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Decorating Ideas For A Granny Flat

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    Looking to transform your granny flat into a magazine-worthy space? With top-notch materials and an exceptional design, achieving a stunning and inviting granny flat that resembles a dream home is easily attainable.

    Crafting a well-planned granny flat not only enhances the value of your property but also creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for your loved ones. It presents an ideal opportunity to showcase your design prowess.

    Before embarking on constructing or remodelling your granny flat, we recommend considering a few invaluable design tips. These suggestions will undoubtedly assist you in creating a granny flat design from the ground up or renovating your property's existing structure. So, without further delay, let's explore these ideas!

    Tips for Creating the Ideal Granny Flat

    Enhancing the interior of your granny flat doesn't necessitate sacrificing spaciousness or luxury. Numerous techniques exist to maintain a modern and bright ambience within your space. Below, we present our preferred interior design concepts for granny flats that contribute to a more expansive atmosphere in your new construction.

    Be Creative With Storage Space

    The term "small homes" accurately captures their nature for a reason. When decorating a three or four-bedroom unit spanning 60 square meters, space for clutter is quite limited. 

    Incorporating built-in storage elements like wall shelving and furniture with dual functionality as storage units is crucial to maintaining spaciousness and creating an inviting atmosphere. Paying attention to small details, such as opting for light-coloured or white cupboards with minimal joinery, can contribute to a sleek and tidy ambience that adds visual space and ensures sufficient storage capacity.

    Connecting the Indoors to the Outdoors

    By undertaking suitable renovations and extensions, it is possible to expand the space and create a modern and luxurious atmosphere within your granny flat. Maximizing the outdoor area can bring abundant natural light into the living space while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for your loved ones to bask in the sun or partake in outdoor activities, such as sharing a pleasant breakfast.

    Numerous granny flat designs offer the convenience of an extended porch, where you can incorporate a table, chairs, and even a bench, allowing you to unwind, appreciate your favourite book, or cherish the company of your loved ones. Reputable granny flat companies also provide the option of incorporating large windows to seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring a harmonious transition between the two.

    granny flat7

    Use Glass Windows

    One thing we don't like about most granny flats is that they have small windows. Aside from letting in less light, these small windows also make it hard to see. So, you can choose big windows made of glass to get a clear view of the neighbourhood.

    It's a good idea for older people with limited mobility to use glass windows. But make sure you put up the right curtains to keep the sun out on hot summer days.

    Choose One Type of Flooring

    We advise picking a single type of flooring throughout your living and kitchen areas to give the space a nice open feel. The flooring appears spacious when a floorboard or tile is wider.

    Use a Single Colour Palette

    Using vibrant colours and extreme visual elements can create a cramped atmosphere in a small room. Instead, it is advisable to opt for granny flat designs that employ a cohesive colour palette featuring light neutral tones, which allows the space to feel more open and airy. Opting for bright whites, soft greys, and creams can be particularly effective when styling granny flats. To introduce a splash of vibrant colour, accent pieces and artwork can be strategically incorporated.

    Colors & Mirrors

    Revamping a granny flat presents an excellent opportunity to unleash your creativity. A key aspect in crafting the desired ambience is carefully evaluating the natural light available throughout the space. Mirrors play a significant role in capturing and reflecting light, and the thickness of the mirror glass affects its reflective properties. Mirrors can even create the illusion of a lengthened hallway.

    A clever technique for smaller rooms is to position two identical mirrors directly across each other. This arrangement generates a series of seemingly endless reflections, resulting in a heightened sense of depth. As a result, the room appears larger and brighter, enhancing the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the space.

    Add A Deck To The House

    As the demand for granny flat designs in residential properties continues to rise, local councils have implemented regulations restricting their size. However, to maximize available space, one can consider constructing a deck or porch that allows loved ones to enjoy outdoor living. This additional area can be moderately sized. It should provide enough room to accommodate a few chairs and a table for sitting back and relaxing.

    Sliding Doors

    Traditional hinged doors that require ample space to swing can consume valuable room within a granny flat. An excellent alternative is to choose external glass sliding doors, which enhance the influx of natural light and expand the visual connection to the garden. 

    Moreover, internally, the installation of timber cavity sliding doors proves to be highly effective in creating additional space. These doors slide seamlessly into the wall cavity, maximizing floor area and allowing for a more open and spacious feel within the granny flat.

    Capitalise on Natural Sunlight

    More windows in a compact living space can greatly enhance the overall ambience. The abundant natural light not only expands the visual appeal of the rooms but also allows the beauty of the outdoor landscaping to seep in. 

    If you are yet to construct your granny flat, consider incorporating features such as large windows, skylights, and sliding glass doors. These elements maximize the amount of daylight entering the space and create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor areas.

    Furniture

    When selecting furniture for renovating your granny flat, the options are limitless. With the walls, floors, and lighting creating the ideal environment you envisioned, it's now time to prioritize comfort and personal preferences.

    Choose furniture styles and colours that resonate with your taste for couches, chairs, and tables throughout the granny flat. This process allows you to inject your style and make the space uniquely yours. Remember to consider the outdoor space, particularly the porch area, where you can add a breakfast table to savour the day and enjoy the surroundings. Let your creativity flourish as you curate a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living space in your granny flat.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat

    Designed for one or two persons, a granny flat is a self-contained living area usually located on the grounds of a single-family home. A granny flat can be detached, or it can be attached to the other dwelling. It is sometimes called a granny flat because it is a popular way for families to accommodate aging parents.

    When constructing a granny flat, there are several materials to consider. Either 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 material alone to complete a standard 60sqm granny flat.

    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.

    A granny flat (sometimes called an in-law apartment) is a smaller housing space originally designed for live-in nannies, elderly relatives and visiting guests. They are commonly added as separate units in the property's backyard but can also be designed to be connected to the main house if needed.

    Secondary suites (also known as accessory dwelling units, ADUs, in-law apartments, granny flats, and garden suites) are self-contained apartments, cottages, or small residential units, that are located on a property that has a separate main, single-family home, duplex, or other residential unit.

    Think About Maintaining Privacy

    While residing near your parents or grandparents can be enjoyable, maintaining a certain level of privacy is crucial. When designing a granny flat, it's important to consider the placement of windows, rooms, and drapes to establish boundaries and ensure privacy. This becomes particularly significant in houses with limited space.

    To address this concern, strategic landscaping can restrict views and create a sense of privacy. By strategically placing trees, shrubs, or other landscaping features, you can effectively limit visibility from certain angles, enhancing privacy within the granny flat. It's essential to carefully plan and incorporate these elements to balance maintaining privacy and enjoying a comfortable living environment.

    Use Your Walls

    Utilize the wall space in your granny flat to brighten it by directing attention upward with lighting and art. Use white picture frames and other small accents to maintain a stylish but roomy appearance in your granny flat.

    granny flat design

    Decorate With Lots of Green Plants

    You can't go wrong with green plants, even if you don't want end tables, decorative items, or other extras. The bright green colour and relaxing aesthetic of plants always improve a living space, whether in floor pots in the living room, plants placed on sunny windows, plants that hang in the kitchen, or wall planters filled with succulents.

    Kitchen

    The value of your home can be significantly increased by remodelling the kitchen. Additionally, it serves as a hub for family get-togethers and unification. Renovation of the kitchen is just as enjoyable as choosing furniture. There are countless kitchen design options, including luxurious, modern, and contemporary.

    Place stools there to save space and allow guests to eat at the counters instead of a table. The best part is that you can experiment with the layouts and choose whether you want all the rooms and furniture to coordinate or to have a different atmosphere.

    Choose A Design Like Your Main Home

    If you think about selling your property, consider building with a consistent design for a higher price. Some local authorities will insist that you construct granny flats resembling your primary residence. Even so, you can make minor decor adjustments to give the space a more individualized appearance based on the preferences of your loved ones.

    Don't Assume You Need to Use Small Furniture

    Despite having less space than a typical house, granny flats can accommodate large pieces of furniture. Queen beds, large sofas, and roomy, comfortable chairs can all fit in small homes without creating a space issue. 

    Consider your room's configuration and shape to make this work. A divided sofa in the living room or a round dining table that fits comfortably in your kitchen and lounge area are examples of furniture options that complement the shape of a room.

    Ensure Accessibility

    When accommodating elderly family members in a granny flat, ensuring accessibility is of utmost importance. It is essential to consider their specific health conditions and special requirements. Here are some accessibility features that can be incorporated into granny flats:

    • larger doors
    • secure ramps for entry
    • showers with railings for walk-ins
    • Walker- and wheelchair-accessible areas
    • less imposing walls
    • Kitchen cabinets that are simple to access
    • Reduced beds
    • well-lit settings
    • slippery-proof surfaces

    Combining Rooms

    By removing walls, combined rooms, also known as "open plan" designs, conserve space. Examples comprise:

    • A kitchen without walls that inevitably spills into your dining and living space or a kitchen that connects two spaces, like the laundry room and bathroom. This helps older people and those with limited mobility by keeping all appliances in one place.

    Include Enough Storage

    Storage space is a major concern even in a granny flat, where it's essential to have as much space as possible. Planning the storage areas that will be accessible in various rooms, such as the sleeping areas, bathrooms, and kitchen.

    The granny flat resident may also use wheelchairs, walking sticks, or walkers. Consider your loved ones' unique needs when creating a floor plan to make the granny flat useful for them.

    For instance, consider giving the house a sloping roof. Its loft can be used to store any extra items that a visitor might bring.

    Conclusion 

    A well-planned granny flat can be transformed into a magazine-worthy space with top-notch materials and exceptional design. By incorporating built-in storage elements, connecting the indoors to the outdoors, using glass windows, choosing a single type of flooring, using a cohesive color palette, and incorporating mirrors, you can create a modern and bright atmosphere in your granny flat.

    Be creative with storage space, as small homes often have limited space for clutter. Incorporating built-in storage elements like wall shelving and furniture with dual functionality is crucial for maintaining spaciousness and creating an inviting atmosphere. Paying attention to small details, such as opting for light-coloured or white cupboards with minimal joinery, can contribute to a sleek and tidy ambience that adds visual space and ensures sufficient storage capacity.

    Connecting the indoors to the outdoors is essential for creating a modern and luxurious atmosphere within your granny flat. Many granny flat designs offer the convenience of an extended porch, where you can incorporate a table, chairs, and even a bench. Reputable granny flat companies also provide the option of incorporating large windows to seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring a harmonious transition between the two.

    Use glass windows, which are often small and hard to see, to maximize the natural light and create a harmonious transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. For older people with limited mobility, glass windows can be a good idea, but make sure to put up the right curtains to keep the sun out on hot summer days.

    Choose one type of flooring throughout your living and kitchen areas to give the space a nice open feel. Use a single color palette featuring light neutral tones, such as bright whites, soft greys, and creams, to create a cohesive and open atmosphere.

    Colors and mirrors play a significant role in crafting the desired ambience in a granny flat. Positioning two identical mirrors directly across each other generates a series of seemingly endless reflections, resulting in a larger and brighter room.

    Add a deck to the house to maximize available space and allow loved ones to enjoy outdoor living. External glass sliding doors, or timber cavity sliding doors, can enhance the influx of natural light and create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor areas.

    Capitalize on natural sunlight by choosing furniture styles and colors that resonate with your taste for couches, chairs, and tables throughout the granny flat. Remember to consider the outdoor space, particularly the porch area, where you can add a breakfast table to savor the day and enjoy the surroundings.

    Maintaining privacy is crucial when designing a granny flat, and strategic landscaping can help restrict views and create a sense of privacy. Use your walls to brighten the space by directing attention upward with lighting and art, and decorate with lots of green plants to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Green plants can enhance living spaces and add a relaxing aesthetic. Remodeling the kitchen can increase the value of a home and serve as a hub for family gatherings. There are various kitchen design options, including luxurious, modern, and contemporary.

    Place stools to save space and allow guests to eat at the counters instead of a table. Experiment with layouts and choose whether to have all rooms and furniture coordinate or have a different atmosphere.

    Choose a design like your main home for a higher price, but make minor decor adjustments to give the space a more individualized appearance. Granny flats can accommodate large pieces of furniture, such as queen beds, large sofas, and comfortable chairs, without creating space issues. Consider the room's configuration and shape to make this work.

    Ensure accessibility for elderly family members in a granny flat by considering their specific health conditions and special requirements. Accessibility features can include larger doors, secure ramps for entry, showers with railings for walk-ins, walker- and wheelchair-accessible areas, less imposing walls, kitchen cabinets that are easy to access, reduced beds, well-lit settings, and slippery-proof surfaces.

    Combining rooms, also known as "open plan" designs, conserve space by removing walls and connecting spaces like laundry and bathroom. Ensuring enough storage space is crucial in a granny flat, especially for those with limited mobility. Consider the unique needs of the residents when creating a floor plan, such as a sloping roof for extra items.

    Content Summary:

    • Looking to transform your granny flat into a magazine-worthy space?
    • With top-notch materials and an exceptional design, achieving a stunning and inviting granny flat that resembles a dream home is easily attainable.
    • Crafting a well-planned granny flat not only enhances the value of your property but also creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for your loved ones.
    • It presents an ideal opportunity to showcase your design prowess.
    • Before embarking on constructing or remodelling your granny flat, we recommend considering a few invaluable design tips.
    • These suggestions will undoubtedly assist you in creating a granny flat design from the ground up or renovating your property's existing structure.
    • Enhancing the interior of your granny flat doesn't necessitate sacrificing spaciousness or luxury.
    • Numerous techniques exist to maintain a modern and bright ambience within your space.
    • Below, we present our preferred interior design concepts for granny flats that contribute to a more expansive atmosphere in your new construction.
    • By undertaking suitable renovations and extensions, it is possible to expand the space and create a modern and luxurious atmosphere within your granny flat.
    • One thing we don't like about most granny flats is that they have small windows.
    • So, you can choose big windows made of glass to get a clear view of the neighbourhood.
    • It's a good idea for older people with limited mobility to use glass windows.
    • We advise picking a single type of flooring throughout your living and kitchen areas to give the space a nice open feel.

     Using vibrant colours and extreme visual elements can create a cramped atmosphere in a small room.

    • Instead, it is advisable to opt for granny flat designs that employ a cohesive colour palette featuring light neutral tones, which allows the space to feel more open and airy.
    • Revamping a granny flat presents an excellent opportunity to unleash your creativity.
    • As a result, the room appears larger and brighter, enhancing the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the space.
    • As the demand for granny flat designs in residential properties continues to rise, local councils have implemented regulations restricting their size.
    • However, to maximize available space, one can consider constructing a deck or porch that allows loved ones to enjoy outdoor living.
    • An excellent alternative is to choose external glass sliding doors, which enhance the influx of natural light and expand the visual connection to the garden.
    •  Moreover, internally, the installation of timber cavity sliding doors proves to be highly effective in creating additional space.
    • More windows in a compact living space can greatly enhance the overall ambience.
    • If you are yet to construct your granny flat, consider incorporating features such as large windows, skylights, and sliding glass doors.
    • When selecting furniture for renovating your granny flat, the options are limitless.
    • Choose furniture styles and colours that resonate with your taste for couches, chairs, and tables throughout the granny flat.
    • Let your creativity flourish as you curate a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living space in your granny flat.
    • When designing a granny flat, it's important to consider the placement of windows, rooms, and drapes to establish boundaries and ensure privacy.
    • To address this concern, strategic landscaping can restrict views and create a sense of privacy.
    • Use white picture frames and other small accents to maintain a stylish but roomy appearance in your granny flat.
    • You can't go wrong with green plants, even if you don't want end tables, decorative items, or other extras.
    • The value of your home can be significantly increased by remodelling the kitchen.
    • Renovation of the kitchen is just as enjoyable as choosing furniture.
    • There are countless kitchen design options, including luxurious, modern, and contemporary.
    • If you think about selling your property, consider building with a consistent design for a higher price.
    • Despite having less space than a typical house, granny flats can accommodate large pieces of furniture.
    • Consider your room's configuration and shape to make this work.
    • A divided sofa in the living room or a round dining table that fits comfortably in your kitchen and lounge area are examples of furniture options that complement the shape of a room.
    • When accommodating elderly family members in a granny flat, ensuring accessibility is of utmost importance.
    • Storage space is a major concern even in a granny flat, where it's essential to have as much space as possible.
    • Planning the storage areas that will be accessible in various rooms, such as the sleeping areas, bathrooms, and kitchen.
    • Consider your loved ones' unique needs when creating a floor plan to make the granny flat useful for them.
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