When my wife and I decided to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit on one of our properties, we felt that a studio type would best fit the space without overwhelming the backyard. Designing for a small studio is challenging but a small space can still feel big and luxurious if the remodeling designs are smart. This post will list out some of the tricks we have used in our ADU and rental units to help our tenants feel they have enough storage and space to feel bigger and call it home.
small space design trick #1: surround doorways with built-in cabinets and bookshelf
Every inch counts in a small apartment so adding shelves around a doorway is a clever solution to provide storage for books and files while creating a hallway feel when entering the room.
small space design trick #2: buy a bed with storage underneath
Buy a raised bed with storage drawers that conveniently blend with the bed frame underneath. A raised bed is nicely elevated and eliminates the need for a clothes dresser.
DG Casa Argo Tufted Upholstered Panel Storage Bed, Queen in Platinum Fabricsmall space design trick #3: define entryway storage for coats and shoes
Define an entryway with storage for shoes and coats. Adding hooks on the wall, cubby holes for shoes, and a place to sit for tying laces is all you really need to define a functional but small space.
Prepac Space-Saving Entryway 3 Piece Organizer in Espressosmall space design trick #4: use pegboard solution kits for kitchen and office storage
Pegboards offer a creative solution for covering blank walls while organizing kitchen and office supplies. Gone are the days of pegboards made from particle boards as there are many pegboard kits that offer designer finishes with bold colors.
Wall Control Kitchen Pegboard Organizer
Decorative DIY Convenient Pegboard Storage Wall Shelf for Office
If there is not enough space surrounding the door but you still want a bookshelf, a clever solution is to create a hidden door bookshelf. A hidden door bookshelf is just a bookshelf that is designed to be hung like a door on special hinges. One of my favorite shows called “This Old House” dedicated an episode where the contractor, Tom Silva, installs a hidden door bookshelf kit for exactly this design.
small space design trick #6: loft bed with desk and dresser combination furniture
Furniture design has come a long way with better materials and manufacturing techniques. Loft beds are a great way to combine a desk and dresser without expanding outside the bed footprint within the room.
Pemberly Row Full Wood Loft Bed with Desk and Dresser in White 
