Typically, when I find new small space dwellers to interview for Small Space Squad, I get really, really excited. It’s not every day that you meet someone (even virtually) with the same lifestyle ethos as you! I was especially stoked when I ‘met’ Jenn Freeman from Eleven Houses. Jenn is an amazing DIY-er who is lovingly renovating a 1920s home on a budget. Oh, and she has Rebecca Atwood wallpaper in her bedroom, too! Can you see why I’d be drawn to her yet?? Let’s tour this historic, stylish small space.
Home Tour: Inside a 1920s Fixer Upper, Home to Jenn of Eleven Houses
Who: Jenn Freeman from Eleven Houses
Where: Glenwood Landing, New York
Numbers of years spent living small: Ryan and I have lived small on and off for our entire relationship, our first apartment was a studio but we have been in our current house for 3 years.
To start, tell me your story about how you ultimately ended up choosing a small space?
We didn’t set out to live small or to buy a new house at all, we truly feel this house chose us… but we love an old house with lots of charm so chances are we would end up in a small home!
What is your biggest challenge in your small space?
Our biggest challenge?! One word… Teenagers. We currently have two and another rapidly approaching. They want their own space and they have friends over and there is no where for everyone to go. It was a huge motivator to get an outdoor space done for them to enjoy.
What is your favorite part about living small?
On the flip side, my favorite part of living small is being together. We can’t get lost or hide. I’m always walking by a bedroom door or someone’s walking through the kitchen. It creates a constant connection.
What is your number one hack for living small?
We are constantly DIY-ing some piece of storage or furniture. When you have limited space store bought or vintage pieces don’t always have the right dimensions. We enjoy customizing pieces to fit our exact needs.
Do you ever feel pressure to be “minimalistic” or feel guilty about buying things you don’t “need” for your home?
Absolutely!! For the first time in my life this house had taught me to only bring in what I love or what we need. I currently have 4 bags of clothes to get rid of in the back of my car as we speak.
What have you learned about yourself by living small?
I think you hear it often, but I actually love having less stuff! It feels great to only keep things that serve a purpose and less of a trend.
What’s your number one storage hack?
Number one storage hack is to use dressers in every room!! Under a tv especially! It’s always been my go to and they have held DVDs, board games, work out equipment to diapers and baby toys! We even used one to build a custom sink vanity.
Who is your biggest small space inspiration?
Just like all inspiration I am always taking in my surroundings where ever I go or what ever I see.
What do your friends and family say about your choice to live small?
Honestly, we have moved so many times (eleven houses) from small to big even having a seasonal camper for summers at one point, they are never surprised with any of our moves.
Thank you so much to Jenn from Eleven Houses for sharing about your life with us! Be sure to look Jenn’s Instagram feed for more of her style and small space insight.
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