The ADU gets “Big House” energy in Rancho Santa Fe

That was the design directive for Katelyn De Spain when her Rancho Santa Fe clients decided to build a guest house on their sweeping two-plus acre estate. It would be a  mini-me version of the main house, one that would visually complement its California Spanish Mission-style materials, lines, and old-world elegance.

“Not only did the exterior architecture match, but they also wanted to echo characteristics from the main house such as the wood beam and tongue and groove ceilings, and large windows,” says De Spain, founder of Makehouse Design Studio based in North County.  

De Spain collaborated with architect Michael Smee of Level 5 Design to realize the vision. Together,  they dreamt up a warmed-over counterpoint to the ultra-contemporary accessory dwelling unit that often stands in stark contrast to the main house. 

Consider it a growing design trend, where homeowners are looking to create a more cohesive connection between primary and secondary dwellings, says De Spain.

“So often I see beautiful main homes with an ADU of a completely different style. Aesthetically, it’s visually jarring and takes away from any feelings of cohesion on a property,” she says. 

Here, De Spain translated that look and feel of Classic California Spanish while oh-so-gently adding a layer of California modern. “We mimicked the floorplan of the main home so that the entryway, main living area/kitchen great room, and bedrooms have a similar flow, as well as integrated the exterior finishes into the main house pool and entertaining area via flagstone pathways and a shared vegetable garden between the two homes,” she says. 

And although the guest house is only 1,100-square-feet compared to the main home’s 6,700, De Spain and Smee made it look and feel much larger. 

The entryway, living room, kitchen, and great room all have double-story height ceilings with the wood beam and tongue and groove detail that draws your eyes up.  Additionally, oversized windows throughout allow light to flood in, making the space feel bright and airy. De Spain strategically sourced design elements that feel laid back, luxurious, and timeless in their appeal with lots of wood tones with varying textures and simple patterns in a neutral color palette.

De Spain also ensured the home had “big house” amenities, including king-size beds in all bedrooms, a freestanding soaking tub in the primary bathroom and marble mosaic flooring. “The biggest mistake people make when designing a guest house is not including all the little touches that make a home comfortable and easy to live in,” says the designer. “Things like comfortable and cozy sofas and bedding, amenities like a full kitchen and separate laundry facilities as well as a spa-like luxury bathroom are often overlooked but are actually critical to creating a true retreat feeling and function.”

Today, the guest house isn’t just for out-of-town and family visitors. The owners are also known to escape down the flagstone path and through the custom stained white oak door to spend a quiet day away from their main house and yet still feel very much at home. 

Creating a stylish and functional guest house requires a blend of thoughtful design and key furnishings that tie the space together. Here, De Spain brings “Big House” polish to an ADU.  

Curated Local Art: Artwork and ceramic vases bring personality, making it feel unique and sophisticated. Favorites include Jennifer McHugh, AMA Fiber Art and Charlotte Lea Print Shop.

Statement Lighting Fixtures: Whether it’s a bold chandelier, a unique pendant, or vintage wall sconce, lighting becomes both a functional element and a design focal point.

Vintage Rugs: A vintage rug can anchor the space, add warmth, and introduce pattern or color. It’s the perfect way to define areas in a smaller floor plan while adding comfort and visual interest. Apostrophe Home.

A Showstopper Piece of Furniture: A carefully selected piece of furniture — a sculptural chair, bold coffee table, or unique sideboard — acts as a central design element, elevating the entire room with its form and function.

Layered Soft Goods: Soft textiles like throw pillows, linens, and window treatments bring comfort and a sense of warmth. Layering different materials and colors adds texture and dimension, creating an inviting atmosphere in even the smallest of spaces.