All the Spaces

2022 Contest

Emily's Spacious, Calm Space

Campaign for Emily!

Name: Emily Soon

Website: https://www.emsvan.com/

Instagram: @emsvanlife

Size: 72 square feet

Home type: Van

Location: Sunshine Coast, Canada

What you're looking at:

My van was built to explore my home country from north to south and coast to coast. However, the pandemic had other plans, and my van became my primary residence. Moving into my van full-time as a stationary home, instead of as a travelling accommodation across Canada, was never my intention, but has proven to be the perfect space for me to call home. My love for maximizing space, creating efficiencies, and optimizing storage made designing my layout the best part of the experience. I spent most of my van build designing the most spacious, multipurpose layout, which included a list of non-negotiables that made my layout the best possible for my lifestyle. (Image credit: Emily Soon)

My van was built to explore my home country from north to south and coast to coast. However, the pandemic had other plans, and my van became my primary residence. Moving into my van full-time as a stationary home, instead of as a travelling accommodation across Canada, was never my intention, but has proven to be the perfect space for me to call home. My love for maximizing space, creating efficiencies, and optimizing storage made designing my layout the best part of the experience. I spent most of my van build designing the most spacious, multipurpose layout, which included a list of non-negotiables that made my layout the best possible for my lifestyle.

When I designed my layout, I wanted to ensure that my space was maximized for multifunctional living. My main living area can be used in multiple ways: as a dinette, home office, lounge, or couch. It can accommodate up to four people in a variety of seating setups. It allows me to welcome friends and family into my home and gives us a comfortable space to connect.

Years lived in: 16 months, owned

Household: Solo

Have any design professionals worked on this space? No

Do you currently live in your Small/Cool space full-time? Yes

Describe your space:

My van was built to explore my home country from coast to coast. However the pandemic had other plans, and my van became my primary residence. Moving into my van full-time as a stationary home, instead of as a travelling accommodation across Canada, was never my intention. My love for maximizing space, creating efficiencies, and optimizing storage made designing my layout the best part of the experience. Most of the time preparing my van build was spent designing the most spacious, multipurpose layout, which included a list of non-negotiables that made my layout the best possible for my lifestyle.

Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?

My van was built professionally, however, based on budget, it was done economically. With a very basic build completed, I took what looked like the inside of a cardboard box to a warm, comfortable home. By painting the walls, adding wallpaper as features in my bedroom and living room, and stick-and-peel subway tile as a kitchen backsplash, I was able to cost-effectively transform my space from a cargo van into a home on wheels.

How do you make your small space work for you and feel bigger than it really is?

When planning my build, I made sure to include a list of non-negotiables, which were important to allow me to continue to live my lifestyle and keep my vanlife experience unique to me. It was important to have a flexible, multipurpose space to call home. My main living space can quickly and easily be converted from a dinette for two to a 6-foot couch for relaxing. Housed within the bench seat is my composting toilet, making this space also my bathroom. By maximizing the layout of this space, I was able to include a dining room, living room, and bathroom all within 6 feet by 2 feet.

How does your home reflect you?

With a penchant for organization and a natural ability for capitalizing space to create storage, my space makes the best use of the space available. I designed my layout to maximize space and be as multipurpose and efficient as possible. The subway tile backsplash in the kitchen creates a clean and streamlined look. The tropical floral wallpaper in the bedroom, living room, and bathroom bench warms the space without feeling overwhelming. These design elements produce a home that feels warm, comfortable, and speaks to my personality, love of travel, and is welcoming to family and friends.