1-Bedroom ADU Floor Plan: Open-Concept Ideas for Cozy Living
The trend of small houses is on the rise. People now want more facilities in less space. One-bedroom ADUs (additional dwelling units) meet this demand, and a well-designed 1-bedroom ADU floor plan makes the most of every square foot. These small houses are built behind or next to bigger houses. Living in an ADU is fun. Everything is easily available here. You can clean in less time. Electricity and water bills are also less. You can save money by living in an ADU.
The open-concept design makes the ADU even better. It makes the house feel bigger. There is good light. There is also good ventilation. You can easily move around with your family and friends. One-bedroom ADUs are good for everyone. They are great for those who live alone. Newly married couples also like them. Elderly people can also live comfortably in them. Everything is close by in an ADU.
Meaning of Open Concept
Open-concept is a way of building a house. There are fewer walls in it. The rooms are connected to each other. This makes the place look bigger. There is good light. There is also good air circulation. In open-concept, the living room, kitchen and dining area are together. There are no walls to separate them. This makes it easy to move around in the house. You can easily go from one place to another.
Open-concept is very good for small houses. It makes the place more open and airy. It is very useful in ADUs. ADUs are small, but open-concept makes them bigger.
Open-concept also makes it easy to decorate the house. You can place furniture according to your choice. If you ever need to make changes, that also becomes easy. You can decorate the house in new ways.
Open-concept brings people closer to each other. You can talk to friends even if you are cooking. It becomes easier to spend time with family. It makes the home more pleasant.
Benefits of One Bedroom ADU
One bedroom ADUs have many advantages. They are small, but they have everything. Let’s see some of their special benefits:
Low cost: It takes less money to build a small house. Electricity and water bills are also less. You can save money.
Easy maintenance: Cleaning a small house is quick. You do not have to work hard. You can spend your time on other things.
Less stuff: You keep only the essentials in a small house. This keeps the house clean. You can easily find the things you need.
Comfortable: Everything is close by in a one bedroom ADU. You can live comfortably. It is very good for the elderly.
Privacy: Having your own separate house gives you privacy. You can live your life the way you want. No one bothers you.
Versatile: A one-bedroom ADU can be used in many ways. It can be a home or an office. You can also use it as a guest house.
Legal: ADUs are allowed in many places. This is a good option for people who want to stay close to their home.
Living room design
The living room is the heart of the ADU. This is where you relax, watch TV, and meet friends. An open-concept living room becomes even more special. Let’s see how you can make it better:
Choose the right furniture: Small furniture is good for a small space. A two-seater sofa and an armchair are enough. Choose furniture in light colours. This will make the room look bigger.
Use multi-function furniture: Choose furniture that can do multiple tasks. For example, an ottoman that provides storage and doubles as a seat. This will save space and get the job done.
Use the walls: Put shelves on the wall. You can keep books, photo frames or decorative items on them. This will save floor space.
Pay attention to lighting: Good lighting makes a room look bigger. Have large windows. Use light-coloured curtains. Keep different types of lights for night time.
Use colours wisely: Light colours make a room look bigger. Paint the walls white or cream. A dark-coloured accent wall will make the room look good.
Use mirrors: Put a large mirror. This will make the room look twice as big. The mirror will also spread light well.
Take care of the flooring: A big rug or carpet will make the room look connected. Choose light coloured flooring. This will make the room look bigger.
Keep a balance in decoration: Do not keep too many things. Choose some special things that you like. This will not make the room look cluttered.
By keeping these things in mind, you can make the living room of your ADU comfortable and beautiful. Remember, less stuff is better. Keep only what is necessary and you like.
Kitchen layout
The kitchen is very important in an ADU. It is small, but it should have everything. In an open-concept kitchen, the kitchen becomes even more important. Let’s see how you can make the kitchen of your ADU better:
L-shape or galley style: Both these styles are very good for small kitchens. In L-shape, you get the benefit of the corner. In galley style, there is a counter on two walls. It is easy to work in both.
Peninsula instead of island: If there is less space, then make a peninsula instead of an island. It is attached to the wall and takes less space. You can cut or eat food on it.
Use the upper space: Install cabinets on the wall till the top. You can keep utensils and other things in them. High cabinets make the kitchen look bigger.
Choose small appliances: Choose small fridges, ovens and dishwashers. They take up less space but do the same work. Some appliances can be installed on the wall, like microwaves.
Smart storage: Use every space. Keep small boxes in the cabinets. Install dividers in the drawers. This will keep everything in its place.
Take care of lighting: Good lighting makes the kitchen look bigger. Install under-cabinet lights on the counter. If there is a window, keep it big.
Choose colors wisely: Light colors make the kitchen look bigger. White or cream colored cabinets are good. The countertop can be dark colored.
Open shelves: Keep some open shelves. Keep things of daily use on these. This will make the kitchen look spacious.
Big tiles: Install big tiles on the floor and walls. This makes the kitchen look bigger. Shiny tiles spread light well.
Sink size: Choose a bigger sink. This makes washing utensils easier. You can create storage under the sink.
By keeping these things in mind, you can make your ADU kitchen beautiful and functional. Remember, it is important to use every space properly. Create a kitchen that looks good and is easy to work in.
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Bedrooms and bathrooms in an ADU tend to be small, but you can make them a comfortable space by designing them properly. Here are some ideas:
For the bedroom:
Large window: If possible, have a large window. This will make the room look larger and let in more light.
Under-bed storage: Choose a bed with drawers underneath. You can store clothes and other items in them.
Wall-mounted TV: If you want to place a TV, mount it on the wall. This will free up space underneath.
Multipurpose furniture: Choose furniture that has multiple functions, such as a bedside table that also provides storage.
Wall shelves: Install wall shelves for books and knick-knacks.
For the bathroom:
Shower curtain: Use a shower instead of a bathtub. A shower curtain will make the bathroom seem larger.
Floating vanity: Use a vanity that is off the floor. This will make the space underneath visible and the bathroom will look larger.
Big mirror: Put a mirror on the entire wall. This will make the bathroom look bigger and the light will spread well.
Towel rail: Put a towel rail behind the door or on the wall. This will save space.
Corner shelf: Put a shelf in the corner. You can keep soap, shampoo, etc. on these.
With these ideas, you can make the bedroom and bathroom of your ADU comfortable. You can create a good atmosphere even in a small space.
Storage Solutions
Storage is a must in an ADU. It can be hard to fit everything in a small space. But smart ways to keep everything organized can help you organize it. Here are some ideas:
Wall Use: Install shelves on the wall. You can place shelves from top to bottom. You can store books, decorative items, or everyday items on them.
Under-bed storage: Choose a bed with drawers underneath it. Or you can place storage boxes under the bed. You can store clothes according to the season.
Multi-function furniture: Choose furniture that also provides storage, such as an ottoman or a dining table with drawers.
Behind the door: You can place hooks or small shelves behind the door. You can hang coats, towels, or small items on them.
Ladder Shelf: If you have high ceilings, you can install ladder-like shelves. You can store books or decorative items on them.
Vacuum Bags: Place clothes in vacuum bags. This will take up less space. You can keep these under the bed or on top of the cupboard.
Magnetic strip: Install magnetic strips in the kitchen. You can hang knives or other metal utensils on these.
Corner shelf: Use the corner space. Install shelves there. You can keep plants or decorative items on these.
Ceiling rack: You can install ceiling racks in the garage or balcony. You can keep big things on these which are not used often.
Under-sink organizer: Install an organizer under the sink. You can keep cleaning items in it.
These ideas will help you keep as many things as possible in your ADU. Remember, it is important to make the most of every space. Organize your belongings well. This will keep your home clean and you will be able to find your things easily.
A one-bedroom ADU is small, but it has a lot of possibilities. Open-concept design makes it even better. It makes the house look large and open. It is important to make the most of every space while creating an ADU. Smart storage solutions allow you to keep all your belongings. Multi-function furniture saves space and gets the work done.
The right use of colors and lighting makes an ADU beautiful. Light colors make rooms look bigger, which is especially important in a 1-bedroom ADU floor Plan. Good lighting brings life to the house. Remember, less stuff is better in an ADU. Keep only the essentials. This will keep the house clean, and you will be able to live comfortably. Finally, decorate your ADU the way you like it. Having a small house does not mean that it cannot be beautiful and comfortable. With the right planning and design, you can make your ADU your dream home.
FAQs
Can an outdoor space like a balcony or patio be built in an ADU?
Yes, absolutely! A small balcony or patio can make an ADU even better. You can keep a small table and chairs here. It will be fun to sit here and have morning tea or dinner. You can make it even more beautiful by planting some plants. Remember, this outdoor space will make your ADU feel bigger.
How will good ventilation come into the ADU?
Keep a few things in mind for good ventilation. Make large windows that can open. If possible, keep the windows in two different directions. This will ensure good air circulation. Install a ceiling fan. This will be very useful during summers. You can keep an air purifier which will keep the air clean. Also keep some plants which will help in purifying the air.
How to arrange internet and electricity in ADU?
Good internet and electricity arrangements are necessary in ADU. You can use a Wi-Fi extender for internet. This will transmit the Wi-Fi signal of the main house to the ADU. You can get a separate meter for electricity. This will result in a separate bill. Use LED lights which consume less electricity. You can reduce electricity expenses by installing solar panels.
How to control noise in ADU?
ADU is small, hence noise control is necessary. Install good quality windows and doors which block the outside sound. You can get soundproof insulation installed on the walls. Lay a thick mat or carpet on the floor which absorbs the sound. Install curtains which are made of thick cloth. These will also help in reducing the sound. You can also use noise cancelling devices which reduce outside noise.