VAN NUYS GARAGE CONVERSION ADU TOUR
320 SQ FT | STUDIO | 1 BATH
320 Sq Ft Garage Conversion
ADU Builder in Van Nuys
Studio | 1 BATH
Key Features:
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General
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AC unit
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Herringbone solid wood flooring
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Solid wood front door
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10' linear kitchen
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Custom cabinetry
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24" Frigidaire refrigerator
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18" dishwasher
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Farmhouse sink
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24" oven and microwave hood
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Brush brass hardware
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Casement window in front of sink
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Offset textured tiles on Backsplash
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Glossy espresso marbled countertops
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Under-cabinet lighting
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Custom built pantry
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White oak shelving with built in lighting
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Coffee station
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4 seat dining table
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9' x 6' Bathroom
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Pocket door to bathroom for more space
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Stacked washer dryer, 27 in wide with extra storage on top
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Dark cabinets with pure white countertops and brush brass hardware
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Frameless shower glass
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Baby blue vertical tile all the way to the ceiling
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Lighted niche in shower
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Private Sleeping Nook
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Dark Wainscoting for accent
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Closet
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Outdoors
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Private Walkway
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Backyard
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Private Side Entrance
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Raised concrete patio
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Vertical siding
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Ranch style exterior to match the original design
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Signature birdhouse/Cupola by William Mellenthin
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This 320 sq ft studio ADU in Van Nuys is a great example of how much functionality you can pack into a small footprint when the design and execution are done right. Built by NeoBuilders, this garage conversion transforms an underused space into a fully independent living unit with a full kitchen, a spacious bathroom, dedicated sleeping area, and seamless indoor–outdoor access.
Garage conversions continue to be one of the most efficient ADU options in the San Fernando Valley. They typically cost less than ground-up construction, move through permitting faster, and make use of an existing structure, without sacrificing comfort or design.
If you’re considering an ADU or garage conversion anywhere in the Greater Los Angeles Area, including the San Fernando Valley, NeoBuilders can help you evaluate your property, budget, and options. Book a call here.
Interior Finishes That Elevate the Space
Flooring, Doors, and Light
One of the first things you notice when stepping into this ADU is the herringbone solid wood flooring. In a small space, floor pattern matters more than people realize. The herringbone layout adds visual movement, which helps the studio feel wider and more dynamic without adding square footage. Solid wood also brings warmth and durability, which is important for long-term use, whether this ADU is rented or used by family.
The solid wood front door does double duty. Beyond aesthetics, it provides better sound control and insulation than hollow-core alternatives, helping the unit feel private and substantial. Natural light plays a huge role as well. A sliding glass door opens directly to the patio, creating a strong indoor–outdoor connection that makes the ADU feel larger. Carefully placed windows, including a casement window in front of the sink, bring in daylight and allow for cross-ventilation without sacrificing privacy.
Kitchen Design: Fully Functional in 320 Sq Ft
With 10 linear feet, the kitchen layout prioritizes storage and workflow while keeping everything within reach. Appliance choices strike a balance between size and performance, including a 24-inch refrigerator, an 18-inch dishwasher, and a compact oven with a microwave hood.
The glossy espresso marbled countertops paired with offset textured backsplash tiles add depth and contrast, elevating the kitchen well beyond what you’d expect in a garage conversion. Undercabinet lighting and integrated shelf lighting improve visibility for cooking while adding ambient light in the evenings. A custom-built pantry, dedicated coffee station, and a four-seat dining table round out a kitchen that feels complete, not scaled back.
Bathroom Design: Maximizing a 9x6 Layout
At just 9 by 6 feet, this bathroom shows how smart planning can make a compact layout feel comfortable. A pocket door eliminates swing clearance, freeing up valuable floor space. The shower features full-height vertical tile in a soft baby blue, drawing the eye upward and making the room feel taller.
A frameless glass shower enclosure keeps sightlines open, while a lighted niche adds both function and a subtle design detail. The vanity combines dark cabinetry with a clean white countertop and brushed brass hardware, tying the space back to the finishes used throughout the ADU. A stacked washer and dryer fits neatly into the layout, with extra storage above, an essential feature for long-term livability.
Sleeping Nook and Storage Solutions
Rather than leaving the studio completely open, this ADU incorporates a dedicated sleeping nook that creates a sense of separation without closing the space off. Dark wainscoting visually anchors the sleeping area and helps define it as its own zone, making the layout feel intentional rather than improvised.
Closet placement was carefully considered to maximize storage without interrupting circulation. By keeping storage vertical and built-in where possible, the design avoids clutter and preserves usable floor space, one of the biggest challenges in any studio ADU.
A Nod to the Original Home’s Design
While the focus of this project was creating a highly functional studio ADU, care was taken to respect the character of the original home. The existing house was designed and built by William Mellenthin, whose ranch-style homes helped shape much of the San Fernando Valley. One of his signature design elements, the birdhouse-style cupola, was intentionally preserved during the garage conversion.
Rather than stripping the structure of its original charm, the ADU was designed to blend seamlessly with the main home. Exterior materials, proportions, and rooflines were carefully considered so the new living space feels like a natural extension of the property, not an afterthought. This approach allows the ADU to meet modern living needs while maintaining architectural consistency and curb appeal.
A Thoughtful Garage Conversion ADU in Van Nuys
Garage conversions remain one of the most practical ADU options in the San Fernando Valley, especially for homeowners looking to save on construction costs while speeding up the timeline. When done correctly, they can feel just as intentional and polished as a ground-up build.
If you’re considering a garage conversion or ADU anywhere in the Greater Los Angeles Area, NeoBuilders can help you evaluate your property and guide you through the process from design to construction.
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