More than just a place to sleep and eat, your granny flat should be a cosy haven where you can relax and unwind. The key to making a space feel warm and welcoming is to selectively add elements that evoke feelings of ease and contentment. There are a number of ways to make your granny flat feel more like a retreat, such as by painting the walls a soothing colour, adding some plush textures, and setting the mood with lighting.
Here, we'll delve into some tried-and-true methods for making your home more inviting for both you and your guests. Get ready to add some homey touches to your granny flat and turn it into the ideal retreat for unwinding and appreciating the finer things in life.
What Is a Granny Flat?
Some might assume it's only for the elderly just because of the name. Any small, self-contained dwelling, whether attached to or detached from the main house, can be considered a granny flat. It's also sometimes called a mother-in-law suite or a granny flat.
For the same reason, granny flats are increasingly popular among the elderly population. The property is also used by the owner's extended family or close friends, either temporarily or permanently. They can be used as storage or offices and rented out.
Several factors, including size, layout, accessibility, and style, must be taken into account when designing the ideal, cosy granny flat. Choosing a reliable contractor is also essential.
Granny Flat Interior Designs To Brighten Your Life
Light & White Coloured Paint
Altering a space's colour scheme can have a dramatic effect. It can cast shadows that make a room feel small, or it can act as a mirror to make the space feel more expansive. Since dark hues cast longer shadows, they tend to reduce the perceived size of a space. Rooms in a granny flat benefit greatly from the use of white and other light, pale colours.
Don't get too fancy with the paint job. When decorating with furniture and accessories, the use of too many colours or of particularly bold colours can stifle your imagination. Using just one or two primary colours, like off-white, cream, or a light shade of yellow, allows you to easily and quickly switch up the room's level of brightness. Instead of painting an entire room or focal wall when redecorating, simply swap out the furniture and accents to update the look.
Mirrors
Light-colored paints and mirrors both create the impression of more room. A room can look larger and brighter when mirrors are strategically placed to reflect light off of ceilings, floors, and walls. This is great for bringing some sunshine into the house.
You can find a mirror to complement any decor in any room, as they come in a wide variety of sizes, frames, and styles.
White & Plentiful Lighting
While white lighting and LEDs can bring a sense of modernity and energy to your home, warm yellow light is ideal for creating a cosy atmosphere.
When properly implemented, LED lighting can save a lot of money on electricity costs without sacrificing aesthetics or utility.
In order to illuminate previously dark nooks and passageways, lamps and skylights are installed.
Flowers & Other Indoor Plants
Life, freshness, and joy can be brought into the house through the addition of plants and flowers. The beauty they exude can easily be transferred to the surrounding environment. They are particularly attractive when placed in odd places, such as at the corners of tables and countertops or cascading from the tops of bookcases or window sills.
The air you breathe is also cleaned by them. There's no reason not to liven up your studio apartment with some plants the next time you redecorate.
Large Clear Windows
Light and a stunning panorama are abundant thanks to the abundance of windows. Natural light, as opposed to artificial light, helps a room feel more spacious and revitalised.
Placement in the kitchen, dining room, or living room is highly recommended.
Light Flowy Curtains Or Full Opening Blinds
Bedrooms benefit from thick, heavy curtains at night because they keep the light out, but during the day, it's nice to let in as much light as possible. Designs for curtains that are flowy and made of white or other pale colours let in a lot of light even when they are closed. They are ideal for use in the living room, but can also be hidden behind curtains in the bedroom.
When fully opened, blinds let in plenty of natural light and create the impression of more room than there actually is.
Curtains and blinds are adaptable, so you can use them in any room. The newest looks and options for your granny flat can be found at any homewares and interior store near you.
Think Simple. Less Is More
Granny flat designs benefit from simplicity, as it allows for more personal expression. Designs for granny flats pay close attention to the available square footage and make efficient use of it. Light can more easily make its way around unobstructed simple objects, making the room feel larger and more airy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat
Use plush rugs, cozy blankets, and soft cushions to add layers of comfort to your granny flat. Consider using materials like velvet, faux fur, or knitted fabrics for a touch of warmth.
Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Install dimmer switches to adjust the lighting intensity and consider using warm-toned bulbs for a cozy glow.
Arrange your furniture in a way that promotes conversation and comfort. Create cozy seating areas by placing furniture close together, and position seating near windows or warm focal points like a fireplace if available.
Decorate with personal items such as family photos, artwork, and sentimental objects. Incorporate items that reflect your hobbies and interests to infuse a sense of familiarity and personalization.
Consider adding elements like soft curtains, plush floor cushions, warm scented candles, and natural elements such as indoor plants to bring warmth and coziness to your granny flat.
Inspiring Interior Design Ideas For Your Granny Flat
Scandi Style: Embracing Simplicity and Functionality
The Scandi design aesthetic, originating from Scandinavia, is widely revered for its emphasis on simplicity, practicality, and functionality. This style advocates for minimalism, clean lines, ample natural light, muted tones, and the use of wood and plants.
Slimline or Roman blinds, wooden floors, and light colours should be prioritized over curtains, carpets, and dark hues when aiming to achieve a Scandi aesthetic in the living areas of a granny flat. Creating a focal point can be accomplished by incorporating indoor plants, natural material rugs, and a striking piece of artwork or furniture in a contrasting colour.
Beach House: Bring the Ocean Vibes Home
The beach house design style is a perennial favourite, regardless of the distance from the coast. Characterized by oceanic blues, earth-toned fabrics, driftwood accents, shells, and wicker furniture, this relaxed style captures the essence of coastal living.
To evoke the beach house ambiance, an open floor plan should be maintained, avoiding excessive furniture and accessories. Subtle nods to the beach can be achieved through the inclusion of a nautical painting, a coral lamp, or an accent wall made of shiplap. A driftwood sculpture can also serve as a captivating focal point, setting the scene for a beach-inspired atmosphere.
Retro Revival: Timeless Charm from the Past
Retro refers to decorating schemes that draw inspiration from the vibrant eras of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. This aesthetic exudes a carefree and stylish vibe, characterized by vivid colours, bold patterns, and a sense of joy.
To furnish a granny flat with a retro style, consider incorporating large sofas adorned with patterned throw pillows, shiny chrome barstools, ottomans, and even a diner-style kitchen. Embrace bold hues and eye-catching patterns like checkerboards or mustard yellow accents. Slick plastics and crushed velvets can add authenticity to the retro decor, while statement pieces such as lava lamps and prints by artists like Warhol or Dali complete the retro atmosphere.
Cottage Charm: Welcoming Comfort and Elegance
For a granny flat, particularly one occupied by a granny, the cottage-style decor is an ideal choice. This aesthetic, often referred to as "cottage chic" or "shabby chic," offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere through the use of light tones, natural wood, wrought iron, fresh flowers, and floral patterns.
In the bedrooms, embroidered quilts and large headboards can enhance the cottage vibe, while the living room can feature floral or striped drapes, tassel lamps, and plush, overstuffed furniture. Cottage interiors embrace a balance between elegant disarray and controlled clutter, instantly making one feel at home, evoking daydreams of warm cups of tea and freshly baked bread.
Japanese Zen: Tranquility and Nature-Inspired Design
Japanese-style decor, often described as "zen," focuses on tranquility, cleanliness, and reverence for nature. While traditional Japanese houses are minimally furnished, it is still possible to create a modern adaptation without sacrificing convenience. The key lies in maintaining a clean and uncluttered layout.
Granny Flat Storage
The plan is to maximise this area as much as possible. One option for those in need of extra room is to put items in the area under a bench or bed. Shelving racks and wall-mounted shelves provide convenient, off-the-floor storage options. Using multi-tiered hanging small baskets to store items like shampoos and soaps in the bathroom is another clever way to make use of vertical space in a three-bedroom granny flat.
Granny Flat Furniture
The process of deciding on the best pieces of furniture can lead to a seemingly infinite number of options when it comes to updating the granny flat. You and your loved ones can relax in the ideal environment created by carefully coordinating the flooring, walls, and lighting. Your three-bedroom granny flat now needs furniture, such as chairs, tables, couches, beds, bookshelves, etc., and you have a wide variety of options from which to choose. Outdoor furniture, such as a breakfast table, hanging sofa, etc., is a great way to spruce up your patio or porch and make the most of your time spent there.
Granny Flat Kitchen
Your home's value will rise significantly after the kitchen is updated. The kitchen is the heart of the home and the hub around which family life revolves. There is an abundance of kitchen layouts to choose from online, including modern, luxurious, contemporary, and more. Stools placed near kitchen counters allow diners to take advantage of the space saved by not having to set up a table.
So Why Not Give It A Try?
You don't need an interior design team or limitless funds to turn your granny flat into a welcoming retreat that its occupants will want to spend time in. The atmosphere you want can be created in even the smallest of rooms if you have a plan and stick to it without going overboard.
It's not about blindly imitating; rather, it's about evoking a sense of familiarity while still maintaining your own identity by subtly alluding to a style through the use of carefully selected elements and the application of your own aesthetic judgement.
Conclusion
Renting out a granny flat as a storage unit, office, or both is becoming increasingly common among the senior population. Adding items that make people feel at ease and contented is key to creating a welcoming atmosphere. Painting the walls a calming tint, adding soft textures, and strategically placing lights are all great ways to achieve this. White and other light colours create dramatic effects, generate interesting shadows, and reflect light to make a room feel larger. Finding a trustworthy contractor is also crucial.
If you want to easily alter the brightness of a space after redesigning, stick to using just one or two basic hues, like off-white, cream, or a light shade of yellow. White and abundant lighting can provide a sense of modernism and energy, while mirrors positioned strategically can reflect light off of ceilings, floors, and walls. Large, clear windows let in natural light and provide a beautiful view, while potted plants and flowers breathe new life into a room. The various suggestions for granny apartment interiors constitute the bulk of this essay. The Scandi design style is well-liked because of its minimalistic, functional, and aesthetically pleasing characteristics.
Oceanic blues, earth tones, driftwood embellishments, shells, and wicker furniture are signatures of the beach house aesthetic. The open layout and lack of clutter typical of seaside houses is essential to creating this feeling. Include a nautical artwork, a coral lamp, or a shiplap accent wall for a subtle hint towards the seaside. The 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are the aesthetic touchstones for the Retro Revival design style. It has bright colours, striking patterns, and an upbeat vibe.
Cottage Charm is a warm and welcoming style characterised by pastel colours, natural wood and wrought iron accents, and an abundance of fresh flowers and floral patterns. Japanese Zen is a style that emphasises calm, purity, and respect for the natural world. Having sufficient storage in a granny flat is crucial for making the most of the space available. Shelving racks and wall-mounted shelves are great alternatives to storing things on the ground. Adding modern furnishings to a granny apartment is a crucial aspect of any renovation project.
It may consist of indoor or outdoor seating, tables, couches, beds, bookcases, and accent pieces. The kitchen is the focal point of the home and the place where family activities take place. With bar stools pulled up to the counter, customers can enjoy their meal without taking up additional floor space. It's crucial to have a plan and keep to it without going overboard if you want to make your retreat a relaxing haven.
Content Summary
- Creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your granny flat is essential for relaxation and unwinding.
- Adding elements that evoke feelings of ease and contentment is key to making the space warm and welcoming.
- Painting the walls in soothing colours contributes to a cozy atmosphere.
- Incorporating plush textures and lighting helps set the mood.
- A granny flat refers to a small, self-contained dwelling attached or detached from the main house.
- It is not solely for the elderly and can be used by extended family or rented out.
- Size, layout, accessibility, and style are important considerations when designing a granny flat.
- Light and white-coloured paint schemes create a sense of spaciousness.
- Mirrors strategically placed reflect light and make a room appear larger and brighter.
- White and plentiful lighting, along with warm yellow light, create a cozy atmosphere.
- Flowers and indoor plants bring life, freshness, and joy to the granny flat.
- Large clear windows allow natural light to fill the space.
- Light flowy curtains or full opening blinds maximize natural light.
- Simplifying the design with unobstructed objects creates a sense of airiness.
- The Scandi design aesthetic emphasizes simplicity, practicality, and functionality.
- Slimline or Roman blinds, wooden floors, and light colours are key in achieving a Scandi aesthetic.
- The beach house design style captures the essence of coastal living.
- Earth-toned fabrics, driftwood accents, and wicker furniture contribute to the beach house vibe.
- Retro design schemes draw inspiration from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
- Vivid colours, bold patterns, and a sense of joy characterize retro aesthetics.
- Cottage-style decor offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
- Light tones, natural wood, fresh flowers, and floral patterns define cottage chic.
- Japanese-style decor focuses on tranquility, cleanliness, and nature-inspired design.
- Maximize storage in the granny flat by utilizing under-bench or under-bed space.
- Shelving racks and wall-mounted shelves provide convenient storage options.
- Carefully coordinating furniture with flooring, walls, and lighting creates an ideal environment.
- The kitchen is the heart of the home and updating it significantly increases the property's value.
- Stools near kitchen counters save space and provide dining options.
- You don't need an interior design team or unlimited funds to create a welcoming granny flat.
- Evoking a sense of familiarity and personal identity through carefully selected elements is key to successful design.
