Our TeamMelanie Gnau

Melanie Gnau

Contributor

Asheville, NC

About Me

Melanie, a proud Isleta Pueblo tribal member, chronicles her life (like that time she lived in an Airstream), her dog, her chickens, and her work as a sustainability and small-spaces content creator and coach on her blog, A Small Life. There, she also shares tons of inspiration for readers looking for small home and alternative dwelling ideas.

Latest Stories

See How I Transformed My Mouse Hole-Ridden Kitchen & Living Room

I’d call my aesthetic “art gallery in the woods.”

Melanie Gnau

Aug 7, 2024

The Kitchen Item I Always Buy Thrifted to Prep for the Holidays

Life

It only costs a dollar or two.

Melanie Gnau

Dec 5, 2023

I Turned an Old Filing Cabinet into the Modern Planter of My Dreams

Home Projects

This DIY was totally beginner-friendly.

Melanie Gnau

Sep 12, 2023

8 Organizing & Cleaning Solutions a Small-Space Expert Always Recommends to Clients

They're pretty much all game-changers.

Melanie Gnau

Jun 14, 2023

What Modern Buildings Can Learn from Indigenous Architecture

Indigenous people have long been at the forefront of sustainable architecture.

Melanie Gnau

Oct 24, 2022

How to Organize Your Home by Color, According to a Pro Organizer

Coordinate a new hue for each room.

Melanie Gnau

Jul 5, 2022

I Tried This Viral TikTok Cleaning Hack for Electric Clippers

The results were disappointing to say the least.

Melanie Gnau

Jun 25, 2022

These 5 Cleaning Podcasts Will Relax and Motivate You

Tune in for some instant inspiration.

Melanie Gnau

Jun 24, 2022

5 Small Space Organizing Solutions Under $20

Organizing

Yes, you can organize on a dime.

Melanie Gnau

Apr 23, 2022

10 Indigenous-Owned Businesses to Shop for the Holidays (And Beyond)

I put together a list of some of my favorite Indigenous-owned businesses to shop for the holidays—many of which I’ve already bought gifts from.

Melanie Gnau

Dec 3, 2020