There’s a lot that goes into designing an ADU, particularly because they’re smaller than most houses, and are on the same plot as your home.
Work With Your Small Space
Because you’re likely working with a smaller area than you’re used to, it’s important to be mindful about optimizing the space you do have. Kimberly says you should follow the classic construction rule of thumb when it comes to ADU floor plans and furniture: Measure twice and buy once.
“Each room and each area has to be both highly defined and uniquely accessible without being overly decorated or filled with furniture,” says Kimberly. “The last thing you want is a sofa that is too big for your living area, or a dining table that is too big for your dining area.”
Storage Is Key
In a small space with shifting uses, clever storage solutions are essential to a comfortable (and uncluttered) stay. Kimberly suggests taking advantage of vertical space by hanging shelves and hooks, incorporating multi-use furniture with storage, building closets and drawers into the ADU’s structure, and avoiding clutter at all cost.
Lean Into Lighting
Lighting is key to creating a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing ADU—and to making a small space feel less claustrophobic.
“Maximize the interior space by adding height and as many windows as you can afford, because sunlight makes a small space feel larger,” says Diana.
Windows, and the natural light they bring, are essential, but there are other creative ways to brighten up an ADU. Kimberly suggests mixing natural light with ambient and task lighting fixtures, and says that installing skylights above the bed and in the bathroom in her ADU really helped open up the space.
If you don’t have the option to add more lights or windows, consider painting and decorating with light colors—an easy hack to make a space feel lighter and more spacious. Also, in a pinch, mirrors will reflect light around the ADU, giving the illusion of a larger space.
Offer Thoughtful Amenities
Whether you’re building an ADU for your family or for Airbnb guests, you’ll want to make sure to provide everything that your visitors need to feel comfortable, no matter how long their stay. Bathroom and kitchen amenities may seem obvious, but there are some things you won’t want to forget if you want to avoid trips back and forth from the main house—or out to the store.
Stocking the kitchen with pots, pans, utensils, and dishware makes a space feel like home, and adding counter space and modern appliances ensure your guests don’t have to leave the house to find a full meal.
“Think about the kind of magical experience YOU would like to have, and then begin with the end in mind,” says Kimberly.
Diana also suggests implementing the amenities you might find in a luxury hotel room—a coffee bar, mini fridge, and fresh, white linens—to upgrade your guests’ stay. Plus, making sure your visitors have a comfortable place to work remotely is an added bonus in this work-from-everywhere era, says Isabelle, who owns an Airbnb ADU in Austin.
Take Advantage of Outdoor Space
One of the perks of bringing an ADU into your backyard is the built-in outdoor space that comes with it. A mini patio, balcony, or seating area adds more comfortable living space for guests, and can make a world of difference. Implementing outdoor lighting, too, will help you keep an eye on your space, and will make coming and going much easier for visitors.
Also, keep the garden in mind! Kimberly says that an outdoor plant display can quickly become an ADU’s best friend.
“Because the outdoor space is probably going to be small, don’t be afraid to go wild or experiment with your foliage options,” she says. “We use copious amounts of ferns, wild ivy, flowers, plants, and other things to give the small outdoor space a forest/tropical vibe.”
Don’t Forget About Privacy
Something ADU hopefuls often forget about is privacy—for guests and homeowners alike. Whether you install partition walls, small fences, gates, or doorways, creating a barrier between the ADU and your home will ensure that nobody intrudes upon anyone else’s space.
“Think about how the ADU can fit into your backyard and how you will enter and exit—we really value having a separate private entrance to our backyard so that guests can come and go as they need,” says Diana.
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