360 Sq Ft Backyard Office ADU with a Custom Murphy Bed & Storage

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Backyard Office ADU in Westchester, California

Studio | 1 Bathroom

Key Features:

• 6 ft wide French doors

• Full kitchen

  • 24 in refrigerator

  • Perla quartz countertops and backsplash

  • White oak open shelving

  • Brushed brass fixtures

  • 24 in stainless steel under-mount sink

  • Trash pullout

• 9.5 ft wide bathroom

  • 24 in vanity​

  • White oak cabinetry

  • Brushed brass fixtures

  • Shower niche with LED lighting

  • Vertical blue-green subway tile in shower installed from floor to ceiling

  • Frameless shower glass

  • Handheld shower and rain shower

• Wall to wall custom cabinetry with built-in shelving​

• Custom murphy bed

• Ductless mini-split

This 360 sq ft backyard studio in Southern California proves that an ADU doesn’t have to be large to be incredibly versatile. Designed with intention and packed with custom features, this unit is a beautiful example of how thoughtful design can make a small space work for a wide range of needs, today and years down the line.

Designed as a home office but built for more, this 360-square-foot backyard studio gives the homeowners a dedicated workspace while providing a comfortable space for family time and visiting grandparents.

Built for Work, But So Much More

The homeowners, a young couple who just welcomed a new baby, originally set out to create a dedicated home office. One partner works remotely and needed a quiet, professional space for virtual meetings. But they also wanted a place to spend time with their son during the day, and to comfortably host grandparents when they visit—or eventually move in.

The solution? A multi-functional backyard office studio that flexes to meet the needs of daily life.

The backyard office studio extends the living space beyond the four walls, with direct access to the yard and a covered patio designed for work, family time, and entertaining.

Designed Around Real-Life Needs

Every inch of this studio was tailored to the family’s lifestyle. Instead of a traditional closet, a custom wall of cabinetry provides generous storage without sacrificing floor space. A custom Murphy bed allows the space to easily convert from office to guest suite—without the visual clutter of a standard bed.

On the main wall, cream-painted custom cabinets frame the workspace, offering a clean, attractive Zoom background and plenty of storage.

Custom cabinetry maximizes storage without sacrificing floor space, while the Murphy bed allows this Westchester backyard studio to transition easily from a home office to a guest suite.

A Full Kitchen That Feels Light and Airy

Though the ADU is just 360 sq ft, the full-sized kitchen is anything but cramped. It includes:

• 24” stainless steel undermount sink

• 24” refrigerator

• Brush brass fixtures

• White oak shelving for an open, breathable feel

• Pull-out trash cabinet to keep clutter hidden

• Perla quartz countertop and matching backsplash

By placing the kitchen and bathroom along the same wall, the homeowners kept plumbing costs down and improved the overall flow of the space.

This compact Westchester backyard office studio makes room for a full kitchen, using light finishes, open shelving, and smart plumbing placement to maximize function without making the 360-square-foot space feel cramped.

Bathroom Design That Wows

At just 7.5 feet wide, the bathroom makes excellent use of every inch. A 24” vanity with white oak cabinetry keeps things streamlined, while frameless glass shower walls (custom-cut to fit the space) make the room feel more open.

The shower is fully tiled in a stunning blue-green hue, with a niche that matches the window size and features LED lighting for a subtle, spa-like glow. Dual handheld and rain shower heads complete the luxe experience.

A 7.5-foot-wide bathroom makes every inch count, with blue-green tile, a frameless glass shower, custom LED lighting, and a streamlined white oak vanity creating a spa-like feel in this Westchester backyard studio.

Indoor Comfort Meets Outdoor Living

To connect the indoors with the backyard, 6-foot French doors open to a simple and elegant paver-and-grass patio, creating additional living space and an easy transition for work breaks, playtime, or entertaining.

The studio is also equipped with a ductless mini-split A/C system to keep the space comfortable year-round—an essential in sunny SoCal.

Six-foot French doors connect this backyard studio to the patio, creating an easy transition between the indoor workspace and outdoor living area.

FAQs

Can you build an ADU to use as a home office? Yes. Many homeowners build a backyard office ADU specifically for remote work, then design it with a full kitchen and bathroom so it can later convert to a rental, guest suite, or in-law unit without a second build.

Do you need a permit for a home office ADU? Yes. If the unit includes a kitchen and bathroom, it's legally classified as a full ADU (not a shed or accessory structure) so it requires the same permitting as any other ADU: plumbing, electrical, and structural review.

How small can an ADU be and still have a full kitchen and bathroom?There are currently no minimum requirements for ADU sizes in Los Angeles (not including JADUs), however, it is generally recommended to go no smaller than 300 sq ft. Placing the kitchen and bathroom on the same wall cuts plumbing costs, and built-in cabinetry instead of a closet frees up usable floor space.

This compact backyard studio shows how thoughtful space planning can make room for a full kitchen and bathroom without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

How much does a small ADU cost to build?Costs can range from $100,000 to $200,000 depending on the characteristics of the existing lot, design complexity, and level of finishes. Cost per square foot is usually higher on smaller ADUs than larger ones, because kitchens and bathrooms have fixed plumbing and fixture costs regardless of the unit's overall size.

Garage conversions are the most cost-effective since you are using an existing structure.

What's the best AC system for an ADU? A ductless mini-split is the standard choice for ADUs. It cools and heats efficiently without needing to extend ductwork from the main house.

Can an ADU be used as both an office and a guest room?Yes, with the right design. A Murphy bed is a common solution. It keeps the space fully open for work day-to-day and converts to a guest bedroom when needed, without permanently taking up floor space.

Is a home office ADU a good investment? It can be, especially if it's built with a full kitchen and bathroom from the start. That flexibility means the same unit can serve as a workspace now and generate rental income or house family members later, without a second renovation.

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