Home Designs for Multigenerational Homes by Chafin Communities

As more families choose to live together in multigenerational homes, there is a growing need for design considerations and features that cater to the unique needs of each generation. Uniting the family under one roof can be a beautiful gift, but success is all from accommodation. Multigenerational households require careful planning to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Here are some design considerations and features to consider when creating a multigenerational home to ensure a sweet balance. 

Shared Spaces 

The living room is a wonderful place to gather and create lasting memories. Whether it’s family movie nights, game nights, or simply hanging out, it’s a space where beautiful moments are shared. Open floor plans with a connecting kitchen, great room, and outdoor space are ideal. The goal is to provide ample space for all the family members to dine and lounge together.  

Separate Spaces

Spending quality time with the family is a wonderful benefit of living in a multigenerational home. However, alone time is a necessity too. Each generation should have a private space to retreat and relax. This not only provides a sense of privacy and independence, but it also helps to minimize conflicts that can arise when multiple generations live under one roof. 

When designing separate living spaces, it’s important to consider the needs of each generation. For example, elderly parents may require a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom, while young children may benefit from a playroom or study area. Adult children may desire a private living area or a separate entrance to the home. Some families benefit from an additional kitchenette, making a separate floor its entity. 

Owner Suites

That being said, you may be living in a family dynamic that calls for more than one owner suite. Owner suites are bedrooms with attached bathrooms and walk-in closets. In a multigenerational household, one suite can be designated for the primary family and one for the grandparents or the eldest child for example. When designing owner suites, you may want to plan one suite on the main floor and one upstairs. This will allow for a bit of separation that instills autonomy while remaining under one roof. Placing a suite on the main floor also provides more comfortable accessibility while still ensuring the luxury of a master bedroom. 

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is a crucial design consideration in multigenerational homes. As people age, they may require features that make it easier to navigate the home. This can include wider doorways that are wheelchair accessible, bathroom grab bars, ramps, or entrances that do not require steps. Even if there are no current accessibility needs, it’s a good idea to design the home with these features in mind so that the home can be easily modified in the future if necessary.

Noise Control 

When sharing a living space, there may be a difference in opinion when it comes to quiet hours. Your son complains he can hear his sister on the phone late at night and she complains she can hear him yelling at video games all day. Then, to top it off they both complain they can hear you clattering the dishes early in the morning, and your mom can’t sleep through any of it. Teenagers are likely to be night owls while adults or elderly family members may need or like to wake up early every morning. Noise-canceling features like soundproof walls could save the whole family from disruption. When designing, consider the distance of the kids’ bedrooms to the adults. This way, there are more sound barriers between them and everyone can enjoy their hobbies and sleep. 

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces can be an important feature of multigenerational homes. They provide a place for people to gather and unwind, and they can also be a source of physical activity and exercise. For example, the adults may enjoy a garden or a patio, while young children could take advantage of a play area or a swimming pool. In addition, if you like to host big family gatherings, you could put that outdoor space to use as an extra dining area. It could be useful for cookouts, birthday parties, or holidays.

Families are ever-changing, and having tools to shape your home to the best fit can be very helpful. Attention to detail like room arrangement, accessibility features, and privacy are game changers for multigenerational households. By taking these factors into account, you can create a home that is comfortable, safe, and accommodating for everyone who lives there. 

At Chafin, we would love to team up and help you design a home that keeps the family close.