Lady Builds Affordable Tiny House to Live in Expensive California

Vina Lustado is a California based tiny home designer and her first design, featured here, was for her own humble home. Vina's clever use of space, form, function and light make her tiny home seem larger than life! We think it's an excellent example of a "Zen Tiny House."
Vina's tiny home operates mostly off of solar power. She heats her tiny space in the winter with a small gas fireplace, which provides a dreamy ambience. If that's not enough, the property where she is currently parked, is surrounded by orange trees, which emit a citrus scent summertime. In the afternoon light, Vina's tiny home and surrounding luscious landscape create an angelic atmosphere.
Vina has been living in her tiny house in Ojai, California, for a little over two years. She expanded the interior space of her design by building over the wheel wells of her trailer and by using less of a roof pitch. Vina also keeps the interior space light with glass french doors, plenty of windows, a skylight and birch interior panels.
Vina was kind enough to share some tips for tiny home design in this video. She also shared her build cost, $40,000, which is extremely affordable for a house in her area.
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[@wietskereijsenbach5733]

I'm only 14 and the last two years I've been absolutely obsessed with tiny houses. When I'm older I'm planning on designing and building one myself! These videos are a huge inspiration for me! You're doing a great job!

[@prismcosplays8088]

O.M.G!!! I’m almost 14 ad i feel the same way!!!!!!!😱🤫

[@vaboone]

Wietske Reijsenbach i

[@bmblem9844]

Me too

[@doreenschmid6210]

You go, young man. You are the wave of the tine living future. ; )

[@Sam-vp2cv]

im 14 too,and i feel the same way (:

[@MrGenedancingmachine]

I'll probably never get to do something like this in my life but simply watching these videos pleases and relaxes me

[@roxelbr]

Never say never, as long as makes you happy! :)

[@NosiLLa258]

MrGenedancingmachine The law of attraction is very real. If you say you won't be able to do something than you certainly won't. Try to speak as if anything is possible and even likely!

[@kristinamclaughlin4674]

My husband and I are going to go tiny this year. We've been eyeing homes for a year.

[@LunaOverEden]

As long as you live in California...

[@marywalsh4793]

MrGenedancingmachine : I like you love watching these videos, they relax me too. I am quite happy in my 2,000 sq. ft. home on a street that is within walking distance to a beautiful 5 mile round trip green line trail. But even so, these inspire me to create happy spacious rooms within my own living space... to better organize my space, especially if you have hobbies for fun, hobbies for money, and/or hobbies for collecting things. It’s about creating space to me, with less clutter. It clears the mind and distresses your life ^ - ^

[@felixsoufflet7046]

You know had wrong ideas about tiny houses . Thanks to youur vid's i learn that tiny houses is not only for people who can live without a minimal comfort . You got everything you need in a smaller place. Its awesome . Well done & finished . Just awesome.

[@rebeckajohansson5638]

I've been looking for weeks for this video! I'm so happy I finally found it, the house have so many features that I like.

[@X3000Chan]

I love the falling leaves detail on the cabinet and all of the natural materials she used. Beautiful home!

[@leahwalker9868]

Beautiful woodwork! 🤩. Love all those window. Sweet tiny! Her voice is very calming.

[@darinroberts3528]

Lovely.. Clean... Nothing...cluter. Amazing.. We can live like this lady.. How nice soul...... Nice cute deck... No some monstrosoty.. And just.. How satisfaction

[@carlapappalardo1901]

What a pleasure to listen to someone who designed it so meticulously and is clearly in the field so to speak. Very knowledgeable very design oriented and I'm shocked that it's only $40,000 it makes me want to LEAP out there and get that exact same house!

[@angijohnston]

this is one of my favourite tiny houses ever. i could totally see myself living here

[@kimtolliver8923]

Very humble lady God bless u

[@SquidandCatAdventures]

This one is my favourite so far of the tiny house videos I've seen. I usually watch Living Big in a Tiny House and love that host.

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for this wonderful visit w/the home's owner, and for showing her beautiful tiny home. Really refreshing person to hear from regarding her build.

[@magspies]

Absolutely beautiful. Small attention to details brings this to the next level. Vina seems like a delight as well. Good for her.

[@phillygemini526]

I loved this house and how she explained everything. Im big on space, but starting to see the appeal in this. Affordable, custom made, more eco friendly and you can move it!

[@trackingtim]

Holy hell! I love that window that sits across the kitchen counter and stove top!

[@ronjacobe]

The response of your grapefruit tree to your gray water resonated with me. I so love the idea. I would like to believe, it is more than just the water. It is that it comes from you as you wash your body clean and what you release nourishes the plant. Much like the idea of the relationship between the fish and the plants in a hydroponic system. The cycle of life.

[@DamonMedekMusic]

She seems like a nice soul.

[@erinbrown6962]

The end is so funny! I’m glad my pup 🐶 is not the only one that eats random pieces of wood 🪵 lol. Beautiful home 🏡!!!!

[@denisecarter5117]

I love her peaceful and calm voice and attitude. Love her design.

[@BeingWolfy]

I love how the dog finds her way into so many shots. Even the shot of Vina showing her stove, the dog is outside in view through window. LOL! So cute.

[@zandrar3986]

bit late but that’s so funny I went back to find it hahah

[@Haybaybay7]

I love the warmth, serenity and simplicity of this tiny house.

[@MsJennifer576]

I think this is my favourite tiny house so far. It's so peaceful.... =)

[@amstudio56]

Jennifer Moore me too

[@Itzy91]

Jennifer Moore mine too!

[@vania713]

+Jennifer Moore Yes , Very well Rounded and Balanced. Bravo!.

[@PM-ly5hh]

same

[@speedypaws0117]

ELF houses are fore dumb pepole ...... I mean WTF just live in a normal house fore god sake

[@Tina-qn6pq]

I love how peaceful her yard is and the big door that makes you feel like you are outdoor when your sitting on the couch. Love it. 🌻🌻

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello beautiful

[@cellet114]

Thanks Vina for sharing, this is so cozy & tranquil. I would like one so I can vacation in, especially during my Chicago land winters . This beautiful home is affordable and gives me new found hope on traveling to warm sunny states without having to leave right away. Thanks again for sharing! :)

[@violethill4813]

Spacious simplicity filled with light and tree motif. So elegant and one of the best tiny homes I've seen! Zen!

[@philiq18]

Talk about Zen! Nice space.

[@sydney4911]

I stumbled on this video today and really like her home. Today is Dec 8, 2017 and Ojai is in the news today as being under mandatory evacuation due to the wild fires that are consuming the area. I hope Vina and her neighbors are safe and that their nieghborhood is spared the destructive nature of the fires.

[@rachelattack]

One of my favorites, and this is probably the 18,000th video I've seen. Particularly the fireplace and the compost toilet privacy and the upstairs window. I also really appreciate that you've given us prices. Thank you so much!

[@loriroberts3442]

I love the design and all the space saving features. So simple but so functional. House plants would be great.

[@sandravalani359]

Very beautiful and cozy home!!! I simply love the design!!! Thanks for letting me into your tranquil space!!! Please enjoy your life there!!!

[@darinroberts3528]

Live and learn.... We each inspire....somehow... For me its ...learn that.. No money buy happines.. How happy she is there????? Smile.....

[@tolgonai9042]

I think I've watched this video 10 times... captivating

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Man, I just love you guys, you never fail to make me smile. All of your videos are natural and easy to watch, Jenna you have a great on camera presence. I love this tiny house, it is very Zen; an overall very calming effect.

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello Raynola

[@mmanut]

One of the nicest tiny houses I've seen. Great Place.

[@brendadrew834]

Love it and cozy, too! I love any Tiny House with a fireplace....a fireplace really makes a home cozy! Love her close to nature environmental approach and noticed not only the solar panels but that she had a lovely inground pond as well. She has really nice places to meditate, on her bed in the loft looking at the stars or trees and at that pond! Thanks for sharing....beautiful!

[@peonypink7943]

One of my favorite tiny houses. So cleaver.

[@Lostinstarsss]

Very peaceful and beautiful

[@jesschappell647]

Cool Video, I think Vina is one cool chick what a lovely design!!

[@briannajustiniano6632]

Jess Chappell agreed

[@douglasrobertson1684]

I lived in my camper shell pickup for 4 years and this...is...fantastic!

[@donnanevin6204]

its always interesting but l think about what and where you would find land to rent of buy or what are the legals as so many unnecessary regulations. silly stuff that mskes so many homeless.

[@Empresslockness]

Thanks for the thorough tour of her home. I love learning all of the details.

[@blackstarblues9055]

I love the clean, simple design of this house and the double doors opening out to the veranda letting the outside in.

[@bels2521]

This is one of my favorite tiny home videos. I love the simplicity, natural design features and details that Vina applied to her home.

[@kattay11]

You guys have the cutest pup!

[@Octoblasts]

Her house is so clean. One of the most simple, practical and beautiful designs I have ever seen on KZbin..

[@marindaesteves8634]

love this, lovely minimalism design

[@justvicisfine8620]

Born & raised in the Upper Ojai valley finally my whole family packed up,sold houses & moved to SLO Co. This made me homesick. I love the outside living the best. I’d spend more time out there than inside. Great kitchen too!

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello

[@Maelvamp]

One of the best simple and zen Tiny House design I've seen so far. Great inspiration, Merci!

[@corner559]

One of my favorite tiny houses. It's beautiful, comfy and in a gorgeous setting. It's just perfect.

[@JenniferPerkins]

I finally figured out that it's your dog.... LOL. I was thinking wow that dog is everywhere... duh... he had to be your dog. He's beautiful.

[@persebra]

+Jennifer Perkins The dog is a "she", her name is Selyse, or something like that. i think its some kind of french type dog. Jenna's boyfriend behind the camera is french.

[@JenniferPerkins]

per sebra​ Thank you so much. She is truly a beautiful dog. I'll have to look up her breed if I can find it.

[@persebra]

Jennifer Perkins It may be on their website, I think. you can always ask them.

[@idoltyler06]

+Jennifer Perkins I just figured it out too lol. I was like okay I thought they were in California, or Washington, but wait didn't I see that dog in Portland? lol. Then I was like oh it must be her dog.

[@unlimitedhugs1]

+Jennifer Perkins Lol! Thanks for the clarification. At the fireplace part I was thinking why on earth is she moving someones else's dog.. that's why lol

[@sagittariusviking8473]

I really like the clean, minimalistic look, and spaciousness combined. Very beautiful!

[@donnaconrad8851]

Beautiful! The most prettiest one I have seen! Very appealing, spacious, and clean! I love the deck area, the desk/office area, with the large window. Just lovely!

[@cheryljackson3776]

This house is so beautiful and the art work is fabulous. There is a peaceful existence in the lovely decor and great wood in the home.

[@katiebouch]

I liked this tour a lot. I feel like we got to see all the details she shared as she was talking about them. I liked the bloopers at the end. Your videos keep getting better. Looking forward to the next one.

[@peacefreedom4930]

The house is beautiful. However, her spirit is stunning. What a blessing this video is.

[@caseysutherland]

This house has some incredible aesthetic. You can really see the design influence throughout. I loved the window selection and placement.

[@vonsheabutler15]

My favorite one so far! So, beautiful!!! Vina you’re a beautiful soul!

[@RochelleEskue]

Don't you love Ojai? The old cemetery and how lush and green everything is. All the little shops and restaurants too. My Uncle designed one of the hillside mansions in the mountains of Ojai and named it, Villa Escargot. ( Yes, I hope someone has changed the name by now ) Although it's been years, It's never been cheap living in this area of Ventura County and it looks like that hasn't changed.

[@Geno619]

I was born and raised in Carpinteria, California, in 1970. I didn't realize then I was living in paradise! I went to Ojai often. I went surfing in Ventura and Rincon. Solvang up in the Santa ynez Valley was fun to visit on a weekend. I moved away at the age of 22 for a more affordable place to own a home near Idaho. I had no idea how awesome I was living! It was a big adjustment, but it was very cool to experience all 4 seasons .The best part about Ojai is that they are above the thick fog in the summer ☀️ ☀️ !

[@Xmariposa61]

So far this tiny house is my favorite, it’s just perfect and its surroundings are amazing.

[@shelleyhillier7581]

i love Vina's House. does look so clean and serene

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello Shelley

[@bbbaaa976]

I am fully impressed! It's just a complete kzbin.infoUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 plan with the best resources and step by step instructions . These shed plans are so satisfying as if the sheds build themselves on their own. Worthy work Ryan!

[@sheridesmarais796]

Beautiful! Love your wardrobe too. Love allowed the special art work pieces

[@Jenniferargas]

I love the house! I just wish we had more information regarding the land such as costs. Congrats on your beautiful home!

[@SherryMosleyAkashicEnlighten]

Jennifer Vargas yes thank you! Land in Cali is still $$$$ Where is that info?

[@sreemoyeebasu]

I love how proud she sounds when showing her home. One just knows she must be happy here. :)

[@Penelope416]

A dreamy, elegant yet simple space.

[@allthingsharbor]

Beautiful AND highly functional! Just awesome!

[@QueenlySweetpea]

Love how everything is so neat and tidy, best looking bathroom I've seen cosy yet functional with neat touches, love all the light natural light in there. Lovely home, tastefully decorated ..

[@stevehatfield6699]

super well thought out

[@Rocky1765]

I really like the use of so many windows, and the deck is just awesome!

[@glip]

Beautiful simple design. It works! One of my favourite tiny houses . . So far. Keep the tiny house tours coming. I really enjoy watching and learning about them.

[@vmmac7953]

This channel has been so educational. Thanks for showcasing such ingenuity and beauty

[@elvirak.schuller9449]

So serene and minimal yet really cozy. I really like it! Thank you for the tour! :)

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello Elvira

[@elvirak.schuller9449]

@@garypeterson2921 Hi Gary!

[@eileenmcnichol9657]

Just lovely. Uncluttered with a peaceful, cozy feel.

[@margaretrosin7853]

Exquisitely designed, beautiful! Love all the tree designs. And the white/ wood theme makes it so calm and relaxing.

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello Margaret

[@iamthegardenwombman4152]

This Tiny House is beautiful and expansive in width & length. I love it, Thank you for touring her tiny house, its very inspiring.

[@heatherh5795]

She gave so many tips!

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello

[@tikilee7172]

This is the 4th time I’ve watched the tour of this stunning home. Meticulous design achieved a home for easy living.

[@viceb7]

This is so beautiful! Definitely a favorite. So clean and peaceful.

[@SuperSunshinesue]

my absolute favourite...elegant, pure and stunning. Prima, Bravo.

[@Grow_Everything]

This is a great build. I'm thinking one of my favorites!

[@cindya2082]

Everything about this home is beautiful. You are very talented and have a lot of talented friends.

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello Cindy

[@TheDtfamu89]

So, she's living my dream...yep.

[@naruemonrorick6205]

Mine too!

[@phoebekelso4859]

By far the BEST tiny house I've seen! For California, that location is beautiful. also love ur dog :)

[@victorgomes7585]

Very serene ,simple lines and cosy. Love the tree theme!

[@Vangerline]

Gorgeous but, I'm still looking for the fridge.

[@Beachmom64]

Under the counter next to the storage unit with the painted leaves. Standard size for European homes.

[@almondeyeferrer8068]

awesome design.. looks spacious.. the best tiny house I saw in youtube..

[@sherry866]

Lol, luv the little blooper at the end !! What a Great little home, absolutely Beautiful. The homeowner knew Exactly what she was talking about & REALLY MADE THE WHOLE VIDEO VERY SMOOTH !! She, Rather They (friends & workers) did one of the Best Tiny Houses I've seen yet !! I Love the Huge extended patio /deck & also that she added an overhead covering of some sort, in order to block the sun !! I just wish they talked about that covering, just a little. Over all a Great home & another Great video from you guys !! Thanks for sharing !!!!! 😁. 🏡 p.s.- ALSO LOVE THAT TILTING LOFT WINDOW !!!! THE PROPANE FIREPLACE & LOFT WINDOW WERE DEF WORTH THE MONEY, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE TINY HOUSE PPL FOR NOT BEING A SLAVE TO THE BANKS !! GOOD FOR YOU AND MORE POWER TO YA. !!!!!!! Sherry

[@solhausdesign6733]

sherry a Hi Sherry - The overhead canopy is a mesh shade device from Amazon. It was customized and cut to fit the deck. It's wonderful as a lightweight canopy that can be easily removed for transport. It's also very important to shade the south facing sun from direct heat gain at the french doors. Thanks for your comment!

[@douglasrobertson1684]

wow factor X 100000000000!

[@savannahprice4137]

I love this tiny home! My second favorite too!

[@benbrianfernandez]

Are those special effect bird twits or what?! Living in that forest, and waking up with snow white's birds, man wow. That's natural coffee right there.

[@kimcote8653]

I love this tiny house.. It is so simple and clean and open.. Sweet.

[@farmitecture2060]

And another great video! What a great space! I really like the sofa/bed/storage from the local craftsman. Keep up the great work!

[@pressedearth9492]

Very nice house. Love her use of windows and light,

[@ms.fortune2957]

This is a very beautiful house but let me tell you I would go CRAZY in that bed, its too closed in for me! Smh LOL Major STORMS & flooding are my MAINE concern when it comes to these homes

[@lemonlover6559]

Such a classy looking tiny house, it would be a pleasure to live in it!

[@motel29]

As much as I love this and all "Tiny House" vids, I just sometimes catch a vibe that some of these are more of an Artistic expression rather than a true "living space". The bigger area that we currently occupy isn't ever that neat and organized. lol Of course design and layout are important to maximize area for the folks there. But as someone considering a downgrade to a smaller space, I would like to see more of a Family adjusting to this lifestyle. Thx for posting~

[@TinyHouseGiantJourney]

+motel29 Well, you're in luck! We just posted this video with a family and a great dane living in a tiny house: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXW1mH-lpduHr9k

[@MsSomeonenew]

+motel29 Well when someone is coming over to film your house you aren't exactly going to leave it messy. And a large house simply leaves you more space to mess up, don't have to put anything away until you really got large piles of useless crap in your way, a small space will simply force you to tidy most things up.

[@motel29]

MsSomeonenew Folks don't usually want to film our house. I'm not sure why. After all it is a true "living space",,,where we live. Thx for your thoughts. Much appreciated.~

[@snowymountainlion]

+motel29 I think that's part of the point though. You're sacrificing space but because your house now costs so much less you're able to pay more attention to all the little details and make it run smoothly. I know for myself living in a 2 bedroom apartment, it seems so much smaller than these tiny houses cause it's not really laid out in the best way. Also, keeping your house clean and tidy is a must when you don't have space for clutter

[@persebra]

+motel29 "Folks don't usually want to film our house. " Apparently, you dont want to film you house, either. lol. (I went to your channel, expecting to find a tour).

[@Mark11340]

This is one of the nicest floor plans. I really like the feel of this build.

[@clenaghen123]

This by far the cutest little house I have seen, makes me want to build my own! thank you

[@susancarter3864]

Beautiful, well designed. And not cluttered. Woohoo.

[@naim27bakar]

Lovely house! The dining table system is a great idea... P/S:dat after credits XD

[@dstew8540]

Love it, especially, the push out with the desk and the French doors.

[@lenah7203]

I've lived in tiny spaces most of my life (I'll be 60 next week!), but I always wanted to design my own. I took a carpentry class last summer and now I'm building my own collapsible 4' w x 8' L x 8' h wood frame tent (totally my design.) Not exactly the same as a tiny home, but as close as I can get on my budget and know how. I'm loving the whole process. I have fibromyaligia and on disability, but the doctor said I needed to do some exercise. Everyone said to find something I love to do, well, this is it! I just work on it an hour or so every day and I'm LOVING it. Where there is a will there is a way and I've got a very strong will to do this. When I'm done I'm planning on traveling around with it in a warmer climate.

[@SuperSunshinesue]

ALL THE BEST...WOW GOOD ON YOU.

[@ladylena1918]

I hope it went well. Maybe you can show your home on this channel?

[@strawburrymilk195]

Lena H any updates?

[@le_th_]

Lovely home designed by what seems to be a lovely woman with great energy and humbleness.

[@TheFreedomTheory]

Stunning stunning tiny house! I love the tree elements!

[@LisaN]

The Freedom Theory I want to know also the basics of how people got their properties. Vina said a home there would be ridiculously expensive, but what about the land? How did she come to acquire it and how much did it cost?

[@slavicatricarico1811]

The Freedom Theory I love your tiny home it’s stunning.