Backyard Cottage Studio in Queen Anne

About Backyard Cottage Studio in Queen Anne

This growing family in Queen Anne wanted to transform their one-car garage into a backyard cottage/DADU. The intention was to have family and friends stay over regularly, along with a separate space for them to retreat to while they both work from home. Eventually, this space may turn into an Airbnb, but for now, they are enjoying it as a home-away-from-home.

Originally used as a woodshop, we moved their machinery into a pre-built structure and started from the ground up to transform this garage into a backyard oasis. Because it’s a DADU, this involved back-and-forth with the city to ensure it was permitted for the Queen Anne area. After discussing the parameters, the first thing we created during the design phase was a 3D plan that included a parking space in the alley and a gated door that invites you into the unit.

After the plans were approved by our clients, we replaced the garage door with a giant sun-filled window, added built-in cabinetry across the walls for storage, and used high-quality, cool-toned materials throughout the kitchen and bathroom to match their aesthetic. To create a feeling of openness, we added a mirrored backsplash to the kitchen.

Other hidden features include hiding the tankless water heater within cabinetry (located behind the door) to give it a seamless and inviting look.