Thank you for this, Laura. Yesterday, during an ongoing discussion with a local land conservation nonprofit, I couldn’t stop thinking of solutions that can help us responsibly and affordably house people while bolstering communities, circular economies, and protecting natural environments and habitats. I appreciate you giving me a chance to share some of these thoughts and concerns here via this interview. What a joy it’s been to work and overlap with you these many years!
I’ve loved seeing the evolution of Whitney’s homes over the years and appreciated this Q&A! Her comment about rooms experiencing multiple transformations in a day has really resonated with me — when my kids are at school, their room becomes my office, and at night, the dining nook becomes my studio! I feel like McMansion and HGTV culture encourages lots of single-purpose specialty spaces (basement theater, home gym, bar) that are SO expensive to create, and most of the time when I visit a home like that, we just end up gathering around the kitchen island with a bottle of wine anyways.
Lovely article! I really enjoyed this, perspectives and things I hadn't thought about. I particularly liked the philosophy of trying to re-use scraps or other unused items, or re-using pieces, both for the sustainable aspect, but also because it makes a home so much more individual and personal. Having grown up in a house of antiques, I'm very fond of old patina over new and shiny, and mis-matched over professionally coordinated or matched items. When I sold my house last spring, I worked with my realtors when repairing my home to, wherever possible, get items that were nearly-new (such as replacing the oven), re-use or find a home for pieces that were being replaced (such as a very nice bathroom counter). It was new to them, and they jumped on board with the idea and are incorporating the philosophy going forward in their business. I wish I could have done more of that in my new tiny house, but time constraints and lack of ability to search out options means it's new construction-- though I did get them to consider insulating with wool as a sustainable option (though they did more research and found that it was not a good choice for the type of construction-- but did find recycled mineral wool as an excellent alternative). Anyway, a delightful read. I'd still like to build another tiny space (she-shed?) with all re-purposed materials, just for the pleasure of it.
Thank you for this, Laura. Yesterday, during an ongoing discussion with a local land conservation nonprofit, I couldn’t stop thinking of solutions that can help us responsibly and affordably house people while bolstering communities, circular economies, and protecting natural environments and habitats. I appreciate you giving me a chance to share some of these thoughts and concerns here via this interview. What a joy it’s been to work and overlap with you these many years!
Whitney - I've followed you for years, and have so much respect for how you've decided to live. Loved learning more about you here! x
Oh my goodness, thank you, Shira. There’s always so much more to learn, unlearn and improve upon, and we’re enjoying the ongoing journey.
I’ve loved seeing the evolution of Whitney’s homes over the years and appreciated this Q&A! Her comment about rooms experiencing multiple transformations in a day has really resonated with me — when my kids are at school, their room becomes my office, and at night, the dining nook becomes my studio! I feel like McMansion and HGTV culture encourages lots of single-purpose specialty spaces (basement theater, home gym, bar) that are SO expensive to create, and most of the time when I visit a home like that, we just end up gathering around the kitchen island with a bottle of wine anyways.
I’m so intrigued by the kidroom-to-office idea!
Me too! I am seriously considering doing the same
We have to get this kid-room-office into LIVING SMALL some day!!
I love everything about this!
Same!
Have also followed Whitney since those early days and excited to see her here on Substack!
Loving this series, Laura!!
Thank you, Shira!
Lovely article! I really enjoyed this, perspectives and things I hadn't thought about. I particularly liked the philosophy of trying to re-use scraps or other unused items, or re-using pieces, both for the sustainable aspect, but also because it makes a home so much more individual and personal. Having grown up in a house of antiques, I'm very fond of old patina over new and shiny, and mis-matched over professionally coordinated or matched items. When I sold my house last spring, I worked with my realtors when repairing my home to, wherever possible, get items that were nearly-new (such as replacing the oven), re-use or find a home for pieces that were being replaced (such as a very nice bathroom counter). It was new to them, and they jumped on board with the idea and are incorporating the philosophy going forward in their business. I wish I could have done more of that in my new tiny house, but time constraints and lack of ability to search out options means it's new construction-- though I did get them to consider insulating with wool as a sustainable option (though they did more research and found that it was not a good choice for the type of construction-- but did find recycled mineral wool as an excellent alternative). Anyway, a delightful read. I'd still like to build another tiny space (she-shed?) with all re-purposed materials, just for the pleasure of it.