Global Courant
From 2020 to 2022, I split my time between two rental properties: a one-bedroom apartment in New York City and a tiny home in Santa Monica, California.
But one day I decided I needed a change. My stepfather had passed away and I was in a breakup. These losses changed my perspective and realigning my life with my values became a priority.
I realized I didn’t need that many possessions let alone two places to live. So in May 2022 I sold or donated most of my stuff. I put five boxes of winter gear in a storage room and left New York with two suitcases and a camera.
Now, at age 40, the tiny 140-square-foot house in Santa Monica is my primary home. I am an eight minute drive from the beach and there are plenty of places to walk nearby.
Sung’s house is parked in the owner’s backyard, an 8-minute drive from the beach.
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A look inside my tiny house
The house is smaller than the average size of a parking lot (which is about 150 square meters). But it’s designed so that it doesn’t feel cramped.
I found the listing Hot Pads, an online rental marketplace. The house was built by architects van Design studio Minarcand is parked in the backyard of a single family home.
The main room functions as my living room, office, walk-in closet and kitchen. I added a few small details like hooks and accessories, but otherwise the place is just as it came.
Sung’s living room doubles as a walk-in closet. “I’m very picky about how I manage my wardrobe because I have so little space,” she says.
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The glass door provides plenty of natural light and really opens up the space. The LED interior lighting has six adjustable settings. I use softer light at night and only have light in the bathroom in the morning.
Since there is no stovetop in the house, I have a double propane burner outside. I’ve honed my Boy Scout skills and now cook at home at least six days a week.
Because kitchen space is limited, Sung mostly cooks outside on a propane gas stove.
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The bedroom is a small cove that completely surrounds my mattress. I have a hidden drawer under the bed for extra storage space. To keep things organized, I use soft dividers and zippered pouches.
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Sung sleeps facing north, which she says is “great for feng shui.”
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The only storage space in the bathroom is under the sink, which has a 2.5-foot frame and shelf for towels. One of my favorite features in the house is the sink, which is made from recycled rubber, making it functional and easy to clean.
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The sleek, minimalist bathroom has an open storage space under the sink, where Sung keeps her towels.
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Built to be energy efficient, the temperature is controlled by concrete panels. This means I don’t need air conditioning, and a portable heater is enough to keep me warm in winter.
I have learned what it really means to live with intention
Most days I work from home to run my kids brand, Big little universe. Since I spend so much time here, careful organization is not a choice, but a necessity.
Living with intention in a small space has many benefits: I save time, energy, and money (especially after getting rid of my $4,500-a-month apartment in New York). It is very serene and grounding. I only have one high-quality version of everything and each item has its own place.
I have also become more aware of my social obligations. I only have one person on the floor at a time. And I travel every few months to visit family and friends in New York.
Easy access to the outdoors and the ability to hike has significantly improved her quality of life, Sung says.
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With my new lifestyle, I have come to appreciate the art of slowing down. It helps me stay present and calm.
I see myself living in a tiny house forever and I want to use my design experience to one day build my own tiny home community. But I will always cherish this crucial space – and this moment – in my life.
Sung Yoo is the founder of Big little universe, a children’s brand that brings minimalistic design to multifunctional toys and products. She received a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of Design. Her past clients include Birchbox, Dermalogica, L’Oréal Paris and Victoria’s Secret. Follow her on Instagram @biglittleuniverse And @sungsationor on Tiktok @biglittleuniverse_co.
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