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Santa Cruz Is a Gorgeous Tiny House With a Dark Exterior and a Contrasting Cozy Interior

Santa Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny Homes 21 photos
Photo: KJE Tiny Homes
Santa Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny HomesSanta Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny Homes
Tiny homes are not a one-size fits all product. That's why many manufacturers strive to put the customer first, listen to their needs and wants, and help them make their tiny home truly their own. One of the well-known and respected companies that build outstanding custom tiny dwellings and turn their customers' dreams into reality is KJE Tiny Homes.
The California-based builder has delivered dozens of beautiful compact dwellings so far, one of them being the Santa Cruz model that impresses through a perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and functionality. Although it measures only 28 feet (8.5 meters) in length and 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) in width, this tiny home on wheels has a lot of character and comes with an abundance of cool features that make it stand out from the crowd, including a fireplace, a spacious bathroom, full-size appliances in the gourmet kitchen, and a dining space.

There are plenty of good reasons why more and more people choose to live in a smaller-footprint abode nowadays. Besides being less expensive to build and maintain, tiny houses provide mobility when built on a trailer, yield a reduced environmental footprint, and offer the possibility of adopting a conscious-living lifestyle.

Some may think that they would lose something important if they choose to live a simpler lifestyle in a tiny home, but looking at the Santa Cruz design, we are more convinced that embracing this lifestyle doesn't have to mean compromising on comfort and style. In anything, it means gaining more time, energy, and freedom.

Santa Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny Homes
Photo: KJE Tiny Homes
In our view, custom tiny homes are the best, as they allow the owners to put their own stamp on the design and choose the layout and amenities they need and use. The owner of the Santa Cruz home chose a modern, almost industrial-looking exterior clad almost completely in black metal. The rugged exterior aesthetic is only softened by the cedar accent surrounding the entrance door.

In stark contrast with the outside look, the inside aesthetic is very cozy and inviting. Numerous windows allow plenty of natural light to permeate the interior, and the white shiplap walls and tall ceilings have a magnifying effect on the living space.

Everything inside this house on wheels comes together perfectly. The living room and kitchen are in an open-space design, the bathroom is spacious, and sleeping space is provided for four people in two opposite lofts.

Electric fireplaces and accent walls take center stage in any living room designed by KJE Tiny Homes, and the Santa Cruz model is no exception. Accent walls are a great way of creating a visually interesting focal point in a room, and Santa Cruz's living area has not one but two such walls: a black brick wall framing the electric fireplace and one covered in wallpaper imitating ocean waves.

Santa Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny Homes
Photo: KJE Tiny Homes
The living room is spacious enough to fit an L-shaped sofa facing the fireplace and the TV mounted on the wall. This is bound to become the family's favorite spot in the house, thanks to the calm, inviting atmosphere. Next up is the dining area, which comprises a folding wall table for two. When not in use, you can fold down the table to free up space.

The kitchen is in the center of the house and is incredibly practical, with a plethora of cabinets and open shelves for storage and full-size appliances for cooking. A deep sink, a four-knob full range, and an apartment-size fridge ensure its functionality.

The bathroom is hidden behind a barn-style door matching the blue navy tone on the kitchen cabinetry. It is surprisingly spacious for a tiny house and includes a glass-enclosed corner shower, a toilet, a vanity, and a washing machine.

In typical tiny house fashion, the two lofts are at opposite ends of the structure, and they don't offer enough height to stand up. Nonetheless, they are spacious enough to accommodate queen beds (or even twin beds for the second loft).

Santa Cruz tiny house by KJE Tiny Homes
Photo: KJE Tiny Homes
A storage-integrated staircase leads to the main loft, but this design element is also different from what we usually see in tiny houses. It is way wider and features a steel handrail with a wooden handle and wood slats. However, despite the increase in width, it seems to integrate fewer storage cabinets. It's still a great way to hide away personal items and keep the interior clutter-free.

The second sleeping space sits above the bathroom and can be accessed via a removable ladder. Steel railings offer protection in both lofts.

As with all tiny house models produced by KJE Tiny Home, the Santa Cruz design allows for great customization, so prospective customers can request modifications based on their needs and preferences. As for pricing, it will vary depending on special features, materials, fixtures, and so on. If this floorplan is to your liking, contact the company for more details.
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About the author: Ancuta Iosub
Ancuta Iosub profile photo

After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors.
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