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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.

Floral Crown Hat Band

Floral Crown Hat Band

Having grown up in Florida, and spent the majority of my adult life in California, I’m unfortunately no stranger to sunburns.

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Earlier this month I had some skin spots checked by a dermatologist,. To my surprise, despite hundreds of freckles, my age (40), and numerous “wisdom spots,” the doctor informed me that I shouldn’t require another exam for two years unless something out of the ordinary pops up.

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On her way out the door, she nodded towards my West Perro desert sun hat propped up on a chair, and commented that I likely have the hat to thank for my good fortune. It’s for that exact reason that I’m constantly wearing my hat. Other than one ball cap from The RightWay Foundation, it’s the only one I own. I curb temptation to buy additional styles I don’t need by updating the brim on a regular basis.

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During election years, I wrap a Late Sunday Afternoon ascot around the hat and load it with political pins. Other times it’s dressed minimally with a simple horsehair braid. Lately, West and I have taken to accessorizing our hats with flowers and feathers discovered while on our daily walks.

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To keep these treasures threaded securely to the hat, I ordered an adjustable, handmade band off Etsy that’s made for just such ornamentation.

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Not only is decorating the band an outdoor activity that I can enjoy with my four year old, but it’s also an excuse for us to us to slow down and tune in to the tiny details around us.

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And, as with home decor, I delight in the opportunity to create endless , zero waste designs with the help of a few simple, practical belongings.

Some Items You Can Probably Go Without: Sustainable Swaps Edition

Some Items You Can Probably Go Without: Sustainable Swaps Edition

Improving Maternal Health Outcomes

Improving Maternal Health Outcomes

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