Rethinking the Backyard: The ADU Takeover

First it was the kitchen. Then the home office. Now? It’s the backyard.

What used to be a patch of grass and a half-forgotten hose is suddenly prime real estate. And not because you added a new planter box. We’re talking walls, windows, plumbing, and a sense of purpose.

ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, if we’re being formal—are quickly becoming one of the smartest, most design-forward ways to add space without losing your sanity (or your zip code). When done right, they feel less like an add-on and more like a second home. Think guest suite, private rental, creative studio, or the escape-from-everyone office you didn’t know you needed.

This isn’t just a California thing. From Portland to Philly, homeowners are realizing that the most impactful square footage might be the space just outside the main house. And the ADU is taking the lead.