Nestled in a local neighborhood, a nondescript garage once stood behind a family home. Today, that same footprint tells a different story: an inviting, light-filled, two-bedroom, two-bathroom Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that’s become a dream home for its new residents. Designed by Jennifer Ramsey of Jennifer Ramsey Interiors (jenniferramseyinteriors.com), the transformation highlights the importance of thoughtful planning, expert collaboration, and an understanding of both function and beauty. 

From Concept to Construction 

The project began with a vision shared between parents and their adult daughter: a space that would support aging in place while keeping the family close—especially the grandchildren. “It was about retirement, downsizing, and discussions with our daughter about aging in place and how we could make that happen. The idea of being in an ADU near our grandchildren made this a dream come true,” the client says. With the original garage serving as the starting point, the design team had to creatively integrate the existing structure into a brand-new ADU that met ADA standards while maintaining an aesthetic charm. While the total budget was managed by the contractor, the design and construction process spanned approximately one year from concept to completion. 

Design with Intention 

Jennifer Ramsey approached the project with a clear goal: “The primary goal was to create a cohesive and accessible two-bedroom, two-bathroom living space that seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor elements, while also accommodating the potential needs of aging in place,” she says. The resulting home is filled with universal design elements—wide hallways, a zero-entry shower, accessible cabinet organization—all cleverly disguised by stylish finishes that never hint at their utilitarian purpose. 

“By choosing the finishes we chose, we were able to ‘hide’ the function in the space. When you look at it, you would never know it was meant for potential wheelchair use,” Ramsey says.  

Bold Choices, Big Payoffs 

A couple of design choices stood out as both daring and delightful. For one, the stone range hood, crafted from the same material used on the patio fireplace and porch columns, creates a visual thread from the interior kitchen to the outdoors. Another standout: a flip-up concession-style window that bridges the kitchen and patio. “We love how the concession window opens up the kitchen to the fireplace patio and serves as a bar or serving area,” the client says. “The patio is a fun gathering spot.” 

Another challenging—yet ultimately rewarding—design decision involved a faux ceiling beam. Because of the angled ceiling lines, incorporating this element required architectural improvisation. “We decided to extend the dormer wall, which provided a natural and finished endpoint for the beam,” Ramsey says. 

Outdoor Living Elevated 

Perhaps the heart of this new home is the covered patio with its fireplace—an outdoor room that doubles as a gathering space for friends, family, and five grandchildren. It’s the clients’ favorite part of the home.  

To further enhance the connection between the interior and exterior, Ramsey echoed the patio’s stone detailing indoors. This strategic design choice unifies the space, creating visual continuity and expanding the perceived size of the compact ADU. 

A Team Effort 

Ramsey attributes the project’s success to close collaboration and clear communication. “Collaboration with our clients is a fundamental value,” she says. “We believe it’s crucial to design a home that truly reflects the homeowner’s personality and ensures their comfort. Our process includes in-depth questionnaires to understand their design preferences and lifestyle, which then serves as the foundation for our design development.” 

The clients echoed that sentiment. “Our advice is to be sure to engage a designer, architect, and builder together. The combination of the three helped pull together all our ideas into a cohesive and buildable plan,” they say. “Good communication, patience, and trust is essential. Be open to suggestions and ideas during the design portion. Communicate honestly when you have a concern or need further explanation. Engage a licensed and experienced builder and trust them to bring it all together.” 

Lessons from the Build 

This ADU is more than just a stylish small home—it’s proof of how smart design and teamwork can result in a living space that’s as beautiful as it is practical. 

“A key takeaway from this project is the immense value of a strong and collaborative team during any building or renovation endeavor,” Ramsey says. “This includes a contractor who can effectively refine the budget upfront, a designer who can assist with value engineering, and, most importantly, open communication and trust with the client. When these key players—builder, designer, and client—work together seamlessly, the project benefits from a smooth and efficient process, leading to the best possible outcome. Our clients’ trust in the process and the expertise of the team was instrumental in the success of this build.” 

by Kourtney Jason
Exterior photo by Jennifer Ramsey. Other photos by Whitney Dianne @whitneydianne. Photos by Whitney Dianne @whitneydianne.