Creating a Dedicated Workspace: The Ultimate ADU Office for a Busy Work-From-Home Mom
When you’re working from home, the lines between “home” and “work” can blur—especially when you’re juggling family life, an endless to-do list, and a remote career. One of our clients, a busy mom, faced this exact challenge. She needed a space to “go to work” and truly focus, even though her position was remote. The solution? A beautifully functional ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) office designed to meet every one of her professional and personal needs.
At Wildwood Design Studios, we know how important it is to have spaces in your home that serve you. Whether it’s for rest, work, or family, your home should adapt to you—and this project is a perfect example of how creative design can bring balance to a busy life. Here’s how we transformed an unused space into the ultimate work-from-home sanctuary.
The Challenge: Finding Space to Work - Without Distractions
Like many parents, our client found that working from home wasn’t without its challenges. Kids, pets, household chores, and daily demands made it tough to focus. Although she loved the flexibility of remote work, she craved a private office where she could mentally and physically “clock in” and shift into work mode away from the noise of home life.
That’s where we came in! Our goal was to create a functional workspace that felt completely separate from her home—even though it was only a few steps away. This wasn’t just any office; we wanted a custom ADU office that could handle work, wellness, and those all-important Zoom calls (with no need to blur the background!).
The Solution: An ADU Office That’s So Much More
We built a custom ADU in her backyard, designed specifically as a dedicated office space. This allowed our client to walk out the door, head to her office, and get into the mindset of being at work—without ever leaving her property. This separation was crucial for making her feel like she was “going to work,” even when her commute was just a short stroll across the yard.
But this wasn’t just any office. We designed the space with all the comforts and functionality she needed for a productive, balanced workday.
Work Essentials: The Perfect Zoom-Ready Backdrop
Let’s start with the heart of the ADU: the office itself. We wanted to create a space that felt inspiring, cozy, and professional all at once. A stunning accent wall became the focal point of the room, creating the perfect backdrop for video calls—no more hiding behind a blurred background! This feature added texture and warmth, making the space feel polished and work-ready while still being a subtle nod to elevated design.
Natural light filled the room, creating an uplifting atmosphere perfect for long workdays. We also added built-in storage to keep the workspace clutter-free, allowing our client to stay organized and focused.
Work-Life Balance: A Space for Wellness and Relaxation
Because we believe your workspace should be about more than just productivity, we added a few extras to make the ADU more than just an office. To help our client maintain balance, we included a cozy lounge area where she could take breaks, recharge, or read between meetings.
A kitchenette was added for convenience, stocked with snacks and drinks so she wouldn’t have to run back to the main house. The goal was to make this ADU feel self-contained, keeping her focused throughout the day.
To top it off, we even created a small gym corner. Carving out time for fitness can be challenging for a busy mom, so by including space for workout equipment, she could seamlessly transition from a work call to a quick workout, making wellness a natural part of her day.
Function Meets Comfort: A Bathroom and Personal Touches
No one wants to be interrupted during a productive workday to head back to the house. So, we included a private bathroom. This allowed our client to stay in the zone without distractions, reinforcing the feeling that this ADU was a separate, fully functional work environment.
Every detail in this ADU office was designed with our client in mind. From the calming color palette to the carefully selected furniture, everything was chosen to support productivity, comfort, and peace. The design was modern, elevated, and personal, reflecting her taste and creating the professional atmosphere she wanted.
Why an ADU Office Could Be the Perfect Solution for You
If you feel like your home isn’t quite meeting your remote work needs, an ADU could be the answer. Not only does it create a physical boundary between “home” and “work,” but it also allows for customization to fit your lifestyle. Whether you need a quiet office space, a gym for quick workouts, or a place to decompress after a long day, an ADU can be tailored to your specific needs.
At Wildwood Design Studios, we love helping families create spaces that meet their practical needs while elevating their day-to-day lives. Whether you work from home part-time or full-time, we can design a space that allows you to focus, be productive, and enjoy your work.
If you’re ready to create a home office that serves both your professional and personal life, let us help bring that vision to life. Let’s start designing the ADU office of your dreams—functional, inspiring, and just steps from home.