Living Large in a Small Space:
Smart Design Solutions for California ADUs
Brandon Hustlar July 8 2025
Making the most of a small space in your California ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) can be challenging, but with smart design solutions, you can create a comfortable and functional living area.
Multi-Functional Furniture
Using multifunctional Furniture is one of the most effective ways to make the best use of the area of your ADU. A sofa bed can convert your living room to an inviting bedroom at night, or a Murphy bed that folds into the wall during the day and leaves more space. Coffee tables that have hidden storage or dining tables with the capability to expand when hosting visitors are also helpful. These multifunctional items can save you some space.
Built-In Storage
Don’t stress how important it is to have built-in storage for your ADU. Install shelves, cabinets, and drawers all the way from floor to ceiling, also built-in benches can hide storage underneath while window seats could help to hide away unwanted items. Besides giving you more storage, these possibilities are less trouble and keep the family room setup free from any mess.
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Light Colors and Mirrors
By using light paint colors and mirrors, it will make a small room feel and look bigger and more spacious. Paint the walls and ceilings in light colors to reflect natural lighting, creating a more spacious environment. Adding a large mirror to one wall can really help the space of your ADU look more spacious.
Open Floor Plan
Having an open floor plan can make a small space feel and look more spacious. Keeping unneeded or flimsy partitions away will make the area look smaller. Instead, create areas with furniture in the large open room. Use a couch to divide living area and dining area. For a space that is free from obstacles, barriers, or restrictions, allowing for ease of movement and an open, unobstructed flow, don’t install a wall above the countertop.
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Compact Appliances
You need as many compact appliances in your small kitchen as possible. Don’t forget to shop for smaller versions of your favorite appliances, like bar fridges and two-burner stoves, or a combo microwave-convection oven. Also, compact fixtures won’t crowd your ADU so you may still have a great kitchen space in the ADU.
In summary, making an ADU in California feel big and comfortable is all about smart design. Use furniture that can be used for more than one thing, like a sofa that turns into a bed. Build storage on walls and under seats to keep the area looking big. Light colors and mirrors can make the space feel bigger and brighter. Without unneeded walls the place will look and feel more spacious. Also, choosing small, efficient kitchen appliances to save space will help. With these tips, even a tiny home can feel big and cozy.
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