Many people nowadays live in multigenerational homes cause of rising house and healthcare costs. Some of you may say that such living is all about discomfort but living with your family has its own advantages, too, and if – for any reason – you are going to live in a multigenerational home, here are some tips that will help you create a comfortable space for everyone.
Think Accessibility
Multigenerational homes require an eye for accessibility. Even if grandparents can get around easily now, thinking ahead can save growing pains in the future. Creating spaces that are wheelchair accessible mean older residents will always feel welcome. Open concept layouts are great for getting around. And, configuring bedrooms so that everyone can reach their private living spaces easily means everyone can remain as independent as possible. Offer the older residents bedrooms on the main floor and make all the other bedrooms on other floors. Having some bedrooms on the main floor and others on the second floor can create a natural separation between generations.
open layouts are easy to get around, they are perfect for multigenerational homes
create an open layout with a kitchen, living and dining space on the main floor and add bedrooms here
place some bedrooms for elderly residents on the main floor to make them easily accessible
an open layout gently flows into a bedroom on the main floor - a great solution for elderly people
accessibility should be the key to design in a multigenerational home, so keep every space easiyl accessible
Utilize Every Inch
With several families living in the same home, every square foot comes at a premium. Get creative with all the spaces in the home and you’ll be a lot more comfortable. Think about converting some of the less-utilized areas of the home, such as the attic, the basement, or over the garage into the areas that may be needed. Rethink each room’s purpose and convert storage spaces into comfy living spaces. Incorporate multifunctional solutions and functional furniture into your home.
use every inch of your home to create more functional zones for your family
use attics to make a study space or a home office and avoid any dead psace or awkward nooks you can't use
an under the stairs space can also become a nice space for storage or a real home office
if you don't need much space for something, squeeze it into a small nook or corner, like here a home office
a basement sunroom or playroom can be a nice space to relax and have fun with friends for everyone who's interested
an additional living room in a basement may give more space for everyone and let you all have a rest
organize a colorful playroom for kids in the attic - this way you'll use the unused space and it will be accessible for the kids
incorporate much storage in every space you can - you'll understand how much it helps declutter the space
you may also convert your attic into an airy living room with much light to cuddle in the evening
go for as many multifunctional furniture pieces as you can - they will help you save your space
a sofa with a desk or console attached to the back is a cool way to save some space
incorporate storage spaces everywhere you can - don't forget usual items like coffee tables
Enjoy The Suite Life
If you’re lucky enough to get to design your home from scratch, ask your architect to help you configure suites for each generation. Sharing bathrooms can be a major pain point in multigenerational homes and you can easily reduce those conflicts before they even begin. A private bedroom and bathroom suite for grandparents and parents, and a cheery and fun bathroom for kids can reduce some of the pressure on the busiest rooms in the home.
a suite can be your perfect way out to solve the problem of busy spaces in your home
a bathtub in the bedroom is a hot trend, so you may organize your space like that, too
a cozy rustic bedroom with an en-suite bathroom behind the sliding barn doors
a contemporary bedroom and bathroom separated with a wall with a fireplace
placing a bathtub into the bedroom and separating the zone with glass wall is a cool way to save the space
a contemporary bedroom with a small en-suite powder room hidden with glass and curtains