Storage drawers and cabinets in the wall surround a nook with a built-in sofa in the living area. The wood-and-metal staircase, by Dolle Graz, is a customizable modular kit.  Photo 5 of 6 in Budget Breakdown: The Biggest Saves and Splurges of 2021 from Budget Breakdown: A Miami Designer Builds a 400-Square-Foot Backyard House for $140.5K

Budget Breakdown: The Biggest Saves and Splurges of 2021

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Inspired by Japanese design and driven by the need for additional space, Venezuela-born architect and designer Emma Pereira of Emmanuelle Design built a 400-square-foot guesthouse in the backyard of her home in Miami. The wood-and-metal staircase by Dolle Graz, which leads to a sleeping loft, is a customizable modular kit. "It can be shifted and turned in multiple ways," shares owner and architect Emma Pereira of Emmanuelle Design. "I designed it to follow a half spiral to avoid encroaching on the living area. A custom stair would have cost more than $15,000."