Finishing Touches for Your ADU/DADU Design and Build with Roxanne Meza, Founding Member of NOVUS Design & Staging

When it comes to bringing personality & style to small spaces, designer Roxanne Meza, founding member of NOVUS Design & Staging for Blackwood Homes has 6 tried and true finishing touches she utilizes when designing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU). Unlike standard spec designs, Roxanne approaches each of her ADU/DADU projects as a custom build, ensuring that every detail reflects the unique personality and lifestyle of its future occupants. Here are some of the key finishing touches she considers to elevate these small but significant spaces when working on projects with Blackwood Homes:

1. Embrace Fun and Unique Design Elements

ADUs and DADUs offer the perfect opportunity to infuse creativity and individuality into a home. These spaces should feel special, not like an afterthought. Roxanne makes it a priority to always look for ways to express the personal style of the future occupant. She achieves this through bold color choices, unconventional layouts, or personalized entryways. The goal of these small personal touches is to create a space that surprises and delights.

Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

2. Incorporate Colored or Patterned Tiles

Tiles are one of Roxanne’s go-to design elements for adding visual interest and character. She loves using colored or patterned tiles in ADUs and DADUs because they instantly elevate the aesthetic and make a statement. Whether it’s an eye-catching backsplash in the kitchen, or textured materials in the entry, these small details become a focal point that adds personality to the space. 

Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

 Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

3. Add Decorative Mirrors

Mirrors are a powerful design tool, especially when utilized in smaller spaces like ADUs and DADUs. Roxanne recommends incorporating decorative framed mirrors to enhance the aesthetic of the space, as this is another way to elevate the room. We love this addition of a stylish modern mirror above the bathroom vanity to add a touch of elegance.

Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

4. Feature Designer Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the safety of any space. In ADUs and DADUs, Roxanne opts for designer lighting fixtures that make a statement. Light sconces near a doorway or garage to make your house numbers visible or stylish fixtures in the primary bedroom all contribute to the overall look and feel of the space. These aren’t just lights—they’re pieces of art that enhance both the design and functionality of the home.

Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

5. Maximize Storage with Full-Height Cabinets

In smaller spaces, the challenge is always storage space. You need enough for a space to be functional. One way Roxanne likes to stylishly solve this problem is with full height cabinets. She recommends full-height cabinets in the kitchen and other storage areas to maximize the use of space. They help create a spacious and uncluttered look by providing ample storage in a sleek, streamlined look. You don’t ever have to sacrifice storage space for style, with full height cabinets strategically placed, you can have both. 

6. Stylish House Numbers as a Signature Touch

No project is complete without the final touch of stylish Modern House Numbers. This is a standard feature across all of Roxanne’s ADU/DADU designs. High-quality, modern house numbers not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the curb appeal of the property. She loves the customization options, superb customer service and architectural quality of ordering with us. She knows that house numbers are often the first detail visitors notice, and she trusts Modern House Numbers to set the tone for the quality and design that lies within.

Image Credit: Blackwood Homes

Conclusion

When designing and building ADUs and DADUs, the finishing touches are the details that truly make these spaces shine. By focusing on unique design elements, incorporating thoughtful details like designer lighting, maximizing functionality with full-height cabinets, and adding stylish house numbers, she ensures that every project is not just a dwelling, but a beautifully crafted, personalized home.

To learn more about Roxanne’s work with Blackwood Homes, visit their website.