This Minimal Tiny Home Is Inspired by France

Name: Kelly Rodgers
Location: Parkhill Neighborhood — Denver, Colorado
Size: 382 square feet
Years lived in: 9 years, owned

In 2014 I took my first trip to France and fell in love. I admire all the details of French living; the small spaces, moldings, doors, fireplaces, and the chevron floors. I adore all things French and have become a proper Francophile. After that trip, I started to think about what I could do differently as a single independent woman and decided I needed a master plan. Knowing I love to travel but have a mortgage to pay I decided a couple of things; I would invest in building a small space that I could live in while renting my house that felt like I was living abroad, and I would become a minimalist.

I wanted to build a tiny guesthouse on my property detached from the main house; however, the city I live in was not zoned for that, therefore the tiny addition was born. I had an architect help me with the layout and then I designed myself a tiny European apartment in the middle of Denver with a small Jardin and Café. Of course, like all construction projects it went well over budget and a year beyond my timeline. It was difficult to say the least, but my dream home was completed, and it turned out beautifully. I love living in my small space.

I am a little over a year into my new living situation with much success. My rental income from the main house pays my mortgage and I have surrounded myself with only the things that bring me happiness. Living minimally brings many positive things into my daily life. I can clean my space quickly, leaving more time to work on my blog and the things that I am passionate about. I can pack a bag in a breeze for my next trip abroad, which will be next spring. I am heading back to France to scope out two towns in hopes of living abroad, just for a bit.

How long have you lived here? One year (owned my property for nine years).

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Tiny, French Inspired, Bright, Inviting, Minimal.

What is your favorite room and why? The Café. The outside space is inviting, quiet and makes me feel jubilant. It is the perfect space to dine alone, have brunch with friends, or enjoy a morning latte.

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? I would detach my tiny addition from the main house and have a proper tiny guesthouse.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? A small white pineapple vase that I purchased on a trip this year while in Burgundy. It was a last minute find in Beaune, France and I second-guessed myself at the time. It now adorns my nightstand and I love it!

Any advice for creating a home you love? Fill your home with only the things that you love, things that inspire you and keep it minimal.

Thanks, Kelly!

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