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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.

Declutter with the Help of Greenery

Declutter with the Help of Greenery

Rather than buying new, purely decorative tchotchkes that will sit on the planet for hundreds (or thousands) of years, we try instead to outfit our lil’ home with multi-functional items, and/or organic decor that will naturally decay once the time comes. This is one of the many reasons I have happily embraced the houseplant craze.

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By now, we all know that plants clean the air, eliminating harmful toxins while releasing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide. They can also decrease stress, while increasing our feelings of happiness. 

But a lesser discussed reason to decorate with plants is that— depending on how you go about it— it can reduce your level of consumer waste. 

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Most obviously, plants replace the need for superfluous decor throughout your home. And, when all is said and done, they can be composted or planted elsewhere, meaning that there will be no “stuff” left over to throw away or donate if your tastes shift or your needs change.

In my book, Small Space Style: Because You Don’t Need to Live Large to Live Beautifully, there are numerous tips for ways to incorporate greenery into even the most compact spaces— both indoor and outdoor. (There’s also a feature of my favorite plant guru, Hilton Carter.)

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Our tiny home feels bare without plants, as demonstrated by the photos in this post, all taken on the same April morning. Just a handful of wisely placed varieties can make a huge difference in a small space, and create a visual that’s entirely unique. (After all, unlike a mass-produced print or accessory, no two plants are exactly the same.) We use a mix of invisible floating shelves, lightweight hanging planters, and vintage pots to display our indoor greenery. 

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Video: Small Space Style on Access Live

Video: Small Space Style on Access Live

Well Chosen Goods

Well Chosen Goods

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