For those who live in homes on the smaller side, it's easy to feel like those in larger homes have it better off. This article shows that by embracing your home no matter the size, you can embrace all the joy and connection it provides.
A love letter to my little house:
This Valentine's week, I find myself reflecting on you — my humble home. You’ve been so much more than just a roof over our heads. You’ve been a vessel of memories, laughter, growth, and connection. Though your walls may not be large, your heart is boundless, and through the years, you've given us a world far beyond your modest size.
When we first met in 2011, you were the kind of home that required vision and patience. But even then, I saw the potential in you. You had a generous backyard (for SoCal), a floor plan that worked for our family, and a charm beneath all the dust and the to-do list that seemed endless. Together, we worked hard - from updating your tired kitchen early on, bringing fresh life into your nondescript backyard, and adding coziness to each of the rooms’. It's been a journey of transformation. Not just of your structure, but of our lives within you.
For 14 years, you’ve welcomed us with open arms, despite your size. You have always been more than enough, even when I thought I had to have more space.
As our family grew, so did the memories you gave us. You’ve held teenage gatherings filled with laughter and chaos, made room for sleepovers for our girls and their friends, hosted birthday and grad parties where cake was devoured, and new wishes were made. You’ve opened your doors for holidays, big and small, with family and friends crowding around the dinner table, cozy and full.
You’ve also been my sanctuary, my quiet retreat, where I’ve spent mornings sipping coffee on the front porch and evenings watching the sun dip behind the trees and feeling the ocean breeze, less than 20 minutes away. Your garden, my little labor of love, has given us fresh veggies and herbs through the years, teaching us patience and nurturing. And the cabana in the backyard? It’s been a true oasis during those long summer days. Whether it’s a casual BBQ or just a moment of reflection, your outdoor space has been a backdrop for countless moments of joy.
In this world where so many are consumed by the pursuit of bigger and better, I want others to know that smaller homes are still powerful. A smaller space doesn’t mean less. It means you must be more intentional, more creative, and more appreciative of what you already have. Every inch of you, dear home, is filled with the energy we’ve put into you.
Every corner has a story — like the refresh we did recently over the summer of 2023, which included a bathroom renovation, fresh paint in key areas, new flooring upstairs and beautiful window shutters in the front room. It was just in time for our cousin’s visit from Germany who we hosted for two weeks. The laughter that has echoed from your kitchen, where so many holiday treats have been baked and numerous dishes prepared for our house guests and girls. And the quiet nights in the living room with only the sound of the rain tapping on your windows during the winter, with a roaring fire in the fireplace.
For those of us in 2025, navigating the challenges of rising costs and economic uncertainty, there is so much to be said for what we have. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we need a larger house to make memories, but I’ve found that a smaller home offers a unique kind of magic. We’ve learned to live with what we need, not what we think we should want. We’ve found joy in the moments, not the square footage.
You’ve given me so much, my sweet home. You’ve allowed us to live intentionally, to prioritize what truly matters — family, friends, and love. You’ve shown me that a home is not defined by how much space we have, but by how much heart we put into it.
As I reflect on all that you are, I just want to say: thank you. Thank you for being the canvas for our life, for offering us warmth, and for always being there through the highs and lows. Here’s to many more years of shared laughter, comfort, and love. You may be small, but you’re more than enough. And I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
With all my love, Cher
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