LA family turns unused garage into small home Oasis (before/after)

[@diannshoemaker6419]

Natural greenery makes EVERYTHING DIFFERENT. BETTER. It is ALWAYS the BEST VIEW...NO bricks, concrete, steel can possibly compete.

[@luckybearsoap]

Exterior door directly into the shower is genius! Definitely using that design in the future!

[@christineboone2850]

This is the very best ADU I’ve ever seen! The backyard design is equally excellent, and the boardwalk is brilliant. This is all beautiful and so functional!!

[@walterwine]

What is ADU?

[@aldossnow3703]

You obviously haven’t seen many

[@terrylee8333]

yeah and the average person can build it lol ahahahahah

[@christineboone2850]

@@walterwine An ADU is an Additional Dwelling Unit.

[@jackstrubbe7608]

​@@walterwineAccessory Dwelling Unit

[@tpolerex7282]

As a designer of several ADU’s, conversions and new builds, also in SoCa this is a wonderful composition of indoor outdoor living, materials and relationships between all the spaces. Well done!

[@nebulight]

This is one of the best ADUs I’ve seen. Very well thought out in terms of usable space not only in the adu but outside. Great job!!

[@bluebox2000]

ADUs are meant to increase housing units which helps check rent rates. In this particular case, they really just built an addition to their house. I'm hoping if there are tax incentives for ADUs, that those incentives only happen when the units are actually being used as an additional separate housing unit.

[@highvibe4839]

I’m in Australia, I built a house many years ago with a door from pool and yard directly into Bathroom, I’m not alone in this, because of our warmer climate it’s so suitable, as the owner of this lovely home mentioned. Well done on catering for all of your family, young and not so young! ❤

[@JEK]

Rad, perfect sized pool, some fun summer vibes. Waking up out of my bed and walking out to take a plunge is my dream. Some edible gardening would be groovy. Love the ornamental grasses, DG and boardwalk.

[@ernestinasanchez5305]

Fantastic idea and built. Love, not only the back house but the entire backyard remodel. Beautiful patio & pool areas. The storage areas next to the main house are additionally great ideas. Thank YOU! for this wonderful video.

[@terrylee8333]

yeah if you have 750000.00 dollar not including the land lol .

[@SoCalFreelance]

A backyard dock, that was a great way to describe it.

[@junyc85]

The architect and the homeowner's voices were near identical. Impossible to tell the voices apart unless looking at the screen. Beautiful home.

[@kimfrankwatson4688]

totallly

[@canieto1]

So funny, you said that because I was thinking the exact same thing! Ha ha

[@littlenest]

This is such a beautiful hidden gem, its like an oasis in an urban desert! ❤

[@wanderingeye7724]

Perfect for guests, a bit of privacy, change of scenery and especially work from home! I would love to have a separate place where my mindset could fully switch between Work and Off the Clock. As it is now, even though I have a nice home office, it's hard to separate the distractions on the clock and then off work I'm using the same location for entertainment. That is a great solution.

[@mikeincinci]

I subscribe to several KZbin channels. This is one of the few that I look forward to watching new episodes every week. The diversity of location and design, along and creativity of the home owners is inspiring. Thank you for the high production quality and thoughtful interviews.

[@patriciasalem3606]

So tranquil and yet practical too. I absolutely LOVE that boardwalk. It reminds me of all my favorite waterside places. Beautifully executed.

[@buenavidaestates-livingthe6333]

Amazing job! I miss my old craftsman in San Pedro but it was a much narrower lot! Hope you enjoy it for decades to come! ;)

[@thesimpleminimalist]

Omg I love this!! I live in the Midwest and we only use our small 1 car garage for unnecessary storage. We have a port next to the garage. This is so awesome to get additional space to our smalI home. I can't wait to do this to ours in the future. Never thought to do this until now! Thanks for sharing! I am inspired!

[@christinaaxavier8105]

I love the layout and the ambiance that you have created in your tiny home.

[@menace3507]

Absolutely love this home. Such a simple concept and more thoughtful use of space/property. I love the multi-use guest house concept, I personally would do some things differently but there’s very little to complain about with how this family went about it. Very inspired.

[@pamelahall361]

Beautiful home, fully functional and outdoor back garden is so awesome with that lovely swimming pool. I love the transformation. Well done! 👍🏾

[@garliclasagna]

Kirsten! thank you so much for your channel.. you continue to blow minds with your interviews of interesting and boundary pushing people.. .Love and respect from Mexico City

[@dk-ct6rw]

Beautiful layout. It just looks so peaceful. I love it. I had to re-watch.

[@MC-dk7tr]

Very cool! I live down the street from this house and admire it from the street on my walks. Didn’t realize how large their back space is! Many Atwater Village homes have ADUs, which is cool but this one is amazing!

[@narvarealestate1424]

Simple, yet so well put together. Love the backyard and how ADU and the home are tied together with the boardwalk. Thank you for sharing this.

[@briankuhl9314]

I love how this channel features all "lived experiences". This is a broadly appealing urban space, that could be featured on a mainstream reality reno show of fairly typical nuclear family. Yet it features many of the same themes we see in rural off grid videos, and design built spaces. Simple materials used aesthetically. Using the space you have efficiently. Repurposing a 100+ year old structure to fit multipurpose current living patterns. The door to the bathroom off the pool space is pure genius. Those that watch this channel for escapist visions of minimalism might comment "boring", but for me it is part of the thread that brings binds your message into one narrative, applicable to any cultural context, economic or social situation.

[@jeannesutter4951]

The ADU was so thoughtfully designed. It works well for their young family but also thoughtfully accessible for aging parents. Love it.

[@ifinicle]

Here in CA we spend most of our time outside and in LA, it's soooo crowded, so a lot like this with this much space is a gold-mine, since it's difficult to even find a sliver of grass to take your dog outside (in most city areas). A lot of engineers and designers in So Cal really understand the need for transitional indoor-outdoor areas, since our outdoor spaces are literally an extension of our homes since sq footage is EXPENSIVE. I love this entire set up. Very neat. Thank you for sharing.

[@paulapeeler3157]

Now this is absolutely wonderful... Completely thought through. I love it!!! I love that you designed your space for how you live, not the tradition of a home..Smart!

[@slortie4075]

This is such a beautiful space -both the indoor and outdoor design. Great video and narration.

[@321rydell]

I love plywood, concrete, metal, ...reminds me of modern 1950s or 60s. They expended lots of money to make this transformation but my Lord I love it!! This video gives lots of ideas for my current patio layout.

[@annsmith7207]

Superb in every way! I have seen a ton of ADUs and tiny houses -- this is a keeper! So well planned. Thanks very much!

[@Writer10389]

Paradise! 😍 I absolutely adore everything they did, especially the xeriscaping!! A+

[@Bondebillforlife]

A swimming pool, fire pit, and dining spot, A hammock to relax, and a boardwalk to trot, All between the home and tiny house retreat, A vacation space, both cozy and neat. From a crowded bungalow to a backyard bliss, Their solution was simple, but hard to miss, With creativity and design, they found their way, And made their backyard a place to stay.

[@jillwolters6956]

Very nice. High-five!

[@AllPhillyinATX]

Inspiring. So well executed. Outdoor/courtyard area is an oasis.

[@martywilsonlife]

This channel has, in a startling fashion, changed my life. The delightful variation of individuals highlighted with such varied focuses has led me to rethink how I live my life. Noting the similarities of stories helps me recognize the overarching principles to guide my life. 'Eternally grateful for all you do.

[@Alex_Plante]

I was thinking this would only work in California's climate, then this made me think of the layout of Roman houses around an atrium, which is the opposite to how most North American and northern European houses are laid out, with a self-contained house in the middle of the lot, and surrounded by open land. In ancient Rome, and I believe in North Africa today, the house surrounds an enclosed open space, and it seems to me that when you build a second house at the back of the lot your are recreating the Roman atrium. I just looked it up, in North Africa they are called riads

[@ichifish]

Yes, atriums (interior yards) are beautiful designs, and replicated in many ways around the world. We have them in traditional and some modern homes here in Japan. As in Rome the primary function is to provide a private, quiet, outdoor space in an urban setting. Unfortunately in a wet, cool climate the true roman-style atrium I've always wanted is either prohibitively expensive or preposterously small.

[@Avar1n1us]

We have them too in Germany in the Countryside. Its called "Vierseithof" wich kinda means "Foursided Building" or 4 Buildings in one. One was naturally for living. One were Workshops. One for maschinery and the last for the Animals. The bigger the "Vierseithof" the better the Land. Because better Land needs bigger Buildings and are more prosperous.

[@chrism9294]

When I was looking for a home years ago in Southern California I came across a home that had an atrium. It was one of my favorite homes. It was a big house on a good sized lot because a lot of homes here don’t have the lot size to accommodate an atrium without seriously sacrificing indoor living space.

[@sigmundgroth6452]

Houses in Southern Spain also are built around a large Patio and some of them also have a smaller "second Patio"; Casas Cordobesas and Casas Sevillanas, and it's also very common in Colonial Mexican Casas.

[@echospage]

@@sigmundgroth6452 Hacienda EU Spain

[@scubatrucker6806]

Great design idea. Years ago I've did a drawing like this and shes right you never use the back of the property unless you design something like this it gives you a purpose to the back of your property. Better use of your lot.❤❤❤❤❤

[@marcothehammer]

Fantastic build! I thoroughly enjoy the warmth the bare plywood interior walls seem to "exude" in the night time. The simplicity of the polished concrete combine with the "plain" walls to create a very welcoming and restful atmosphere. The exterior door to the shower is really a great idea.

[@harvard004]

The ADU is super cool and smartly built. Bravo to the designers!

[@cuongtruong6043]

nicely designed and well thought out. not over the top, but offers everything a family needs.

[@Trenchant468]

Love it! I so wish ADUs were permitted in my city. I have an old one car garage and picture putting a glass garage door on the front, skylights in the roof, and chopping down the window opening to make an interior door to an addition with a wall of windows on it. Would 100% live there myself, and continue renting all of my 3 unit property to others.

[@mikecohen2400]

Talk to your city, you have the right idea, the multi unit for your tenants, and the back house for you, might do it as an office/living space, with a bath, and kitchenette and see what the city says.

[@woohoo59]

If you live in California then you’re allowed. The ADU law is a state law, not municipal. All cities are required to comply although some will attempt to fight it.

[@Trenchant468]

@@mikecohen2400 Indoor/Outdoor Dance Studio! So far the city has only recently approved owner-occupied historic designated properties to add ADU. The premise is proper maintenance and restoration is unaffordable unless there is rent to offset it. Otherwise, no. :(

[@ryannatividad3137]

Love the flexibility of the this ADU. So much flexibility for their future, as well as any future owners/renters. It really has an outdoor room, atrium, courtyard feel. When they show the neighboring houses, so many of them also have some sort of ADU as well

[@hangingwithjen]

Catherine Johnson is a mastermind! Such a great design and use of space. So multi functional and I love all the different zones between the main house, yard spaces and the ADU. It's brilliant! (She also looks like my high school friend named CARA!) ;)

[@quaddog07]

A lot of excellent ideas have been incorporated into this ADU build. We converted our shop into an ADU and rent it out to a friend. Well done you guys

[@caveatlector1591]

This looks perfect. Functional, pretty, and small house with huge space for anything

[@craig_ramjet990]

You could almost call the boardwalk a pier with all the sand and water surrounding it. That was the first word that came to mind when I saw this very unique property. Well done on the design.

[@panchang810]

Atwater is a nice area here in CA. And yes they did great with their unused garage and backyard.

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Great use of space. Warm, comfortable. Well done.

[@LoveDandD]

Beautiful design and peaceful lovely garden! Thanks for sharing.

[@brianemunroe]

Really well done! Love the coziness it brings to the backyard.

[@tonyvargas368]

This is a fantastic use of space and reimagining of what a backyard could be.

[@TheFlush1980]

Beautiful landscaping, that garden looks so relaxing and serene

[@nexusyang4832]

This house reminds me of my grandmother's house in Taiwan. Difference being the house build build horizontally where as her house is built vertically and different generations livings on the different floors.

[@brothernorb8586]

I can't believe how many of your videos I have enjoyed so much. You just really do great work, idk how you find all the gems that you do, year after year. Good on ya.

[@marcandreyko4251]

absolutely stunning. smartly designed, stylish, and so, so well thought out. maybe the best ADU i've ever seen.

[@phylliscraine]

Really great design. I was a little surprised the ADU bathroom had a swing door. The house we just built has an en suite bathroom behind the bedroom just like this, we installed a pocket door because it gave us more usable bathroom space than a swing door.

[@TruthQuest4700]

This design exhibits such a calming integration between indoor and outdoor spaces! I like the use of the exposed joists above the queen bed generating a more intimate space without closing off the volume. Beautiful!

[@musk4mars116]

You rarely see an ADU so well integrated with the outdoor spaces. Very well planned and executed. I wonder how long the permit process was with the city.

[@xGRASHOPAx]

wow I wish my brother would build a ADU in his backyard like this. Beautiful

[@kailau216]

love the combination of the gravel with the boardwalk, nice!

[@bernieflorez7102]

Best restroom layout I've ever seen hands down...

[@melodylyons4631]

Great content. Great presentations. Love your style.

[@barbaracovey]

Cool design! Great video! Thanks. Does anyone know what kind of plants are being used for the privacy fence.

[@elwood212]

This is a typicalAussie Qld reno esp the yard. I LOVE that yr flipping the bird re pool fencing…these laws are such BS. Great space.💕

[@jennieskinner3886]

The way I wish they rented this spot out 😅🥰 beautifully done!

[@aaroncastellanos3421]

Love this! And i'm nearby just south of DTLA. We want to incorporate a lot of these elements in our backyard. I really want to know how much that pool was!

[@pearlhartney9]

Lovely! The back yard is gorgeous and the addition has so much future options as well as it being great right now. Love that shower that opens so it can be used for after the pool as well.

[@kamalani808]

This is my favorite ADu ever!

[@hgordon04]

This is absolutely beautiful.

[@anchi5252]

Hi, Had a couple of questions. What is the name of the wall siding product you used? What material did you use for the planks on the walkway? Thank you

[@BeeeHonest]

This home is absolutely charming and practical.

[@stacky512a]

Brilliant. Certainly benefits from the mature trees

[@DoranMitchell_Handpan]

Love your content my friend. Back yard retreats are an ever-changing labor of love. Ours has been changing for 30 years & will never be done.

[@annariav]

Thank you for your channel. So much to learn from and be inspired by.

[@lyl3645]

The yard is big! Great use of the space.

[@ericadamcollins]

Great design and colors. There is a natural flow to it. The wood deck and general backyard set-up also just clicks. Well done!

[@bradleyjohnson452]

very nice design. A pocket door in between the wardrobe and tv would be nice for a little additional privacy

[@Chereese0808]

Very nice. Love the layout of the outdoors area. Good thinking .

[@zx5218]

Outstanding vid as we've come to expect!! Thanks Kristen.

[@BrendaLee8]

It’s laid out beautifully

[@AM-xv3jx]

Love your home ❤ especially your beautiful bakyard

[@dylanthomasolseadog2803]

Really nice execution and design... awesome look n feel, bingo!

[@bigbandguru]

Sent this to my daughter and her husband in Tarzana giving them an idea of what can be done with a fixer upper.

[@CharlesGriffith1965]

What an amazing design... simple but elegant

[@NICOMEEKER]

Beautiful! I would love an adu like that one day! Great tour! ❤❤❤❤

[@Ana-Maria-Sierra]

QUESTION: Outstanding design! @Kirsten How many SF is this ADU?

[@professorjoy]

Wondering the same!!

[@andrewellis7656]

But - where do you park the car? A question. But Bye - So good - so well done however. Very cozy & useful.

[@timharper58]

Suggestion for possible future episode. If you're ever close to Tennessee, visit the Short Mountain Sanctuary. Queer Intentional Community established in the early 70's. Very interesting history and continuing evolution outside of Nashville.

[@ciscokidfab7595]

The color and material mix is great

[@김마리-c5e]

멋진 주택입니다. 늘 행복 하시길요()

[@williamclark1244]

Beautiful space. Definitely deserves the term 'oasis'.

[@skyeseaborn1170]

Well done! I enjoyed the design very much.

[@fishermann1102]

Nice addition and garden! Thank you.

[@michellejolly7325]

Beautifully executed!❤

[@robinharris4247]

Outdoor space is amazing!!!

[@disconnectpub]

So well done. Beautiful

[@bliznuk1]

It's amazing! So comfortable and cute! Love from Ukraine 💖🇺🇦

[@placeoforiginco]

This is stunning use of the property!

[@whitehawk22]

Love everything about this! Would be interested to see where they park now, with no driveway or garage. I guess curb parking is easywhere they are?

[@HeidiDream]

if Gennifer and Pastor wouldn't mind sharing who they used for the contractor to build the back unti with demolishing that would be amazing. I live in the West Adams area and looking to re-structure + build on our property as well!

[@user-mx4kk5mm1x]

Thanks, Kirsten!