EP 117: Book talk: Life-Changing Homes with Kirsten Dirksen and Nicolás Boullosa

Aug 21

Written By Laura Lynch, CFP® ABFP™ AAMS® CDFA®

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In a world obsessed with maximizing square footage and accumulating possessions, a refreshing counter-narrative is emerging: one that champions intentionality, authenticity, and finding freedom in unconventional living spaces. This concept, explored in depth by Kirsten Dirksen and Nicolás Boullosa in their new book, "Life Changing Homes," challenges us to rethink what a "dream home" truly means.

Beyond the McMansion: Discovering Your Ideal Living Environment

For many, the American Dream conjures images of sprawling houses on manicured lawns. However, as Dirksen and Boullosa reveal, the most impactful homes are not always the largest or most visually stunning. Instead, they are spaces that profoundly shift how residents live, feel, and interact with their surroundings. This isn't about replicating Zillow Gone Wild; it's about crafting a physical environment that nurtures your inner state and aligns with your deepest values.

One striking example from the book is the story of a priest in the Italian Alps. Leaving a bustling city life, he embraced a hermitage where a challenging half-mile walk to his home, coupled with panoramic views, transformed his mental and spiritual landscape. This affordable, abandoned ruin, recovered and made livable with minimal cost, became a testament to how physical space can open mental horizons. Similarly, a man in Minnesota built not one, but two log cabins entirely from scratch, even crafting his own wooden nails. His desire for timelessness, free from the reminders of modern conveniences, led him to intentionally integrate elements like an outhouse, forcing him outside and connecting him with nature. As he wisely observed, "sometimes I think we've convenience our real lives away."

Unconventional Homes: A Path to Personal Growth and Financial Freedom

The path to an unconventional home is often born from diverse circumstances. While some embrace it out of hardship, others, like a former chief architect for Apple Stores, choose minimalism from a place of success. This architect, accustomed to designing luxurious spaces, found true luxury in a small, streamlined prefab home that highlighted the natural views. His approach wasn't about adding more, but about stripping away the superfluous to create a space that was truly comfortable and harmonious with its environment. This intentional reduction of "stuff" and clutter fostered a deeper connection with nature and simplified daily life.

These stories underscore a crucial point: unconventional living isn't just about quirky aesthetics; it's a vehicle for personal growth and financial freedom. By shedding the burden of excessive space and maintenance, individuals can reclaim their time, energy, and sanity. This often leads to a more natural, slower rhythm of life, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.

Designing a Home That Works for YOU: Overcoming Obstacles in Modern Homebuilding

The key takeaway from these diverse experiences is the importance of designing a home that genuinely "works" for you. It's about being in sync with your space, fostering a dialogue between your desires and your environment. Dan Price, who has lived in a "hobbit hole" in the Wallawa Mountains for 35 years, perfectly embodies this philosophy. His underground home is designed for ease of use, freeing him from the misery of constant upkeep often associated with larger, more conventional houses. He emphasizes that a home shouldn't be a display for others, but a deeply personal sanctuary that brings comfort and relaxation.

Dirksen and Boullosa themselves have applied these principles to their own lives, from a Spanish home with no interior doors to their current two-bedroom bungalow in coastal California, which they’ve adapted for their family of five. Their experiences highlight how simple design choices, vernacular architecture, and a willingness to rethink traditional layouts can lead to a more fulfilling living experience, even in expensive areas.

While society often dictates "bigger is better," this conversation reveals a growing trend of people finding greater happiness in smaller, more manageable spaces. This shift, driven by a desire for intentionality and freedom from being "beholden" to a large home, underscores the need for a re-evaluation of current zoning laws and building codes. These regulations, while intended for safety, often hinder innovative and sustainable building practices.

Embracing Intentional Living: Your Journey to an Authentic Home

The journey to an unconventional home is a continuous process of iteration and improvement. It's about exploring new ideas, adapting to your surroundings, and letting your home evolve with your life. The stories in "Life Changing Homes" serve not as rigid blueprints, but as parables—clues to inspire you to find your own authentic way of living.

Ready to embark on your own journey of intentional living and redefine your "dream home"? Book a call with Laura today

Discover more inspiring stories and insights in Life-Changing Homes by Kirsten Dirksen and Nicolás Boullosa. The book is available on the Abrams website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at your local independent bookstores. You can also explore their extensive video library on their YouTube channel for a visual journey into these remarkable living spaces.