Did you finish setting up your ADU but don’t know how to furnish the space? If you answered yes, you’ve come to the right place.
ADUs (Additional dwelling units) are transformed into additional spaces that can give homeowners extra income without changing a neighborhood's character while supporting long-term homeownership and neighborhood stability.
More and more Americans are turning to ADUs, especially with the growing number of initiatives across the country, like New York City's new "Plus One ADU,” Seattle’s ADUniverse, and California’s CalHFA ADU Grant Program.
The Different Types of ADU
In general terms, ADUs fall into one of three major categories:
Detached ADUs - Detached from any structure on a property
Attached ADUs - Attached to the main house or another structure
Conversion ADUs - Built into the existing house structure to become an ADU
It’s crucial to figure out which type of ADU will suit your needs and space. Some things to consider are privacy, accessibility, and function. For example, if you’re looking to get more use out of your garage outside of storing family memorabilia, then perhaps an ADU is just what you need!
Looking for a bit of inspiration to get your creative wheel turning?
Here are five ideas to help spruce up your ADU’s kitchen space:
1 - Open floorplan
There is no need to feel claustrophobic in your already small ADU, so an open floor plan will open up your cooking area. A closed floor plan will box you in. With an open floor plan, you’ll have improved traffic flow and more flexibility in personalizing your kitchen, with better freedom in reconfiguring the space to fit your needs better.
2 - P for plants
Yes, even in smaller spaces like ADUs, greenery can go a long way! They can double as art and are a great way to eliminate negative space or fill awkward corners or nooks. Not to mention, big or small plants are a great way to conceal anything that isn’t photogenic or stylish, like thermostats, wires, light switches, or outlets.
Some great plants to consider:
Ficus tree
Rubber tree
Majesty palms
Peace lily
Calathea
3 - Repurpose and reuse
In recent years, many people have turned toward upcycling to breathe a new sense of purpose into salvaged goods that would have otherwise been tossed out. Repurposing and reusing old materials in your ADU kitchen will be great for the environment AND add a unique charm to your space. Reclaimed and vintage hardware such as handles, knobs, or drawer pulls will add tons of personality without going over budget.
4 - Utilize windows
Kitchen windows bring in much-needed light but can do so much more. Have fun with your window treatments, AKA curtains, drapes, blinds, and shades. There aren’t any rules saying you have to go with the standard off-white.
Outside of curtains, a few more ideas are to add greenery and decor to the frame. Some of our favorites are suncatchers, which add a kaleidoscope of colors to any ADU. Another is incorporating art. Try leaning attractive cutting boards on the sill, setting framed art on the sill, or lining the window with vibrantly colored trinkets.
Helpful Tip: Not ready to shop for new kitchen decor? Dress your windows simply by painting them. Look to your cabinets for the color, or take cues from your backsplash.
5 - Specialty appliances
There's no reason to settle for a compact refrigerator simply because you can't find a unit in a slim footprint at your big box store.
On the other hand, many ADUs are cluttered with full-size appliances that serve more use as extra storage cabinets in already cramped kitchens.
Fortunately, Summit offers more possibilities and solutions for ADU kitchens, from single burner cooktops to under-counter refrigerator-freezers featuring slim footprints.
Summit’s in-demand ADU appliances:
Explore our entire line of slim appliances to find the right solution for your ADUs and space-challenged areas.
