This Designer Transformed a Dilapidated Garage Into a Serene 600-Sq-Ft Studio and 'Mother-in-Law Unit' – Now She Walks a Garden Path to Work Each Morning

Each morning, interior designer Katie Leclercq trades a traditional commute for a short stroll down a stone garden path.

When she built her home, nearly a decade ago, she deliberately kept the old detached garage standing. Today, that once-dilapidated 600-square-foot outbuilding has been transformed into an unrecognizable, serene, light-filled studio. Imbued with the design DNA of Katie's Seattle-based firm Studio Leclercq, it is here where she meets clients, works on projects, and occasionally hosts overnight guests.

Inside, salvaged oak floors and ceiling beams add warmth, while creamy whites and grounding olive tones introduce depth without overwhelming the bijoux footprint. And at the heart of the main space is a long vintage farmhouse table discovered on a trip to New York, now serving as Katie’s desk. It was 'love at first sight,' says the designer.

While the main house design on the property was rebuilt by Katie in 2016, the detached garage dates back much further, originally constructed in the early to mid-1900s. Rather than demolish the aging structure, they chose to preserve it, recognizing that its modest footprint and standalone position made it a promising candidate for a future transformation.

'It seemed like a prime future DADU location (detached accessory dwelling unit),' says Katie. 'Initially, we used the unfinished space as storage for things like yard furniture, sprinklers, toys, etc. A typical old, dilapidated space.'

'I prioritized the main kitchen and dining areas, as this would become my day-to-day studio space,' Katie continues. 'The kitchen cabinets are filled to the brim with samples and spec sheets! Ultimately, however, I wanted the unit to function as a DADU (or mother-in-law unit), so I included a quaint bedroom with custom closet cabinetry flanking the bedframe.'

When the time came to reimagine the garage, Katie made a conscious decision to retain as much of its original form as possible. 'The garage footprint and shape remain original,' she explains, keeping the proportions intact while upgrading the exterior with new siding and roofing.

With the interior walls stripped back to create an open floor plan, the compact structure now feels airy and generous. 'I use glazed partitions to define small spaces and maximize natural light,' she explains.

One of the most impactful changes was replacing the retractable garage door with a striking steel-and-glass panel door, instantly flooding the interior with daylight. Additional windows along the western wall further enhanced the sense of openness, transforming what had once been a dark storage space into a bright, inviting studio.

As well as having a guest bedroom, the studio also offers Katie the best of both worlds: the ease of working from home with the clarity that comes from having a dedicated workspace.

Rather than folding her design practice into a spare room in the main house, she envisioned the detached structure as somewhere distinct enough to foster focus, yet still connected to home life.

'My goal was to add value to the property as well as create a space for me to work and meet with clients. We added a stepping stone path from the main house to the studio. My commute time has decreased substantially! I wanted the space to complement the main house, both inside and out, but at the same time, have a more relaxed, casual feel.'

'The space offers a full range of amenities, providing the comfort and convenience of a home environment,' Katie continues. 'The atmosphere is tranquil and highly suitable for creative productivity. The only occasional interruptions stem from my two dogs, who accompany me to work each day.'

At the heart of the studio sits the space where most of Katie’s days unfold: a kitchen that functions just as much as a working hub as it does a place to gather.

'In the kitchen, I chose an earthy olive green shade to define the area while keeping it consistent with the natural tones throughout,' Katie adds. 'This hue has quickly become one of my top favorites.'

The kitchen cabinet color itself introduces one of the few moments of color within the otherwise subtle palette. 'Due to the limited space, I aimed for a palette that felt calm and neutral. Rather than relying on color, I focused on incorporating different textures and stone surfaces as focal points.'

'I think the space is a reminder that there is so much beauty in simplicity. Authentic materials applied with intention ensure lasting results.' European-inspired finishes and thoughtful detailing – right down to the light switches – reinforce Katie’s preference for quality materials.

To shop Katie's kitchen look, our warm industrial kitchen edit will help you achieve the same balance of rich textures, soothing green and brown tones, and a hint of Katie's utilitarian aesthetic in your own home. No matter if yours started its life as a garage or not.

'Throughout the home, salvaged oak flooring was custom-stained, with a herringbone arrangement in the bathroom to distinguish its style from other areas. For added ceiling character, salvaged hemlock boards and beams were installed and finished with flat white paint,' she explains of the rustic finishes that help to complement the warm yet slightly industrial-leaning kitchen.

Positioned in front of the large steel-and-glass panel door, the main workspace is bathed in natural light for much of the day. Here, a long vintage farmhouse table serves as Katie’s desk, meeting table, and hosting space all in one.

Discovered during a trip to Hudson, New York, the piece quickly became the defining element of the studio. 'From the start, I dreamt of a long farmhouse table to use as my desk,' she says. 'I found it on a trip to Hudson, New York. It was love at first sight.'

'Directly in front of you, as you enter via the side door, is the guest bedroom, featuring a cozy queen-size bedframe and two flanking cabinets to hold both your hanging and folded storage needs,' Katie explains.

The goal for the entire DADU was to create a timeless, intentional, and peaceful feeling. And nowhere captures that better than the studio's sleep space. Like the main rooms, the bedroom embraces a soft, neutral palette that prioritizes texture and material over bold color to create a welcoming atmosphere.

'Every element, from millwork and glazed walls to the cabinetry in both the bathroom and guest bedroom, was coated in an earthy warm white, which highlights each feature against the white-painted walls.'

The studio’s bathroom proves that even the most compact spaces can feel chic and thoughtfully designed. Despite its modest footprint, Katie managed to fit in an airy bathroom equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay.

A freestanding cast iron bathtub takes pride of place beneath a trio of windows, where light filters through sheer drapes and provides a serene retreat. A small wooden stool beside the tub and a woven basket for towels add a hotel-like feel to the space.

'The full bathroom tucked itself right into what was likely once a small shed attached to the back of the garage,' Katie explains of the previous structure.

'The bathroom's subway tile design is echoed in a smaller scale on the kitchen backsplash,' she adds. 'It's an elevated version of the classic subway tile design. The vanity is equipped with a large basin on a pedestal with a custom polished nickel inset medicine cabinet above. The bathroom also has plenty of built-in storage for linens and toiletries.'

Not just in the bathroom, but throughout the entire studio, the palette remains intentionally quiet – a takeaway from her previous design studio.

'I loved my previous studio, just 20 minutes into town. It too was an old garage, now that I think about it,' says Katie. 'It was a bit smaller and with fewer finishing details, but I always felt clear and peaceful in the environment.'

'Natural woods, creamy whites, and grounding green tones do it every time.'

Her material-led approach reflects Katie’s broader design philosophy, one rooted in simplicity and thoughtful restraint.

'My approach to style prioritizes restraint and simplicity,' she notes. 'This studio perfectly illustrates that preference. I always favor quality before quantity, and I often revisit the idea that true beauty lies in simplicity.'

'Each detail, each selection, was very intentionally and part of the overall story. This space is truly everything that I love.'

What ultimately defines the DADU is not any single feature, but the intention behind every choice. From the salvaged wood floors and reclaimed ceiling beams to the timeless tile and vintage table, the space is built on a foundation of authentic materials used thoughtfully and sparingly.

It’s proof that the most inspiring spaces don’t always require grand square footage or a dramatic scheme.

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