Interior Design to Make the Most of Your ADU

Excited about the prospect of having an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in your backyard, but concerned that the small size of your space might mean cramped livability or compromised interior design? Though ADUs are incredibly versatile for their use and add great value to a home, they’re not as revered for their spaciousness. Whether you plan to rent out your ADU, invite a family member to move in, or use your new space as accommodation for a live-in caretaker, you may need to get creative when it comes to furnishing and designing the interior of your new space.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Utilize multi-functional furniture: Choose pieces that can be used for multiple purposes, such as a bed with storage underneath or a coffee table with built-in shelving.
Incorporate natural light: Make use of windows to bring in as much natural light as possible. Not only will this make the space feel larger and brighter, but it will also help to reduce energy costs.
Elevate furniture when possible: To make a small room functional and comfortable, it's important to create open space for movement. Consider using floating shelves and nightstands to keep the ground clear and create space for extra storage. Wall lights and sconces are also good choices as they take up less space than floor lamps. Mounting televisions on the wall frees up floor space and creates an ideal vantage point to view your favorite show. By maximizing the available space and minimizing obstacles, you can make the most of your small room.
Use vertical space: Instead of letting valuable floor space go to waste, consider installing shelves or a loft bed to make use of the vertical space in the room.
Keep it simple: Clutter can make a small space feel cramped and overwhelming. Use minimal decor and storage solutions to keep the space feeling open and airy.
Reflective pieces are a great tool: To make the most of the natural light you have and to make the space feel bigger, you can use mirrors. You can install mirrored closet doors or place a large mirror on a wall or create a gallery wall with mirrors of different sizes and shapes. They will reflect the natural light around the room and give the illusion of more space.
Area rug choice matters: When choosing a rug, it's important to pick a size that is proportionate to the room. A small rug can make the room feel cramped, so make sure to get a rug that is large enough to cover most of the furniture or go wall-to-wall. Don't skimp on size as it can greatly impact the appearance and feel of the room.
You don’t have to fear color: Just because you have a small space doesn't mean you have to keep everything white and can't be bold with color. In fact, using a darker shade of paint on one wall can make your small space feel cozy and intimate. Don't be afraid to embrace the size of your apartment and use color to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

With a little creativity and planning, you can create a functional and stylish ADU that meets your needs and budget. Thankfully, OneStop ADU takes care of grunt work when building your ADU, leaving you time and energy to focus on how you might perfect your space. If you’re ready to embark on your journey to owning an ADU, for whatever purpose you hope to use it for, visit our website onestopadu.com. If you have questions or would like to schedule an in-person meeting and a complimentary feasibility study of your property, contact us by phone at 858-437-8476, or email at info@onestopadu.com.