ADU Kitchen Ideas: Maximizing Design in Compact Spaces

This post is all about ADU Kitchen Ideas and how you can make the most of it in small spaces. We’re discussing design ideas, amenities and appliances, codes and regulations, and how to maximize your investment.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and also the heart of an ADU! Just because ADUs (Accessory dwelling Unit) are smaller homes, compared to the main house, doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the kitchen design.

Read along to learn about ADU Kitchen Ideas and how to maximize the design in compact spaces. I’ve gathered 5 years of kitchen design experience in ADUs in this blog post.

Introduction to ADU Kitchen Ideas

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), or granny flats, are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners looking to add extra living space or rental income. You can build this legal second home, or guest house, in the back of existing single-family homes. These are great for housing family members, elderly parents, and adult children, and renting them out to tenants. 

These ADU spaces can be new construction or garage conversion to ADU. They’re limited to 1,200 square feet and have independent living arrangements such as a living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

With such limited space, designing a functional kitchen in a compact ADU can feel challenging. However, this guide will equip you with design ideas to transform your tiny ADU kitchen space into a culinary haven.

Designing your ADU Kitchen

As a general rule of thumb, we have 2 major “design rules” when it comes to designing an ADU build:

1. Open floor plans work best with a tight space, like an ADU

2. We incorporate ample natural light throughout the house, especially in the living room and kitchen areas so that a smaller space feels larger

We’ll teach you a few creative ways to design the perfect modern kitchen for your ADU project. Alternatively, you can hire interior designers or other design experts to help you design a functional and beautiful kitchen.

ADU Kitchen Layouts (Ideas)

Small kitchen layouts require smart space planning and design. Here are a few popular configurations for the layout of your kitchen:

• Galley Kitchen: This efficient layout features parallel countertops on opposing walls, perfect for maximizing workspace in narrow spaces.
• U-Shaped Kitchen: It’s similar to a galley kitchen, but you get extra space because of the continuing countertop in the shape of a U.
• L-shaped kitchen: Offers more counter space and potential for a small peninsula for extra prep area space or even a breakfast nook. It’s a more versatile choice.
• Single-Wall Kitchen: Ideal for very compact ADUs, this space-saving layout places everything along one wall. 

Remember, the size of the kitchen depends on the size of your ADU. You don’t want to design a larger kitchen space in a small ADU. Furthermore, any of these kitchen layouts can accommodate full-sized kitchens. Lastly, the L-shaped and Single-Wall kitchens are the best layout options for kitchen islands with seating (a great option to avoid a dining table). 

Maximizing Space and Light

Use as much natural light as possible to make your kitchen feel larger and more open. Placing sliding doors and large windows strategically, preferably with views, is perfect for bringing in natural light. Avoid putting up walls between the dining room, kitchen, and living room so it feels like one large open space. 

Lastly, consider installing skylights, which bring in light from above and create an illusion of height.

For artificial lighting, LED strips under cabinets and bright, energy-efficient bulbs can keep the space well-lit and improve functionality. Using light colors for walls, cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and reflective surfaces is a great way to help bounce light around the room and make it feel more spacious. Additionally, building taller ceilings can help with the bigger and brighter spaces.

Smart Storage Solutions for Compact ADU Kitchens

In a snug kitchen, every inch counts, and storage is important to minimize clutter, thus making a small space feel larger and more organized. 

A few creative ADU kitchen ideas for storage include:

• Use vertical space with floating shelves (for spice and dishes) that keep your essentials at arm’s reach without crowding the counter. Alternatively, use vertical storage such as tall cabinets, wall-mounted shelves, hanging pot racks, or ceiling-mounted shelves
• Use your walls by using wall-mounted racks for pots and magnetic knife strips to save on drawer space
• Cabinetry with pull-outs, Lazy Susans, and Pantry with slide-out racks improve accessibility in deep cabinets 
• Over-the-door organizers for extra storage
• Consider multi-functional furniture, like a kitchen island with built-in shelves or drawers that can serve as prep space and storage. The kitchen island is a versatile space for cooking, dining, and socializing
• Use drawer dividers or pegboard systems to store utensils/gadgets
• Use small appliances like under-counter refrigerators, combination microwave/oven units, and microwave range hood

Kitchen Appliances for Small Spaces

When outfitting your ADU kitchen, it’s wise to focus on space-saving appliances and multi-functional areas that can serve many purposes, from meal prep to dining. Choosing slim appliances to save on floor space can make your kitchen feel larger.

Compact living requires a clever approach to your appliance choices. Here’s your must-have list:

• Refrigerator: Opt for a slim, counter-depth model that’ll give you ample storage without intruding into your kitchen walkway.
• Stove: A four-burner gas, electric range, or electric cooktop can offer plenty of cooking flexibility, or consider a two-burner cooktop if space is at a premium.
• Dishwasher: Choose an 18-inch model or a dish drawer to conserve space and easy cleanup
• Multi-Functional Appliances: A microwave that doubles as a convection oven, or a toaster oven with air-frying capabilities, can save counter space.

Zoning, Code, and Local Regulations

Your ADU kitchen has to meet specific local building codes to be legal. There are specific requirements, such as having proper cooking facilities for food preparation and cooking area. At a minimum, it needs a cooking range with a range hood (for ventilation), a sink, and a refrigerator.

A Junior ADU can have a small efficiency kitchen that includes a cooking facility with appliances and a small food prep area. There isn’t a consensus on what an efficiency kitchen is, this depends on your local regulations so consult with your local building department. 

Budgeting and Maximizing Investment

If the ADU is for future rental income, planning your ADU kitchen within reason and budget is important to enhance your rental income potential. The way to do that starts with a cost-effective kitchen setup by using:

• Standard Appliances: Opt for standard sizes and models for better deals and easier maintenance (although you might lose space)
• Cabinetry: Choose ready-to-assemble cabinets and open shelving as a trendy, cost-saving alternative (upper cabinets are more expensive than lower cabinets and often the tallest shelves aren’t used)
• Countertops: Laminate countertops and quartz can mimic high-end materials at a fraction of the cost

It is important to remember that Investing in quality where it counts will enhance your rental income and attract long-term, satisfied tenants. Here’s where to allocate more of your budget:

• Durable Surfaces: Spend extra on worktops that will stand the test of time and are less maintenance, like quartz countertops
• Reliable Appliances: Go for energy-efficient models that promise lower utility bills for your tenants.
• Layout & Lighting: Good kitchen flow and lighting will make the space more enjoyable and could justify higher rent

Conclusion

By incorporating these space-saving ADU kitchen ideas and design tips, you can create a beautiful and functional ADU kitchen that caters to your culinary needs. Remember, even with limited square footage, there’s room for personal style. Don’t be afraid to add pops of color or unique finishes to reflect your personality and create a kitchen you love. There are many options for cabinet colors, quartz countertop designs, kitchen tiles, and appliances that you can get very creative with. 

We hope this blog post has sparked your creativity! What are your favorite space-saving kitchen ideas? Share them in the comments below!

If you’re looking to start your ADU journey, contact us and we can help you design and get permits for the ADU of your dreams. Check out our services for more information and browse our portfolio for inspiration. I look forward to connecting with you.