Featured Project
The Guest House
Garage conversion into a self-contained ADU
A Case-Study
A compact living space shaped through careful planning of layout, material and proportion.
The project began as a garage and was reworked into a self-contained unit, designed to support everyday living within a limited footprint. The layout, storage and material choices were developed together, allowing the space to function comfortably without feeling constrained.
The overall design follows a modern-rustic style, combining natural materials and neutral tones to create a space that feels refined, warm and balanced. An emphasis on indoor-outdoor living and natural light brings a sense of openness, while the overall atmosphere draws from the comfort of a well-designed private retreat, romantic, calm and intentionally composed, like a space you want to stay in.
Durable Brazilian Cumaru wood siding frames the entry, adding warmth against the fine, light stucco. Contemporary black-framed windows with a subtle grid bring structure and contrast, while a simple canopy and integrated lighting define the entrance. The result is a well-balanced, inviting façade that reflects the same intention carried throughout the interior.
The living area was shaped to expand the sense of volume within a limited footprint. The ceiling was raised to a vaulted form, introducing height and giving the space a more open, cottage-like character. A natural wood beam along the ridge adds warmth and a subtle sense of structure.
A custom glass opening between the living area and bedroom allows light to travel across the space while maintaining separation between the two zones.
Material choices were kept simple and consistent. A shiplap accent wall introduces texture and warmth, while also concealing the air conditioning unit within a custom enclosure. Interior pocket doors at the bedroom and bathroom reduce the need for door clearance and support a more efficient layout.
Lighting is layered to support different uses throughout the day, with ambient, task and accent fixtures in a modern-rustic style, all fully dimmable. Custom window treatments combine light-filtering and blackout layers, allowing flexibility depending on time of day and use.
The flooring is a waterproof vinyl with a cushioned WPC core and integrated acoustic backing, selected for durability, comfort underfoot and sound absorption.
Furnishings remain light and proportional to the space, with subtle references to Elk Grove incorporated through artwork.
The kitchen was designed as a compact and efficient workspace, with full-size appliances integrated into a clean and balanced layout.
Cabinetry is finished in a natural wood tone, built with a durable plywood base. Champagne bronze hardware and custom-cut moldings introduce a subtle level of refinement without adding visual weight.
The countertop and backsplash are treated as one continuous surface in natural quartzite, allowing the material to define the space. The movement of the stone was carefully considered, aligning a darker vein from behind the range upward toward the open shelving, creating continuity across the elevation.
A composite sink and minimal fixtures maintain a clean surface, while a tall pantry maximizes storage within the limited footprint. Open shelving introduces a lighter, more curated element within the overall composition.
A solid walnut bar table with matching stools extends the kitchen into a casual dining area, adding warmth and contrast to the lighter palette while remaining proportional to the space.
The bathroom was designed as a fully integrated space, where material and function are considered together to create a calm and cohesive environment.
The space is fully wrapped in durable porcelain tile, creating a continuous and cohesive surface throughout. A lighter, vein-cut travertine look tile with a horizontal texture introduces softness and dimension, while a contrasting vertical strip of darker porcelain defines the shower wall and highlights the champagne bronze fixtures. This wall also integrates a ceramic heater and features a full-size stackable washer and dryer, with matching cabinetry above to maintain a clean and continuous elevation.
The vanity is finished in a muted sage tone, paired with a durable quartz surface and champagne bronze hardware. Integrated power outlets and USB ports add a layer of convenience, while an LED mirror with adjustable light temperature, brightness, and an anti-fog feature provides both function and ambient backlighting.
Quartzite is carried into the niches above the vanity and within the shower, reinforcing continuity with the kitchen and maintaining a consistent material palette. The shower is enclosed with heavy glass panels in a matching finish, detailed with a soft-close system. A linear drain with a tile insert allows the floor to read as one continuous surface.
A horizontal window within the shower brings in natural light and ventilation, helping the space feel open and less confined. A modern tankless bidet toilet completes the layout, supporting comfort while maintaining a clean, minimal profile.
The bedroom was envisioned as a quiet retreat; soft, refined, and gently layered. A full-size queen bed sits at its center, surrounded by warm wood tones and neutral textures that echo the calm of a boutique hotel suite.
Storage is seamlessly integrated through an extra-tall closet, combining shelving and drawers on one side with double hanging rods on the other. Mirrored sliding doors reflect light back into the room, subtly expanding the space. A recessed niche incorporates a linen closet with a concealed media box above, allowing function to disappear into the architecture.
Lighting was designed with intention - an understated modern chandelier paired with adjustable sconces creates a range of moods, from soft evening light to more focused illumination when needed.
The room opens through a glass door to a private patio, where the experience continues outdoors. A wood deck meets soft turf, creating a grounded, intimate setting that feels both relaxed and romantic - an extension of the interior, and a place that invites you to slow down and stay a little longer.
Location: Elk Grove, California
Square Footage: 366
Interior Design: Studio Matmon
Architecture: Studio Matmon
General Contractor: Eyal Gamliel
Photography: Brooke Haven Media