Intentionally small home: urban living in North Carolina 

I lived very much like this when I was a student in Rochester, NY. Plenty of room in a downtown apartment and I could walk everywhere I needed to go, including school and to local restaurants, bars and shopping. Now I have a "big house" and a mortgage and often dream of my tiny studio days again!

i dont know much about the other things....but i really appreciate the walking campaign that u started... walking is better on multiple levels... for your health, for reducing fuel consumption, for reducing pollution... really thank you for trying to show people a better tomorrow

One of the reasons I like our high-rise condo building is its shared spaces. We have a beautiful lobby, lounge, two event rooms, a conference center, and a business center, as well as a gym, a pool, and a barbecue area. We don't have to spend all of our time in our own units, or out in the city. The shared spaces make home life there feel much more expansive, as well as much more social.

Love seeing how others are making small living work! My husband and I are embarking on our own tiny living journey. We just moved into our 200 sqft Airstream (from our 1500+ sqft house) and we are loving it so far. We know there will be challenges but the lifestyle and time together will be worth it!

This is one of my favorites you have made. It's so true. This isn't a competition for how small you can go. It's being intentional. What is really needed. Not excessive but what's enjoyable. I love your videos. Keep them coming.

I LOVE my small house and life!! Good to see people doing this!

I absolutely love the ideas expressed here, especially the alley way community and the phone map walking commute. Beautiful idea, bravo!

really enjoyed watching this. I enjoy walking and mass transit, urban living and small spaces.

A lot of people are interested in occupying less space, acquiring fewer possessions, and at the same time keeping their costs of living low. It's too bad the city was steamrolled by fears. Denver has several strong neighborhood associations, and a few of them have won efforts to establish "Granny Flats" in walk-out basements and garages with upstairs spaces. Since you are an architect, another way to look at smaller spaces is HOW does the dweller ACTUALLY LIVE? I've looked at many small houses and they have stoves with an oven. When I lived in a space that was actually designed as an office, I had an induction hot plate and microwave/convection oven. For four years it was plenty, and I did entertain. My present place has a full size oven and I use it for storing pots and pans. A few times a year I empty it out to bake, but not often. Also, to prevent myself from turning on the oven by accident, I removed the knob and put it in the oven. Then I'll remember to open it and get everything out.

I live in Korea and have an apartment smaller than that first apartment above the dentists' office and I couldn't be happier. I love my space, it's just the perfect size for me and I wouldn't want anything else. Extra space would go unused or perhaps filled with unimportant clutter. I can't imagine moving back to the states some day and living in a giant space. It's not something I want for my life. It was really great watching this video and seeing that there are some smaller spaces stateside. Nice work! Thanks for sharing! :)

Loved watching this...I currently live in a small 250sqft studio apartment in Chicago and wouldn't trade it for the world. Really pushes you for what you really need and be creative to help maxims a space. Would love to be featured on your site if possible?!

I love, LOVE large windows and/or large balcony doors. The views are amazing without having to step out of the house, and it gives an illusion of much more space in a place which is otherwise rather small. And you don't "choke" inside.

Nice to see others living the way we do. Good you can find all these people. God Bless

I love the spaces and ideas presented. I truly admire Matt's work, encouraging the people to walk in Raleigh. I live in Houston, TX and you have to have a car because it takes 45 - an hour to go anywhere in this city. Try walking anywhere here and you're sure to get run the hell over! Houston is beautiful, but it is hideously gi-normous - people are everywhere and the traffic is horrible. I've been here for almost 6 years and I've decided to move this coming August. I love Houston's weather and the people, but it is definitely time to move a smaller city - Denver to be exact. I'm really digging this small space/tiny house living theme. I had no idea it was so popular. I've always felt this way about small cars, but housing - it can work, too! It is definitely in my future. Thanks for the video - it was awesome!

Very nice! I love the challenge of making a small space liveable, and living sustainably in general.

This video is basically about a person with a perfect life trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Such courage! Much inspiring!

Love the way Matt organized his work space. Live-able and productive!

We live in 1600 square feet. I do not apologize. We started out in a 2 bedroom apartment, got a 800 square foot house (2/2), got a 2 story 1700 square feet and finally a single story. 3/2/2. Have a nice front yard with a grapefruit and pecan tree. A lemon, peach and 6 box garden. We also have blackberries. Small enough for us. I thought about size of house but........we are older and getting rid of junk. We like the garden and trees, privacy and space. I support the small house living project but stairs aren't for us. Too small and you will eventually go larger, we did. Now we do sustainable living.

I love the first apartment so much! If I was still single I think I would love living there.

As populations keep growing, housing for everyone become a constant problem, especially "affordable" housings. For example, city like Toronto, Canada are building smaller apartments(condominiums) in higher skyscrapers forms, yet the sizes of the apartments are getting smaller, but the prices are getting higher and higher ! It is part of a rip off indeed. People do not really need big spaces, but the prices to sell these smaller units should be kept to be affordable to the ordinary general public.

Great floor plan and I love how you have organized it. My husband and I are full time RVers. We've got 200 sq feet and we love it. I've got home based businesses too. Thanks for posting this.

This is awesome! I am 27 and I love small spaces as well! More cozy, discourages hoarding, and yes very INTENTIONAL! Thanks!

Good video. I like how, at the end, she says that there's a "life cycle of the space". We bought a 800 sq ft starter home and we're happy with our cozy little house. Maybe when we have kids, we'll get a bigger house, but for now, it's great!

This is so great. Love the proactive and positive impact this couple wants to make in their city.

I felt a connection to some of the areas tree lined streets especially in the beginning. It was great!

Accidentally bump into this channel and start to like it. Thanks. Used to watch big and luxurious houses and apartments on TV, and some how watching the dwellings on this channel show more the "human" side and " human spirit" of it. Speaking of "small home" is a relative term, in some places, i.e. Hong Kong, the apartments shown on this video are medium to big sizes in comparison. A "small home" or " big home" is probably more relative to your heart and emotional attachments rather than the physical size of a house or apartment.

Beautiful place but just a normal sized flat by UK standards!

I love the new apartment! Very well laid out, functional, bright & that patio area is the cherry on top. I'm living the less is more mantra also but I understand everyone has their own preference. To each his/her own.

amazing couple! great ideas, turing once negative living spaces into positive ones

I'm glad to see that someone else in the south sees the world the way I do. I hate that I can't find a small, walkable community where I live. Hopefully, I'll find it.

Nicole, your video is so inspiring. Thanks for letting us view a small snapshot of your life circa 2013!

I LOVE THESE SMALL PLACES,WOW. COZY,WARM AND EASY TO HEAT AND COOL.

Wow! I've seen his "Walk Your City" signage in Raleigh before! Amazing idea!

So great! I love the table at the end too. Thanks.

I've lived totally in ONE room...having access to a kitchen and bath...several times. Everything I owned was in one small bedroom... In one I divided it like a maze... Built 'bed box's' SIDE held books etc on the back side. All my winter/summer clothes, blankets etc...were stored in this 'bed box' :).. I had a table and chairs,facing the bed, the lounge chair and tv.... where in the same 'space' as the book shelves which looked like a miniature living room :) As a designer...I was surprised to see her having .. all her furnature 'against' the wall...( ie' couch should have been facing the book shelf/ kitchen as a 'divider' option...making it ...it's own room... Thanks for all these video's....Kirsten !! Keep up the GREAT work...

These is a great use of space! I love every bit of it!

her place looks practical and charming. I absolutely adore all the light she gets

Love it! My husband and I have a 400 sq foot apartment and everyone who comes in seems impressed and even a little jealous! I think intentional is a great word for it.

You make it look so easy to go small and minimal. I really liked the video, thank you!

Well rounded video. Thx Kirsten

You can here the essence of passion in her voice that is love that is how you know she has made her living space her home.

My place in Reykjavik is about 180 square feet and it is laid out perfectly and is easy to take care of .I never liked big houses back in the US ,all they end up being is lots of work and expensive bills .

Good for you, I love and have three small homes all under 800 square feet, one in the mountains, one at the beach and one in a historic town, rather than own one crazy large home I chose to touch my favorite 3 areas in a smaller foot print - the square footage restrictions and zoning were established by lobbyist for the insurance agency years ago to increase revenue with no concern for esthetics nor thoughts of those wanting to connect with their environments. Sadly most in this country buy into the larger foot print model. As our homes increase in size we as a society loose touch with each other and mankind. Good luck in your efforts, you have an up-mountain task at hand.

well done! very well done! Thank you for sharing this with us!

I absolutely loved this. I'm about to move into a tiny studio apartment with my fiancé. I've been nervous about space but this gave me a little hope that with a few tweeks here and there I can make it very doable and comfy. Thank you!!!

Wow, I love this small film! I intentionally live in a small home and I love it. Small Rocks!!! I would love to see a film on the small living movement in Charlotte NC!!

I've lived all my life in a 300sq feet home, which have 2 rooms, 1 kitchen and a Bathroom. At one time 5 people lived in it and never felt the need for a 3000sq ft house.

300sq. feet is small for the South (I live in Atlanta) but the downsizing, eco friendly trend is happening here too. We downsized from a 3500 sq foot house to 1500 sq. feet. We spend half on utilities, 1/3 on upkeep, and save hours every week in chores/maintenance. We did not sacrifice style or comfort. Nicole proves how comfortably and stylish you can live in smaller homes. Well done!

Love the lights under the cabinets.

I like small spaces. I would say that it's important to keep in mind future changes for the space. Marital status, family planning. Thank you for sharing this.

"Purpose and intent for everything that is in here." - GREAT quote

Absolute perfection. Lovely space! Warm and cozy...

Less space and less things to keep clean is definitely a blessing most times.

I like the idea about the alleyway district. It would make it more affordable to become a homeowner.

I love it.. lucky you it looks bigger and love how u fix it up..

Loved watching this. Especially cause I just moved from NYC to charlotte a few months ago. I'm adapting to using my car more but uptown charlotte row houses give me that sense of community great video!

I love the new place. So cute and cozy.

i love her room with everything in it.

I've lived in everything from a studio apartment, to a 10' wide mobile home, to a shared room in a 3 story Victorian home (10 girls, 2 per room), to now a 2000 sf. single family home in suburbia on 1/3 acre. The difference? Life stages. I liked all/most of them for what they were and where I was at the time. If I had a preference, it would be smaller square footage on more land. I like personal 'space'..not translated square footage, translated privacy and quiet. Life is about experiences to me and making the best of what is going on wherever you are.

Living small & simple. I did so for years, all over the world, & enjoyed it. I even felt rather superior about it. But then came family & age. I learned that having space is bliss. Having one’s private bit of land or garden is so very healthy. Having to convert a sofa into a bed or climbing into a loft becomes terribly hard as joints fail. We forget that many live small & crowded because they are forced. Not because it’s healthier. My hope is that urban planning evolves to give people more quality space as well as privacy, peace, and much needed quiet contact with nature.

Loved the architectural idea at the end.

Awesome! Thanks for another great video!

"Accessory dwellings" is a fine idea revisited, much better than illegal dangerous unhealthy garage living quarters. Legalization avoids squalor. It might even allow either shared backyards or at least front of back porches. Fascinating (polite) discussion in the Council meeting though the issue was ducked. I'm an owner and former landlord. I like these options debated in Raleigh.

To each his/her own....this is perfection for the right couple. Love the apartment, the windows/doors area great.

Loved the closet bed space

Love it. The design is amazing. Love the windows

Amazing. Thanks for that video.

This is awesome, Bigger isn't always better.

Wow, that is so cool. I kinda want to visit France now.

Very well stated and done! Great job.

Really nice. Loved both places.

Bravo! Love the film. My husband and I are currently in a 1 bedroom apt...about 600 sqft....loving it. We been in much bigger spaces...and loved it. But so much of that space was not being used to its fullest potential. It was too much space for the 2 of us. I am a charlottean (nc). And even though it's in the south. I'm an urbanite to my heart. I love walking outside my door to every place or use the metro system. Living in a neighborhood that you see people live is great! Not in a place where you not see people living in their big houses...bummer.

Very interesting! Thank you. :) I live in a very small studio apartment and love it.

This is a great space. I am glad you kept saying "space," since I'm getting kind of sick of the word "area."

omg...I love that apt. SO much!!!!!

The second house you move in together is huge! I mean seriously huge..

So many good things about this video!

Nice. Lots of inspiration for decorating, and living, in small spaces.

It's really nice, homey, and spacious actually. I wouldn't mind at all staying in that space!

Reminds me of my single days as an NCSU design student living in a small old studio apartment in Cameron village. My current "real" house in Portland is still small by US standards, but certainly bigger than my old bachelor pad at the Raleigh Apartments...

Great video.love small spaces More simple for sure

Thank you!!! : )

Provence, France is gorgeous! I like small living spaces. My condo is rather small and if I live long enough, I hope to sell it and move to a cheaper town or city. Small living spaces remind me of my grandparents' homes where the rooms were not very big and very comfy and sweet! Good for you and best of luck in all your endeavors!

Such a cute couple... Loved everything about this!

cute space above the dentist. not small. you can even stretch out and do yoga. love the style, and nice big windows that open

reminds me of my first home a small sustainable studio, cozy & warm with space functionality here in Dubai.

Love your ideas Nicole Alvarez, Good luck with all your endeavors!

You do such a great job on these films. Thank your much for bringing these unique stories to us. :)

You have it set up great! I really like it ! I also like your hairstyle : ) May you have peace and love forever.

loved her old apartment and really love her new place :)

I love the floors and the light! So cute. But my granddaughters would say I would need my paintings on the walls.

love it. Smart and Clever young people.

A lot more room than before; it looks very comfortable. I love the terrace. You guys seem to not have a bug problem like some areas do. I didn't see a window screen anywhere. That's a big plus. Thanks for sharing.

Love your space!

I love how both Nicole and Matt use their small spaces, both individual and shared. They have a real eye for what is important and how to place furniture to maximize both utility and beauty. I will definitely check out her blog. BTW Kirsten, good editing!

Great...love it!! I lived in Germany and there were lots of tiny places over there. There are not tiny they are sufficent, very good!!!

Love this video!!!

You both are on the right track toward future living. Keep up the great work.

I remember watching the video of that small crazy cute French tiny space. I fell in love with it. It was the very first small living space, that I had seen on line. That I absolutely loved! It's wonderful to see the transition for the impact, of that tiny home made on the dweller. In this case the cute girl. This has inspired me to live small. Because I just the idea, of everything being intentional and know why or where you got something instead of being, I can't remember where I got this or who gave it to me. I think it's opposite side of yuppies from the excessive life styles of the rich and famous. Now it seems it's more about the knife styles of the rich and famous. Where the excess has just morphed into changing and getting more plastic surgery, then living space. Because excess has no boundaries, so it makes perfect sense to have the excess be about the person now. Growing up in low income government housing projects, right n the middle of on of the richest neighbourhoods. Really effected me psychologically. I thought I had less. Until I would go over to some of my rich friends houses, and see that I had more toys then they did? I still didn't get it until I was older. And saw threw the facade. Money is the illusion. We strive our whole lives thinking about this thing that isn't even real. The whole concept is a promise to pay by working. That's even crazier. Our carbon foot print, how much waste does one person produce? This was another reason why I turned vegan. When I realized, just by the food I eat and the coffee I buy. How much waste do I create. I remember when I was at the high of my sickness ( consumerism ) I looked at a bank statement and saw that I had spent over $500 in Starbucks coffee. No joke, no lie. Sometimes I would have two or three Coffees a day. During the summer. My day always had to start with a large soy latte with two pumps of sugar free vanilla and cinnamon on top. Always. Even if it meant being late for work. That how bad my addiction was to consumerism. Now I never have Starbucks, unless I feel like it. Which is never. Because I associate Starbucks with that whole Paris Hilton Juicy couture sweat pants/uggs tiny dog assessories, on the arm trucker hat, that's Hot phenomenon. It was so intense how everyone fell a victim of that super rich culture. Now living content with nothing makes me feel so free. And thank God almighty, that my eyes can see threw all the excessive bull. Thanks to your channel, who showed up at the right time in my life. I just worry about all these self entitled millennials, who believe the world owes them everything. My generation would call them spoiled and delusional. Their generations believe they are entitled to be that way, because everything is available and has no boundaries. Hmm where did all the " Teen spirit " go? It couldn't of died with Kurt Cobain or did it?

Awesome story !