A fully converted in-law suite in a detached structure — accessible bathroom, walk-in shower with integrated grab bars, and a private outdoor patio built for comfort, real independence, and aging in place.
The property already had what they needed — a detached structure that had slowly turned into a storage unit. The goal was clear: turn it into a proper in-law suite that felt independent, comfortable, and built to last. A space where aging parents could be close to family without giving up their privacy.
An in-law suite for elderly residents is more than just ADU compliance. Accessible doorway widths, a curbless shower entry, grab bar blocking throughout the bathroom walls, lever-style hardware on every door — all of it had to be incorporated without the space feeling clinical. Every dimension had to be thought through from an aging-in-place standpoint. But the result still had to feel like a home first.
Working alongside an aging-in-place design specialist, we went through every detail for both accessibility and aesthetics. The bedroom has generous clearances, lever hardware throughout, and finishes that feel warm and lived in. The bathroom is built around a curbless shower with a fold-down teak bench and integrated grab bars — the safety features are worked into the tile composition so naturally they read as design decisions, not accommodations. A private patio with low-maintenance hardscape and raised planting beds gives the suite its own outdoor space and a real sense of independence.