More and more families live in the same home with parents, grandparents, children, uncles ... This is due to the increase in housing costs that society is suffering throughout the world. Although it may seem that living too many people in one household is not ideal, sometimes there is no choice ... and living in a multigenerational household can have its advantages.
Whether you want to save money or offer other care (like taking care of grandparents), you can find a way to make the home design just right for your comfort. Of course, that doesn't mean that there won't be any hassle.
The trick for multigenerational homes is to design spaces that make sense. When a home is designed toward comfort, privacy, and accessibility, living with family can be comfortable and convenient. Homes that are designed with more than one generation in mind mean that you can live with multiple generations without losing your sanity. Find out how.
Accessibility
Multigenerational households require thinking about accessibility. Even if Grandma and Grandpa can move easily now, thinking ahead can avoid headaches. Create espaWheelchair accessible facilities mean that older residents will always feel welcome.
Open concept layouts are great for getting around. Setting up rooms so that everyone can reach their private spaces (think putting older residents on the main floor) means that everyone can remain as independent as possible.
Choose main floor rooms
When you have the option of choosing between the master and second-floor bedrooms in multi-generational homes, choose the main floor for the older ones. Not only will they be the most accessible as your family ages, but having one or Two bedrooms on the main floor can create a natural separation between generations.
While it may seem natural to place all rooms on the second floor, putting some on the main floor offers more privacy and a bit of personal space to keep everyone emotionally healthy.
Dual purpose in design
Remember this general rule of thumb: it's easy to turn a bedroom into another space, but it's not always possible to turn a space into a bedroom. Rooms generally require windows and a closet, so design your multigenerational home with this factor in mind.
If you think that all of your spaces are dual-purpose, you will have more flexibility along the way. Rather than having specific rooms for activities, such as an office or exercise room, it is better to design as many rooms as possible and convert them when necessary. That wayYou always have a lot of rooms that can be used as other rooms.
Give enough space
When there is more than one generation living under the same roof, you should offer enough space and privacy for everyone. How do you make sure no one feels invaded? You will need to ensure that, for each generation in a home, there is at least one dedicated living space.
Then, Let's say your parents live with you and your children. Multi-generational homes that include a family room, study, and game room mean everyone has a little room to breathe and a place to relax.
Use every inch
With several families living in the same house, each square meter has a lot of value. You would have to be creative with all the spaces in the home so that you can be much more comfortable. Consider converting some of the less-used areas of the home, such as the attic, basement, or garage.
Rethink the purpose of each room and make storage spaces more comfortable for everyone. You can always find other places to store your things and everyone will be happier when they can have more spaces to be.
Offer independent entrances
Another design consideration that should be made in multigenerational homes is how each generation will actually be at home. If there isn't much overlap in the schedules (early risers going to school rather than night owls running late), it might be better to design separate entrances.
Not only will this reduce traffic and chaos throughout the day, it can also provide your family with a sense of autonomy. Of course, living together guarantees a long time of quality. But being able to separate some of the coming and going can help each generation feel more independent.
With these tips and with personalized spaces for each one, you will realize that living together in a home can even be a benefit. You can share expenses and also enjoy quality time together every day, which in the long run, is the greatest treasure that can be had within a home. Enjoy family life together!