living room with a large entertainment center and glass doors

Design Notes

DESIGNING A MULTIGENERATIONAL HOME

Multigenerational homes are on the rise and, more than likely, here to stay, as many adult children begin to take on responsibility for caring for their parents while still raising their children. This leads to a unique home design that allows each generation to have a space of their own, where they can operate independently yet stay connected, especially when they need help or just want to socialize. The key to this type of design is intention because there needs to be careful consideration of each area of the home, mainly its function and purpose. A good, intentional design will enable you to create a multigenerational home ideally suited to everyone’s needs.

Flexible Bedroom Design

Bedrooms are an essential element in any home design as they provide each family member with a space to call their own; it is their area where they can go to relax and be surrounded by what matters to them. While many floor plans offer bonus areas such as an additional family room or even a home office, consider making them into bedrooms first, since there are specific regulations that govern a room being called a bedroom versus just a spare room. Even if you decide not to use it as a bedroom, you can always switch to a spare room instead, but it is not so easy to do it the other way around. You can never have too many bedrooms since they can be easily converted into something useful, such as a craft room or home office, later.

Basement Potential

A basement is often the most overlooked area in the home and has the greatest potential to maximize space. The possibilities are endless in a finished basement. One great idea, and one that is popular, is to transform it into a second living space, including a kitchen and living room. This creates an area for the grandparents to live independently, yet still be close enough to you if they need anything. This renovation will also increase the value of your home, especially for those who need multigenerational accommodations or want a space they can rent out to help offset the mortgage payments. If you have a basement that is not finished, consider completing it and turning it into a livable space that can serve multiple purposes for your family.

entertainment center with a fireplace and living room

Open Concept

Open floor plans are an excellent way for families to stay connected, even though they are doing different things in the home. Having sight lines from the kitchen to the living or dining room is nice. One important thing to remember when designing an open concept area is to create a clear division. Each location should have its own distinct section; these boundaries can be created with furniture or even area rugs, but remember to keep the decor style similar. If you mix too many colors and styles, it can create discord instead of harmony, impacting the home’s overall mood. Another benefit of having an open concept is a more accessible traffic flow, which makes it easier for those who need to get around the home with a wheelchair or walker. Remember this when designing for older parents or aging in place. Consider doing wider gaps between the kitchen perimeter and the island as well. When working with a designer, be sure to mention any specific needs up front. This helps them create a plan that works for everyone.

Multi Level Homes

For many homeowners, a multi-level home is excellent and often looks elegant, but it can be a problem for older family members. This does not mean, however, that you cannot have a second story or even a basement, but some thought should be given when creating the layout and design. If you have a specific area for your parents, be sure to have everything they need on one level so their trips up or downstairs will be limited, such as bathrooms and even a small kitchen area if they want to have that sense of independence. It is always a good idea for basement apartments to have a second entrance with limited stairs or incline when possible. This will make it easier for them and for you as you age. Choosing a bathroom on every level also makes it easy for every member and even guests to access a necessary area of the home.

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are trending not just because they are fun, but also practical. It is the perfect space for everyone to spread out and do what they love, whether just sitting on the patio or enjoying the pool. From the kids to the grandparents, having an outdoor space extends the livable square footage of the home and allows you to enjoy nature easily. These spaces also come with benefits, such as a place to destress after a hard day. If you cook outside, it can also reduce the AC units’ runtime since the extra heat is already outside. Think about adding a second kitchen or a covered deck that allows everyone to have a good time outside. Sunrooms are also a great addition to the home and can even be added to a basement apartment or master bedroom.

pool house with furtniture

Design Style

Design is unique to the individual, which means when there are multiple generations in the home, it can be difficult to settle on just one. It is best to have a general design style for the whole home, but individual spaces such as bedrooms and even the home office can be allowed some flexibility. This means that each member of the family has a personal area where they can express themselves through colors and patterns that reflect them. This is an important aspect when having more than one family in a home. There are also many ways to blend varying styles together now, as grand millennial style has shown us. Be sure to browse places like Pinterest for inspiration on how to design a home with multiple design styles together and still look amazing.

Designing A Multigenerational Home

As a family-run business, we understand that family is essential, and that means they should come first. Our design team is experienced in creating a layout that works well for everyone in the family, from custom cabinets in the kitchens to smart storage solutions in bathrooms. We have the skill needed to design a home where everyone feels at ease. We encourage you to browse through our many galleries, which showcase individual projects and rooms in the home, and discover how we have helped hundreds of clients over the last twenty years find the solutions needed for their home. Serving over 15 counties across two states and still growing, we guarantee we can assist you in creating a home that is perfect for every member of your family.

/onJune 7, 2023/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes
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