Tiny Living Comfort

I never thought by living in less than 500 ft.² I would come to find so much solace and gratitude. In my time in my studio apartment I have gone through ups and downs trying to figure out how my belongings and art would fit in my space. I thought it was not possible to live and work in a studio space as an artist and a yogi. My first thought was “oh no will I be able to do all the things that I love in such a confined room”. The answer is yes.

It’s possible to make anything work as long as you have an open mind. I have a Murphy bed which allows me to lift and lower it so I can have space on the floor to get what I need to do done. Although there was not much wall space, I made wall space In odd places. I covered random closet doors with art. I covered my Murphy bed, my fridge, my counters. My chairs and yoga blocks were used for holding up art. I had to build a shelf to house extra canvases. I made it work.

I realized that when you live in a space with the things that you love the most and use the most, you find so much more gratitude for all that you have. Along the way it allows you to create more space for yourself to breathe and to find expression through art and any creative outlet. My comfort zone of a tiny little apartment has brought me healing, growth and has been a space to face my fears.

I have found a use for every single nook and cranny. I used the cupboards as places to store belongings not just kitchen utensils and the top of the fridge became a shelf to hold art supplies. I used the top of my murphy bed to hold bedding and pillows and bolsters for yoga. I even used behind the couch the house the dog bed, part of the carpet and more yoga supplies. There is a space for everything as long as you allow your eyes to manipulate the floor plan to suit your needs.

I have become quite minimal since I’ve lived here. I only brought three plates, three bowls, two forks, five spoons and five knives. I have a few cups and a set of knives, a pot, a pan, a cookie sheet... I have all that I need. I have a French press and a kettle, no need for a fancy coffee machine or espresso maker. Simple tea and coffee will do, either way my soul becoming warm and is embraced with many hugs as I sip the warmest sips of simple living surrounded by hustle and bustle.

Living in downtown I have had many sleepless nights due to lights, traffick and construction but at the same time I have woke up naturally with the sun shining in. Late nights of creating, sketching, painting, watching hallmark movies and listening to an abundance of different podcasts and singing my favorite tunes. Morning of the wind blowing through my window and my makeshift curtains dancing in the sun, they look like angel wings. My plants singing the joys of energy, love, healing, crystals, and abundance. Practicing yoga in my kitchen or living room or bedroom or office aka. my tiny space, a box of love and compassion!

My fondest yet silliest thing I have loved is that I made a clothing line from one wall to the other in my front hallway. If it’s laundry day...you must limbo under the clothes to get to the rest of the apartment. Creating a fun, practical yet, silly home that is open to my weird and beautiful soul.

I’m sitting here reminiscing on my studio apartment and all the magical goodness within these walls. Yeah I know... You may be thinking how on earth do you feel comfortable or have enough space? How do you make sure to not feel cluttered or claustrophobic?

Stuff makes me feel like I am drowning or being barried. The answer is think simple and out of the box. Think about what you need, what brings you joy and what you will find the most use out of in multiple ways if possible. Thus, your space will not accumulate too much unnecessary things that cause stress, and anxiety.

On the bright side since it is such a small space, you have no choice other than to make sure it’s clean so you don’t go insane. When you have a dog and are an artist and need space to do all the things, you are more prone to keep things clean and organized. My biggest tip is to always pick up after each task designating a time and place for work and play.

Try living in a smaller space, maybe a tiny home or studio apartment and see what it teaches you along the way! By being surrounded by your passions and your lifestyle you will notice how valuable it is to fully emerge yourself into what you love and surrender to the moments you have that are so dear to the soul.

Cheers loves!

Sarah Tess