Today I am thrilled to share the small home of my internet friend Kristen of Minima. I think this is something truly of our generation, to connect with a like-minded person online for years, who you may never meet in person (but hopefully we do one day!). Kristen even contributed an article previously here about editing closets. As she is moving on from this beautiful space we decided it was time to do a full home tour. Lately I’ve been getting feedback when I feature spaces over 700 square feet, that the spaces aren’t small enough. This makes me regret the name 600sqftandababy, because it I chose it for it’s catchiness, it captured our life in a quick phrase but I never meant for it to be limiting. I believe there are lessons to be learned from all spaces and how people live in them. I particularly find spaces under 1200 square feet the most interesting as I find it an efficient amount of space that requires creativity to make it do everything it needs to do. I love learning how others operate without an entryway or mudroom. How do they manage laundry in a small space? How do you organize your home with small or limited closets? All of this fascinates me and I plan to continue to share homes under 1200 square feet that inspire me in the hopes that they also inspire you.

I find Kristen’s warm minimalism and expert organizing to be extremely inspiring. I am often learning tips and techniques from her to manage my own drawers and closets. While I couldn’t help but ask her some of her favourite organizing items from her favourite shops, she (and I) will be the first to tell you that having fewer things and only what is beautiful and necessary is the best way to organize your drawers and closets. So thank you, thank you, to Kristen (and Jonathan!) for opening your beautiful small city home to us today!

Intro - anything you would like to share about yourself, your life, work, (incl. links to instagram or website) you would like me to share etc…

I’m a home and workspace organizing expert and small business owner, previously an architect. I’m passionate about minimalism and view it as a holistic approach to life—not an aesthetic—that can be applied at every scale. My organizing business, Minima, was founded in 2010 and our mission statement is Make what is necessary beautiful®. To me that means eliminating the excess in our lives and then making what remains beautiful—whether it’s a clothing closet, a calendar, or a relationship.

You can find Minima …

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How big is your home and what is the layout?

It’s 1020 square feet with an open living space (living/dining/kitchen) on the first floor. On the second floor we have two bedrooms (one is used as our shared work from home space), a laundry nook, and one bathroom. We also have a front porch and a small backyard with a shed.

Who lives there?

Me, my husband Jonathan, and our two tiny Netherland Dwarf bunnies. They are so cute. They live in our work from home space so they get to be out playing while we work each day. They love being around us and it’s definitely a de-stressor to have them here! When I first moved into this home I had roommates to help with the cost. From 2017 to 2021 I lived here alone, so the place felt pretty palatial for just me. Jonathan moved in with me in 2021. (ed. note. In the Fan Neighbourhood of Richmond, Virginia)

Tell me about your choice to live small. Was it a conscious decision or did it just evolve? (I will preface that your place isn’t super small but it’s still small by US standards). 

It was very intentional. When I bought my home in 2013, I actually wanted something even smaller like an apartment style condo. Nothing like that was on the market and most homes in my desired neighborhood were 1500 to 2000 square feet or more (big, beautiful Victorian row houses, but not for me). I was so happy to find my section of the neighborhood, which is full of “miniature” row houses, much smaller than adjacent areas.

I usually ask what people’s home style is but I already know and love your minimal modern design with a mix of high and low Scandinavian design. I would rather ask how you found your style? 

I think it dates back to my days as an architect. I studied architecture at Virginia Tech and then practiced in the field for a couple of years before switching to professional organizing. During my time in school, I was exposed to minimalism and the idea of form and function coming together in harmony. That’s when I really fell in love with simplicity and the idea that less is more. The next evolution came from Instagram, believe it or not. Jennifer Hagler was my original “influencer” and exposed me to new Nordic brands like HAY, Muuto, and Menu before they were well known. I was so drawn to her spaces and realized most of the things she had were of Scandinavian design. In 2019 Jonathan and I went to Stockholm and Copenhagen, which was a long awaited dream come true. We are determined to retire to that part of the world someday.

Is there a piece of furniture or accessory that you couldn’t live without that makes living in your space easier?

I would say there’s nothing I can’t live without. If it were all gone tomorrow, I would feel sad/displaced for a period but I would be okay. I’ve really had to work on this mindset. Part of the beauty of minimalism is non-attachment to things, but I also love beautiful things. If we’re talking about quality of life though, my Aeron chair has been pretty life changing from a comfort and focus standpoint while I work.

What is something you love about living small?

I can vacuum the whole house (including under furniture) in less than 20 minutes. I can deep clean and dust in another 20 minutes. It’s so freeing and allows me to keep things to my standards without getting overwhelmed. I always think about cleaning before new home-related purchases, which is why I like to keep surfaces mostly clear.

What is something you hate?

I wouldn’t say I hate it, but having only one very tight bathroom can be challenging. It requires a lot of communication between me and Jonathan. The flipside is that we only have to keep one bathroom clean.

What are your top 5 MUJI items for home organizing? 

Oh my god, I want to live inside a MUJI. Everytime I visit NYC I have to go to at least two store locations; I think it might be my number one all time favorite brand. I love their ethos so much, and how simple and modular their storage is.

1. MUJI’s Soft polyethylene cases and Optional lids are used for everything throughout my home in various sizes. They’re so gentle in appearance and feel.

2. I use Polypropylene makeup boxes and Optional lids not for makeup, but other small item storage.

3. I use the Acrylic storage case for my smaller office supplies.

4. I use PET rectangular bottles to streamline all visible cleaning liquids like dish/hand soap, shower products, etc.

5. MUJI’s Cleaning system is a set of beautiful and compact attachments that all fit onto one pole. Such a space saver! (ed.note: me too!!)

Top 3 IKEA items in your home?

I love IKEA too. I grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia where the second IKEA store in the United States opened at Potomac Mills Mall in 1986. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of that store and the Småland play area.

1. I love my IKEA kitchen. They have since discontinued and changed the kitchen I installed, but after nine years of use, it still looks brand new. 10/10 would do it again.

2. My IKEA bathroom sink cabinet and storage allowed me to do a mini bathroom renovation without spending a lot, as well as maximize storage in the small space.

3. I love mixing high- with “lower”-end affordable pieces from IKEA; when chosen well, it can feel totally seamless. For example, my Wishbone chairs from Design Within Reach pair so well with my DOCKSTA dining table from IKEA.

   
   
   

I am constantly in awe of the organization behind your cupboard doors (I’m afraid mine are not to that level). Can you show the inside of some cupboards and explain how you manage to keep it so tidy?

Definitely! For me, organization is an art form where the challenge is to blend form and function without compromising one for the other. I think of arranging objects inside a cabinet the same way I would about composing an interior. Because I enjoy it, it makes it easy to maintain. It’s almost like a meditation practice for me to fold clothing or put away the dishes—everything has a place so it’s simple. Instead of thinking of chores as a negative, I try to reframe as an opportunity to create beauty.

These past couple of years have been particularly challenging for reasons I won’t summarize as we all have lived through them to varying degrees. How have you survived or even thrived in your space that might help others (and if you haven’t that’s ok too)?

When the pandemic first happened, my business was definitely hit hard and everything was so unknown. I think having a calm sanctuary to live in while we all isolated helped me remain as centered as possible. Once I accepted the new reality, I was able to take action and make positive changes to keep my business and life going in a good direction. I can’t control life, but I do have some control over the space I live in.

Can you share some of your favourite Richmond spots? It seems like such a great little city.

Definitely! I’ve lived here since graduating college in 2006 and I love it. The neighborhood I’m in is called The Fan, and it’s a very walkable urban area with tons and tons of beautiful old row houses mixed with shops, restaurants, and other local businesses. Some people call it a “town/city” because it’s definitely not a huge metropolitan area. In true organizer fashion, I have a digital map of my favorite Richmond spots, which can be accessed here. My all time favorites are the VMFA, Helen’s Restaurant, and El Pope. We also have the James River with trail and beach access.

Thanks again Kristen for opening your beautiful home to us. You are a constant inspiration to me to have less and maintain and organize what I already have. I know others will be grateful for all you share as well. Can’t wait to see what you do with your next home!