Modern Design Trends for Multigenerational Family Homes

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"Creating Multigenerational Family Homes is a balancing act of catering for everyone's needs while keeping within a budget."

High living costs are putting the squeeze on families around the world. Even those households relying on multiple streams of income are struggling to make ends meet. One way that people are getting creative is by constructing multigenerational residences. While having more people under one roof can lower the cost of living per person, it does create some challenges for creating a comfortable living environment. To help in this regard, keep reading as we explore some of the leading design trends for multigenerational family homes. 

Separate Living Areas

Living with mixed company creates some challenges. Competition for resources tops the list. Creating schedules for who gets to use what can be exhausting. It also fails to account for times when guests pop in unexpectedly.

One trendy idea for mitigating these issues is to incorporate multiple living areas. This gives the household a space for relaxing and another for playing and/or activities. Perhaps the house is not spacious enough to accommodate two complete living rooms. There are ways to get creative. Use demountable partition walls or decorative screens to break up the living room into distinct spaces. Incorporate soundproof panels on the wall to limit noise transfer. Install accent walls or book shelves to establish focal points that enhance the sense of defined space. 

Open Kitchens

Photo by Kampus Production: www.pexels.com

"Kitchens must be practical and versatile."

It seems intuitive that more walls are the way to go in multigenerational homes. After all, more people creates the need for more privacy. However, the need for versatility is an even greater priority. One of the best places to start for creating a versatile living environment is in the kitchen. A walled-in area offers little utility outside of cooking. Use a central island as a means of breaking up space between the cooking and dining/living area. When it is not being used at meal time, it can serve as a place for kids to do homework or for hosting get-togethers.
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Energy Efficiency of Your Multigenerational Home

Energy efficiency is a top priority in 2024. People are looking for any way they can to curb rising utility costs and limit the environmental footprint of their property. This is especially true in multigenerational households. Without the proper energy efficiency features, consumption can spiral out of control.

Insulation is a great place to start. Sustainable insulation that increases the R-value of the walls, floors, and ceilings will do wonders for creating a comfortable interior environment for everyone while reducing the need for electrical conditioning. 

Zone heating is another great idea. Instead of constantly forcing air through HVAC ducts, look into systems that can heat on an as-need basis. Modern electric heated floor systems can be controlled with a smartphone app and provide even dispersion of heat throughout the desired area. Other great energy efficiency features include low-E windows, EnergyStar kitchen appliances, and exterior shades and awnings. 

Make the Exterior Areas of Your Home Cater for an Extended Family

Even the most spacious residences may start to feel cramped with extra people living under the roof. A great way to leverage square footage to the maximum is by creating functional exterior spaces. Comfortable outdoor environments provide a welcome change of scenery and can open up space in the interior during the most bustling times of the day. Connected patios with pergolas, upper-level decks, and outdoor kitchens are a few ways to create functional exterior space for the household to enjoy. Revamp Your Outdoor Space with Creative Ideas for Backyard Remodeling​

Image by Andy Giraud from Pixabay

"An inviting outdoor space is like an extra living space."

Safety is Important for Everyone in Your Home

Ensuring a safe living environment is a bit more challenging in multigenerational homes than traditional residences. Everyone from toddlers to the elderly must be given consideration. Rounded kitchen islands can minimize damage from head bumps. Durable shower safety bars can prevent slips when entering and exiting the shower. Elegant staircase railings can protect children at play and assist the elderly while boosting the aesthetics of the interior.

Ensure Your Home is Low Maintenance

When designing a home for multigenerational living, incorporating low maintenance features is key to ensuring that the space remains functional and easy to care for, regardless of the occupants’ ages or abilities. Durable materials like quartz countertops, vinyl or tile flooring, and composite decking require minimal upkeep while standing up to heavy use. 
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Opting for smart home systems that automate tasks like lighting, irrigation, and security can reduce the daily workload and make home management more seamless. Additionally, installing easy-to-clean surfaces and using high-quality paint finishes that resist stains and scuffs can keep the home looking fresh with minimal effort. These low maintenance features are not only practical but also allow families to spend more time together without being burdened by constant home upkeep.
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Creating the Next-Level Multigenerational Family Home

Despite the financial advantages, housing multiple generations under one roof can create some challenges for a comfortable living environment. By choosing from any of the design trends listed above, you can help make your multigenerational family home as accommodating as possible.
For more information read Designing the best house for you and your family

Author

Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial real estate, as well as engineering and construction. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.

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