Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are becoming more popular as a way to make more money from rentals and give family members more space to live. While you can design an ADU to suit your own needs, there are some common kitchen design elements that remain consistent in most ADUs. Here are five ideas to keep in mind when designing the kitchen of your accessory dwelling unit.
While it’s easy to get carried away with design elements, remember that form follows function in any effective kitchen design. Think about the items you plan on storing and how they will fit into the cabinets or pantry space. If you can, add one or two pull-out shelves to the pantry so that food is easy to get to (and restock). And don’t forget about incorporating hooks or shelves for hanging pots and pans!
Since ADU kitchens tend to be much smaller than typical residential kitchens, it’s important to think about ways to make the most of the available space. Try looking for appliances with multi-functional capabilities, such as ovens that double as microwaves. Or consider investing in countertop appliances like blenders or mixers that can be stored away when not in use. Every inch matters when designing an ADU kitchen!
Adding plants is an easy way to bring life into any room—especially small ones like ADU kitchens! Not only do plants look nice, but they also help clean indoor air by absorbing pollutants and releasing fresh oxygen. Plus, if you choose low-maintenance plants such as succulents or air plants, you won’t have to worry too much about upkeep while still reaping all of the benefits of having houseplants around!
If you’re short on counter space in your ADU kitchen, try making use of wall space instead. You can hang shelves or floating cabinets to give yourself extra storage and free up countertops. Don't forget about the walls, either. Install a magnetic knife strip or a spice rack along the walls to make them easy to reach and use.
When you are cooking in your ADU kitchen, you should be able to find everything quickly and easily in your cabinets. Install adjustable shelves and stackable organizers inside your cabinets—this will help create more usable storage without taking up valuable floor space. Investing in pull-out drawers or cabinet doors with built-in shelves will help keep things close at hand and make sure nothing gets lost behind closed doors. Finally, consider adding hooks inside one of the cabinet doors where you can hang utensils or other small items that don’t need to remain tucked away all the time.
Summary: When it comes to designing an ADU kitchen, there are many things to consider. With these five ideas, you should be able to make your accessory dwelling unit's kitchen both beautiful and useful. For example, you can use space well and add some plants for a pop of color. It might take some time and research, but if you plan carefully, you can make a stylish and useful kitchen that is fit for any party. Good luck!