17 Comments
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Christene Barberich's avatar

Such a huge fan of Merie….I’m so inspired by the Hay crates, too…can’t wait to test them out myself! Thanks Laura!❤️❤️❤️

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Laura Fenton's avatar

Thanks for saying so! Merie puts so much thought and care into every choice--it really is inspiring.

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Marlena's avatar

Beautiful! Thank you! I've moved three times in three years - from a 1,750 square foot, three bedroom, two bathroom home with a full basement and attic, to a 1,200 square foot two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, to a two bedroom, one bathroom 995 square foot condo, and I've loved going smaller and smaller. Only thing I'd like is an additional quarter or half bath, and it's just right for me and my teenager.

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Laura Fenton's avatar

Oh, an extra half bath really would be a dream, wouldn't it? But what is a quarter bath? That's a phrase I've never heard! Just a toilet in a closet like they have in Europe?

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Marlena's avatar

Correct - just a toilet and sink.

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Allison's avatar

I love seeing how people adapt space to changing needs. The 3br 2bath house where I raised my family wasn't small (1450 sq ft), but when my three kids reached their teens, they needed their own spaces so I built a freestanding wall to make the dining area into a fourth bedroom, which was easily removed when they grew up and moved out. It wasn't as beautiful as what Merie designed, but my son chose the colors he liked and it served the purpose of having some privacy. Flexibility is key whatever the house size, especially when you have a family!

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Laura Fenton's avatar

I love the idea of a temporary fourth bedroom to get you through a few tight years without having to move to a bigger house. I think people are often in a rush to go bigger when the little kid/teen years go by so fast!

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Shira Gill's avatar

WOW. Seriously inspiring. Loving this series, Laura! xx

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Dacy Gillespie's avatar

Literally came here to say the exact same thing, verbatim! 🤣 Loved this one.

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Laura Fenton's avatar

Awww, thanks. Marie’s home is so inspiring.

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Laura Fenton's avatar

Thanks! I have so much fun doing these Small Takes

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Tess's avatar

I love these series so much! Very inspiring. Thank you 💕

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Anne Everitt's avatar

I enjoyed this so much! Currently cutting my one level home in half to rent the other side, so I’m looking to use my space better.

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Neela's avatar

Stunning space and thank you for the book recommendation.

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Lindy K's avatar

Thanks for the substack political rec’s. Just looked up Michael Moore. I’m so sick to my stomach. It’s such a seismic shift. Applaud Costco times a thousand. Interesting fact. Spain is thriving due to embracing their predominantly Latino immigrants with many social supports. And it’s paying dividends. Thanks for your small takes. Live small- love yr work and sorry for the rant-

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Laura Fenton's avatar

Hi Lindy, I am not sure I understand your comment: Are you suggesting Michael Moore has done something that would make you sick to your stomach? I haven't seen it, but his latest film looks commendable.

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Lindy K's avatar

Sorry-was fueled by caffeine. I’ve always been unbeknownst to me a bit cryptic. I looked up MM because I’m so sick to my stomach. He used to be so front and center politically- now not in my eye view so wanted to see what he was saying.

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