whitney-new-photos.png

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.

Low Waste, Small Space Holiday Wall Decor

Low Waste, Small Space Holiday Wall Decor

Not enough room for a tree in your small space? (Same here, although our 4 year old might wear me down with his requests to get a tabletop version this year.) Either way, here’s one easy way to use fresh greenery to create space savvy holiday decor for a small home. (View the 30-second video here.)

small-space-christmas-holiday-decor-5.jpg

List of supplies:

  • Live branches

  • A bit of rope

  • A nail or damage-free Command strip

  • Battery-operated twinkle lights (we use rechargables)

  • A zip tie (to attach the battery pack to the back of the branch)

  • Clippers

I simply wrapped the twinkle lights around the branch, tied the rope to either end, suspended the entire piece from a sturdy wall hook, and then added small florals and twigs throughout the branch for a pop of color and variation in texture. I carefully spritz the branch with a bit of water every few days, and replace the bright floral clippings as needed after they’ve fully dried up.

small-space-christmas-holiday-decor-3.jpg

The final result is simple yet striking. And, best of all, at the end of the season the rope, hook and twinkle lights can be reused, and the greenery can go in the compost.

small-space-christmas-holiday-decor-6.jpg

P.S. Here’s an alternative for folks who prefer an artificial, ready-made version.

Pregnancy Month 5 / Sheltering at Home Month 9

Pregnancy Month 5 / Sheltering at Home Month 9

A List of What I’m Gifting (and Why) - 2020 Edition

A List of What I’m Gifting (and Why) - 2020 Edition