Unlike European kitchens, which are designed for efficiency rather than luxury, American kitchens often emphasise open-concept designs simply because they are larger. But now that people are adding accessory dwelling units, or ADUs (similar to tiny homes), in their backyards to house family members and generate passive income, the European model is becoming more attractive to homeowners struggling to fit everything they want into a tiny footprint. “I wish appliance companies made cooler and more compact appliances,” says designer Samantha Karim, who added an ADU in her Mid-Wilshire backyard in Los Angeles, California, the United States.
“This is especially true as people are trending towards smaller living spaces.” Los Angeles architect Bo Sundius agrees. “No one is making an inexpensive small refrigerator,” he says.
“You have to go with European models. I would always do under-counter fridges and freezers if I could, but there’s nothing on the market that’s affordable.” Designing a kitchen for an ADU requires careful planning, says designer Kirsten Blazek, author of the new book A 1000 X Better.
A Rebel By Design. “I like to start by really thinking about the main purpose of the space and plan accordingly,” she says. “Will there be long-term guests there? Who would benefit from a full kitchen? Is this more of an overflow, entertaining or work space? “Space planning and functionality are important, so don’t forget to get the correct-sized applian.