ADU Floor Plans: Space-Saving Designs for Homes Under 800 Sq Ft

Building an ADU can be a challenge, but with the right plans, you can create a functional home under 800 sq ft with a great floor layout. An ADU, or additional dwelling unit, is a great alternative to tiny homes. These homes offer more amenities in less space. ADU homes are becoming very popular these days. These homes are small, but they have everything: a living room, a cooking area, and a bathroom. These homes are often built behind or next to a larger home.

Many people prefer ADU homes. Some build them for their elderly parents, some rent them out, and some build them for their children who are just growing up. The most important thing when building an ADU home is the floor plan. The floor plan tells you what will be in the home and where. A good floor plan makes good use of space. This makes even a small home feel bigger.

1. Open kitchen and living area

An open kitchen and living area in an ADU home can be a fantastic floor plan that saves space while keeping everything under 800 sq ft. It makes the house feel bigger. The kitchen and living room are together. This saves space.

• You can talk to friends while working in the kitchen. You can also watch TV while cooking. This design is great for spending time with family and friends.
• In this type of floor plan, you can easily move the furniture around. You can change the look of the room whenever you want. You can create more space if guests come. This flexibility is very important for small homes.
• In open spaces, you can create different areas by using colors. For example, one color for the kitchen and another for the living room.

This will make the space look different but will also remain open. You can also keep small plants which will give freshness to the house and also keep the air clean.

2. Use of multi-function furniture

Everything in small ADU homes should have dual purpose. Multi-function furniture helps in this. These furnitures do many things and also save space.

• Sofa-bed is a good example. It is a sofa during the day and becomes a bed at night. With such furniture, you do not have to make a separate guest room.
• Storage items are also very useful. Such as drawers under the bed. Or a table in which you can keep things. This saves you more space.
• Another good option is a folding dining table. Open it when you want to eat, keep it closed the rest of the time. This gives you a dining table as well as saves space.

There are also some furniture’s that are mounted on the wall and come down when needed, such as a folding desk.

3. Use of height

Using height is very important in ADU homes. By using the space at the top, you can save space at the bottom. This can make even a small house look bigger.

• Loft beds are a good option. They are built on top and have a work space below. Or you can install tall cupboards. You can keep a lot of things in them.
• You can also save space by installing shelves on the walls. You can keep books, decorative items or utensils on them. You can make your ADU even better by using the height properly.

You can also make good use of the stairs. You can make a small drawer under each staircase. You can keep shoes, books or other small things in them. Some people even make a complete junk under the stairs. This is a great way to save space.

4. Smart storage solutions

There is very little space to keep things in small ADU houses. Therefore, smart storage solutions are very important. They help you save space.

• Cupboards built into the walls are very good. They are not visible and can keep a lot of things. You can also make storage under the stairs. You can keep big things here.
• Use small boxes. You can keep small things in them. Then decorate them in the cupboard. This keeps everything organized. Vacuum bags are also good. You can save space by keeping clothes in them.
• You can keep rolling storage boxes under the bed. You can keep clothes or bedding in them according to the season.

You can hang coats or bags by putting hooks on the back of the doors. You can keep shampoo, soap etc. in the bathroom by hanging a basket on the shower curtain rod.

5. Use of natural light

Natural light is very important in ADU homes. It makes the house look bigger and open. Install large windows. These will show the outside view and also bring light into the house.

• Skylight i.e. window in the roof is also a good option. Light comes from above. You can install mirrors on the doors. This will also bring light inside. Natural light makes the house look open and airy.
• Use light colors. White- or cream-colored walls reflect light. This makes the house look even brighter. Natural light will make your ADU home look beautiful and comfortable.

Install light curtains near the windows. These will filter the sunlight and keep the house cool. You can also use mirrors to reach every corner of the house. Installing a large mirror can make the room look twice as big.

6. Use of outdoor space

ADU homes have less space inside. Therefore, the outdoor space should be used. You can make a small garden or patio. This will make your house look bigger.

• Install sliding glass doors. These connect the indoor and outdoor spaces. You can sit outside and relax. Or have a barbecue with friends.
• You can do a lot in a small space outside. You can make a small garden. Or you can plant some plants. This will give you fresh air and keep you happy.
• Vertical gardening is a good option. You can create your own small garden by planting plants on the wall.

Use folding furniture which can be easily folded. This will allow you to use the outdoor space in different ways whenever you want.

7. Flexible room dividers

It is difficult to create separate rooms in ADU homes. So, use flexible room dividers. These help you divide the space into different parts.

• Sliding doors are a good option. You can open and close them whenever you want. A bookshelf can also work as dividers. This will separate two rooms and also provide a place to keep books.
• Curtains are also good dividers. These can be easily installed and removed. You can make the room bigger or smaller whenever you want. Flexible dividers will make your ADU home even more useful.
• Folding screens are also a great option. They can be easily moved around and folded when not needed. Some people also separate spaces using plants.

Plants in large pots not only separate the space but also make the house look beautiful.

Conclusion

Building an ADU home is an exciting task. There is an opportunity to realize big dreams in a small space. With the right floor plans, you can create an ADU home that fulfills your dreams while staying under 800 sq ft. We saw how open spaces, multi-functional furniture and smart storage can save space. Using natural light and outdoor space can make the home even more beautiful.

Remember, every small space has big potential hidden in it. Use your imagination. Make your ADU home one that meets your needs. Even a small house can fulfill big dreams. With the right planning and creativity, you can build a great home even in less than 800 square feet. Make your ADU one that brings you joy. Because in the end, home is where the heart is at peace.