3 Ideas for Dressing Up Accessory Dwelling Units

3 Ideas for Dressing Up Accessory Dwelling Units

A Quick Background on the Space

Last year, we completed a total Accessory Dwelling Unit remodel in Derry, NH. A couple contacted us in early 2022, hoping to update an unfinished Dwelling Unit their daughter was living above. The space had functional issues, including a broken water line that kept her from having a refrigerator in the unit upstairs. Instead of only repairing the water line, they finished the entire space. 

The process of making this dwelling a livable unit was intensive, and one of the only elements of the space they kept was the original door separating the apartment and the finished room. Otherwise, everything was crafted specifically for the client. We installed an under-sink ejector pump in the kitchen, repaired the broken water line, and moved the dryer vent to a different wall to put the utilities in a more convenient location. We built a full bath with a roll-in shower and shower bench and added walnut elite plank flooring in the main space. This resulted in a beautiful area that could be used as an additional place for utilities.

1. 

One of the least intensive ideas to add character to your ADU is to create an accent wall. This is a way to draw the eye while keeping costs low. This can mean adding a bright color pattern, a different color that stands out, wallpaper, or even a brick wall.

Which wall should you use for an accent wall? First and foremost, you want an accent wall to go somewhere you want attention. If you have a desk you don't particularly like or a kitchen you don't want to highlight, an accent wall may not be the best choice. Examples of the most common places to put these walls include the head of your bed, a TV wall, or even a primarily bare wall. 

2.

One of the most common challenges of an ADU is the space limit that accompanies them. You can utilize furniture for multiple purposes to keep your space from being cluttered. For example, a bed with cabinets or storage space below can be a great way to keep your area looking neat with a space limit. Two other common choices are sofas with storage below the cushions and coffee tables with functional storage space.

3.

An option that is space-friendly and modern is to consider size when choosing furniture. Living in an ADU doesn't mean you should have a lot of large furniture cramped together, and it doesn't necessarily mean having small furniture, either. Modern designs tend to be more minimalistic, so choosing only a few stylish pieces of furniture is both in style and suitable for small spaces. This is another way of drawing the eye to a particular place without creating a distinct accent wall.

Decorating an ADU should be fun! There are many options for making a small space fit your style while maintaining its functionality.