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Welcome to the Cottage.

The Tiny Canal Cottage is a resource for helping folks mindfully conceptualize, decorate and enjoy versatile + smaller home spaces. Founded by designer, consultant, stylist, creative director and author, Whitney Leigh Morris, this family-owned small business recently finished the construction of a new, compact cottage and greenhouse-office in the southeastern US, and are also restoring a little 1800s French farmhouse and its outbuildings with co-stewards. Morris’ focus is crafting flexible, sustainable, and more community-focused home spaces. Explore Whitney’s book, blog, and social channels for years of tips and tales from living and working in — and with — a smaller footprint.

We're Expecting!

This week was a good one. #StanleeStubs cleared his senior wellness exam with healthy results, I booked some exciting new clients, Adam was promoted at work, and we finally feel safe and comfortable enough to start sharing the news that I'm pregnant! Our baby boy is due in early October.

We took this photo at the first Venice farmers market of April. At 13 weeks, I do have a tiny bump. I've been relying on boho tunics and leggings to keep me comfortable in this time of awkward growth. (It pretty much just looks like I ate a massive burrito...)

At 35, I'm considered to be of "advanced maternal age," which I think is simultaneously hilarious and scary. But our experience thus far has been uncomplicated and a pure joy. (Knock on wood.) Everyone has been incredibly wonderful and supportive already, and I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by the most loving people on the planet. 

We've received the following two questions several times recently, both in person and via Instagram: 

  1. Will we stay in the Cottage? 
  2. What will we do with the pups? 

First off, YES! We will be staying in the Cottage, and we can't wait to introduce our tiny boy to our tiny home!  Living in a house that's under 400 square feet with two (tall) adults and two medium-sized dogs has thus far been a surprisingly easy and rewarding experience. We see no reason why we can't welcome the baby into this environment. As he grows into being a toddler, we'll review our options. But in the meantime, I am delighted to tackle the challenges of raising a baby in a small space. 

Now for the pups, Stanlee and Sophee (#StubsandSoph): 

Stanlee, who I adopted when he was 2, has been by my side day-in and day-out for over 7 years. This may sound juvenile, but he's my best friend and I can't imagine my world without him. He has been great with my nephew Finn, who lives in LA and spends a significant amount of time at the Cottage. (Some of my favorite photos of Finn and StanleeStubs can be seen here). We believe Stanlee will be equally as terrific with our newest family member. 

Sweet Sophee, who is still a puppy, will go through professional behavioral training and baby-preparation with a local trainer this summer. She's a quick learner and a complete love. We are confident that we will be able to safely introduce her and our son to one another this fall. 

Thank you all for your kind messages, and for sharing so much love. We feel it all, and are so sincerely grateful. 

The Venue Report: My Guide to Venice

The Venue Report: My Guide to Venice

Friday Mornings at the Venice Beach Farmers Market