white vanity and a large tub

Design Notes

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR MULTIPLE USERS IN THE HOME

What happens when you need a space to work hard for more than one person, but there is a limit on square footage? You get creative, of course! A good design is everything when planning an area that needs to function for multiple people. When more than one person uses a space, there are special needs, such as separate storage areas and functionality. Our houses are often shared by multiple people, and with multigenerational homes becoming more common, there is a need for designers to create spaces that maximize storage, emphasize individuality, and blend them into a unifying whole. Whether it is the bathroom, kitchen, or family room, with a little well-planned strategy, you can implement creative solutions for the multiple users in your home.

Designing A Bathroom For Sharing

The bathroom is the essential start to everyone’s day, and when multiple people use it, things can get pretty hectic as everyone tries to keep track of their belongings. Sometimes an increase in square footage isn’t possible, but by rethinking the layout or specific features, you can achieve significant improvements. Select a vanity that maximizes storage and has drawers. Assign a drawer to each member, so they have a space of their own to store their belongings, avoiding confusion or conflict, especially among siblings. Don’t forget to use wall space; it is a great untapped resource, as you can hang hooks for each person or add additional shelving. If it is feasible, consider choosing a vanity with double sinks, so two people can attend to their hygiene needs at the same time, and there is more counter space, too. Small containers such as baskets or boxes can be used to store items like jewelry or toiletries and to minimize clutter.

You can also opt to include custom features in the vanity, such as a docking drawer that provides an extra outlet or deep drawers for storing larger, taller items used by everyone, which limits what needs to be placed on the counter. Some great places to look for ideas include Pinterest and Houzz. Don’t forget to browse designer blogs and magazines for additional inspiration. When making color choices, rather than trying to satisfy everyone’s preferences, go with a neutral theme, such as a coastal or contemporary vibe. Select flooring that complements a broad range of styles, such as wood tones or soft hues. Backsplash is a great way to add a little fun that is agreeable to many and can bring a little pop to the space without overpowering it. Look at places like Etsy for custom options and unique finds to make the space feel personalized for everyone. By styling with options that have broad appeal and few custom features, you can create a bathroom that works for the many rather than the few.

green bathroom with tile floors

Designing A Kitchen For Everyone

The heart of the home is the kitchen, but that also makes it a favorite gathering place, which can make it feel congested and cramped. With so many things happening, it is easy to bump into each other, but with thoughtful planning and consideration, you can design a space where everyone can hang out without getting in each other’s way. Begin by making a mental or written list of the things every family member does in the kitchen. Do some want to hang out while dinner is being made? Think about designing an island with space for extra chairs. Have a coffee or tea drinker? Add a beverage center, built directly into the cabinets, with roll-out drawers and even outlets for the coffee maker. You can also plan an area where all the cups and other needed items are together instead of scattered. This eliminates the need to wander around the kitchen to make a morning beverage. Cooking, of course, is the kitchen’s main job description, but several components can be broken down into separate areas called workstations. Have one section dedicated to baking, placing it near the pantry where dry ingredients are stored, and plenty of shelving for mixing bowls and baking pans. A prep space for chopping vegetables and rinsing other ingredients should be near the sink and have sufficient counter space. When cooking, place yourself between the range and sink so you can limit the number of steps as you clear dirty dishes. It is also smart to have the main dishes served near you. By planning each task and main function, you can design a kitchen where the family can be together rather than on top of each other.

Designing A Family Room Everyone Enjoys

We love to relax after a long day, and what better place than in the family room? Of course, when there are multiple people in one space, it can get a little crazy, leaving some feeling frustrated. But with thoughtful planning, it is possible to design a space where everyone feels at home. A few things to keep in mind when redesigning your family room are:

  • Fabric choices
  • Pet spaces
  • Storage
  • Seating
  • Open area
  • Surfaces

Having an open area will automatically make it feel less cramped and more inviting. If you have pets, it is a good idea to include them in the design and create a unique area just for them, such as a corner with their bed or a basket of toys. When selecting furniture for your family room, consider fabrics that are easy to clean and serve multiple purposes, such as couches with storage. If your family enjoys playing games or having their beverage nearby, you should include sufficient tables, both large and small, for convenience. Storage is another important element and can be gained in multiple ways, such as furniture, shelving, and open built-ins. These options allow you to keep items you use regularly, such as blankets, handy but tucked away, and for items used in this space, like DVDs and games. Built-ins are one of the best options for family rooms since you can leave them open to store books and even showcase family treasures, or add doors to keep things looking clean and neat, but still convenient. Learn a few more helpful tips from HGTV on creating a family-friendly living space. Your family room is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, and when you put things in place to accommodate the many, it ensures everyone has a good time.

rustic living room

Creative Solutions For Your Home

Is your home working for everyone in your family? Are members grumbling because they feel pushed out of certain areas, like the bathroom, with no space to call their own? Do you want to redesign the layout to suit everyone, but are not sure where to start? Our experienced design team can help you plan and create the perfect solutions to your spaces, making them work for multiple family members. Call or email us today; together, we can do something amazing with your home to make everyone happy.