I am working with a few clients right now that are downsizing. I really appreciate the idea of simplifying ones life, getting rid of extras, and surrounding yourself with only truly meaningful loved pieces. I have actually contemplated this idea myself lately...do we really need this much space?  

Designer Jessica Helgerson strongly believes in leaving a tiny footprint.

'The house is an interesting experiment in reduction and reuse not only because it is only 540 square feet or because it was remodeled using nearly exclusively reclaimed materials, but because the building itself is now being recycled for the fourth time. It was first built in the early 1940s as part of Vanport Village; a quickly erected development built to house shipyard workers. When Vanport Village flooded in 1948 this particular little house was floated down the river to Sauvie Island, where it became the goose-check station. Years later it was remodeled to become a rental house.' **

In 2008, Jessica and her architect husband, Yianni, bought the tiny house as a weekend getaway for their young family. Every square inch of the home was considered,utilized and redesigned. It didn't take long before the family decided to make this their permanent home.

Can you believe that a sectional of this size is in a home with 540 sq feet?? They were designed to be deep so that they also function as beds for guests and another added bonus--all of the toys are hidden in drawers under the sectional. genius.  

Jessica claims that all roofs in Oregon want to be mossy, so they embraced the idea and took it one step further, actually planting the roof with moss and ferns that grow along the Oregon River Gorge. It adds a beautiful fun layer of extra insulation.

The house sits on a five-acre farm, deep in lush grass and surrounded by garden patches, beehives, chicken coops, and an outdoor wood oven. They have big dreams for Wild Goose Farm {affectionately named by their son, Max} and once a month they entertain large groups with outside farm tables and curated evenings filled with food from great chefs that reflect their love of food, drink, and design.

I think I could really buy into this tiny house living idea...what about you?

{images via bliss, ** jessica hegerson}