ADU

Resting on casters, a white oak island nestles under the quartz island in kitchen.

To keep the space flexible and functional, Bellessa and Clyde designed a built-in Murphy bed that can be pulled down to accommodate a guest. When stowed away, the bed’s painted panel disappears into the wall—and frees up floor space for parties.

"Everything is intended to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor living," says Bellessa.

Modern pool house exterior, designed by JBellessa Design. Indoor-outdoor living

The modern pool house emphasizes indoor/outdoor living. Landscaping was done by Eschenfelder Landscape Design.

Modern pool house exterior. Designed by JBellessa Design. Indoor-outdoor living

The home features Oak hardwood floors and energy effiecient windows and doors throughout.

The 452 sq. ft. home includes a covered porch for additional living space.

Designer and dressmaker Kristie Wolfe built this tiny off-grid getaway on the Big Island for just $11,000. It operates on solar panels, a rooftop rainwater catchment system and a toilet-sink combo that sends used water from the sink to the flusher.

Avava Prefab Tiny House has brought design and drafting solutions to Hawaii homeowners, real estate investors, and contractors.

The couple embraced simplicity and efficiency in the new kitchenette. Cabinets along with the countertop, sink, and faucet are all from IKEA. A collection of artworks and collectibles on the shelving are from Aaron Murray, Penny Plavidal, Brian Green, Cynthia Mulcahy, Camp Bosworth, and Hailey Vick.

Whitewashed pine walls and an exposed pine ceiling help soften the space, while artworks and vintage finds give it life. The black and white drawing is by Adam himself, and the couple found the hanging tumbleweed in a fence somewhere between Marfa and El Paso.

Bathroom

After - rear windows

Ash lives in the detached backyard unit and has comfortably hosted 10 people in the space.

The main living space was previously two separate volumes with different floor and ceiling heights. To make the queen-size Murphy bed clear the kitchen cabinets, Ash had to cut a curve into the corner of the mattress.

The bathroom vanity, with a countertop made of Pacifica millennial pink retro mix terrazzo from Concrete Collaborative, was one of the most complex parts of the project. “Curved forms are a lot of work,” Ash says. The designer’s inspiration for the curved motif and color palette came from an antique stained glass window.

Floor plan of Northwood ADU by T+E+A+M in Ann Arbor, Michigan