My very first blog post about something I am passionate about - small modern living! I started my journey with my husband in his small and modern home in St. Paul, Minnesota. We are still evolving our small modern living dream by converting a fixer-upper with great potential in suburbia, taking trips in our VW Vanagon and camper, renting out our modern small home in the city, and exploring rural small modern living in Bayfield, WI that we use and rent on Airbnb.

The Essential House is an example of an urban, modern, open-plan, low-cost, and energy efficient home. My husband designed and built it with his father, keeping true to his desire for a small footprint, despite efforts by the bank to make the home bigger for re-sale considerations. I lived in a studio apartment most of my adult life, so I am used to close quarters, but I never felt pressed for space in this home. Perhaps it was the clever storage designs and the immersive glass panels that made it feel larger than life!

Instead of cleaning and maintaining a larger home, I found freedom in neighborhood walks, volunteering, exercising, being more present with my kids, and maintaining relationships that were important to me. The simple and modern layout helped me feel at peace and eased my often anxious mind. In the words of Mies van der Rohe, “Less is more,” and this phrase became my mantra. Growing up, I was conditioned to believe that I wanted a large home. A 3,000 square foot victorian was my vibe, but I don’t think I could ever go back to that way of living. I prefer simplicity and appreciate how “small living,” has transformed my life.

With building prices skyrocketing, what will this look like in the future? What are the creative new builds that are working within this economic climate and attainable to people? How can homes be fixed up to reflect modern asthetics? What are considerations to buying/renting modern small properties? Can you live in a camper van? Is an off grid structure worth it? Follow along with us as we continue on our small modern living journey!

Jessica

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