Small Space Design Tips for Bend’s ADUs and Guest Houses

Bend’s real estate market has seen a big rise in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and guest houses, and for good reason. Adding an ADU for rental income, creating a guest house for visiting family, or maximizing a small space can make a huge difference. If you’ve ever walked into a tiny home that feels surprisingly spacious, good layout, smart storage, and a few visual tricks are likely at play.

I’ve helped plenty of clients make the most of their spaces, so I’m sharing my best design tips for keeping things functional, stylish, and comfortable—without feeling cramped.

1. Keep the Layout Open & Flexible

In small spaces, walls can make things feel tighter than they need to be. Open layouts work best, but that doesn’t mean every room has to blend together. Furniture placement, rugs, or shelving can define spaces without closing them off.

For privacy—especially in guest houses—pocket doors or sliding barn doors save space and add charm without making things feel boxed in.

2. Get Smart with Storage

Storage is the biggest challenge in ADUs and guest houses, but there are tons of creative solutions:

Under-bed storage: A platform bed with drawers underneath is perfect for stashing extra linens or seasonal clothing.

Built-ins: If there’s room, custom built-ins add storage without eating up floor space. Even a shallow built-in bookshelf makes a difference.

Hooks & wall storage: In small kitchens, a pegboard or wall-mounted rail system keeps pots, mugs, and utensils handy without cluttering the counter.

One of my favorite tricks? A lift-top coffee table. It works as both a dining table and hidden storage spot for remotes, books, and whatever else tends to pile up.

3. Light Colors & Natural Light Make a Huge Difference

I love deep, moody paint colors—but in a small space, lighter tones tend to work best. Soft whites, warm beiges, or even a pale green help reflect light and make a space feel bigger.

Speaking of light—don’t block those windows! Sheer curtains or roman shades let in natural light without sacrificing privacy. And if there’s a great view (which many Bend homes have!), positioning mirrors opposite windows reflects more of that gorgeous scenery.

4. Multi-Purpose Furniture is Your Best Friend

Every piece of furniture should earn its keep in a small space. Think:

A Murphy bed for a guest room that doubles as an office

A bench with hidden storage in an entryway

A drop-leaf dining table that expands when needed but tucks away easily

Even a simple ottoman with storage inside makes a difference when every square foot counts.

5. Keep It Cozy, But Not Cluttered

It’s easy for small spaces to feel either too sparse or too crowded. The key is to balance warmth and function. A few tricks I use:

Stick to a cohesive color palette to keep things visually calm.

Use a mix of textures (wood, woven baskets, soft throws) for warmth.

Limit knick-knacks—curate a few meaningful pieces rather than filling every surface.

For guest houses, a few cozy, thoughtful touches make all the difference: a small welcome basket with snacks, a carafe of water by the bed, and a soft throw blanket make guests feel at home without taking up much space.

6. Outdoor Space Counts, Too

If an ADU or guest house has even a small patio or deck, treating it like an extension of the home makes the whole space feel bigger. A bistro table, string lights, and a few potted plants turn a tiny outdoor area into a charming retreat. Even a well-placed bench by the entryway helps define the space and gives guests a spot to take off their shoes.

Designing small spaces is all about working smarter, not harder. Setting up an ADU for long-term living or making a guest house more inviting takes a few smart choices to make even the tiniest space feel welcoming and well-designed.

Need help figuring out how to make the most of your ADU or guest house? I’d love to chat. Let’s turn your small space into something stylish and functional—without sacrificing comfort.