Interior Design Tips to Make Small ADUs Feel Luxurious
Elegant living in under 800 square feet
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 units can feel elevated, elegant, and expansive. Whether you're creating a short-term rental, a guest suite, or your own minimalist retreat, here’s how to infuse luxury into every inch.
1. Use a Light, Cohesive Color Palette
Soft neutrals like warm white, light gray, and beige visually expand the space and reflect natural light. Choose one consistent base color and layer in muted tones to create depth and calm.
Tip:
Add subtle contrast with black fixtures or matte gold finishes for a refined touch.
2. Go Vertical with Design Features
High ceilings, tall curtains, vertical paneling, and stacked shelving all draw the eye upward and make the space feel more open. When ceilings are lower, create the illusion of height with full-height cabinetry or vertical art.
Tip:
Install curtain rods a few inches above the window frame and let drapes fall all the way to the floor.
3. Invest in Statement Lighting
Lighting is where small spaces can truly shine. Use sculptural pendant lights, minimalist sconces, or warm LED strips to add drama and depth without taking up floor space.
Tip:
Dimmer switches go a long way in adding a sense of mood and control—an easy luxury upgrade.
4. Use Fewer, Better Materials
Keep the palette simple and refined. Choose two or three high-quality materials—like natural wood, quartz, and smooth plaster—and repeat them throughout the space. This creates cohesion and elevates the overall feel.
Tip:
Skip faux finishes. Real wood, stone, or metal, even in small doses, always feels more upscale.
5. Choose Multi-Functional, Beautiful Furniture
Invest in furniture that’s both space-saving and stylish. Look for pieces with clean lines, built-in storage, and quality craftsmanship. Avoid anything bulky or overly decorative.
Tip:
A round dining table or wall-mounted desk can soften tight layouts while adding elegance.
6. Curate Minimal, High-Impact Decor
Less is more when it comes to decorating a small space. Choose a few beautiful objects—a ceramic vase, a framed art print, a plant in a sculptural pot—that reflect your taste and leave plenty of negative space.
Tip:
Stick to one or two materials for decor (like wood and linen) to keep the space feeling calm and intentional.
7. Embrace Natural Light and Indoor-Outdoor Flow
If possible, design with large windows or sliding glass doors that connect to a private outdoor space. Natural light and visual access to greenery are the ultimate luxuries in a compact home.
Tip:
Use sheer curtains or no window coverings at all where privacy allows.
Final Thought
Luxury isn’t about size—it’s about how a space makes you feel. With a thoughtful approach to materials, lighting, furniture, and layout, your ADU can offer the same sense of comfort and refinement as a high-end home, just in fewer square feet.
At Om Design, we specialize in small-space design that feels anything but small. Our team combines years of experience with a passion for minimalist, livable beauty—perfect for ADUs, backyard homes, and compact living.
Want your ADU to feel luxurious and livable?
Let’s design something that reflects your style and fits your space.