Designing a granny flat requires balancing functionality, comfort, and style in a compact space. By using thoughtful design elements such as natural light, space-saving furniture, and accessible layouts, you can create a beautiful, modern living area that feels open and welcoming.
Whether you incorporate large windows for a brighter space, add mirrors for depth, or ensure accessibility for elderly residents, these decorating ideas will help you make the most of every square foot in your granny flat.
Let’s get straight to the point.
To make a granny flat feel spacious and comfortable, use large windows, neutral colours, and open-plan designs. Maximise natural light, use space-saving furniture and add mirrors to create an illusion of space.
Prioritise accessibility for elderly residents with wider doorways, grab rails, and non-slip flooring. Incorporate smart storage solutions and maintain privacy through strategic landscaping and window placement.
Using Materials And Lighting To Give A Granny Flat A Spacious Feel
The materials and colours you choose can dramatically impact the perception of space in a granny flat. Here’s how to achieve a modern and open look:
Install Large Glass Windows
Traditional small windows can make the space feel enclosed and dark. To remedy this, consider:
- Large glass windows that offer a clear view of the surroundings should be installed.
- Using curtains or blinds to control sunlight on hot days, especially for older residents who may be sensitive to harsh light.
This design choice maximises natural light, making the space more open and airy.
Choose A Unified Flooring Option
Using a single type of flooring throughout the granny flat can enhance the sense of continuity and openness. Opt for:
- Wide floorboards or tiles create a spacious feel.
- A cohesive flooring design that runs throughout the kitchen and living areas.
Embrace A Neutral Colour Palette
Bright and vibrant colours can make small spaces feel cramped. Instead, go for:
- Light, neutral tones such as whites, soft greys, and creams.
- Accent pieces like artwork or cushions in vibrant colours add personality without overwhelming the space.
This approach helps create a calming and expansive atmosphere, perfect for smaller living areas like a granny flat.
A Granny Flat’s Strategic Use Of Mirrors And Colours
Mirrors are excellent for enhancing light and creating the illusion of more space. Consider the following tips for using mirrors in your granny flat:
Enhance Natural Light With Mirrors
Strategically placing mirrors can increase the perceived size of the room. For example:
- Place two identical mirrors across each other to create a series of reflections that add depth to a small room.
- Use mirrors in hallways or near windows to bounce natural light around the room.
By incorporating mirrors into your design, you’ll make the space appear larger and more luminous.
Add A Deck Or Porch
A small deck or porch can extend the living area outdoors. Including outdoor furniture, like a table and chairs, allows for relaxation and creates a cozy spot for family gatherings.
Install Sliding Doors For Space Efficiency
Conventional doors may occupy important floor space. To save space and add a modern touch, consider:
- External glass sliding doors to improve the connection with the garden.
- Timber cavity sliding doors inside the flat free up more room than hinged doors.
These sliding doors help you maximise limited space while maintaining a modern, sleek design.
Using All Of The Natural Light In A Granny Flat
Natural light is essential for making any small space feel open and welcoming. To increase the amount of natural light in your granny flat:
- Install skylights or large windows to flood the space with sunlight.
- Use sliding glass doors to allow daylight to fill the rooms and strongly connect the indoor and outdoor areas.
Choose The Right Furniture
Furniture is significant in a granny flat’s overall comfort and aesthetic. Consider these ideas when choosing furniture:
- Opt for multi-functional furniture that can serve multiple purposes.
- Pick pieces that match your style while keeping the space manageable. For example, choose a sleek couch and a round dining table that comfortably fits in the living area.
- Add a small breakfast table for the outdoor porch to enjoy the view and atmosphere.
This will ensure the furniture is functional without overcrowding the space.
Maintaining Privacy In A Granny Flat
Living close quarters with family can be rewarding, but privacy remains important. Here’s how to maintain it:
Use Landscaping For Privacy
Strategic landscaping can provide privacy without building walls. Consider:
- Trees, shrubs, or fencing should be placed in key locations to block views into the granny flat.
- Planters with tall plants can be used to enhance privacy on the porch or deck.
These strategies ensure privacy while maintaining an open and airy atmosphere.
Window Placement And Drapes
Thoughtful window placement and curtains or blinds can help create private spaces without completely closing off the area.
Incorporating Greenery
Bringing in natural elements like plants can add vibrancy to the granny flat without taking up too much space. Here’s how to decorate with plants:
- Place potted plants in sunny areas such as window sills or floor spaces.
- Hanging plants should be used in the kitchen or living area to save floor space.
Greenery adds a calming, fresh element to your granny flat, creating a cozy and homely environment.
Kitchen Design For Granny Flats
A well-designed kitchen can increase your granny flat’s functionality and value. Consider these tips:
- Incorporate a kitchen island with stools to save space and eliminate the need for a separate dining table.
- Choose sleek, modern kitchen layouts that maximise counter space and offer ample storage.
- Use light-coloured cabinetry to make the space feel larger.
Prioritise Accessibility In The Kitchen
When designing the kitchen, especially for elderly residents, ensure it is accessible. This can include:
- Easy-to-reach cabinets and countertops.
- Installing rails or handles where necessary.
Making Granny Flats Accessible For Elderly Residents
Senior family members are frequently housed in granny flats. So, it’s important to ensure that the design accommodates their needs. Consider incorporating:
- Wider doorways and secure ramps for easy access.
- Bathrooms with grab rails and walk-in showers.
- Non-slip flooring in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.
These features can make the granny flat more comfortable and safer for older residents.
A Granny Flat’s Open Plan Design Promotes Space Efficiency
Open-plan designs are a great way to maximise space in a granny flat. Consider:
- Combining the kitchen and living area into one open space.
- Taking down superfluous walls to generate a feeling of flow between rooms.
This design strategy saves space and makes it easier for elderly residents to navigate the flat.
Make Sure Your Granny Flat Has Enough Space For Storage
Storage is essential in any home, but it’s even more important in smaller spaces like granny flats. Be sure to:
- Plan for built-in storage in every room, including the bathroom and bedroom.
- Use the loft space to store items that are used sparingly.
Conclusion
Designing a granny flat requires thoughtful planning and creativity, but the results can be rewarding. From selecting appropriate materials to adding natural light and ensuring accessibility, these ideas will help you create a functional and beautiful living space.
By focusing on key elements like storage, natural light, and privacy and utilising smart furniture and design choices, you can turn any granny flat into a comfortable and stylish home for your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat
What Does A Granny Flat Look Like?
Granny flats are self-contained dwelling spaces typically found on the grounds of single-family homes. They are typically built for one or two people and can be joined to the other residence or left detached. Because they are a common way for families to accommodate ageing parents, granny flats are sometimes called granny flats.
What Materials Are Needed For A Granny Flat?
Several materials must be considered when constructing a granny flat. A steel or timber frame, structural support, insulation, external cladding, roofing, flooring, internal walls, and ceilings all add up and can often cost over $80,000 in raw materials alone to complete a standard 60sqm granny flat.
What Can You Use A Granny Flat For?
Your granny flat can be transformed into a studio for arts and crafts or a workshop for tinkering with your toys. Considering the granny flat was already equipped as an additional living space, all you need to do is shuffle some things around and have a self-contained area to express your passions.
Who Lives In Granny’s Flat?
A granny flat, also known as an in-law apartment, is a smaller apartment once meant for elderly relatives, live-in nannies, and overnight visitors. Although they are typically built as standalone units in a property’s backyard, granny flats can be connected to the main house if necessary.
What Is The Formal Name For A Granny Flat?
Secondary suites are self-contained apartments, cottages, or small residential units situated on a property with a separate main, single-family home, duplex, or other residential unit.
