Vina Lustado loves her small house in Ojai, California. It’s only 140 square feet, but it’s her little paradise.
Vina, a designer, wanted to show the world how charming and practical her tiny home is, so she opened its doors to everyone.
Her story might make you think about getting a tiny home too!
Vina believes in simple living. She grew up in the Philippines in a big family with not much money. This taught her to appreciate a simple life, and she carried that into her adult years.
Vina’s home is a great example of smart design and using space well. In an interview with Houzz TV, she said, “The design of the house is very thought out. You really have to make every single use of square inch that you have.”
Her house is mobile, weighs over 10,000 lbs, and is set up to use heating and cooling efficiently. It’s off the grid, meaning it doesn’t rely on public utilities. The whole setup, including solar panels and furnishings, cost around $40,000.
Made from western red cedar, the house is resistant to rot and durable. Carpenter Kris McCourtney mentioned this as a highlight.
Vina’s home is all about multi-functional spaces. Her deck, for example, is not just an outdoor area but also a dining space, entertainment area, and a relaxing spot.
Inside, her living room serves as an office, library, and guest bedroom. This shows how versatile her small home is.
Vina’s kitchen is surprisingly big for such a small space. She told Houzz TV, “Believe it or not, my kitchen is the biggest kitchen I’ve ever had in any of the guesthouses I’ve rented.” It has open shelving, a deep sink, and a water recycling system that waters her grapefruit tree.
A cool feature of Vina’s off-grid home is her 10-foot bedroom loft with a skylight. This allows her to stargaze at night and feel connected to the outdoors.
For Vina, her 140 square foot house is more than just a place to live – it’s a lifestyle choice that shows her values. She said, “When you think about your daily life, having to go to work every day and then making the money to just support your lifestyle of your big house. And really, how much time do you really spend with your family? Quality time, not cleaning out the garage.”
Vina’s tiny home isn’t just a place to live – it’s a statement about living simply and with meaning. Her story might make you think about your own living space and what’s important in your life. It might even inspire you to consider downsizing and living a simpler, more intentional life.
