Tips to Maximize Your ADU
Accessory dwelling units are a great way to add additional living space to your property, and although they are petite does not mean they can’t be stylish! An ADU can be a gem of your property and show off personal style, but adding decor and design choices doesn't have to make the space feel overcrowded. There are many ways to make an ADU feel spacious and stylish, not just through organizational options but decore choices too!
One way to make things look and feel spacious and chic to have designated spots for everything - and stylish containers! For example having boxes and baskets that match your aesthetic can be a great way to not only incorporate your personal style but also reduce clutter in your space. If every item has a designated place not only will it maintain organization but reduce the occurrence of misplacing items, I even suggest having a designated spot for putting things that you don’t know where to put yet! Another example, if you have a stack of papers rather than leaving them on a shelf, put them in a stylish jute basket or vintage cigar box and put that on the shelf. Built-in shelving storage is a great way to maximize space but unfortunately its costly and time consuming. As another option a great way to create the illusion of built-ins is with some paint and a bookshelf! Find a book self that fits into your space, often thrift stores and craigslist are a cost effective eco-friendly option, next paint it to match the colors of your walls! This works particularly well if you have left over cans of interior paint. This option is quicker, thriftier, and more eco-friendly than having a carpenter install custom built-ins.
Another way to make a small space feel freer and less stuffy is with plants. House plants not only are a fresh natural way to fill negative spaces between furniture or brighten up a shelf, but also can make the air feel and smell fresher. Large leaf plants are a great option as an optical illusion, small leaf plants can add to a sense of clutter and visual overload while larger leaf plants look more elegant. Plants like Pothos are low maintenance, and can survive with the roots in just water leaving options for stylish bottles and vases that catch the sunlight. Some plants you can even grow from things found in your kitchen! Immature avocado plants are beautiful as house plants! Avocado plants spend the first 5-10 years fruitless and if you keep them in a medium sized pot they can stay about 1.5 - 3 feet in height and produce large leaves of a wonderful shade of green. The pit of the avocado can be half way submitted in water and will start to develop roots and eventually a sprout! Once the plant has a few leaves it can be replanted into a pot with soil. 5 Simple Steps to Grow an Avocado Tree From a Pit.
Furniture choices can also have a big influence on how a smaller space feels. For smaller spaces it is important to to focus on lighter colored furniture, especially for larger pieces. Dark colors draw the eye and absorb light rather than reflect light like a lighter color would. Another thing to consider is exposed legs and feet on furniture, having couches or chairs with heavy covered legs draws the height of the room down and covers more space. Couches with exposed legs let light and space above and below the piece, maximizing the feeling of space and openness.
ADUs are smaller spaces but can be made to feel comfortable and spacious. The trick to a stylish ADU is to maximize the space by making furniture and design choices that work with the space – and incorporating your personal style!
