Multigenerational living is a concept that is popular throughout most of the world but not so much in the United States. For generations, the American home-ownership dream has centered around single-family, suburban living.

According to current housing trends, buyers are now looking for homes that can accommodate more than a single family. Changing demographics, the current economic climate, longer lifespans and evolving ethnic diversity are factors in the increased interest in multigenerational housing.

Families find this type of housing arrangement especially beneficial because it is easier to share caregiving responsibilities and household expenses. It also provides the opportunity to share more of life’s special moments and milestones.

Here are a few ways that you can create a functional and beautiful multigenerational home that supports every member of your family.

Separate Entrances

Having a separate entrance for each family living in your home is key for multigenerational living. Not only does it increase independence, autonomy, and privacy, it also reduces foot traffic and chaos throughout the day, especially if there are children or pets in the home.

Consider installing keyless entry locks and deadbolts to allow for hands-free entry. It comes in handy in many situations, from bringing in the groceries to unlocking the door from your sofa when someone comes to visit.

Separate entrances are also fantastic if adult children decide to live at home after high school or move back in after college. According to Pew Research, more 18-34 year olds living at home with their parents for the first time in modern history.

First-Floor Bathroom

If you are creating a multigenerational home in a two-story house, consider creating an en suite bathroom on the first floor. Going up and down stairs gets harder as we age and is also difficult after surgery or hospital stays. 

A bathroom that is accessible from the primary floor will be one of the best decisions you can make for aging in place because it gives you flexibility – you never know what life will throw at you! Other necessities for first-floor bathrooms are low or zero-threshold entrances, curbless showers, flip-down shower stools, grab bars, hand-held shower heads, and hands-free faucets.

Options for Socializing and Privacy

Today’s homes are designed to be open, with kitchens and great rooms combining to create a large space where the whole family hangs out. However, having a mix of shared and private spaces in your home is essential. Even if your family enjoys spending time together, we all need our own space to relax, rest and recharge.

Gathering spaces like kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms and outdoor entertaining areas bring people together to share in group activities like meal preparation, playing games and watching movies. Areas, like bedrooms, studies and offices provide options for more privacy when working remotely, doing homework, or just taking a nap.

Universal Design for Flexible Living

Universal Design, also referred to as aging in place design, is the concept of designing buildings, products or environments so that they are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, disability or other factors. Universal design really does benefit people of all ages. 

Examples include adjustable lighting that can be controlled from different locations, wider hallways and doorways to allow for mobility aids, low or zero transitions, and low-reflective, smooth flooring with a bit of texture to prevent falls.

Safer Kitchens

For most families, the kitchen is the gathering hub of the home. Cooking and preparing meals is a great way for people to stay connected, and creating a space that is safe for everyone will increase your family’s enjoyment of your home for years to come.

Having countertops and surfaces that are at different heights gives everyone a place to chop vegetables, read a magazine or do homework. There are also plenty of after-market solutions that can make your kitchen work for you, like hydraulic pull-downs for wall cabinets and pull-outs and lifts for base cabinets.

Appliances are also getting smarter, and can benefit people with memory issues as well. Induction cooktops are much safer than gas or electric options because the surface doesn’t get hot – only the pan does! Remove the pan and it turns off automatically. Hands-free faucets are another bonus.

Whether you are entering a multigenerational living arrangement unexpectedly, or you’ve been planning it for years, it can be an enjoyable, enriching and memory-building experience. I hope this post has broadened your understanding of what it takes to create a functional and beautiful multigenerational home that supports every member of your family. If you are exploring building a new home, or renovating or remodeling your current space, feel free to reach out. I work with many clients who are retiring or planning their forever home and I can help you design a space that will grow and evolve to suit your needs. To schedule a consultation, call (702) 883-3200 contact me through my website, or send an email to [email protected].