How one woman customized cozy tiny house in a forested paradise, creating a beautiful interior

Amber, a self-proclaimed minimalist, has spent the past four years living in a tiny house with beautiful interior design —a choice she says has significantly improved her quality of life.

“Having a tiny home keeps everything really simple for me, and I think simple is what I really value in life,” she explained.

Amber shares her 413-square-foot home with two dogs, Chica, a Chihuahua, and Romeo, a Mexican rescue she describes as a mix of Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound.

Her house, built by Mint Tiny Homes in Delta, British Columbia, is 34 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, featuring two loft bedrooms.

The design process was a highlight for Amber, who researched various layouts and builders to create her ideal space.

She praises the home’s well-thought-out design, saying, “I very rarely feel like there’s not enough space.”

Thoughtful Design and Practical Features

The exterior of Amber’s home features board-and-batten siding, a metal roof, and an added gutter system to preserve its longevity.

“I also installed a rain barrel system, so in the summer, I can collect rainwater and not waste it,” she said.

An awning was another later addition, providing much-needed cover during rainy grocery trips.

Inside Amber’s living room is a multifunctional space. Her couch doubles as a single bed, and a fireplace, added after the initial build, warms the area.

High ceilings and strategically placed mirrors make the space feel more significant than its modest size.

Amber’s bathroom, though small, is thoughtfully designed. It features a large bathtub she uses for more than just soaking.

“After hiking or snowboarding, I can let wet gear drip dry right into the tub,” she noted. She also has a compact composting toilet that saves water and is easy to maintain.

The kitchen is Amber’s favorite part of the house. Equipped with open shelves and full-sized appliances, it’s where she spends much of her time cooking.

“I didn’t want closed-in spaces that make the area feel smaller, so I opted for open shelves. It flows and feels open,” she explained.

While she cooks 95% of her meals at home, she admits her fridge needs an upgrade.

Making the Most of Limited Space

Storage is a key challenge in any tiny home, but Amber has found clever solutions. She has designated spaces for larger appliances, sports gear, and everyday essentials, even carving out a “junk drawer” equivalent.

“Everything should have a dual purpose in a tiny home,” she said, highlighting her kitchen’s pull-out extension, which doubles as a prep space and a spot for board games.

Amber’s two loft bedrooms maximize vertical space. The guest loft above the kitchen serves as a cozy nook for visitors and extra storage.

The main loft in her tiny house, which has a beautiful interior design, is accessible by stairs and doubles as a meditation area.

While initially hesitant about the idea of sleeping in a loft due to claustrophobia, she found the space surprisingly comforting.

“It’s the most cozy, safe little nest,” she said.

Meanwhile, the heating in the home comes from an electric heat pump, a fireplace, and portable heaters.

Reflecting on her experience, Amber noted she would include radiant floor heating in a future build to counteract the cold floors that come with living in a raised structure.

The Cost of Tiny Living

Amber’s tiny house with beautiful interior design costs around $90,000 Canadian, including custom features like skylights, a large tub, and a dishwasher.

Monthly expenses include her mortgage and a pad fee for the plot where her house is in a forested area on Vancouver Island.

Living in a tiny home also comes with unique challenges, such as preparing outdoor plumbing for colder months to prevent freezing.

Despite these minor inconveniences, Amber has no regrets. “The pluses really outweigh the negatives in most cases,” she said.

Working from home as a nutritionist, herbalist, and personal trainer, Amber also handles brand management for a pet herbal company—all from her tiny house office.

She documents her lifestyle and shares recipes on Instagram under @AmberNaturally, where she provides a glimpse into her unique living arrangement.

Looking Ahead

For Amber, the tiny house lifestyle has been liberating.

“I value freedom over everything,” she said, adding that while tiny homes are harder to move than she initially thought, her setup offers a peaceful balance of mobility and stability.

Though she occasionally wonders what her next step might be, leaving her tiny home feels unimaginable.

“Living in a tiny house is actually easier than I thought it would be,” she reflected. “It’s pretty fun.”

Tour inside Amber’s tiny house with beautiful interior design below:

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