A Sunny Backyard ADU That’s Full of Character, Comfort, and Charm

Designer Cristina Lehman is no stranger to creating thoughtful, multifunctional spaces, and this sunny ADU in Walnut Creek is a perfect example of her approachable style. When a family of four found themselves craving more room to stretch out (without leaving the neighborhood and home they loved), Cristina helped them turn an underused backyard into a guest-ready retreat that’s equal parts flexible and feel-good.

Filled with soft textures, playful materials, and a just-right dose of color, the freestanding unit offers space for sleepovers, visiting guests, and future poolside lounging. It’s a design that supports everyday life and all the joyful moments that come with it, especially the ones that involve extra kids, extra snacks, and a whole lot of hosting.

Design: C.Lehman Home | Photography: Jessica Brydson

A Living Space That Does It All

Designed with flexibility in mind, the open-concept living area is part cozy hangout zone, part guest-ready retreat. Cristina kept things light and bright with a fresh palette (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove does a lot of quiet heavy lifting here) while layering in soft furnishings and artful decor that makes the space feel welcoming. A calming mix of cream, sage, blue, and rust tones helps ease the mind and brings a sense of balance to the room. And the best part? The space offers enough seating for every occasion—guests can sprawl on the sectional, lounge in the chair, or sit on the ottomans while looking out to enjoy the scenery.

A Whimsical Kitchen Moment

The kitchen is both fun and functional, with a cabinet layout that makes the most of a small footprint and a backsplash that brings a little joy to the everyday. Cristina chose Bedrosians’ Casablanca 5×5 matte tile in Torres for the backsplash—a soft, slightly playful pattern that adds personality without overpowering the room.

In front of the kitchen, a marble pedestal bistro table anchors the space, ideal for a quick bite or an afternoon pause. Open kitchen shelves offer the best of both worlds: a chance to display beautiful, collected pieces while still keeping everyday essentials within easy reach. Every element was chosen with intention, from the palette to the café curtains and shelving, proving that the details make all the difference.

A Bathroom Where Subtle Texture Steals the Show

In the bathroom, Cristina paired a relaxing green subway tile from Bedrosians in the shower with a richly toned wood vanity from JKath Cabinetry. A lightly-colored (Bedrosians Wave Honed Fan Deco Porcelain Tile) floor keeps things grounded and airy, while a brass faucet from Symmons adds a polished finishing touch. The result is layered and serene, with just enough contrast to keep it interesting.

Bonus Space with a Bigger Purpose

Though compact in size, this ADU punches way above its weight. What started as a blank patch of backyard is now a fully-formed extension of the main home, ready to host out-of-town guests, sleepover parties, movie nights, and quiet moments of escape. (And maybe pool parties will be in order one day—Cristina says the owners plan to put in a pool eventually.) The space offers breathing room for a busy family while adding long-term value to their home.

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