Creating a home that's enjoyable to anyone of any age is a challenge worth undertaking. Most families continue to live together in one household, with a tendency to include many generations of the family.
But creating a home that's enjoyable to anyone of any age is a challenge worth undertaking. Most families continue to live together in one household, with a tendency to include many generations of the family. In other words, grandparents, parents, and kids interact under one roof. When done right, that can translate to more connection, support, and happiness for all. Here are some friendly tips for designing spaces that work for everyone.
Understanding Multigenerational Living
Before we get into the design, let's start by understanding what multigenerational living is. It just means that different generations are continuing to live under one roof. It might be a place for grandparents, parents, and children at times even uncles, aunts, or cousins. Every generation coming together brings different needs and preferences with them, and that is the reason why designing for these families is fun but sometimes difficult!
Reasons Why Some Families Opt For Multigenerational Living
Here are eight reasons why some families opt for multigenerational living:
- Savings: The shared major expenses like rent or mortgage, utilities, and groceries lighten the load of financial burdens.
- Support in Caregiving: The family may thus be able to take care of elderly relatives or young children without requiring any extra needs for professional caregiving.
- Closer Family Ties: Under one roof, living together makes it much easier to interact with members and, through cooperation and mutual help, develop healthier and closer family relationships.
- Cultural Traditions: Most cultures encourage multi-generational living to foster traditions and values well expressed in their roots.
- Social Interaction: A daily interaction reduces cases of loneliness and isolation in people especially the elderly.
- Shared Responsibilities: Hear and home chores can be shared among members so in daily living, this eases the burden on every member of the family.
- Safety: By living together, there's added security and peace of mind for family members who may especially be in need.
- Flexible Living Arrangements: Space can be adapted by a family to meet the needs and desires for the privacy of individuals while still communally living.
Tips For Harmonious Spaces
Open Spaces for Togetherness
One great idea could be introducing open spaces. Open floor plans make it very easy to keep everybody together. This means that there is one big living room that is connected to the kitchen. It will be a perfect spot for family game nights, gathering with the family, or even watching TV.
Tip: Use Furniture to Define Areas. In an open space, you can create cozy zones with furniture. For example, a big couch can give one area your sitting area, and the dining table will be the place for meals. The use of rugs can also help in separating different spaces without putting up walls.
Example: If you have a large living area, you could place a sectional sofa in one area to create a separate seating section. Then, you could place a dining table, round in shape, nearby for meals. In this way, family members could flow easily from one space into another while still having specific areas for different activities.
Have Private Spaces for Everyone
While open spaces are meant for togetherness, everybody needs his space, too. So, design private areas where family members can retreat and relax alone: bedrooms, reading nooks, small balconies-whatever it may be.
Tip: Create Cozy Corners. Think of a quiet corner with a comfortable chair and a good lamp. This may turn out to be a good reading area for grandma or a hangout area for the kids.
Example: If space allows, convert an extra room into a haven for an adult or older child. Stock it with his or her favorite books, a comfortable chair, and personal touches. This gives them a place to unwind when they need some quiet time.
Use Flexible Furniture Solutions
As much as possible, choose furniture that can adapt their function depending on needs. For instance, a sofa bed can turn the living room into a guest's room when visitors or guests come in for a night's sleep. Tables with extensions accommodate more people during family gatherings or dining out.
Multipurpose is a Better Tip: Look for furniture that has more than one function. Storage ottomans can hold toys and at the same time serve as additional seats.
Example: Consider nesting tables that can be separated for different activities or brought together when you have guests. This will give you space yet functionality.
Make Accessibility Easy for All Ages
In designing a multigenerational home, consider the ability of everyone. Make spaces easy to get around, safe for the young child, and accessible to an aging adult.
Tip: Think About Safety. Avoid using rugs that may cause tripping. Instead, use non-slip mats in the bathroom and proper lighting throughout the house. Handrails in hallways can also be quite useful.
Example: Install grab bars in the bathroom for added safety, and consider using motion-sensor lights in hallways to ensure everyone can see well, especially at night.
Color and Decor Choices
The right colors and decor create an inviting, warm atmosphere. Soft, neutral colors make spaces calm and cozy. Bright accents add energy and fun.
Tip: Personal Touches. Allow each family member to have his or her personal touch. This could be in the form of a photo, an artwork, or a decoration best describing their interest. It makes the space feel like home.
Example: Offer a family photo wall. Create a gallery of frames in different sizes with each member's favorite moments. Not only does this decorate the house but also becomes a piece for conversation.
Activities and Spaces Shared
Designate areas that initiate activities for the family. A game room or media room is perfect for movie nights or board games.
Hint: Design a Family Wall. Dedicate one wall to things that your family does together: hang a chalkboard to use for games, or a corkboard for snapshots and memories of times together. It is a fun way to keep everyone connected!
Example: Set up a weekly family game night. Prepare a venue or place where board games, puzzles, and craft materials are available. This encourages interaction to help reinforce the bond among family members.
Outdoor Spaces for Enjoyment
And don't forget the outdoors! A garden, patio, or balcony is ideal for family and friends' dinners, carols, birthday celebrations, etc. They can also be used as a child’s playground or simply an area of congregation for the adults.
Tip: Make It Inviting: Add comfortable seating and plants and maybe even a grill for family barbecues. The outdoors can be such an extension of your home.
Example: If you have a yard, create a small garden where family members can plant flowers or vegetables together. This not only beautifies the space but also gives everyone a shared project to enjoy.
Technology for Connection
In today's world, technology is part of our life. Use it to keep connected. Have a family computer or even a tablet where everybody shares pictures and messages.
Tip: Teach Tech Skills. This helps the older family members get used to the devices, so maybe in the future, when friends or even family live farther away, they can still keep in contact with those close to them.
Example: Create a family group chat where all members can show and tell updates about their lives, photos of themselves, or even plan events. It keeps them all in the know and encourages communication.
Future Planning
As the family grows and evolves, so too do the needs. So, think about how your space will evolve. This may include accessibility or future family members.
Example: If you will have family living with you later on, create a design that would easily be able to accommodate the flow of re-configuration. For example, using sliding doors can open or shut off spaces when desired.
Promote Independence
As much as communal areas are important, it is equally important to create independence in the older members of the family. Perhaps this may be in creating a small kitchenette in a guest house or maybe even just a mini refrigerator in an office.
Tip: Personal Independence. Make sure that the aged member of the family has all they need to make them independent. It can be as simple as a coffeemaker in the room or snacks easily accessible.
Example: If grandparents stay with you, try to provide a small sitting area with a comfortable chair, a TV, and some books. This gives them a space where they can feel independent and cozy.
Encourage Communication
No design can replace open communication. Encourage family discussions about needs, preferences, and any concerns. This not only will help with planning but also with a sense of belonging.
TIP: Hold Regular Family Meetings. Invite all the family members to participate in a regular family meeting for all changes and updates. This keeps all the family members on the same page and allows them to feel valued.
Example: Schedule every month a time that everybody can sit down together, either for dinner or just getting together. Use this time to discuss any issues, report some successes or just be in each other's company.
Conclusion
Designing a home for multigenerational living is a great adventure. You can create areas that draw people together, give privacy to some, and comfort to all, regardless of age. Remember, communication about needs and preferences within the family is very important.
So, with a little creativity and planning, you will be able to build a home that is a family haven. May this be your challenge in designing the spaces in your home: creating togetherness in the family yet offering a place for the member where he or she gets privacy. Happy designing!
