night, showcasing the closeness and playful nature of their relationship.
In their cozy loft bedroom, Rain and Willow enjoy playing card games together, fostering a strong bond between the sisters. At night, Willow likes to crawl over to the window and gaze at the moon, finding relaxation and peace in this simple ritual.
kitchen;
The kitchen is where Katie truly shines. She appreciates the large kitchen sink, which makes cleaning up after meals a breeze. The big picture window above the sink offers a stunning view of the mountains, creating a therapeutic and meditative space for Katie to cook, listen to music, and find inspiration.
Katie’s attention to detail is evident throughout the kitchen, from the crystal knobs on the cupboards to the carefully placed plants. She opted for open cupboards to maintain a sense of openness and flow. In the winter, the simple act of heating up a tea kettle is enough to warm the entire space, thanks to the efficient design of the tiny home.
bathroom and toilet,
One of the standout features of Katie’s tiny home is the bathroom, accessed through a sliding barn door. The door, which Katie found online and refinished to match the kitchen’s aesthetic, is adorned with a full-length mirror. This clever design choice not only saves space but also adds light, depth, and dimension to the kitchen area.
Katie chose to install a separate toilet from Sweden, a decision she highly recommends to other tiny house dwellers. Although it was a bit pricey, the investment has been well worth it. Another essential amenity is the hot water heater, which a dear friend helped Katie install after the initial one failed to work properly. Having a functioning hot water heater has been a game-changer, allowing the family to enjoy showers in the comfort of their own home.
Tiny Living;
For Katie, living in a tiny home has been a profound lesson in discovering true happiness. She has come to realize that joy doesn’t stem from material possessions but rather from within. Embracing the words of Henry David Thoreau, Katie strives to live deliberately, focusing on the essential facts of life and learning from every experience.
Katie’s ultimate goal in sharing her story is to inspire others to connect with their true nature and rediscover what it means to be human. She believes that the beauty of the tiny living lifestyle lies in the opportunity to spend more time doing the things that make us who we are – a priceless gift that she and her family cherish every day.
Conclusion;
Katie and her daughters’ tiny living journey is a testament to the power of simplicity, togetherness, and finding happiness in the present moment. By embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes experiences and relationships over material possessions, this single mom and her girls have created a home filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Their story serves as an inspiration to anyone seeking a more purposeful and fulfilling way of life.
