Leigh Jendrusina of Salthouse Collective describes her personal style as “interesting yet approachable.” It’s best showcased in this 1,200-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Olivenhain, California, situated on the lower portion of a larger, multi-level lot. “My client purchased an original ranch-style home and completed renovations of the main residence in 2023,” she recalls. “In late 2024, they began building the ADU on the lower part of the property, accessible via a separate entrance off an easement road. The main home is a beautifully textured space—super neutral in tone, but rich in tactile detail. They wanted the ADU to feel like the younger sister to the main home, incorporating many of the same materials and color palette in a more compact format.”

Leigh oversaw construction, interior design, and styling. A primary goal was to make the petite footprint feel as expansive as possible. “So, we installed a large bifold door system off the kitchen and living room,” the designer explains. “It opens onto a spacious private patio.” This added outdoor living area makes the entertaining zone feel generous, with enough room to host a full dinner party. “The kitchen also lives large, with smart cabinetry and an island that doubles as the dining space when eating indoors,” she adds.

The kitchen features a playful mix of materials, including 4×4 Zia Tile’s Pure White zellige tile on the backsplash, Cedar & Moss concrete wall sconces, sleek white skinny shaker cabinetry, and a touch of warmth from Elan Byrd’s rattan pendants suspended above the waterfall-edge island.

“The bathrooms are all distinct, yet maintain the same organic-modern vibe throughout,” Leigh shares. “We wanted the tile in each bathroom to feel unique to that room while still reflecting the same depth through varied neutral tones and shapes. Each one has its own personality but still flows cohesively with the rest of the home.”

Leigh notes that designing small spaces comes with its challenges. “You want the space to be beautiful, but never at the expense of function,” she says. “I think we achieved that balance. For example, we skipped upper cabinetry in the kitchen to create a cleaner visual moment around the sink, instead maximizing functionality with lower cabinets, a pantry unit, and a well-designed island.”

The project lasted six months, with the homeowner acting as the general contractor. Leigh concludes, “They were very involved throughout the process, and they absolutely love the finished space!”