Design & Interiors

ADUs reward smart design more than almost any other residential project. At 400 to 800 square feet, every inch of cabinet depth, every window placement, and every storage choice has an outsized effect on whether the unit feels generous or cramped. Our design guides focus on the small-space techniques that consistently work in real ADUs — built-ins, dual-purpose furniture, full-height storage walls, lighting layered for both work and rest, and material palettes that make compact rooms read larger. We pair each idea with practical notes on cost, code compliance (egress windows, ceiling heights, ventilation), and how the choice plays with the most common floor-plan types. Design that looks beautiful on Instagram but fails inspection isn't useful — these guides aim to give you both.