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 host family and friends regularly, with a separate space to retreat to while working from home. Eventually it may become an Airbnb, but for now they're enjoying it as a home-away-from-home.

Originally used as a woodshop, we started from the ground up to transform the 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. The design phase began with a 3D plan that included alley parking and a gated entry into the unit.

Once plans were approved, we replaced the garage door with a large sun-filled window, added built-in cabinetry for storage, and used high-quality, cool-toned materials throughout the kitchen and bathroom. A mirrored backsplash in the kitchen creates a feeling of openness. Other hidden details include tucking the tankless water heater inside cabinetry behind the door for a seamless, inviting look.