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“Economy was always at the forefront of all of our decision making due to the high cost of building in California,” explains Kille. But that did not stop her and the design team from selecting strong color choices, like green kitchen cabinets and a bold orange-red front door.

Warwas offset the rear of the ADU to accommodate the power lines running behind the house, and he designed a window in the office/guest room upstairs that meets the roof in the same way that the window off the dining area/kitchen meets the ground.

Sited just steps from the main house, it’s now a welcoming retreat that they share.

A swooping Kagan sofa found locally sits with a curving screen from MOLO Designs and a Jonathan Adler cabinet.

Packed with personality, this retooled shed by Best Practice Architecture might just be the cutest little ADU in Texas.

The wet bar features a backsplash covered with copper-colored glass tile. The lower cabinets are shou sugi ban–treated red oak, and the open shelves are made of white oak.

Raising the cabinet height and installing new color-blocked Richlite counters and full-height backsplash help the kitchen feel larger.

Carstensen landscaped the backyard and added a simple fire pit circle with chairs. He updated the deck, replacing the vertical posts with screens to create a more open feeling.

The courtyard off the kitchen is an extension of the living space and a popular spot for morning coffee.

Alloi's design solution for the exterior envelope included exterior rigid insulation to reduce solar heat gain, and recycled newspaper blown-in cellulose insulation at interior and exterior walls, creating an energy efficient and peacefully quiet home.

Innovative path lighting

From the interior of the courtyard the blue Uintah Mountains can be seen sprawling along the horizon.

Back patio

Visitors experience the beauty of the courtyard upon entry as they step atop large pavers leading up to the wood deck.

Entry walkway leading to the front door and eventually to the grill and down to the pool