Pelham Avenue, Los Angeles
About the project
This garage conversion proves that an ADU can feel every bit as refined, comfortable, and intentional as a primary residence. What began as a 433-square-foot garage located in Mid-City Los Angeles was transformed into a spacious single-story accessory dwelling unit through a 233-square-foot expansion that maximizes every square inch of potential.
The homeowners wanted more than additional living space. Their goal was to create an ADU that felt architecturally significant, filled with natural light, and finished with materials that reflected the quality of the main home. The design direction combined the warmth and simplicity of Modern Scandinavian interiors with the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of California Contemporary architecture.
As the design-build contractor selected for the project, we focused on every detail that influences how a home feels and functions. From maximizing ceiling height and integrating multiple layers of lighting to sourcing compact appliances that delivered full functionality without compromising aesthetics, every decision served a larger purpose.
Our Process
Highlights
Challenges Presented
The primary challenge of any garage conversion is transforming a compact, utilitarian structure into a bright, breathable living space that never feels confined. Our clients wanted a strong indoor-outdoor connection that would support both entertaining and everyday living. Achieving this balance required overcoming the physical limitations of the original structure, engineering a seamless foundation expansion, and designing a layout that draws the eye upward and outward to create a greater sense of volume and openness.
Remodel Approach
Our approach focused on architectural volume and carefully curated materials to deliver a refined, custom aesthetic.
Volumetric Design & Natural Light: We introduced high ceilings and strategically positioned dual skylights that bring abundant natural light into the main living area. A large sliding glass door opens directly to a custom hardscape and landscaped yard to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.
The Chef’s Kitchen: We utilized a continuous, floor-to-ceiling cabinet layout with wide oak panels to maximize vertical storage. The kitchen is anchored by a premium honed porcelain slab countertop and matching backsplash. Special attention was given to appliance selection to ensure every appliance fit perfectly within the available dimensions without sacrificing performance or visual appeal.
The Boutique Bathroom: The bathroom was designed to feel luxurious and highly customized. A 3×12 porcelain tile installed in a herringbone pattern introduces movement and craftsmanship, while glossy Zellige wall tile adds depth, texture, and a subtle three-dimensional quality. Integrated LED lighting within the shampoo niche creates a refined custom detail. The space is anchored by a reeded birchwood vanity topped with marble and complemented by gold fixtures and finishes.
Curated Materials
One of the defining features of this project is the exceptional material selection. The homeowners invested in premium finishes sourced through trusted design partners and suppliers, including Arhaus and Bedrosians. Warm neutral tones, natural textures, gold hardware, and high-end surface materials create a cohesive palette that feels both organic and sophisticated. Every finish was selected not only for its appearance, but also for its durability and long-term performance.
After Remodeling
