A guest suite, or accessory dwelling unit, can be an amazing addition to a home. It’s perfect for multigenerational living, whether that means the space is occupied by adult children, grandparents, or friends who are family. They’ve become increasingly popular too! Of course, if you’re building one as an addition to your home, you’ll want to make sure it’s as SWEET as you can.

Keep Accessibility in Mind

If the guest suite is being occupied by an aging parent, or parents, you’ll want to make sure it’s accessible. This means you should probably have an entrance that doesn’t require stairs or have a steep ramp outside. You’ll also want to consider the interior design. If wheelchairs are being used, doorways need to be between 32 and 48 inches wide. It’s also important to keep in mind how easy it is to reach things. If reach is limited, you’re probably better off designing the suite to have storage options for belongings that are within easy reach, rather than too high or too low.

Get Creative With Ceiling Moulding and Floor Trim

Little things that make spaces special and one of the most overlooked design details is ceiling moulding and floor trim. The guest suite is a part of the house and attached to it, but it’s also a separate space. Ceiling moulding and floor trim can be a great way to add details that will give your new apartment a distinct and unique look. When installing , you’ll need to measure the room and the trim to make sure you get things sized correctly. Then you’ll need to find the studs and mark them. Carefully glue the edges and put them in place. Nail them to the wall. Finally, fill in the nails holes with putty and paint. Make sure to be careful when you put up your ceiling trim, as slips and trips are very common injuries.

Add a Suite Size Kitchen

A kitchenette, or suite size kitchen, is the perfection addition for when your guests have routines and habits and don’t want to disturb you. They can make their coffee at 5:00 AM or the popcorn at midnight without worry in their own kitchen space. Adding separate cooking space also promotes independence, which is a huge deal to people as they get older. Try talking to whoever will be living in the space about what their expectations and needs are. That can help guide your design efforts.

Adding a guest suite can be an exciting thing. It’s nice to have family and friends close by, and it doesn’t get much closer than that. Of course, you want to make sure it’s as perfect as can be. Adding a kitchen to promote independence, getting creative with details like ceiling moulding and floor trim, and remembering to make it an accessible living space will put you on the right track to build the perfect living space for your loved one.

Having trouble figuring out how to decorate your mother-in-law suite? We can help! Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or LinkedIn and let’s talk about your home goals for 2022!

Buy, sell, rent, or invest – contact me today.