How do you make a small ADU feel vibrant and stylish?

Through bold color accents, playful contrasts, and curated furnishings, this interiors-only update transformed the compact space into a personality-filled, inviting home.

Can interiors-only renovations make a big impact?

Absolutely. Strategic updates to color, layout, and materials can redefine the energy, function, and feel of a small home—especially in accessory dwelling units.

What are key design elements for urban ADUs in Denver?

Clever storage solutions, bold but balanced color use, and efficient space planning are critical for maximizing livability in compact urban dwellings.

Is it worth updating an existing ADU for long-term use?

Yes—renovated ADUs can offer increased rental income, improved comfort, and long-term property value in a growing city like Denver.

Color Story ADU

New ConstructionADU

Aug 11

Written By Rachel Nagy

A94 | Project Summary

This interiors-focused accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Denver showcases NAGY Design’s expertise in both creative vision and technical execution. A lively blend of transitional design and bold accents brings energy to the compact footprint, with pops of color and playful contrasts adding personality within refined, modern lines.

Our scope for this project included finish consulting, material board creation, sample review, coordination with the general contractor team, and lighting review. These steps ensured every detail — from fixtures to finishes — worked cohesively, maximizing both style and function. The result is a small space with a big presence, perfectly tailored to the homeowner’s needs.

650 SF

Denver, Colorado

PrenValley Builders

3 Months (interiors only)

Modern light blue cabinet kitchen in a new construction ADU in Denver, designed by NAGY Design with quartz countertops, wood floors, and black hardware.

Modern bathroom in a new construction ADU in Denver designed by NAGY Design, featuring wood vanity with quartz countertop, black fixtures, patterned floor tile, and white penny tile shower surround.

Entryway of a new construction ADU in Denver designed by NAGY Design, featuring a bold red front door, black hardware, and hardwood floors.

Open-concept kitchen and dining space in a new construction ADU in Denver designed by NAGY Design, featuring light blue cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood floors.

NEW CONSTRUCTION | ADU

Signature Design Process

- Site analysis
- Existing conditions
- Budgeting
- Code review
- Contractor interviews negotiation
- Basic design concept generation
- 1-2 Iterations on a theme design evolution
- Plan approval to move forward to construction documents
- Detailed drawings
- 1 Major edit allowed
- Finish selection
- Permit comments
- Minimum of 3-5 site visits during construction
- Ensure the follow-through of the original design intent

View from dining area into the kitchen of a new construction ADU in Denver designed by NAGY Design, featuring light blue cabinetry, quartz countertops, and hardwood floors.

Architectural Services

Finish Consulting

Material Boards

Sample Review

Coordination with GC Team

Lighting Review

Close-up view of the kitchen in a new construction ADU in Denver designed by NAGY Design, featuring light blue cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and black hardware.

Exterior of a new construction ADU in Denver designed by NAGY Design, featuring blue siding, red gable accents, and a new wood privacy fence.

Bedroom in a new construction ADU in Denver designed by NAGY Design, featuring hardwood floors, large window, and view into a modern bathroom with patterned tile.

NEW CONSTRUCTION | ADU

Common Questions

Through bold color accents, playful contrasts, and curated furnishings, this interiors-only update transformed the compact space into a personality-filled, inviting home.
Absolutely. Strategic updates to color, layout, and materials can redefine the energy, function, and feel of a small home—especially in accessory dwelling units.
Clever storage solutions, bold but balanced color use, and efficient space planning are critical for maximizing livability in compact urban dwellings.
Yes—renovated ADUs can offer increased rental income, improved comfort, and long-term property value in a growing city like Denver.