Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are an excellent idea to increase the value of your property. They also provide a flexible living space. However, the majority of ADUs are relatively small in size, typically 400 to 800 square feet. So, you must be smart with design.

When approached correctly, you can make even a small ADU appear comfortable, functional, and even spacious. Here are effective design concepts that assist you in maximizing each square foot.

Go open concept

Walls consume space, they block light, and make rooms appear to be smaller. The open-concept floor system of the living room, kitchen, and dining room automatically creates a bigger space in a small ADU. Use a sofa or even a dining table to separate living spaces or rooms, as opposed to dividers. This makes the layout airy yet demarcated.

Optimize vertical storage

When floor space is scarce, go vertical.

• High shelves
• Wall storage
• Cabinetry
• Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

These options help save space and remove clutter out of the way. They also enhance a feeling of height.

Built-in wardrobes in bedrooms may be able to eliminate the larger dressers. You can also customize lofted sleeping areas to allow additional functional living areas underneath.

Use multipurpose furniture

All the furniture ought to be multi-purpose in a small ADU. Here are some examples:

• A sofa bed that can also be used as a sleeping area by visitors
• A coffee table with a secret storage
• A dining table that folds down when not needed.

Murphy beds also come in handy for ADU homes. They allow you to easily transform a sleeping area into a living room in minutes. Additional options include:

• Horizontal nesting tables
• Ottomans with storage inside
• Easily movable modular items to meet changing requirements.

Adopt built-in solutions

Custom built-ins utilize awkward spaces and do not require bulky pieces of furniture. Consider window seats with drawers underneath, in-built desks, or storage cabinets fitted in the underutilized corners.

In small ADU homes Murrieta CA, every corner is important. Thankfully, built-ins can be customized to your specific floor plan. This also provides a neater and more streamlined appearance.

Use light and bright color schemes

Dark colors soak up light and diminish the size of the rooms. Rather, use lighter colors on walls and the biggest pieces to brighten the space. Examples include:

• Whites
• Soft grays
• Pale blues
• Warm neutrals.

Love to make a statement using color? Add it as an accent, such as:

• Throw pillows
• Wall decor
• Rugs.

Complement the color scheme with natural light from windows and skylights. This will maintain an ADU that feels spacious and open.

Incorporate smart kitchen design

In small ADUs, kitchens occupy excessive space, so the design must be efficient. Imagine a galley or single-wall kitchen design that has full-height cabinetry. Open shelves could make the room brighter.

Small appliances, such as:

• 24-inch refrigerators
• Two-burner cooktops
• Washer-dryer units.

…release space and do not compromise functionality. Corner storage and pull-out pantry shelves also utilize small spaces.

Use sliding and pocket doors

Swinging doors consume prime floor space. Swapping them out for sliding barn doors or pocket doors leaves hallways clear. It also provides additional overall usable square footage.

A pocket door can create an immense difference in bathroom accessibility. A small sliding door to the bedroom can also open up space to add furniture.

Create an outdoor living space

Building an ADU does not have to be confined by interior space alone. Connecting your indoors and the outdoors gives you additional usable space. French doors or sliding glass doors can open to a patio, deck, or small garden, basically doubling your living space.

This automatically increases your living space during the nice weather. Install some outdoor furniture, string lights, or even a small pergola to make an inviting extension of the home.

Make bathrooms small but practical

ADUs’ bathrooms must be comfortable and efficient.

• A corner shower instead of a bathtub saves square footage.
• Floating vanities clear floor space and mirrored cabinets provide storage and mirrors.
• Using glass shower doors as opposed to curtains gives a feeling of openness.
• Light-coloured small-format tile can also make the room look larger than it is.

Use multipurpose lighting

Integrate multiple light sources, such as:

• Overhead lighting
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Floor lamps.

This will eliminate shadowy corners and create defined areas. Install the following:

• Recessed lighting in low ceilings
• Pendant lights to give it character
• Dimmers to change the mood.

Big windows or skylights can make the space look larger.

Keep it simple and uncluttered

In small spaces, less is more. Keep it simple. Avoid overcrowding rooms with furniture or other decorations. Instead of adding numerous small decorations, use a few larger statement pieces. You already have built-in storage and concealed compartments. This will help to keep things out of sight and clean.

Final thoughts

When it comes to a small ADU, it is all about design efficiency and creativity. Using these tips, you can optimize any square footage, and make even a small ADU big.