Have you ever thought about turning your unused garage into a living space? It’s an ingenious idea that has become quite popular in recent years. And for good reason!

Meet Martin Brown, a resident of Portland, Oregon, who decided to convert his garage into what is known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). ADUs are secondary housing units located on the same property as the main residence. They can be attached to the house or stand alone, and they offer a great solution for families looking to create additional living space.

Martin’s decision to convert his garage into an ADU was inspired by his mother-in-law’s desire to live close to her grandson, Sebastian. Instead of buying a new house, Martin saw an opportunity to create a cozy home for his mother-in-law right in their garage.

The transformation of the garage into a home was nothing short of amazing. Despite its smaller size, they were able to design the space to include all the essential rooms of a home. The living area is warm and inviting, with a comfortable sofa bed that can double as a guest bed when needed. A fireplace adds a cozy touch to the space.

The kitchen in the ADU is surprisingly spacious, featuring a full-sized fridge, a two-stove burner, and a single sink. Instead of cabinets, they opted for open shelves to keep everything easily accessible. Hanging racks were installed for pots, pans, and utensils, making the most of the available space.

One of the highlights of the ADU is a loft bedroom, complete with a queen-sized bed and a cozy reading nook. The stairs leading up to the bedroom were cleverly designed to save space, using alternating tread stairs. And just beside the stairs is a pocket door that leads to a single bathroom, ensuring privacy and convenience.

To create a sense of spaciousness, natural light was a key consideration in the design. While privacy was maintained by not including windows, a large glass door and skylights were installed to flood the space with light. Even the kitchen benefits from a glass porthole, allowing light from the loft’s skylight to brighten up the room.

Martin also wanted to preserve the history of the old garage. The exterior of the ADU retains its original 1920s-style, with a fresh coat of paint giving it a modern twist. The concrete floor, a testament to the garage’s past, was left untouched, adding durability to the structure. And to enhance the rustic-industrial look, old fittings and locks from the garage were repurposed along the kitchen counter.

The result is a beautiful and functional ADU that perfectly suits Martin’s mother-in-law. She now has her own cozy home right next to her family, allowing her to be an active part of her grandson’s life.

Converting a garage into an ADU is a fantastic way to make the most of unused space and create additional housing. It’s a solution that brings families closer together while providing the independence and privacy that everyone deserves. So, if you have an unused garage, why not consider transforming it into a beautiful home like Martin did?

Check out this video to see the amazing transformation of Martin’s garage into a cozy ADU: