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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.

Functional Decor: Layered Kitchen Lighting

Functional Decor: Layered Kitchen Lighting

When we designed our new cottage, we didn’t include any ceiling lights in the main room, which consists of the kitchen, dining room, entryway, office, and living room. Nor did we include the recommended lights in our primary bedroom. Despite the electrician’s continued insistence that we needed built-in overhead lighting, I was adamant that we avoid it, remembering how harsh it felt — regardless of bulb type — in our previous tiny cottage.

Six months have passed since we moved in, and not once have I regretted the decision. In fact, I wish I’d listened to my gut about the kids' room too, and remained steadfast in declining the recessed lighting option in there, too. Alas, I caved on that one, and I’m still kicking myself for it.

For me, lighting is the perfect example of Functional Decor. It is the ultimate way to decorate a home and set its feeling of warmth and welcome while addressing a distinct need. Plus lighting can be designed to suit any style within a myriad of budgets.

We don’t often need to switch on the lights within our home thanks to the numerous windows and skylights that usher in abundant natural light. But after the sun sets, the kitchen requires the most illumination, which is why the room is layered with sconces, a pendant, and two table lamps. All of these include natural, eco-friendlier materials, like rattan, linen, water hyacinth, and clay, rounding out the look and feel I want for the space while helping us brighten it gently but effectively in the evenings and early mornings.

I also prefer the versatility of less permanent lighting options. With the exception of the two wall sconces on the back wall, the other lights, including the pendant, can easily be relocated in case our needs or use of the space shift over time.

The growler-turned-lamp, which is ceramic with a light iron wash and a hand-carved screen door on the front, is by a life-long friend whose works of functional ceramic art I’ve collected for 20+ years. The other table lamp (in rattan) was designed by our friend Justina Blakeney. Lighting can be an opportunity to showcase (and even repurpose) sentimental items from around your home, not only adding to the decor but also telling stories about your family and the folks you love.

SOURCES

  • Customizable Sconces

  • Handmade ceramic, iron wash lamp by our friend Daniel George Designs

  • Linen Pendant Lampshade: Secondhand (click here for the jute pendant lamp cord)

  • Rattan and linen table lamp by our friend Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow for Opalhouse

Before & "After": Turning a Construction Zone into a Garden & Outdoor Lounge

Before & "After": Turning a Construction Zone into a Garden & Outdoor Lounge

How to Make a Pop-Up Play Zone in a Small Space

How to Make a Pop-Up Play Zone in a Small Space