CULVER CITY ADU TOUR
GARAGE CONVERSION | 340 SQ FT | STUDIO | 1 BATH
DOWNLOAD THE FLOOR PLANS & SPECS SHEET
Big design in just 340 sq ft! This Culver City garage conversion was built to be a flexible, stylish living space with smart features packed into every corner.
Want to see how it all fits together? Grab the free floor plan!
340 Sq Ft Garage Conversion Studio ADU with Private Backyard
Studio | 1 BATH
Key Features:
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10 ft linear kitchen
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Sage green cabinets
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Brushed brass hardware
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Extra-tall 24” Summit fridge + 4-burner range
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Calacatta onyx countertops and backsplash
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Open shelving with integrated lighting
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24” stainless steel under-mount sink
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Under-cabinet lighting
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Living space
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Hidden washer/dryer behind white cabinetry
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Overhead storage + lighted closet
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Ductless mini-split A/C
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Clerestory windows for natural light
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5' x 8.5' spa-inspired bathroom
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White oak vanity with black hardware
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Pure white countertop + brushed brass faucet
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Baby blue floor-to-ceiling tile with white grout
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Frameless ⅝" glass shower
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Shower niche and corner bench in Calacatta onyx
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LED strip lighting + handheld and overhead shower
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Private outdoor space
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Japanese maple
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Grass area + concrete pad for future storage
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Cross breeze design from front to back
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Extended sightlines that make the space feel bigger
If you’re working with a garage conversion or a tiny backyard studio, you know the magic lies in the details. You can transform a compact 340 sq ft unit into a functional, beautiful space that feels far bigger than it is. Here’s how we did it in this charming Culver City ADU, and how you can apply the same principles to your project.
The Magic of a Linear Kitchen
Linear kitchens are the hack to incorporating everything you need for a compact space. A linear kitchen is a setup where all the appliances, cabinetry, and workspace are arranged along a single wall. No corners, no U-shapes. Just one streamlined row.
This layout works especially well in small ADUs because it saves precious square footage while still giving you full functionality. With the right design choices, like open shelving, vertical storage, and under-cabinet lighting, a linear kitchen can feel just as capable as a traditional one, without taking over the room. Plus, it keeps the space feeling open, making it easier to blend into a studio layout or multi-use area.
5×8 Bathroom: Spa-Inspired, Smartly Laid Out
Small bathrooms are one of the biggest challenges in ADU design — but when done right, they can be incredibly efficient and beautiful.
This one features floor-to-ceiling baby blue tile, frameless ⅝" glass, and a niche + corner bench finished in the same Calacatta onyx as the kitchen for a cohesive, high-end look. Add in LED strip lighting, a white oak vanity, and both handheld and overhead showers, and you’ve got a bathroom that feels anything but small.
Want to master bathroom layouts like this?
Check out my new e-course, How to Save Thousands on Your ADU Project, where I walk through real ADU bathroom layouts and explain exactly how and why they work — plus full floor plan breakdowns, budget-saving tips, and more to help you get the most out of your project.
“Long Eye” Design: Make 340 Sq Ft Feel Endless
Here’s one of the most powerful design strategies used in this space: long sightlines. From the sleeping area, you get a direct view through the home and out to the private backyard — and vice versa from the living area to the front yard.
This creates what’s called a “long eye,” a visual stretch that instantly makes the space feel more open and expansive. Combined with clerestory windows and a cross-breeze-friendly layout, it turns a simple studio into a peaceful, airy retreat.
Outdoor Space = Livable Space
When it comes to long-term livability, outdoor space is everything — especially in a small ADU. This garage conversion includes a private fenced yard, Japanese maple tree, and a concrete pad that’s ready for future storage or a seating area.
It’s a low-cost way to extend your usable square footage and make the home feel bigger without adding to your build budget. Outdoor access also increases natural light and gives the occupant a space to relax, entertain, or just enjoy a little privacy — key elements for making a small home feel like a permanent one.
READY TO BUILD YOUR OWN ADU?
You can book a call with me or learn about my upcoming ADU Masterclass where I teach you how to save money on your project.
