Ever felt like your house is bursting at the seams? Kille Knobel did too. As a single mom raising three teenage boys in a 1,500-square-foot midcentury ranch in Glendale, California, she knew she needed more space. But with Los Angeles housing prices sky-high, buying a bigger home wasn’t an option. So, she got creative—and the result is nothing short of inspiring.
The Challenge: More Family, Less Space
Kille Knobel isn’t just any mom; she’s an Emmy-nominated lighting designer who’s worked with rock legends like Pearl Jam and Cher. Juggling a busy career and family life, she faced a growing problem: her three boys were getting older, and her parents were visiting more often from out of state. Her existing home, bought years ago for its good school district, was starting to feel cramped. Moving wasn’t feasible—both financially and logistically.
That’s when she turned to the idea of an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU. These secondary housing units, often called granny flats or backyard cottages, are popping up all over California as a smart solution to the housing crunch. For Knobel, building an ADU wasn’t just about adding square footage; it was about creating a flexible space for her growing family and visiting parents.
The Transformation: Garage to Glam
Working with MR Studio Architecture, Knobel set out to create something special. Originally, they planned a one-bedroom unit, but with construction costs soaring post-COVID, they pivoted to a more budget-friendly studio design. The result? A 533-square-foot ADU that’s as stylish as it is practical.
The space features:
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- A central living area under a vaulted, maple-lined ceiling, giving it an airy, open feel.
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- A dramatic sleeping niche, inspired by Knobel’s rock ‘n’ roll background, that accommodates a California King mattress—perfect for her visiting parents or her college-aged son, Mason.
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- A standout bathroom with warm wheat-tone brick tiles and dark gray terrazzo cement floors, blending modern design with cozy touches.
Knobel, with her designer’s eye, made sure every dollar was well-spent, focusing on finishes that would make the space feel luxurious without breaking the bank.
The Cost: $230,000 and a Smart Investment
Building an ADU isn’t cheap, but for Knobel, it was a worthwhile investment. She financed the project by taking cash out of her home when interest rates were low in 2021. The total cost came to around $230,000—a fraction of what a larger home in LA would have cost.
And the benefits go beyond just extra space. The ADU has given her sons a taste of independence. Mason, who attends college locally, now lives in the unit, enjoying the privacy while still being close to home. “It’s so peaceful here,” he says. “It feels very private and separate. I can do my homework, make music, and be alone.”
For Knobel, it’s a win-win. “I built this for my parents,” she explains, “but it’s also for my boys to experience a bit of adult living.” And, of course, there’s the added bonus of potential rental income down the line if she chooses to rent it out.
The Bigger Picture: ADUs as a Housing Solution
Knobel’s story is just one example of how ADUs are reshaping the housing landscape in California. With the state facing a severe housing shortage, these units offer a flexible, affordable way to add more homes without sprawling into new land.
In cities like San Diego, ADU permits have surged, with thousands issued in recent years. While there are challenges—like parking concerns and neighborhood density—ADUs remain a popular option for homeowners looking to maximize their property’s potential.
For Knobel, the ADU has been a game-changer. “It fulfilled all our dreams and more,” she says. And as more Californians look for creative housing solutions, her story might just inspire others to think outside the box—or, in this case, outside the garage.
So, what do you think? Could an ADU be the answer to your housing woes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Note: While this blog post is based on a real story, some details have been adapted for narrative flow. For the full story, check out the original article.