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Lorna's mission with Cabinet Spaces is to help create kitchens that homeowners love. She has been helping remodel kitchens, bathrooms and all spaces with cabinets for over 20 years. With a background in construction and project management, she is well versed in all phases of residential construction. From foundations to finish work and everything in-between, Lorna excels at finding creative solutions to make your dreams a reality.

 

Lorna knows how much a new kitchen will transform your home as she has also had to live with dated and dysfunctional kitchens until the remodels could happen. Her favorite place is in her own kitchen as an avid at-home cook and all-around kitchen enthusiast. Her goal is to design beautiful spaces focused on functionality and help clients have confidence throughout their project.

 

Regardless of the age or style of your home, Lorna will work with you to design a space you love. (She does have a passion for historic homes 1930's and older). Whether you are looking to do a kitchen, wine bar, bathroom, laundry room, outdoor kitchen or all of the above, she will work with you from beginning to end to make the transformation in your home as beautiful as you dreamed.

Country ADU

ALL THE DETAILS

Building Our Sebastopol ADU: A Dream 17 Years in the Making

By Lorna Brown - November, 2025

We moved onto our property in Sebastopol, California, in 2007 with a long-term vision of adding a Granny Unit—now known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). At the time, we were financially stretched with two young children and two growing businesses, right in the midst of the mortgage crisis when many families were losing their homes. Still, we fell in love with the two-acre property surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards, and its simple 1970s ranch-style home in need of remodeling.

Getting Started

Fast forward to 2022—it finally became feasible to bring our ADU vision to life. We began by consulting a well and septic expert who guided us through inspections and helped determine the ideal location and size for the new structure. Our existing septic system, installed in 1977, was designed for a four-bedroom home. To comply with regulations, we converted our main house into a three-bedroom plus office, allocating the “fourth bedroom” to the ADU.

 

The consultant also explained that any area within 100 feet of our well could not serve as a septic reserve, which helped determine the ADU’s placement. The best spot was at the front of the property—close to the well and requiring no new roadwork. Our main house sits on the back third of the property, so the front, once our children’s playground, became the perfect footprint.

 

We could have built up to 1,200 square feet, but with only one bedroom allowed, we chose to go smaller. We also discovered a break in county fees for structures under roughly 750 square feet. After considering setbacks and a redwood tree, we landed on 663 square feet—plus a front porch and back deck.

Design and Planning

With Tim’s background as a general contractor and mine as a kitchen and bath designer, we had a clear vision. Still, we needed a professional to finalize the plans and navigate the permitting process (no small task in California). We partnered with Robin Weller of Weller Drafting, who refined my design, coordinated the engineering, and submitted our plans in Fall 2023. She also helped us choose a ducted mini-split system—an aesthetic win since I didn’t want visible wall units—and recommended 2x6 exterior walls, which we’re now grateful we included.

Accessibility and Functionality

Our design priorities were simplicity, functionality, and accessibility—anticipating that my elderly mother might one day live there. We believe good accessibility benefits everyone, regardless of age. The ADU sits on a concrete slab with zero steps at any entrance. Interior doors are 2’10”, and the shower is curbless. The bathroom includes grab bars, heated floors, and even a heated toilet seat.

Storage and organization were also key. I incorporated cabinetry from the three lines I sell through LB Cabinet Spaces, making the ADU a mini showroom. The entry features two tall storage cabinets and a bench—both beautiful and practical. Of the thirteen windows, nine are identical for visual consistency, with slightly varied sizes in the bathroom and kitchen. Their placement allows furniture beneath and accommodates automatic roller shades, which required careful electrical planning during rough-in. The 6-inch exterior walls were crucial for housing these shades. Walls are 8 feet high, matching our home, with vaulted ceilings in the great room and bedroom for spaciousness.

The Build — and a Challenging Year

We started construction in Spring 2024—shortly after I had been diagnosed with cancer. I vividly remember during one chemo treatment, Tim visiting the Building Department determined not to leave without the permit.  We were happy to get started as the permit process had been lengthy.

Tim handled grading, foundation prep, utilities, framing, plumbing, painting, siding, and more—mostly evenings and weekends. We brought in subcontractors for concrete, trusses, HVAC and drywall. Tim worked closely with our electrician on the wiring, did most of the finish electrical himself, and traded labor with a talented tile installer friend. I coordinated windows, doors, cabinets, flooring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures—having many on site during framing so precise placement could be determined early.

Materials and Finishes

Every design has an inspiration point. For me, two items set the tone: the MSI Renzo Jade picket tile for the kitchen backsplash and the Magnolia finish from Omega Cabinets (similar to Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray). I color-matched this tone for all interior trim and doors. The green from the backsplash inspired accents throughout—exterior doors, the bedroom wall, porch ceiling (Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog), and bathroom cabinetry. Walls are Benjamin Moore White Dove—after repainting from Chantilly Lace, which proved too stark. Using consistent colors and finishes helped the small space feel cohesive.

 

The bathroom features large-format subway tile from Santa Rosa Tile, a curbless shower with a bench and hidden niche, thermostatic valve, and a built-in dressing bench. Though the vanity isn’t fully ADA-compliant, the space is open, comfortable, and designed for safety and ease.

 

For flooring, we chose Gaia Luxury Vinyl Plank—durable and beautiful. Originally I planned a herringbone pattern only in the entry, but we extended it throughout for a stunning focal point. Countertops are Chateau quartz by Daltile—a single jumbo slab used for the kitchen, bathroom, shower bench, and more, even the kitchen table. Tim built the table base from white oak on hand, matching the entry bench and hood trim. The floating shelves were locally sourced.

Furnishings and Finishing Touches

As I recovered from surgery and the loss of my mom, Estevan from Marcela’s Home Store in Santa Rosa was an incredible support. He personally helped with the furniture selections, using upholstery and wood stain choices to harmonize the design. Additional pieces came from Amazon, Wayfair, Build.com, and local suppliers.

Completion and Reflections

Construction wrapped in Spring 2025—about one year from start to finish. The project was a meaningful diversion during a difficult season. We now use the ADU as a mid-term rental (minimum 30 days), as local regulations prohibit short-term rentals like Airbnb.

 

We loved creating a home from the ground up, guided by our shared belief that good design doesn’t have to be expensive. With thoughtful planning, budget-friendly materials can look high-end, and functionality should always lead style.

 

If you’re planning an ADU or small living space and need help with cabinet design, layout, or sourcing, feel free to contact Lorna at LB Cabinet Spaces. Cabinets can be shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. Tim is currently an estate manager for a local winery and not available for hire.

Subcontractor and Resources

Drafting and Design – Weller Drafting

Appliances – TeeVax Home Appliance and Kitchen Center

HVAC – Morris Heating and Sheet Metal

Electrical – Triolo Electric

Window Coverings – Santa Rosa Blinds

Tile Installation – PV Tile (Paul Vyenielo)

Countertops – Tonche Tile & Stone

Furniture – Marcela’s Home Store

Cabinets – LB Cabinet Spaces

Windows – Milgard Trinsic

Exterior Doors – Thermatru

All exterior doors and windows sourced from Friedman Brothers

Interior Doors – El and El Wood Products (sourced from Curtis and Sons Doors)

Flooring – Gaia LVP

Photography and Video – Jim Nevill Productions

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