In the postwar boom, millions of ranch homes sprouted up across the country in small towns and suburban subdivisions. Today, many of these sturdy “not so big” houses still stand - and much to our surprise, are rather appealing after decades of McMansions and split levels.


What is it about the ranch home that is so welcoming?

Wanda Urbanska of Simple Living TV has the (green) answer - and she’s sharing the story in two episodes of Simple Living’s upcoming fourth season. Wanda will be helping viewers learn how to reawaken an old home - in her case, the Sunflower House in Mount Airy, North Carolina (above) - and turn it into a healing green respite from the stressful, toxic world we inhabit. 

Wanda’s passion for simplicity springs from years of observance. (A little background: her book, Simple Living, led to the popular, nationally syndicated public television series.) Wanda has been talking for years about how our eager quest for space and stuff - gated communities, ever-larger bonus rooms, guest houses and home theaters, SUVs - has turned us into a nation sick with affluenza.

A simplified approach to living goes beyond limiting acquisitions. It also celebrates the fact that humans are imperfect, and our homes are more inviting when they reflect this. Similarly, we’re fond of the wabi sabi concept here at EcoSalon. A worn banister there, a rustic bench there, a collection of heirloom teacups, chips and all: it’s part of the pared-down lifestyle that embraces memories of family and friendship and doesn’t strive so relentlessly for perfection.

In Wanda's view, the most eco-friendly and personally satisfying decision you can make is to “rehab” an older home instead of building a new one from scratch. It’s a healing proposition that we need these days.

Each week this month, Wanda will be sharing exclusive tips and stories with us from her time spent on the Sunflower House (be sure you catch the series). We’ll be sharing first steps to green up an old “problem” house, practical tips to reduce your home’s impact, and simple ideas to make your home a place of wellness and peace. Along the way you’ll see pictures of just how Wanda and her team did it.

You don’t have to build a brand new home to be green - you don’t even have to remodel. By the same token, however, even a large, newer home can tread more gently upon the ground beneath it. You’ll find that as you green your home, you’ll look forward to spending more time in it. Your own energy will shift and your home will be a place of joy.

Be sure to check back next Thursday for photos and tips from Wanda!

Images: Simple Living TV and Stephen Cannoy for Human Graphics