Interior Design Tips to Make Small ADUs Feel Luxurious
Just because your ADU is compact doesn’t mean it has to feel basic or boring. With thoughtful interior design choices, even the smallest accessory dwelling…
Blog
ADU design, permitting, and practical ideas for building and remodeling in Santa Cruz County and Austin.
How to Match Your ADU Design to Your Main Home
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit is a great way to increase housing options on your property, but one of the biggest questions we hear from homeowners…
The Best Floor Plans for 400–800 Sq Ft ADUs
When designing an Accessory Dwelling Unit , the floor plan is everything. In a space between 400 and 800 square feet, smart planning can be the difference…
Modern ADU Design Ideas That Maximize Every Square Foot
Accessory Dwelling Units are a smart, flexible solution for adding living space—whether you’re planning a rental unit, a guest house, or a home for aging…
Kitchen Storage Ideas: Ingenious Solutions for a Clutter-Free Space
Strategic storage can make a world of difference in any kitchen. Whether you have a small kitchen struggling with space or a large kitchen that needs better…
Integrating Books into Your Home Design
Books can be more than just a source of knowledge and entertainment; they can also be an integral part of your home's design. But how do you integrate all…
Sustainable Building Materials for Homes in Austin, Texas
By choosing building materials like limestone, granite, and stucco, homeowners and builders can create homes that are not only beautiful and durable but…
Embracing Biophilic Design: Creating Harmony Between Nature and Architecture
In the midst of urban sprawl and technological advancement, there's a growing recognition of the profound connection between humans and nature. Biophilic…
Rediscovering Brutalism: Exploring Its Revival and Influence in Contemporary Architecture
Many people recognize this aesthetic simply as “modern” design and don’t recognize its long history with the urban form. In this blog post, we delve into…
Common Questions on SB-9 and ADUs
A conversation with a local Santa Cruz real estate agent, Seb Frey on the process of using Senate Bill 9 and the ADU regulations.
Understanding the Costs of Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Understand the construction costs of building an ADU.
The Benefits of House Plants
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, amidst concrete jungles and towering skyscrapers, there exists a simple yet profound solution to enhance our living…
Austin Passes Ordinance Allowing for 2-3 Units on Single Family Lots
A new ordinance passed allowing 2-3 homes on single family lots in Central Austin.
House Plans: How to Choose the Right Floor Plan for Your Lifestyle
Creative ideas for upgrading your living room.
Frank Lloyd Wright
A short description of Frank Lloyd Wright and his impact on architecture.
10 Inspiring Bedroom Design Ideas for a Beautiful Home
Ten ideas to make your bedroom fit your style and inspire your next project.
More on SB 9
Subdivide your lot in a variety of ways to generate income from your asset.
The Minimalist Look: Appliance Garages and Hiding Appliances
Keep your kitchen countertops clean with an appliance garage. Create a truly modern design aesthetic by seamlessly blending appliances into your cabinetry.
SB 9: CA’s attempt to end single family zoning
The new law requires California cities and counties to allow single family zoned properties to be split into two lots and to allow two units up to 800…
A Curated Collection of Tips for Bringing Mid-Century into Your Life
A curated collection of tips from Redfin on how to bring mid century style into your home.
Updating Your Austin, TX Mid-Century Modern Ranch Home
In Austin, TX, the mid-century modern ranch home is making a comeback! Read our tips on designing and remodeling a ranch for 21st-century living!
The Organic Symmetry of Form and Nature in Mid-Century Modern Design
Mid-century modern design began where the Prairie School left off in terms of its relationship with nature. Learn how we're bringing that aesthetic to ADUs.
Using Landscape Design to Keep Storm Water On-Site
Learn how landscape design is an excellent means for controlling and managing stormwater sustainably on-site. Learn about LID standards and regulations.
Appliances That Meet San Francisco Bay Area Local Energy and Title 24 Requirements
California has some of the strictest environmental laws in the country including Title 24. Learn about Title 24 water heater and HVAC appliances to consider.
The Om Design Home Remodeling Design Process
Meet Om Design! Learn how the Om Design remodeling design process, workflows, and use of technology can help you meet your remodeling goals.
Try Exotic Tadelakt Plaster for a Unique Look
Moroccan tadelakt plaster is a unique material that adds an exotic look to your kitchen or bath. Learn how to use this material in your next home remodel.
Xeriscaping Your Austin, TX Rental or Investment Property
Learn the difference between zeroscaping and xeriscaping. These low and no water landscaping techniques are beautiful and environmentally sustainable.
Accessory Dwelling Units: Building ADUs to Meet Multiple Needs
As more municipalities relax building codes for ADUs to meet housing needs, planning your space often means meeting the needs of multiple family members.
The ABCs of Minimalist Design for People Who Love Modern Homes
Modern living gets more complex every year. As a result, more of us are reverting to open, minimalist design principles to create a calm sanctuary at home.
Transform Your Home With Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
With Philips Hue Smart Bulbs you can set the scene in your home to match your mood, the time of day, or even the season. Here's why we love Hue Smart Bulbs!
A Modern Murphy Bed Transforms Your Home into Work From Home or Anything You Need it To Be
As working from home continues, designers are coming up with innovative ways to convert bedrooms to multi-use space, including the return of the murphy bed!
Rebuilding After the CZU Complex Fire
Just when we thought 2020 had dealt us a full hand, many of us are dealing with massive wildfire. Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered. This is…
How Single Family Housing is Changing
How to invest in California residential property if you're not a large developer from the perspective of a planner.
Look Out for that Tree
Cities and counties all over the nation including Austin and Santa Cruz have strong tree protection ordinances in place these days. As a homeowner this can…
Keeping it Small, Simple, and Beautiful
To be successful, a small house also should be straightforward, composed of simple architectural forms and construction techniques, quality materials, and…